TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 Preamplifier Review

The German high-end audio manufacturer, TIDAL Audio, has managed over the years to establish an impressive portfolio of products with healthy upgrade intervals between versions. These upgrades were always developed without skipping the foundation of its rich heritage.

TIDAL Audio is associated with numerous qualities such as a flawless proprietary Piano finish, the use of unique materials, state-of-the-art components, crystal-clear state-of-the art signal delivery, and pitch-perfect performance, among others.

All of these traits are topped by the “Made in Germany” labeling, which the company proudly embraces. As a proud owner and user of TIDAL Audio Prisma, Ferios power amplifiers, and PIANO G2 speakers, I can attest to the inside-out quality that flawlessly serves me day in and day out.

For the ultimate ultra-high-end audio system, everything must be of appropriate, matched quality to deliver real performance. And performance is the epitome of high-end nomenclature.

Setting up, combining, and putting together a high-end audio system has always been a riddle and a puzzle. For some, the journey is more important than reaching the destination, but most audiophiles and music lovers want to achieve an end to the never-ending search and a quest for high-end Shangri-La, an audio nirvana.

To achieve this, many things must be considered. The synergy of the system and the careful matching of the audio components are only part of the equation.

And here Jorn Janczak ventured out over the years on so many different levels, rethinking the basics, bringing them up to date, and bringing everything into the realms of the 21st century.

The next evolutional/evolutional step in the brand started with the TIDAL For Bugatti Royale active speaker system, designed from the ground up to deliver unbridled, raw emotion and power in a highly refined, elegantly condensed, and striking form of sculptural, functional beauty.

We often hear of a luxury car and watch analogies, even TIDAL audio has been called the Rolls-Royce of high-end audio, but Janczak has taken the TIDAL For Bugatti to a whole new level. The TIDAL For Bugatti Royale is indeed something that can be described and experienced with heart and soul as a full Bugatti experience.

Even before the acoustic senses are engaged, the Royale’s physical presence and aura draw one’s attention with a unique allure, a beauty that simply must be marveled at. By its sheer presence alone Royale transposes and transports its surroundings to a place of elegance and they were designed that fascination continues as the acoustic encounter continues.

From the beginning, the Royale was envisioned for maximum performance, minimizing material shortcomings, avoiding distortion at all costs, and avoiding non-sufficient technologies and materials that could get in the way of purism.

And seamlessly matching partners for TIDAL For Bugatti Royale are the MC-1 and MP-1 control hubs. The former is designed to deliver an undisputed end-game digital front end, while the latter introduces the same nth-degree level of playback, but in the analog domain.

When true passion, fanatical dedication, and cutting-edge know-how go into product development, the beauty of music is revealed in full, and that is and should be the raison d’être of any state-of-the-art high-end audio system. With its purity and distortion-free design, the TIDAL For Bugatti components were designed to find beauty in such unrestricted performance.

When announcing TIDAL For Bugatti Royale, my first question to Janczak was, “Digital only!?“ Janczak’s immediate response was, “Well…. we have something very exciting in the works that might be of great interest to you…”

As it turned out, MC -1 had its analog sibling in the form of MP -1. Some time later, the TIDAL For Bugatti MP -1 arrived and the great analog journey began…

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights that reveal closer design and tactile segments, as well as the techniques that underline the creation, manufacture, and innovation behind TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1:

Power Supply

  • silver-copper cabled
  • noise and vibration reduction wiring system to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
  • 3 custom made low noise 50AV toroid transformers with foil shielding and grounding
  • multistage noise reduction filter
  • 40 low ESR ultra high current capacitors with 188.000µF total capacity
  • in total 22 low noise power supplies (14 line-amp, 8 phono-amp)

Amplifier technology

  • only two high speed transistor stages in diamond circuit topology, TIDAL low distortion topology for almost complete absence of a device signature sound, following the concept of the ideal for the shortest signal way
  • full balanced technology from input connections through the volume control to the audio outputs
  • mirror-symmetrical PCB layout onto a 6-layer PCB board

