2. amps-preamps
  3. 1099065303

Does this mean I need Pre Amp w/ AtmaSpheres?

System is GNSC modded Wadia 850 running into Goldmund amp driving Talon Audio Hawks. CD also drives directly 4 Entec subwoofers. I tried a pair of Atmasphere M60 amps w/ Zero autoformers earlier this year. With the subwoofers off, each amp had its own pros and cons. With the subs on, the system sprang to life with the Goldmund. The bass seemed better integrated and springy, and spaciousness was much more clearly portrayed. The Atmaspheres sounded a bit lifeless and dull. I did prefer the upper midrange of the atmaspheres. I'm wondering if this is due to my Wadia not being able to drive the amplifiers and subs, or is this just the nature of tubes vs. solid state? Should I give the Atmas another chance w/ a Pre? (It's a pain, because the dealer's far away).
honest1

Showing 1 response by ralphk

ralphk
4 posts
 
Taking a look at the Talon website, the Hawk looks like an easy load for a tube amp, which is typical of other Talons. The efficiency is 89db, so if you have a larger room there could be a power issue, but if the subwoofer section crosses over the amplifier signal this probably is not a big deal.

This speaker does not seem to require the use of the ZERO either. If you are using the ZERO (and if the speaker matches the specs on the Talon website) then you may have indeed experienced a lifeless quality as the ZERO may not have been all that helpful.

If I were you, I would try different speaker cables to help optimize things, as the cable that is right for the Goldmund is likely not the one that will be optimal with the M-60, or any tube amp. I would say that you would be very lucky if the foregoing were not true!

Good luck and remember to have fun.
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