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Zero Feedback: Atmasphere vs. BAT

Do Atmasphere and BAT have similar sound because they both use low or zero feedback tube designs?

I am considering these amps for my 8 ohm 89db Spendor S8e's.

I am looking for smoothness, Transparency and sound on the warm side. I am leaning toward a BAT VK75, it can be upgraded and it runs AB instead of the hot class A. You can also upgrade to VK 150. From what I can gather the 140 watt MA1 is superior in the area of dynamics, that would be the main reason to go Atmasphere to the best of my knowledge as OTL is super fast and more of a rock out style.

I am looking for used gear that can be supported over the long term by a good company.
128x128scottlanterman
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Scott,

With all due respect, IMHO, you are taking a wrong approach. Speakers are a much more difficult DIY project than building amps. If you are on a budget and are interested in DIY, I would suggest you buy a pair of high efficient speaker used, something with at least 95db+ sensitivity; and build an amp to match it. If soldering isn't your cup of tea, than forget about DIY, save some more money and buy a used amp.

I used to be a DIYer myself may years ago and had built many amps and speakers. Most of the amps turned out great but none of the speakers were good.

Don't build speakers if you want to save money. You will end up spending more.
maril555
618 posts
 
Jj2468,
Your statement about BAT being "very lean" does not support my personal experience with various BAT pieces- BAT VK-75SE,
BAT VK-150SE and BAT REX.
Not at any point of time, paired with different speakers, did any BAT sound anywhere close to being lean.
It sounds full- bodied, very dynamic and textured.
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
This is true. BAT tube amps have liquidity and suppleness similar to SETs. However, IME their paper-in-oil coupling caps slightly blunt dynamics, bass control, and resolution. With a swap to better coupling caps the BAT amps gain in these areas and in neutrality and perceived extension at frequency extremes-- which is characteristic of Atma-Sphere.
semi
646 posts
 
I followed Dave (Dgarretson) advice and replaced coupling caps and input hook up wires, to say the improvement was dramatic was an understatement. my 150SE, couple with Einstein pre, drives Aerial 20T, a very demanding load and manufacture suggests 300+ wpc of SS power as minimum, to the level I rarely hear else where.

I don't have much experience with Atma Sphere power amp, but I did hear their better pre amp and all I can say is Einstein is in a different league, but it should given the price difference.
jj2468
280 posts
 
It has been about 4 years since I have heard the BAT gear and perhaps it was poor synergy, but it sounded lean and a bit veiled to me. Many amps claim to sound like SET amps. SET amps sound like SET amps. Why buy a BAT and change the coupling caps and hope for the best when Scott could buy the Atma and the Audiokinesis and know he is getting excellent synergy?

I think the real question is whether Scott wants "warm and smooth" which means an el34 or 300b topology. Scott, I recommend the Atma/Audiokinesis if you are unable to audition. If you are able to audition, I recommend that you listen to BAT, Atma, an el34 and a 300b along with the appropriate efficiency speakers. Or, be patient and buy used gear and resell what does not float your boat. Good luck, Jeff
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