Volume-Control

  • full balanced 32 steps volume attenuator with noble-gas filled micro reed relays
  • only 1 (one) metal-film resistor in the signal way in the best (and direct) position between signal in and signal out, no oxidation and dust between the contacts possible
  • separate volume attenuator for audio plus and audio minus input
  • optical isolated (and powered) volume control processor unit driven from an ALPS motor potentiometer to control the volume step attenuator
  • direct audio signal routing from input-3 to the outputs without volume-attenuation circuit and amplifier stage, in order to connect the MC-1 directly to the power amplifier (or Royale loudspeakers) to use its digital lossless volume control without any additional loop thru the line stage volume control of MP-1
  • Automatic muting during switching on to prevent click-noise and overload

Features

  • three true balanced inputs and one phono MC balanced phono input
  • when the balanced input is turned off also the matching GND connection is in high resistance for reducing ground loop
  • two balanced outputs each channel or one set XLR and one set 5pin Royale Link
  • two remote connector by RJ45 to power amplifiers on and off
  • selectable loop-direct mode on channel 3 for external AV processor home cinema applications
  • two 15×7 dots matrix led display for volume information and input selection
  • IR Remote control, +/-, muting, phase inversion and programmable volume limit

Phono Amp Module

  • DC-coupled balanced, ultra short transistor stage Class-A Moving Coil (MC) amplifier
  • PCB-(Printing Circuit Board)-Heating for low distortion and perfect temperature stability of (sound)sensitive parts
  • rotary switch at the backside (ELMA precision rotary switch) controlling micro reed-switching relays and metal film resistors to adjust the input impedance
  • high gain / low gain selector with 10dB difference

It takes courage to step out of the conformist mainstream mindset, invest, become bold, and act as a true entrepreneur to achieve the goal by taking on the bulk of the role.

The TIDAL For Bugatti Way

Under Janczak’s leadership, TIDAL For Bugatti is completely autonomous and Janczak has complete control over all phases of design, development, and manufacturing of products that are on the fringes of the tech, keeping the industry on tenterhooks, interested, and squinting hard with the sonic impact.

TIDAL Audio and now TIDAL For Bugatti have their parlance, deviate from the ordinary, and Janczak and his team always strive to find or realize the right solution that fits the particular project. And TIDAL For Bugatti is no easy venture. Even for Janzcak. Acting in a silo, often calls for making something from scratch and adapting to the already utterly highly set standards.

TIDAL For Bugatti continues TIDAL Audio’s instantly recognizable aura of combining modernity and sophistication, and the MP-1 preamplifier is the most exciting, and unblemished product to come from this proud German manufacturer after Royale.

They go so far with TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 material science that even the different versions of the rear panel have been scrutinized for their sonic impressions, or rather lack thereof. The same utter dedication happens in the innards. Nothing with MP-1 is taken as du jour.

The TIDAL For Bugatti Royale was designed from the outset to break with convention, both in terms of design and technology. The streamlined silhouette of the MP-1, cloaked for example, in polished stainless steel and black, continues the high-end audio excellence, but this time with an important twist. All details and finishes can be chosen in any color and metal trim, ranging from completely understated to a bold statement. As always, TIDAL creates the design together with the customer, either in the factory or in real-time via a screen share connection. The photo examples here are just a small selection of examples.

It’s hard to mirror the Royale’s strong sculptural design language and performance, but Janczak has found a way to unite MP-1 and Royale with an equally alluring aura. Again, not appearing gargantuan, but refined and uncompromised despite Royale’s relatively small size and MP-1 one-box design.

And that’s exactly where it all began, triggered by the realization that a Veyron or Chiron is no taller or bigger than as supercar – Bugatti simply condenses (or has a much higher density of) extreme engineering and meticulous execution into a smaller for without any shortcomings.

