Somewhere I wrote a comparison between the ppx3 original/mpx3 and gilmore v2-se; you might see if you can find it. I have to say I like the ppx3 best vs the mpx3. Moreover, the new ppx3 with the solen stage 1 upgrade is more open, airy and has more neutrality than the original. The new ppx3 (to me) moved closer to the mpx3 sound, while keeping the best attributes of the original ppx3.
I really like the 6cg7 tube used in the ppx3 because it has a more immediate and cleaner sound than the mpx3 with the 6sn7. That said, to me the 6sn7 is an even more airy and open sounding tube. But the 6sn7 sounds a little recessed in the mids, atleast in the mpx3's that have been in my system, and this was using nos tubes.
The mpx3 has better bass extension and a slower more refined sound than the original ppx3. The new ppx3 with the solen upgrade has much of the mpx3's refinement but still is not as airy and open sounding; nor does it have the mpx3's bass extension either. What the ppx3 has is more tonal richness and a warmer more forgiving sound. The mpx3 with the wrong tube can be brightish and sound very solid state. The ppx3 also has more dynamics and speed and is better on rock. The mpx3 excels on acoustic and instrumental music with its exceptionally open sound. I like them both but with my music preferances I seem to listen to the ppx3 much more.
So to summarize,the new ppx3/ solen stage 1 upgrade has positioned the sound midway between the original ppx3 and the mpx3. This amp has the best attributes of both now and this is my recommendation. I dont think he can get that amp any better. I havent heard the ppx3-6sn7 nor the emmeline so I cant comment on those two. But the new ppx3 would be my choice based on sound quality I am getting. Throw in the ppx3 is hundreds cheaper and uses inexpensive, great sounding and readily available tubes; I would give the ppx3 a look.
One last point. The new amps Mikhail is going to be coming out with that have the seperate power supplies might be even better than the mpx3 for not a lot more. I have a prototype that has tube rectification and uses the 6cg7 tube. Its the best singlepower I have had in my setup. The guys at the Ohio mini-meet heard it if you want to check out their opinions, and I wrote a short review of the ppx3 and prototype.
This protoype is more like the ppx3. But it has the bass extension of the mpx3, an even more beautiful tone than the original ppx3, air and treble extension rivaling the mpx3 and resolution on par with the mpx3. The sound is so detailed but exceptionally forgiving. If there ever was a music lovers amp the prototype amp is it. This amp will be available with a 6cg7 or 6sn7 equipped electronics module(your choice) and a tube rectified or solid state rectified power supply(again your choice). Obviously the choices you make will determine the amps character but that tube rectified power supply gives a sound that makes the prototype the most liquid amp I have ever heard. If you check these out make sure you ask about the tube rectified power supply. Since he hasnt officially announced these you can blame me if you call him about them.
Sorry I gave you two more amps to think about.
