Advice re the use of OTL amps vs others

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.

Thanks, Tubegroover. That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Being new to tubes, what I've found and most appreciate is the warmth provided that I've not been able to find in solid state, at least in a price range that I'm able to justify. This is something so important to me, mostly because of age related hearing issues, that I don't want to lose it even if I have to give up tack on realism.

What you said about the relative lack of warmth with the S30 was my main concern and even though I'm not considering changing speakers, I'm not giving up on the OTL route Just yet. Also, I recently promised myself in earnest that I won't buy another major component until I audition it in my home so that's going to be a factor.

Broadstone I don't want to give the impressions that OTLs lack warmth but that some tube amps ADD warmth that isn't really there as appealing as it may be. Bottom line is that you have to decide for yourself again there is no substitution for listening.

My caveat about the S30 would be relative to your room size, I speak from experience on this matter. About 15 years back I was using a 25 watt OTL that worked quite well that is until I moved my set-up into a larger room. Room size fyi was/is 20X18X10 opening into a 12X8X10 adjacent area. Not enough power for some music. I also purchased a Speltz zeroformer to help deal with this issue but found the only satisfying setting at the lower multipliers changing the multiplier upward greater than 2X the sound became more SS like and lost much of the harmonics and texture that I liked about the amp in the first place. Bottom line is while I liked the amp a lot without the autoformer it just wasn't enough power for me. Just something to consider.