TIDAL has spent the last 20 years building large and hefty three-level preamplifiers, all separate and isolated, like the power supply, phono section, and volume control – and yet they have found a different kind of positive extreme in making them smaller and more compact, resulting in the topology they have now.

“Better is better, not bigger or more expensive is better”.

But there is no universal recipe for this because only the result defines what is better. So is the Chiron too small for what it costs? For the customers, this question makes little or no sense. For them, it’s all about performance.

The same is true of the MP-1, in contrast to the usual norm in high-end audio, where size and weight are all too often associated with quality and performance.

TIDAL Audio has experimented with external power supplies and many other things and has come to the conclusion time and time again that the concept of the MP-1 cannot be beaten by any other solution they have come up with.

Another goal was to achieve what Bugatti stands for at the top of the pyramid in the car world: the combination of diametrically opposed parameters such as extreme performance and yet user-friendliness and accessibility, and the combination of a luxurious feel with all that comes in between the extremes.

The MP-1 focuses on what it was built for; turning it on, selecting what you want to listen to, and adjusting the volume.

And all the complexity to make all that possible at the level of excellence happens behind the surface. The only extravaganza is the display: in contrast to many colorful displays that always have a best-before date, the MP-1 implements a DOT matrix display placed behind the mirror that is hidden within the stainless steel display frame.

The Music

The chameleon-like nature of TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 emanates from a complex but highly refined core from which the multi-layered textures can fully develop.

The MP-1 has the unique ability to reproduce an endless tableau of timbres, tones, and colors, which led me to not only rediscover my existing record collection but also to seek out more new vinyl. Something I vowed not to do again…

As always, I went through a whole range of music content, with each new album confirming what an incomparable gem MP -1 is, exposing the endless threats of music with brilliance, making the music shine, and showing all the contrasts and approximations, not only of the music but also of the different cartridges. MP-1 enchanted me from track to track, album to album, and intoxication still lingers.

Scarlatti Les Sonates Performed by Marcelle Meyer – ERC067

Scarlatti Les Sonates can typically oscillate between two extremes but rarely find the optimal balance within even a well-balanced high-end audio system. MP -1 filled the entire spectrum with ease, and something unique happened, a different kind of singularity, that otherwise occurs only in reality.

Not only did the MP-1 do justice to the rhythmic complexity of the overlapping piano notes, but it also acted as a pantheon of elusiveness, coruscating the immediacy of the piano in both antipodes, while at the same time providing a deeper acquaintance with the delicate nature of Meyer’s playing.

The translucent nature of MP -1 is a far cry from Pollock or Monet kind of imprint. TIDAL For the Bugatti preamp captivates with an ultra-realistic, matter-of-the-fact, technicolor iridescence that emphasizes both radiance and clarity.

The remarkable blackness from which the music emerges heightens all the senses with the attention, authorizing the music to glide seamlessly through the sonic canvas and the Meyer to take center stage.

The MP-1 makes every note sparkle with rapture, the horizontal and vertical orbs of sound shaft in such, that the listening encompasses both the journey and the reaching of the cathartic finale.

TIDAL For Bugatti doesn’t remove the leading edges, nor does it reduce the weight of the notes, keeping the harmonicity intact and ably weaving the elements of the music.

Vashti Bunyan – Just Another Diamond Day ERC087

Vashti Bunyan ignited the momentum that started the boom of folk music not only in the United Kingdom but also in America.

The MP-1 preamp fetched Just Another Diamond Day into clear and controlled focus, introduced a more comprehensive emotional palette, enticed a guileless blend of lush timbres, a different kind of acoustical grit density, and augmented subtle nuances, in the absence of a magnifying glass phenomena. And all this without getting in the way, without losing the energy in translation, depriving the foundation of the music and its core elements.

