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
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!


Hey kjack,

The MA-1 and MA-3 are both amps (and the MA-3 will set you back $140K, BTW). The MP-3 and MP-1 are the preamps, the MP-1 being a dual chassis flagship.