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Preamp Experiences with Atma-sphere Amps

I have finally swapped my CATJL2s for Atma-sphere M-60s and with my Merlin VSM-MXEs they are a revelation. Both are world class amplifiers, but I now beleive that IF you speakers are OTL friendly, it is hard to beat OTLs for speed, clarity, transparency, etc. In other words, I love them with the Merlins.

I would like to hear from those that have experimented with preamps that match well with the Atma amps, including the Atma pres versus others, and passive pre experiences if you have tried it. Right now I'm using a Joule LA-150 MKII that is single-ended and sounds fantastic and quiet so I'm not sure that simply running quieter with balanced outs is a goal, but I'm open. I'm single sourced with Accustic Arts transport and DAC with at least 2V output (might be higher)but it does seem the Atmas need some gain to drive them with their highes input sensitivity. Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom and experiences.
pubul57
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I'm using VH Audio Flavor 4, which I think are well made, but don't know how they might compare to others; but the system sounds very good with Atma/Atma combo. My final decision might be to upgrade to an MP-1; I love the M60s with my Merlins, and I have had a lot of amps; this just seems to be a great match.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My initial reaction of my system with the MP-1/Pass Labs and Silverline Sonata III (with Dynaudio drivers like your Merlins), was that it was just a bit too crisp sounding and tipped up.

Once I changed a couple of power cords on my source and preamp, the system became more natural sounding.

I was amazed to hear the difference that two power cords made in the presentation.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
Tvad,

Were the Tek Lines the cables you mentioned to me a few weeks back? I have tried Scott's cables before and found them to be good values. Is he on to something better with the new model you're using?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Tek Line, yes.

I haven't heard Scott's previous cords, so I can't say how they compare to the Reference model.
jtimothya
551 posts
 
I use a Shunyata Helix Python on my MP-1, with that plugged into a Hydra V-Ray, and Shunyata Helix Taipans on MA-1 amps.

Significant improvement came with insertion of NOS 6SN7s in the line stage and NOS 12AT7s in the phono section of the MP-1. Likewise for NOS 6SN7s in the MA-1s. The Atma's are as sensitive (if not moreso) to tube selection as any gear I've owned and in my system swapping out some of the stock Chinese 6SN7s paid big dividends. (But neither PCs or tubes told just how good are the Atma-Sphere electronics until I added several Real Traps in my room.)

I take tube choices and power cords as largely a matter of personal taste. Mine include a Sylvania GTA or RCA GTB driver in the MA-1 along with Sylvania and Ken-Rad VT231s. Likewise in the MP-1, strategic placement of a single Ken-Rad or Raytheon VT231 in each channel of the line stage improved both the top-end air and sweetness of orchestral and other acoustic recordings, along with lower register tautness and timbre. Discussion of phono stage 12AT7s in the MP-1 probably warrant their own thread, but to drop a few names: Seimens, Sylvania and Mullard.

Pubul57 - how do you find the MP-3 compared with the Joule?

Tim
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