Too easily Just Another Diamond Day can sound saturated no matter how complex or exuberant the high-end audio setup is. TIDAL For Bugatti MP -1 did just the opposite. It didn’t make Bunyan sound emotionally overloaded but allowed the voice and rhythm to pulse voluminously through the system short of any kind of sonic embellishments.

The MP-1 has a life-like, pristine timbre and with each turn of the music opens up a symphony of possibilities.

Chet Baker – Chet ERC064M

The newfound attributes continued with Chet Baker – Chet, where TIDAL For Bugatti analog preamp proffers an extremely rare well-roundedness and sense of sonic equilibrium across the entire frequency spectrum that defies the too often yielded faux expansiveness by a grand mark.

This all-star recording, featuring alto flutist Herbie Mann, baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, pianist Bill Evans, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummers Connie Kay and Philly Joe Jones, is a treat for the ears in its own right.

And yet. MP -1 luminaries rivet brimming intricacies, expand sense of the fullness of musical depth, never sounding chaotic (which even some top preamps can not avoid).

TIDAL For Bugatti MP -1 vigor divulged the fullness of musical intricacy, meticulously and minutely ready to deliver the force of Baker’s and accompanied musician lyrical dances of notes and harmonies.

Bill Evans Trio – Everybody Digs Bill Evans (ERC050S)

MP-1 preamplifier created the dazzling backdrop for Everybody Digs Bill Evans, commandeering over and undertones, taking the musician up close without breaking the virtuous circle, where the listener becomes merged in a perfect blend of timbre, tone, and colors.

All converged and harmonized into an utterly opulent tableau of subtle music intricacies and focal points that indulged a deeper sense of emotive bonding and interaction.

MP-1 headroom allows one-of-the-kind edification, with the constant presence of musicians, resulting in musical recurrence that is far beyond of a mere indulgence in the shapes and colors of the music. MP-1 simply resonates with fundamentaries.

Shostakovich Symphony No.13 “Babi Yar” – Andre Previn conducts the LSO (ERC056)

MP -1 unique opalescence, takes the excitement of Shostakovich Symphony No. 13 to a new level, making it a completely different, moving experience in which the analytical mind fades into the background, takes a back seat, and is taken over by viscera.

TIDAL For Bugatti brings out the sheer vehemence of the music in an inimitable way, contrasting the tempi without wafting away, carry expression and balance of the dynamics of Babi Yar with feather-light and lightning-fast ease, allowing the drama to unfold naturally, with the power of the orchestra flowing in torrents, with a sense of conviviality, and the dramatic vitality of the orchestra always on unconditional display.

It’s not easy for any phono preamp to convey cavernous ambiance and deliver bone-rattling frequencies, but that’s where the core of classical music lies, and MP -1 acts as a luminous beacon, channeling raw, astonishing energy with hallucinatory magnetism.

When the phono preamp is slightly off base, it does not let the loud passages pass through undistorted or deliver minuscule details at low levels, and that’s something even so-called end-game preamps can struggle with.

The TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 preamp does a terrific job of reflecting Babi Yar’s diverse sonic tapestry, enveloping the listener in the submarine depths while presenting the aural vista of an orchestra fully evinced. Always in sync with the tempi, never drifting away.

Conclusion

Many loudspeakers, components and high-end audio systems lack the capability to illuminate and fill the sound sphere with the necessary density, fail to ensure the required amount of acoustic nodes, and project a large enough canvas to reflect reality.

As it should be with any ultra-high-end product, regardless of industry, the TIDAL For Bugatti line was conceptualized to exceed expectations. This project was completed only when it could respond to the phenomena of music in all its allure. Following this footsteps, the TIDAL For Bugatti Royale as well as MC-1 and MP-1 were conceived to enjoy and celebrate music untethered while preserving the last details and emotions.

And this is where the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 preamplifier/phono stage does the trick, and it does so in spades.

For audiophiles and music lovers, the hustle and bustle of everyday life often end with many so-called cost-no-object high-end audio systems that promise much but deliver little or nothing that can transcend time and space.

