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Thought on OTL tube amps

Just curious....how do these sound/perform compared to tube amps with transformers? Why do you prefer one or the other? Any particular brands of OTL amps you would recommend listening to? You can see my system on my tag here...listen mostly to rock and roll with a smattering of jazz and a bit of classical once in a while. The next stop on my amplifier adventure is an OTL model, and I have no intention of trading it for either SET I currently have, as I'm very happy with both. One of the ways I enjoy experimenting with different "sound" is by switching up the amps. Just trying to solicit some opinions, of which I know there are many strong ones here at A-Gon. Thanks in advance!
afc
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,534 posts
 
I just had my Atma-sphere MA1's updated to the latest 3.1 version (from 2.2) plus all options available have been added.

I have got to share that the current upgrades are a revelation for this amp. Wow does this amp now sing. So rich and glorious with state of the art transparency. The stage depth is jaw dropping and the images so 3D and real.

This is my first OTL amp or amp from Atma-sphere and I am taken back now realizing what I have been missing. This latest generation simply outclasses the 2.2 by a wide margin.

Yes, I am pleased to say the least. I have owned many a tube amp and this one has all of that wonderful warmth, bloom and weight combined with SET-like intimacy.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
My feeling too in upgrading to M60 3.1. The M60s replaced my beloved CAT JL2s which is a great amp, but with my speakers, which are very easy to drive, I prefered the Atma-sphere - my thought being that OTLs by Atma-sphere and Joule are pretty tough to beat with the right speakers.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,534 posts
 
I love the sound of the Atma-sphere MA1's on my Soundlabs, but I wish I had a bit more power.Up to 85 db or so they are so sweet and intimate. The bass has great foundation and weight.

My amps are still breaking in and I must remember that. They have the V-caps and I read they take time to break-in. They only have 30 hours or so thus far.

Funny thing is they seem to get more powerful with break-in. I know that seems nuts, but I swear it is happening.
They used to clip at sound levels they now play through? Strange, but true in my current experience.
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grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,534 posts
 
Ya, I wish I could afford the MA2's as the heat is no problem here in Minnesota. I welcome the heat most of the time.
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