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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.

 

 

128x128pstores
bluorion
471 posts
 

What preamps work well with these class D amps?

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 

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.

 

rajugsw
214 posts
 

I agree with @grannyring . Class D GaN FET (Orchard Audio Ultra) is the future and all Tube, Class A, Class A/B Amplifiers are antiquated Dinosaurs ! But a high quality DAC (PS Audio DirectStream Sr.) and a highly resolving Tube Preamp )BAT VK-50SE fresh form the Factory with new Mundorf Paper in OIl Capacitors - I couldn’t afford the Transformer upgrade) ARE A MUST !!

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mglik
908 posts
 

I have been anxiously awaiting Ralph’s Class D.

Am a big A-S fan and joyfully use his MP-1 preamp.

Since “going home” to Quad ESL 57s, I have cycled through several amps to find the best match for the Quads.

I have the chance to put money down to get on the waiting list (6-8 weeks) for the A-S Class D. May still do that, but have bought an ARC Ref 80S.

I was floored by the sound of the ARC Ref 160S at a friend’s. The best system I have heard. Was so engaging that I couldn’t not listen.

So far, I have decided that the ARC Ref sound may have attractive “tube qualities” that Ralph’s do not. That is, a level of organic/real. 
And even though price does not represent quality, the $16K Ref 80S should be in a different league from the $5400 A-S. 
This is only a guess. Not yet hearing the A-S amps. But still thinking that those tube qualities are yet to be captured by a SS amp. 
As a previous die hard SET guy, that sound is called sweet. To non tube guys, it is called colored.

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