The TIDAL For Bugatti ecosystem is specifically conceived to address any of the drawbacks. It not only captivates the listener but also evokes a unique sense of connection to the music, creating an aural harbor. A sonic finale that leaves one in awe of the sheer transmission of the music’s energy without captivating it, altering its course, reshaping it, or taming it.

The high-end audio speaker system as well the matching components must portray both dynamic antipodes extremely well. The feather-like subtle nuances of continuity of detail and the thunderous dynamics. In addition, the sonic equilibrium must be achieved where the soul and heart are at rest, inner fulfilment is achieved, and the listener wants to forget time and space by simply immersing themselves in the music and not simply skipping tracks.

What is lost through design inadequacies and is under-researched and with under-implemented technology is irreparable. The original message of the music is lost in translation and the continuity of the music is interrupted.

Many exuberant high-end audio products can initially excite, but not reproduce the music continuously. On the contrary, TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 was concocted to respond to the ever-increasing depth of the music and astonishingly defies its size.

It’s astounding that under the relatively small chassis of the MP-1, there’s a superbly executed line-level solid-state preamp, as well as a cost-no-object, highest-performing phono preamplifier. This concept has already been cemented with the TIDAL Audio Prisma preamplifier, which I’ve been using as a reference system component for the past few years, but the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 simply takes everything further. Using the car analogy, it moves from the Prisma’s already established sports car level to the Bugatti Chiron plane.

This is not a mere upgrade for the sake of upgrading, but rather a completely new vision. The entire TIDAL For Bugatti product idea was designed from the ground up not to be taken lightly, and the MP-1 is a clear testament to this concept.

The TIDAL For Bugatti analog preamplifier as the Royale is impeccable from the inside out, coming across with timeless atemporal beauty and captivating appeal, and spellbinding sonic allure. A rare combination that deserves to be pointed out and celebrated.

As the TIDAL For Bugatti Royale speaker system MP-1 represents the epitome of proper design, a carefully crafted objet d’art where form follows function, but with a glorious touch and superb twist of perfectionist harmonicity where genuine richness of music is conveyed factually and objectively far beyond the usual standards. Through its design language, TIDAL For Bugatti line defies any notion of functional decor or preconceived audio bling, making Royale, MC-1, and the MP-1 are undoubtedly Janczak’s chef-d’œuvre, to say the least.

MP-1 skilfully fuses sumptuous French joie de vivre with fanatical German precision to create a supremely refined analog front end. It is well-suited not only for the Bugatti Royale but also for any upper-echelon, ultra-high-end, hardcore audiophile audio system, exceeding its purpose and transcending itself.

When it comes to real purity in action, the music must be reproduced with a xeel befitting the original narrative, igniting the required emotional impact. The MP-1’s unique capacity allows the reproduced music to be woven from the same cloth as the real one.

Knowing Janczak’s almost fanatical attention to every detail, he again went above and beyond to ensure that every ultimate envisioned aspect of the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 was met, so that this endgame preamplifier can minutely deliver music precision and flair.

“Nature operates in the shortest way possible,” is a famous quote from one of the greatest Greek philosophers, Aristotle, and the MP-1 pushes the already optimized signal paths implemented with the TIDAL Audio Prisma even further.

The MP-1 instantly crosses the threshold of ordinary, hi-fi, and high-end, letting the listener be transported into the epicenter, connecting with the very essence of the music, masterfully handling both vibrancy and texturing.

The TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 delivers a mixture of Zen-like translucency, French seductiveness, and Wagnerian German punctuality, allowing for all the rapid changes in the music, from the lightest tones and notes to thunderous crescendos.

Compared to already fascinating TIDAL Audio Prisma preamplifier, the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 introduces an even deeper contrast in the music, with a far more noticeable three-dimensional feel and tangible quality.

MP-1 also delivers a different calibration of time (phase, decays, delays), and shuttle superbly orchestrated ever-expansive collages of tones and timbres, unlike anything I’ve anticipated.

