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Zero Autoformer good/bad for Atma/Quad combo

Hello,
I have Atma-Sphere MA-1 amps connected to Quad 988 electrostatics. I know the older Quads and the M-60 amp benefit from the usage of Zero Autoformers. But there is not much info (from the Agon or AA forums) whether the larger Atma-Sphere amp (MA-1) and/or Quad 988 would benefit from the Zero or not.

I believe the Quad 988 impedance curve is only below 6 ohms between 4K and ~16K Hz with its greatest dip to about 4 ohms at about 10K Hz. And between 70 and 150 Hz the curve spikes above 16 ohms. The Atma-Sphere MA-1 cranks out 165 watts into 8 ohms (much more power than Quads can be cranked too) -- so...

Would Zero Autoformers offer any sonic benefits to this set up?
128x128grateful

Showing 3 responses by grateful

grateful's avatar
grateful OP
104 posts
 
Thanks, but I have some on order
grateful's avatar
grateful OP
104 posts
 
different kind of transformer... Does not defeat the purpose of a OTL. But, having said that, it is adding something else to the chain.
grateful's avatar
grateful OP
104 posts
 
Thanks for the input Ralph and everyone else!

So, I auditioned a set of Zero's (at home) and honestly I did not hear a beneficial difference in my system. Now, I'm NOT saying the Zero's aren't beneficial, there are definitely impressive experiences out there. I just did not find them helpful in MY specific system.

I tried the 2X, 3X, and 4X taps, tried running them over night, tried one speaker with / one without during mono playback... And what I heard was;

the 2X tap is VERY close to without. It does smooth out horns and dynamics -- not to my liking though. I feel like something "real" has been taken away and replaced with something "hifi". The dynamics began to sound slightly compressed, loosing the "punch" of say - drums. Horns were more sweat, some of that brassiness was lost.

The 3X tap moves voices forward on stage a bit. But, again, increased the dynamic smoothing described above.

The 4X tap brings voices forward more. But more-so flattens out liveliness.

Thus, for my liking, I couldn't see keeping them. Appears my system must be matching up well, I do have the MA-2 Power Caps installed in my MA-1's -- I don't know if that makes a difference, but nonetheless, I reckon I'm not experiencing any impedance problems...

On a side note, I say that Paul, at Zero Impedance, was the best -- he got the Zero's out to me fast, offered fast assistance / advice, did not question their return, and was fast reimbursing me. Absolutely great experience, even though the Zero didn't work for me. Thanks Paul (if you ever read this). --So, for anyone else considering the Zero's, trying them out is pleasurable to do.
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