Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

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

@mglik you maybe very shocked…. If you get a chance roll a set of these in your system. 
 

@bluorion I am running a Atma-Sphere MP-3 with Vcaps, Caddocks, and dampening. Running a Aqua LaScala DAC, Innous phoenix Reclocker as we speak with Roon. Much of what I listen to to Hi Rez…. It’s pretty damn good…  compared to the other Class D amps which I’ve had in my system. These are definitely the best. And probably in the center of the price points of the others. They in my opinion are better than the Class A SS I’ve also had in my system. I’ve listed all the amps I’ve had in the system earlier on in this post. 

Agree to an extent still love that tube sound.