Which one to choose between two 80K$ tube amps?

ebm6,290 posts06-08-2020 8:54amStereo 5 Skifi is a nasty overpriced business with a nasty attitude nobody should buy anything from them.Good luck!!

This is worrisome i will be up all night thinking about this.  

Your question is interesting, but if your dealer does not bring both amps to your house and set them up for you for an extended listening period, I would shop elsewhere where that can happen.

In the end, the price is irrelevant; which one do YOU like in YOUR room is the only question you have to answer. Oh, don't forget longevity of the company and availability of parts and service; EVERYTHING breaks eventually.

An amp is simply a group of electrical parts that have a fixed price; anything else you pay is for R&D, marketing, and, unfortunately, hype.

There are only a few basic designs for audio amps; some people mess with them, etc.  I spoke to Bill Johnson at length back in the 1970's when I was one of his few dealers, and he explained that the basics of these amps are well known and have changed little over time other than through designers (like some of the ones mentioned above) tweaking something here or there.  For example, Levinson used to brag to me that he used "MIL-SPEC" parts.  His amps did not sound very good back then; I have no idea what Harmon makes now under his name.  He went through a few designers--one died, I think--and then the company was trashed and the name was purchased.  Whatever.

Mr. Johnson died, and there are new people designing things there now.  I assume some are better than others, as in any line of products that have different price points.

The point is, whatever you pay is irrelevant; get the parts YOU LIKE BEST and ENJOY THE MUSIC.  After all, building a $200,000 kitchen so you can show it off to your friends when everyone knows you eat out every meal is no different to me than buying a $200,000 stereo so you can say you have one.

It used to be about the music, right?

Cheers!

which of your Atma-sphere amps would you recommend to compete with the Berning at this level and what would be MSRP on that amp.  

@t

By your request, The M-60, base price is about 7700/pair, but I would have them fully optioned at which point they are about 10,400/pair.

There is an Ongaku currently on AG for $52k.
Bet you could get it for much less.
IMO, best amp ever made.
The Berning is second. Very different sound. More SS sounding and more transparent but lacking the SET MAGIC.
GO FOR THE Ongaku!

Never heard the Ongaku but hope to someday. Having said this, I have never heard a transformer coupled amp that could compare with an OTL. With single ended amps I always get the feeling that I am listening to distortion that shouldnt be present.