Preamp Experiences with Atma-sphere Amps

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.

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?

Tek Line, yes.

I haven't heard Scott's previous cords, so I can't say how they compare to the Reference model.

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

I can't tell if I'm hearing what I expect to be hearing, but it is the classic Joule/Atma divide one a bit warmer and more colorful, the other very transparent and incredible low level resolution - you can guess which is which./? I'm going to use the Joule with my Music Reference RM9SE for a slightly warmer and fleshier portrayl and the Atma/Atma for transparency and soundstage detail and air. Both great and slightly different flavors, heck if could choose one over the other. The Atma is newer for me me and I'm smitten with what an OTL can do, but really, hard to choose between them.