Clash of the Titans

This is an interesting query. May I ask what prompts it?

I use a pair of Atma-Sphere MA2 MKII amplifiers to drive Avalon Acoustics Eidolon speakers. I can't comment on any of the other amplifiers listed, so I may not qualify has having heard a "combination of the amps listed."

Over the past year that I've used them, the Atma-Sphere amplifiers have been completely dependable. The amps complement well the speed and dynamic capabilities of the Eidolons, and they have no difficulty with the 4-ohm average load of the speakers. Bass and mid-bass response is detailed, tight and harmonically accurate.

What I've enjoyed most about these amplifiers are their harmonic integrity, transient capability, and ability to make huge dynamic swings. They are able to reproduce acoustic instruments with a naturalness of timbre and rightness of detail and low-level dynamics that sounds eminently "right" to my ears.

Associated electronics: an Aesthetix Io Signature phonostage, with dual power supplies and internal volume contols, directly drives the amplifiers. (And the Io definitely makes a significant contribution to the overall sense of unlimited dynamics.)

Primary Source Material: LPs, 90% classical, almost 100% acoustic.

I use a pair of Atma-Sphere MA2 MKII amplifiers to drive Avalon Acoustics Eidolon speakers. I can't comment on any of the other amplifiers listed, so I may not qualify has having heard a "combination of the amps listed."

Over the past year that I've used them, the Atma-Sphere amplifiers have been completely dependable. The amps complement well the speed and dynamic capabilities of the Eidolons, and they have no difficulty with the 4-ohm average load of the speakers. Bass and mid-bass response is detailed, tight and harmonically accurate.

What I've enjoyed most about these amplifiers are their harmonic integrity, transient capability, and ability to make huge dynamic swings. They are able to reproduce acoustic instruments with a naturalness of timbre and rightness of detail and low-level dynamics that sounds eminently "right" to my ears.

Associated electronics: an Aesthetix Io Signature phonostage, with dual power supplies and internal volume contols, directly drives the amplifiers. (And the Io definitely makes a significant contribution to the overall sense of unlimited dynamics.)

Primary Source Material: LPs, 90% classical, almost 100% acoustic.

Ivanj, to answer your question.

There are compromises with all audio gear and big tube power amplifiers are no different. They are labor intensive to build and subject to many design decisions that must balance performance, reliability and price. Some designers compromise all three, some only one or two.

My reference speakers are the Soundlab Ultimate 1 which makes that choice even more critical. Not the easiest speaker to drive to live listening levels.

I've already owned the Atmasphere MA 2 ( not Mk ll) , the Tube Research GT 400, two Viva's and now the Wolcotts. Speaking with a fellow audiophile today made me wonder I had overlooked (a possible) perfect option.

well if you had tube research 400s , you had the best amps on earth. all the amps you mention are great amps but the tube researches are the ultimate. the u1s are on a very short list of some of the finest speakers on earth as well.