Atma Sphere deserves praise

The .1 update to the amp circuit was Ralph discovering some new topology that went against traditional thinking on the subject. He made quite sure that what he discovered was in fact a step forward before unleashing it on the world. The cost are quite reasonable for the sonic upgrade. The preamp has some new ideas as well that make it more transparent. *dealer/fan hype alert*
While the cost of the gear was never cheap, I thought it always represented a good value. With these latest updates, with the level it performs at, the gear has become an absolute bargain.

04-24-10: Pubul57
Mmike84, I do see what you are saying about ARC, and it can be quite annoying to own a MKii when a MKiii comes out, but when they can, they have provided an upgrade option (not always possible), but in spite of that, they do make good sounding equipment and have provided support for there products about as well as anyone. But I can see some skepticism can creep when thinking about the number and frequency of updates, espcially with amps and preamps where good design has been well know for a long time now. Digital is another story.
Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers)

I whole heartedly agree about digital.

I'm also not questioning the quality of AR products and I don't mean to pick on them. I run a company so am sympathetic with their right to make a profit (which they seem to be doing very well).I don't know what a typical MK II to MK III upgrade costs but I'm willing to wager it's more than $500.

The argument the lack of upgrade paths is usually the result of build compromises to save $ upfront has some merit, except comparable AR products are not cheaper than Atma Sphere so it would seem the product savings up front are going to the manufacturer not the consumer.

I agree with Jtimothya that point-to-point does allow for a much easier upgrade policy, just much easier to make "alterations" to a basic design. I also agree that ARC certainly takes care of the owner of a unit that choose to keep - the annoyance is that audionervosa tends to set in with a perfectly good v.2 is no v3 and you can't follow the progress without selling your devalued unit to by the newer, "better" unit, which isn't in fact always better, but the itch is there to find out. Is it purposeful strategy to move new product, or the legitimate and natural march of "progress"? Hard to tell, but it is nice to know that if you want to take the step with Atma-sphere gear it is usually possible and affordable to have Ralph's latest thinking, even when the topology of the chassis changes. That being said, if you has a ARC LS5 and sent to ARC to replace capacitors and maybe some other passive parts you would still one of the best preamps ever made and ARC would be committed to keep it working as intended as long as you own it. So I do respect ARCs products and support, but prefer owning Atma-sphere gear because it allows me to stay with the evolution of the product - in part because the basic design was so good to start with and it is easy to keep an older unit as it gets sorted out with incremental improvements.

One concern I have with such a hands-on owner is the succession plan. What does the future hold when, or if, the company ceases to exist, or the owner retires, etc.

True, and sometimes unfortunate, yet our hobby is better for the likes of Mike Sanders, Ralph Karsten, George Wright and Paul Marks.

Is it purposeful strategy to move new product, or the legitimate and natural march of "progress"?

Yes. It is both and each is "legitimate and natural". The successful manufacturer is one who improves his product *and* stays in business. I appreciate the discussion and let's not forget about music.