AtmaSphere M60s have been a great match with my Raven R3.1 drivers.
Can OTL's drive ribbons well?
Seeking comment on ability of OTL's to drive mids/highs ribbons, specifically on Genesis II.5/300/350.Prefer to consider without zero autoformers as they have a reputation of bleaching sound(?).Can they do it without losing their special sonic ability of speed and organic liquidity? I guess I am really asking this question of the more affordable OTL's, ie.Transcendant, Atmasphere MA1 etc. If OTL's cant do it, which tubes can provide fast organic liquidity with dynamics at around $4000 and hopefully much less(new or used)-- again specifically driving ribbon mids and highs?
Finally does anyone use Cello duet 350 to drive ribbons?If so how do vocals sound?
Thanks and appreciate your comments
Finally does anyone use Cello duet 350 to drive ribbons?If so how do vocals sound?
Thanks and appreciate your comments
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In a tube amp, it's the output transformer that limits frequency response. Tubes themselves function nicely at RF frequency, and so do transistors for that matter. With an ultralinear circuit (with transformer secondary taps for feedback around the transformer) tube amps with transformers can be made flat to at least 20 KHz, and it is arguable whether higher response is necessary, since neither CDs nor LPs have signal content above this. SACD and DVDA may have higher frequency signals, but the audible effect is also arguable. |
Hmmm..., LPs do have signal response above 20KHz... In fact, this is one of the challenges for well designed analog front-ends: the cutting lathe can place a very high frequency sounds, including harmonic distortion, into the record grooves that then have to be dealt with effectively, for good and ill. For some spectral analysis graphs, see: http://users.bigpond.net.au/christie/comparo/part4.html . |
It seems I just discussed this with Albertporter. I recommended that he consider the atmaspheres for his ribbons or for the ultimate in speed consider solid sate. I made the speed decision based on my audition of the Martin Logan Statement latest version dirven by Spectral electronics. Albert presented proof that his vtls were plenty fast. He is currently running Air tights on top. If a picture is worth a thousand words a listen is worth an endless discusion. Get thee to a dealer and have a listen to the Bryston 7b with the magneplanr 3.6 or 20. |
A very interesting thread as I will soon have an opportunity to listen to the Atmasphere amps with Electrostatics (SoundLab) and hopefully my Magnepan 3.5s if the dealer will allow me to lug them to his shop. As for the suggestion to stick with ss for ribbons because of the lack of "speed" with transformer'd tube amps, I just have to disagree here. I did indeed hear the Magnepans at my dealer (Minneapolis) on both Bryston and ARC amps. It was absolutely yawn city with the Brystons. I just don't get it with all the praise from people using these amps with Magnepans. Without the "you are there" feeling, who cares about speed! The Maggies bring on an incredible emotion to the music when driven by a number of tube amps that simply is not there with the Brystons. The hybrid (tube input / ss output) Counterpoint NPS400 far exceeds the Brystons in a most natural tonal balance and resolution. But the Wolcotts bring on a whole new level of natural decay of notes and 3-dimensionality beyond the Counterpoint. I have no idea the quantity of "speed" of the Wolcotts. Until I hear an ss amp that can do what the Wolcotts can do, I will stay with what I have. And from what I have read from Rushton's many responses here, I can only imagine that the Atmasphere's would be another huge leap in this direction. John |
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