As expected, the MP-1 comes with a touch of eccentricity, much like the Royale that has already stirred the industry and intrigued most who have had the luxury of experiencing it with the MC-1 and the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 continues the unique fusion of technology and art with the same grandeur.

Once you’ve smelled an aged non-industrial boutique handmade and fused perfume, tasted a premium wine or aged whiskey, or experienced chef-level French cuisine or the handling of a sports car, it’s hard to return to any ordinary norm.

The TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 delivers exactly such an experience, where there is simply no returning to the previous standards, no matter how high they were.

The TIDAL Audio range of products is already known for its exquisite finishes, such as the renowned TIDAL Piano lacquer and top-level black acrylic, which, for starters, cost ten times the price of aluminum. However, as I’ve expected from Janczak, TIDAL For Bugatti pushes things even further by introducing the multilayered, superb black Piano lacquer to the MC-1 and MP-1.

But that’s not all. This impeccable finishing is executed on top of the all-new massive aluminium housing with further details inspired by Bugatti and haute horology. The MP-1 comes with a substantial weight and a hefty, high-quality feel.

The top of the MP-1 features carbon fiber inserts with the highly polished iconic EB logo in the middle. The refined design cues continue on the sides with cutouts that also integrate carbon fiber and seamlessly culminate at the front. The front panel reflects the Bugatti dashboard and fascia with splendidly crafted, patterned, watch-like precision-manufactured knobs. These knobs have renowned TIDAL highest shine. The two mirror-like polished main inserts on the front panel host two large red displays that display the volume level and chosen input, again reflected utterly refined minimalism and luxe of the ultra sports car interiors.

The MP-1 radiates exclusivity, which not only reflects Janczak’s perfectionism but also his passion for watches, cars, motors, and fine design in general.

Just like exquisite timepieces, where the watch mechanism is equally important and of the same quality grade, Janczak follows the same motto: beauty inside out. This principle is evident at every step of TIDAL For Bugatti, including the impressive Royale active electronics inner chamber.

Many high-end audio companies have attempted to blend the concepts of luxurious and ultra-sport cars with high-end audio, but most have failed to succeed and penetrate the desired and highly enticing luxury market. This is primarily because it demands much more than merely repackaging existing products into shiny, bling boxes and seizing what may seem like a no-brainer opportunity to access an exclusive clientele base.

However, these discerning clients are accustomed to quality, having experienced it throughout their lives. They can effortlessly distinguish between a weed and a ripe fruit with just a glance.

Moreover, there is an even more important aspect that is often neglected, even in upper-tier high-end audio gear: the actual performance!

There is simply no substitute for genuine performance as it is an integral and inseparable part of a true luxury product, which, lets being honest, most high-end audio products are. Many audio brands still grapple with the idea that our beloved industry crossed borders with the luxury segment a long time ago, for many, particularly in terms of pricing.

With TIDAL For Bugatti, Janczak went beyond the ordinary to make these products worthy of the Bugatti name. This can be seen, felt, and touched, but most importantly, experienced from the very first note played through the MP-1.

The impact of TIDAL For Bugatti surprised even Janczak. Pushing himself to operate out of the box and beyond traditional thinking led him to embark on something extraordinary.

Such an enormous undertaking would not have become a perpetual motion if it had not been accepted by the market and clients, which has already been proven rewarding. The Royale and MC-1 have found many happy homes across the globe.

With TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1, Janczak has embarked on a journey to recapture a sonic grandeur that matches Royale but also to implement the engineering and know how, that has already found its way into TIDAL Audio products like Intra.

The MP-1 is not a typical high-end audio preamplifier per se. With the TIDAL For Bugatti analog preamp, there is no such thing as background listening and MP -1 has proven to never be boring. It exudes an effortless, intuitive, electric musical presence whose dexterity is easy to see and feel.

