Your most disappointing purchase or audition?

Regarding Krell KAV 300i: I had it for some years, and though I would not call it my worst buy, we never became friends. I changed to Krell KAV 250a + 250p (two boxes). In terms of price/quality, the 250p was perhaps my worst disappointment. I still remember the big smile when I changed to the Aesthetix Io. Hello, music! That was with Krell FPB600, the first Krell I liked. In fairness, it should be said that I sold the ones I did not like (and eventually also the 600) for OK prices, I lost money, but it could have been worse.
Regarding Atma-sphere amps, I can only report my own satisfaction over the last couple of years with MA-1s. Sometimes, a tube can blow or arc, yes, it happens in all tube gear, but the amps have functioned with zero problems otherwise. The upgrades have been fairly priced and worth the money. Also, customer help and just general communication with Ralph is a big plus. To me, in my system, this is music in a way I never got it, with the Krell (and Dynaudio Consequence speakers). So I would encourage other A-goners to explore OTL sound (I have no commercial interest whatever). And as you will understand, with experience from three steps of the Krell ladder before I moved up (yes, up) to the MA-1s, I read Stereophile with great caution. "Almost tubelike"!! They said that about the FPB600, back in 97, and recently about a new big s-state amp. I have heard it before. "Almost"? Not to my ears.

Yes Roxy, I too remember hearing the Kav Krell 300i integrated a few times at a dealer many years back. If I recall it wasn't too expensive, at least not for a Krell but it wasn't at all impressive, actually much worse than that but it did have a nice case and low profile, if looks are important. I'm sure a few unsuspecting purchasers got hoodwinked on that one.

Tubes108 - I sincerely apologize for my previous post supporting Ralph based upon his reputation and credibility. I shouldn't have gotten involved and discounted your experience with the amps in question. I'd like to know how the Tandberg repair shop can justify an 24+ year repair that is still not resolved. Good luck in resolving these issues and I hope that you can at least get some enjoyment out of listening to your other gear.

Hi Tubes108,
First of all I don't doubt your individual experience with the AtamaSphere components and said so in an earlier post. I was not questioning your credibility, only suggesting that complaints about those products are rare in regards to reliability/dependability.
I know you've own some very fine brands (and I listed some of them). I was curious if they had caused you similar grief, my intentions were nothing more than that. The Joule is another OTL you've owned and I simply mentioned it for comparison to the AtmaSphere.

You have every right and opportunity to cite your disappointing product experiences just the same as everyone else who's responded on this thread. I hope this clarifies my posts on this topic. Tubes108, witch hunts aren't for me.
Charles,

Tubes108,
I know that Ralph of Atmasphere enjoys a good reputation and is generous in these forums with advice etc, and he and his company are as able as any of us to make a mistake.
All that I would like to add is that I have felt from your first post on this thread that you were being truthful.
I thought your last long post was clear and concise, and answered all of the allegations that you really didn't have an obligation to respond to. I agree with you that you contributed your experience like anyone else, and did not deserve to be butchered for it.
These forums can be very brutal at times.