Atma-Sphere, Ralph Karsten


So I had tube gear many moons ago for a very short period of time. Now I have Atma-sphere UV-1,  serial 002. And the most upgraded one of its kind, lol... Also have a set of M60’s 3.3 and recently purchased some older MA-1 Silvers. Being mostly new to tubes and completely new to Atma-Sphere, (OTL)  I’ve had a ton of questions. And let me say this.... The crew at Atma-sphere has spent a lot of  time with me through explanations,  and a few issues that  came up. Non of which,  was an Atma-sphere issue. It was other components.  Ralph and his crew really knows Audio. And what’s more they have a passion for their work which is very, very  hard to find, I live close, I go there. When I brought in my PreAmp,  Adam was so proud,  and happy to see it was in such good shape. The pride beemed from him. At that point I knew this company was a special one.  Everyone at Atma-Sphere doesn’t look at it as a job.  They are extremely passionate about what they do. And they take so much pride in their work. It’s really incredible.  They,  and Ralph,  have spent time not only to answer my questions. But to make sure I really have an understanding of the question I ask. They really make sure their consumers know, and understand their products. The service I have received from them, is really unheard of, in this day and age. Few manufacturers care about after the sale. But this is where Ralph understands the relationship actually begins. No one understands that business model these days.  I never get the impression I am bugging them. In fact usually get more in-depth answer than I ever anticipated. In this day and age,  In this day and age it’s incredible to find a manufacturer that cares about the consumer. Let alone as much as these guys do. There is not enough words, or gratitude,  I have for them to write here. 
    People don’t share gratitude much anymore.  But these  guys truly deserve it. If anyone ever wants an awesome sounding Amps,  or Preamps,  hand built by passionate people. And what has to be the best or close to the best customer service in the industry.... Ralph and his crew go more then the extra mile.... I’ll never buy any other product, ever...... They are simply incredible. And some of the nicest people I have ever met. 

    Full Disclosure.... I am just an extremely happy consumer.... Average Joe blow off the street. 
128x128pstores

Showing 1 response by blindjim

goode news travels fast…. bad news travels faster!

I doubt you will get any negative arguments as to Atmas involvement with the public, regarding his gear or another’s.

Ralph has been for an extremely long time forthcoming on all sorts of equipment, technical info, matching gear, etc., on this forum and I for one definetely have gleaned and learned much from his input.

if there is a bar for customer support, relationships, and technological innovation atmas seems to have set it. albeit, Atmas is not alone in these respects, though this arena does appear to be more exception than rule in high end audio.

when I am avidly looking for this or that in audio, a primary factor in my buying decision is aimed squarely at how readily approachable, or how amenable towards their customers are they? are they handy by phone? how is the attitude with customer service in general?

as well, are they willing to aid anyone who did not buy their gear brand new?

having ben in electronic sales and service in past years, I understand the value of demonstrating outstanding customer service and developing great relationships with the public even if no sale of new goods is ever made.

positive word of mouth anicdotes are priceless. these ordinarily can not be bought, they have to be earned and here lays the hidden worth which gets developed in those ‘one on one’ interactions between maker and buyers, owners, and prospective customers.

there are just too many options out there in audio to end up choosing a product which onnly affords it clientele contact vvia email and extended delays for their reply, or they point you to some dealership for you to try getting what ever answers there instead.

satisfy a customer well and they may relate their experience with a handful or so of people they know.

however, once a customer has been ‘had’ or experienced a bad situation with a product and or its support, these folks will stop people they don’t even know and rail at length about what happend to them.

although money may not change hands, developping and maintaining great customer service and consequent relationships always pays huge dividends.

too bad more makers and or dealers don’t subscribe to this ‘pay it forward’ approach in business., as it does seem more the exception than the rule

that said, I have to submit here that at the 2019 Florida Audio expo, there was not one demo/room wherein the exhibitors were not the most forthcoming, polite, informative, and engaging people I’ve met to date in this hobby.