I agree with Ralph regarding future sales of tube amps. Sure, some will always want to own one, but sales will erode dramatically over the next 10 years. Seems like a rather reasonable statement. Innovation in Class D amplification will continue and magnificent sounding options will be introduced at ever increasing speed delivering sonic improvements many felt impossible just a year or two ago.
Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing
Today I picked up my Atma-Sphere Class D Amps. These aren’t broken in yet. And they are simply amazing. I’ve listen to a lot of High End Class D. Some that cost many times what Atma-Sphere Class D costs. I wasn’t a fan of any of them. But these amps are amazing. I really expected to hate them. So my expectations were low. The Details are of what I’ve never heard from any other amps. They are extremely neutral. To say the realism is is extremely good is a gross understatement. They are so transparent it’s scary. These amps just grab you and suck you into the music. After I live with them some and get them broken in. And do some comparisons to some other high end Amps Solid State, Tubes and Class D’s, also in other systems I’ll do a more comprehensive review. But for now, these are simply amazing amps.. Congrats to Ralph and his team. You guys nailed on these.
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@atmasphere backs up his words with his actions. That makes for a strong case. We will see. About 12 years back I was on the brink of going with tube amps to get the sound I wanted but decided to look forward and try the newer evolving technology (class d amps) rather than backwards. I have great faith that advancements in technology move things forward. Been a Class D amp fan ever since. Still have a tube preamp sitting idle currently but never took the tube amp plunge. class D did the job better for me. No looking back now at this point. Kudos to Ralph for being forward thinking and having always had a great appreciation for good things past.
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I said I was done but this is such nonsense. Amplifier design and amplifier performance has been dictated by the limitations of loudspeakers. There is no perfect amplifier because there is no perfect loudspeaker. "Magnificent sounding options" and "Sonic improvements many felt impossible just a year or two ago". What flowery and prosaic language! That's a good one. The euphonic nature of tubes happens to suit the limitations of many loudspeakers in a manner that solid state often fails. Charles Hansen wrote about this towards the end of his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L0k3-cporQ&t=5s Think of an amp as a complimentary solution to a problem elsewhere in the chain, not the source of the problem and impediment to sonic bliss. |
I suppose it’s still possible to have an opinion without some folks getting angry? Ralph, myself, and all Agoners have thoughts and opinions. No reason to make fun of or attack these opinions. This forum is simply a place to share them. I will add to my opinion here. Class D integrated amps with tube preamp sections will also grow in popularity. Tube preamps will continue to sell well in the future. Amplifier performance is also held back by the amplifier itself completely independent of the speakers. We are not producing flawless and perfect amplifiers. Yes, how amplifiers interact with imperfect speakers also plays a critical role sonically. No doubt. @fsonicsmith, no need to stop posting on this thread, but it would be helpful and kind if you worked on your demeanor and respected opinions that differ from yours.
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