Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

@charles1dad

No, I am not "critical and dismissive of actually listening and judging", what I said was that there is no way to compare these amps to any others in a meaningful way when it is done on a subjective basis. Saying they "outperform" something else has no meaning to others when all it is someone’s subjective opinion. To be a valid statement of fact, it must be based on objective criteria. Seems this simple logical truth is just too much for some to handle.

One can’t argue with opinion, everyone is entitled to one. By all means listen but let's be clear- opinions are not facts. I am simply making that distinction.

Jerryg123, Marco1, you will not be disappointed in these in the least bit. I’ve got a few hours of hardcore listening time now. But, these  are truly world class as with Ralph’s OTL’s and preamps. I’d say if you like the M-60’s or Pass XA .8 and .5 series you’ll love these. Next weekend I’ll be doing some comparing with other amps. I picked these over buying Pass Labs .8 XA series amps.  I suspect I won’t be disappointed in my decision. I think either the Pass or the Class D I can live with. It’s going to be interesting to hear them side by side,  to see if one or the other is better. I want to listen to them longer. But I can say. The neutrality and realism I am experiencing is something I have never heard with any other amp. The accuracy to be true to the instruments and vocals is down right scary. I find myself walking into my living room expecting to see the band, vocalist or musician playing the specific  instrument. And am hearing details and micro-details  on recordings that I’ve never ever heard before. They also drive easy (105db 8 ohm) and harder loads (84.5-86 db 4 ohm that dip into the 2 ohm slightly) with authority without sacrificing the realism and accuracy and details. They don’t struggle at all driving bigger harder to drive Maggie’s.  The soundstage is huge and deep, with the speakers I’ve tried them on.  Like my MA-1’s The space between instruments and the separation of all instruments on the stage is also incredible,  probably as good as my MA-1’s. I have all NOS Winged C in MA-1’s and did a ton of tube rolling for the 6SN7’s to get them where they are. And have a lifetime supply of tubes since the OTL’s are so easy on them.  Best part these are not dry,  lifeless, class d’s I’ve that I’ve heard from a few other companies of higher end amps. Definitely the best Class D I have ever heard. Possibly the best amp I’ve heard under $10,000. But I’ll reserve that for the next comparisons. Not fair to say till I’ve had them side by side. 

Can't wait to pick a pair of these up. Summer is almost over and I've been struggling with the heat from my amps. These will be my next purchase for sure. 

I have a pair of these coming next week for evaluation at my home.

 Specs in many cases don’t mean best sonic characters. I’ve learned being in this hobby for 45 years that you don’t listen to specs. You listen to the sonic qualities of the amps. I am 57, and have been very fortunate to listen, own and have many different pieces of equipment. Some had great specs but were lifeless and dry to listen to. Adding to major listening fatigue. Not just my opinion but when we pass the pieces around to others they had all agreed. I stopped being a spec jockey many years ago. Listen to the audio gear and let your hearing be the judge. Specs are posted on Ralph’s website. 
 Am having some audio friends over today and night as well. I’ll let you know what they say about them. 
 

The spec argument has been around forever. I’ve seen so many threads on here over the past 15-20 years. It’s actually good entertainment at times. I give all gear a fair shake not dependent on specs. Actually I don’t look at specs anymore until after I’ve listened to the gear.