2. amps-preamps
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Atma-Sphere vs. Supratek

I placed an order last year for a Supratek Cortese LCR preamp; it will still be a few months until it will arrive at my home in Silicon Valley. Meanwhile I keep reading good things about the Atma-Sphere MP-1 and Mp-3 instruments. Can anyone voice an opinion about those two brands, both hand-made tube machines in a similar price range? I listen to all kinds of music, including opera, mostly on vinyl [Basic 2200 Signature with Vector 4 arm and Benz Micro LP-S cartridge, Sunvalley phono stage with EMIA SUT, MSB Platinum Signature CD transport and DAC, LinkwitzLab NCore6 active crossover/amplifier, and Linkwitz LX521.4 open-baffle speakers (best speakers I have ever heard)]. For preamp I am currently using Ed Shilling’s The Truth. For me a natural-sounding soprano voice is the pinnacle of well reproduced music.

128x128reimarc
sns
3,193 posts
 

I've long heard about questionable build quality of Supratek, although reportedly have good sound quality. I've looked at internals of some of Supratek line, very messy, does not look good to me. Atma Sphere above reproach. Link to questions and internal pictures of Supratek, https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/127427-supratek-preamp-owner-opinionsdiscussion/ And there are many more blogs and forums that speak to this.

 

I just know I've built a few amps from kits, modded quite a number of components, and seen internals of many, Supratek is about as messy as I've ever seen. I'm not casting aspersions on sound quality, which is reportedly quite good. I just don't trust the build quality and/or reliability of their builds. I'd pick Atma Sphere over this mess in a minute.

david_ten
5,480 posts
 

I'd pick... over this mess in a minute.

@sns  Is your own room (per your system page) an arbiter for sound quality... or lack thereof, based on your above post? I think not. : )

@reimarc This is going to come down to synergy between the components and your own preferences. Try both. Your system deserves it. You deserve it. Report back. 

 

 

 

sns
3,193 posts
 

@david_ten Yes, my setup is complex, but the internals of each component is neat and tidy. And I didn't make negative comment as to sound quality.

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