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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

Showing 9 responses by pubul57

pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Mrderrick, or others, do you think the Atma pre works very well with the Atma amp, but might not be so strong with other amps? I real matter of synergy.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I've been experimenting with a passive attenuator made by Music Reference and it sounds extremely good to me, I won't say how cheap it is. It is dead quiet, apparently dynamic, and plenty loud at the 3:00 position. I was suprised as the Atma amp is fairly insensitive, but my DAC is built like a preamp in terms of power reserves and the 2 meter CARDAS GR cables have very low capacitance (lowest on the market?). They say "no preamp" is better than any active, but I can't help thinking that the right active with the Atma-spheres would be better, but my passive is making me question the whole active stage argument, at least in my set up.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I owned the Placette Active for a year. Yes a great preamp, but I preferred the Joule. We are in the realm of great gear and personal taste.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Well, I've decided the only way is to try an MP-3. If it can sound better than the Joule, that would be pretty impressive and I'll use the Joule with the Music Reference.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
It arrived. :)
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.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
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.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Indeed, and I could get rid of my furnace in the winter time. Tony, I somehow suspect that I may very well have to try the faceoff someday.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
What 6sn7s have you been succesful with in the MP-1. I'm using Early Sylvania 6sn7 gtb and they sound very good to me and quiet as far as I can tell. I'm using RCA Clear Tops for the 12au7 position (no phone stage).
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