Advice re the use of OTL amps vs others

Agree with Alan the S30 might not be enough power but it depends on several other factors. How big a room you have? How loud you listen? If the 3A MMC speakers dip below 6-7 ohms them you should also consider the ZERO Autoformer. A better match would be a speaker that has an impedance of 12-16 ohms for the S30. But again it's best to contact Atmasphere directly they can tell you if this will work or not.

the S-30 is one of my all time favorite amps, and Ralph is one of my all time favorite guys to deal with in this crazy hobby. Give him a call or send him an email - he'll give you honest advice on what he feels will work best, not just what he wants to sell you. he's really one of the good guys. you also might want to look into the zero autoformers.

Thanks. What you're saying regarding power and speaker impedance are the specific issues that I'm concerned about. The fact that I'm having success with the present setup has given me a sense of optimism regarding potential use of the S30. I have received and used advice from AtmaSphere and agree that he's the person I need to contact but haven't found the way to do so using these forums. So, maybe my question here should be how to talk to him directly.

Broadstone concerning your query as to whether an Atma-sphere S30 is enough, I DO recall a thread regarding their use with the MM Decapo with some saying yeah others nay, not enough power. Given your room size I think you are on the fringe, it again would depend on your musical tastes and levels that you that you require. I do recall that Ralph mentioned that many of his customers use the S30 with Decapos which are essentially the same design and probably the same electrical characteristics or close at least. I would think 30 watts is pressing it and would go for the mono 60 watt amps if considering an OTL.

So far as the characteristic sound of your Cary vs a an OTL in general very different presentation. In my experience, I've owned 2 OTL amplifiers, that when mated with the right speaker they are certainly worthy of consideration, heat factors aside. The transients and rise time on an OTL are more like real music, very fast and dynamic. You are not going to get that added warmth that the Cary delivers. I feel OTLs can get closer to the sound of real music but it DOES take care in selection of matching ancillaries. The added transparency can work against you if this is not addressed properly. And yes, they can present the best of both worlds whereas cheaper SS designs have a tendency towards dryness and a 2 dimensional character there is a wide variation in the presentation of tube amps as well. So far as an OTL there is no substitute for listening for yourself. btw, the Atma-sphere amps I've listened to, always in unfamiliar systems, have just been superb in every way.

Broadstone, If you are getting enough power with the Cary (which is about 40 watts to my understanding) then the S-30 with a set of ZEROs will do the job- it will make about 45-50 watts in that situation.

BTW, all you have to do to contact Atma-Sphere around here is to talk to me- I work there.