Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

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.

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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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.

@mglik ,

I, too, own Atma gear (MP-1, MA-1-stock).

We both know Ralph is a consummate stereo equipment designer.

So, for me, I have put my deposit on his new Class D amps.

The big question, as a Vandersteen owner, is the fact that it uses Feedback. Ask any Vandy diehard, and you'll know that amps with Zero Feedback work best for these speakers.

So, am going to give these a try, and also try to get my dealer to set up a demo comparing them to  his Zero Feedbackamps, if possible.

Bob