2. amps-preamps
  3. 149644-80583

Just purchased a pair of Atma Sphere M-60 Mk 3's upgraded to 3.3's

Hello all, I feel I’m a novice when it comes to audiophile setups. Been spending the past 10 plus years buying and selling trying to get to the top in regards to hearing what I want to hear, you know, what sounds just right!

I feel like I’m satisfied in regards to the turntable setup, got me a Thorens TD 124 Mk I that I’m in the middle of high end mods.

My current amp and pre are the McCormack DNA 1 Gold upgraded and ALD 1 with a Micro line drive phono pre. I’ve had many variable speakers flying in and out of here that I can’t remember them all. The set I’m planning on keeping will be the Klipsch La Scala’s that have the preferred type AA crossovers and vintage K55V mid horns and K77 tweeters, both metal horn variety. I’m also in the process of making new custom cabinets, something exotic.

I also have a Crown 724 R2R for my tapes and an Oppo 193 modded DVD player for CD’s.

As great as the McCormack is, I happen to come across an opportunity to pickup a set of Atma Sphere M-60’s. Having a quick demo at the persons house I was blown away by the smooth soul pouring out of her speakers. They were her late husband’s and she wanted something simple to use and was moving these onto someone who would appreciate them.

Long story short I grabbed them but now I need to ask, will the McCormack ALD 1 do the system justice or should I get a Tube Pre to match the M-60’s and if so what? My budget right now can’t afford a MA-3 like I hope for, something in the $1K range until I can move the other stuff out.

Your suggestions are much appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read all of this!
kjack48230
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
@clio09  From the M-60 MK3.3 manual.

"Install the tubes in their sockets. The middle four sockets take the 6SN7GT driver tube (if using NOS 6SN7s, the front location should have either a -GTA or -GTB suffix)."

I currently am using an NOS GE GTA tube in this position.  It is pretty good there in my opinion.  I also really liked a current production  ElectroHarmonix GTB in that spot, but Ralph warned that they have a rather short lifespan in his amps so he doesn't recommend them.  The Raytheons have a great reputation, but I have not tried them yet.  The back 3 positions offer the best opportunity to dial in the sound to suit the room and ancillary equipment.  As for me, I just could not get rid of the glare until I got all of the Chinese tubes out of the amps. 

gdnrbob
4,469 posts
 
@brownsfan .
I can't say I have ever experience 'glare' with my MA-1's using the Chinese Tubes that Ralph supplied.
What speakers and preamp are you using.
Bob
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
@gdnrbob, My speakers are Coincident Super Victory II and my pre is a Coincident CSL. The source is a ModWright Sony HAPZ1. The room is well treated, and I would say it is not overly bright.  It is important for the OP to just insert the amps into his system and go from there.  He may not find the stock tubes to be a problem in his system and room.  If he isn't entirely satisfied with what he hears, the 6SN7s may be a logical place to start since he indicated that the amps would come with a bunch of tubes.
kjack48230 OP
5 posts
 
Happy 4th guys! Again, thank you for all of the feedbacks so far. It's been given me a lot to think about. Although currently I don't have nearly the preamp that'll do the whole system justice, I will be on the hunt for an MA-1, at the very least an MA-3. My room size is fairly large, 22x30. It's actually the upstairs of my garage/barn that I built, it's my multi media room where I also have my theatre setup. Obviously they are two separate systems but they do have to share the same room. I pick up my amps on Saturday on my return trip from my brothers place in Traverse City. I'll give it a quick listen on Sunday when I have time to relax. I'll give a report when I do.
acman3
4,275 posts
 
Kjack, I am new to the Atma-Sphere family so I won’t make any suggestions other than to make sure you leave the tubes on in standby for 6 hours before turning on full power after travel.

I called Ralph after getting my M60’s, because tubes were shorting out everywhere. The first thing he said was to leave the tubes on in standby upon arrival . Mine had been shipped and yours are being moved under your control so it may not apply , but I would be careful.

To late for me but everything settled down nicely after purchasing replacements. Great sound!


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