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Zero Feedback: Atmasphere vs. BAT

Do Atmasphere and BAT have similar sound because they both use low or zero feedback tube designs?

I am considering these amps for my 8 ohm 89db Spendor S8e's.

I am looking for smoothness, Transparency and sound on the warm side. I am leaning toward a BAT VK75, it can be upgraded and it runs AB instead of the hot class A. You can also upgrade to VK 150. From what I can gather the 140 watt MA1 is superior in the area of dynamics, that would be the main reason to go Atmasphere to the best of my knowledge as OTL is super fast and more of a rock out style.

I am looking for used gear that can be supported over the long term by a good company.
128x128scottlanterman
unsound
7,308 posts
 
Atma-Sphere's RK has been very public here on Audiogon about his conviction that feedback is a no-no in amplification.
scottlanterman's avatar
scottlanterman OP
24 posts
 
Hi Dgarretson,

Thanks for the message confirming that if you want an Atmasphere amp, start with that choice and then roll forward. If I go Atma, it would be an S30 and then find some speakers that can go with it. I was thinking of DIY speakers to try and get world class sound on a budget.

I checked out your system, I am blown away by your engineering of basic components into something totally unique. Amazing.

Cheers!
Scott
clio09
3,341 posts
 
I own the Audiokinesis Jazz Modules and have heard them with the S-30 amp. I believe Duke even voiced them with the S-30. Atma-sphere amps have a high output impedance (the S-60 is 4.1 ohms). I think one of the reasons that Atma-sphere and Audiokinesis are a good match is due to the impedance (no lower than 8 ohms and closer to 12 ohms) and smooth frequency response of the speakers. I currently use mine with VAC Auricle Musicblocs.

Personally, I've never liked tubes and Spendors and I've owned a few pairs of the Classic Series (the Jazz Modules replaced 1/2e's). If you are considering selling the Spendors you could do a lot worse than an Atmas-sphere Audiokinesis combo.
jj2468
280 posts
 
For "smoothness and transparency and warmth" it sounds like you are looking for a Cary, CJ or other el34 based amp; or perhaps a 300b amp.

Atma, IMHO runs pretty neutral. BAT runs very lean - a bit like Audio Research. So, no, BAT and Atma do not sound similar. IMHO, the Atma and Audiokinesis combo will be very, very musical and better many systems costing much more. The big Atma will heat up a room, but with a properly matched speaker, you will be fine with the m30 or m60.
curriemt11
220 posts
 
Well, I can confirm that the combination of the Atma-Sphere S-30 and the Audiokinesis Planetarium Beta is superb. I assume this would extend to the Jazz Modules as well. I live near Houston, which certainly gives New Orleans a serious run for its money with respect to most intolerable summers. The S-30 puts out heat, sure, but is really not a problem. It is as neutral as they come. Look elsewhere if you want warmth, at least the artificial kind.

By the way, guys, the model numbers are "S-30" and "M-60".
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