With MP-1, Janczak has created lavishness that engages listening pleasure and performance, not restrictions. It takes listening to a new level and lets the listener participate in every detail and emotion. The MP-1 is of a different origin and kind, akin to highland water, where natural translucency and genuine (archetype) taste are neither excluding nor exclusive.

TIDAL Audio has developed a worldwide fascination and appeal. Janczak, at the forefront of TIDAL Audio making dreams come true, has already a strong, one-of-the-kind place in the high-end audio annals, yet TIDAL For Bugatti continues where many failed, too often lacking proper vision and guts. No guts – no glory. For Janczak, entrepreneurship was rewarded in a grand way.

In a way, Janczak is already living the dream with what he’s achieved with TIDAL Audio, which represents the pinnacle of high-end audio, meeting the demands of the most discerning audiophiles, music lovers, and audio aficionados.

Still, he could not even dream about something like partnering with Bugatti. This bold new venture raises the bar even higher in all aspects and deserves to be highlighted. It intimately and discreetly respects the DNA and codes of TIDAL Audio but expresses the high art of ultra-high-end audio with an even more profound mark.

True to TIDAL For Bugatti credo, MP -1 is a perfect example of Janczak’s ethos, exemplifying the essence of his philosophy by going beyond the usual industry standards, and as a Royale, standing out of the crow as a testament to the brand’s rigorous standards.

All too often, cost-no-object, state-of-the-art concepts fade into the domain of rendering, a pipe dream. On the contrary, TIDAL For Bugatti MP -1 is the culmination of the Janczak ethos and has found a unique way to address my tranquil solitude more perfectly than any phono preamp before, acting as a perfect capstone within my already refined reference system.

The MP-1 may remind of a Bugatti-inspired façade and there is an unmistakable Bugatti logo on top of the preamplifier, but this end-game preamp carries more of Janczak’s personality and tenor, which has been carefully and meticulously infused into MP -1.

TIDAL For Bugatti analog preamplifier simply oozes with renowned German cordiality and refined industrial design refinement from every crevice.

Yes, the TIDAL For Bugatti MP-1 is more than worth a detour, but don’t expect the Hippocras underpinning that is too often associated even with the most sought-after, cost-no-object high-end audio electronics.

It represents something distinctive and uncommon, not only for our beloved high-end audio industry but also for the luxury industry as a whole.

I’ve savour every aspect of this engineering masterpiece with unapologetic presence, unreserved dynamism and ultra transparency, that holds you in the very heart of the music. With MP -1 it feels like reaching the end of a book and then discovering a new, hidden chapter.

I was never enamored with my analog front end as with TIDAL For Bugatti analog preamplifier. MP -1 creates a clear announcement that one has arrived (sonically and emotionally) and that the endless quest for that last fit is over.

For what it represents on so many levels, for how it touches my inner and outer sensor and connects me with the music, I wholeheartedly grant the TIDAL For Bugatti MP -1 the 2023 Uber Audio Choice Award as well as Mono and Stereo Best Of 2023 Award.

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Price

  • 147.000 € with VAT (plus transport)

Technical specifications

Line Stage

  • 12dB voltage gain
  • 1Hz – 400kHz (-3dB) bandwidth
  • < 0,003% distortion · > -110dB noise (at 0,5V output voltage)
  • 10k Ohm input impedance
  • < 40 Ohm output impedance

Phono Stage

  • 55 dB voltage gain (low gain)
  • 65 dB voltage gain (high gain)
  • > -80dB noise (at 0,5mV input voltage)
  • 50 – 2000 Ohm input impedance
  • 50/80/100/130/160/200/266/330/400/530/800/2000 Ohm selectable impedance

Contact

TIDAL Audio GmbH
Immendorfer Str. 1
50354 Hürth
Deutschland / Germany

Telefon / phone: +49 2233 9669225

email: contact@tidal-audio.de

contact: www.tidal-audio.com/contact/