Nice write up OP and I completely understand your upfront nagging concern of what they will sound like. It comes from your past experiences and that is completely reasonable. I am most interested in these amplifiers and will also have to allow my trust in Ralph to win over some of my up front Class D assumptions. Ralph is truly one of the very best designers and gentleman in the business.
Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing
Today I picked up my Atma-Sphere Class D Amps. These aren’t broken in yet. And they are simply amazing. I’ve listen to a lot of High End Class D. Some that cost many times what Atma-Sphere Class D costs. I wasn’t a fan of any of them. But these amps are amazing. I really expected to hate them. So my expectations were low. The Details are of what I’ve never heard from any other amps. They are extremely neutral. To say the realism is is extremely good is a gross understatement. They are so transparent it’s scary. These amps just grab you and suck you into the music. After I live with them some and get them broken in. And do some comparisons to some other high end Amps Solid State, Tubes and Class D’s, also in other systems I’ll do a more comprehensive review. But for now, these are simply amazing amps.. Congrats to Ralph and his team. You guys nailed on these.
Showing 9 responses by grannyring
Opinions are factual in the context here. They are factual because of the 100% subjective nature of the topic. Some just can’t handle the truth it seems. Measurements are simply data points. They have nothing to do with the reality of sonic preferences and resulting opinions. We just have to accept the sonic preferences and experience based opinions as truth for that person. |
@kuribo “Opinions are not facts” Opinions are certainly factual in the case of audio and sound preferences. 100% factual. In this hobby/passion of audio we must first recognize this one undeniable fact. How something sounds is 100% subjective and tied to one’s unique ears, room, associated gear and preferences. In fact, the only absolute truth of how something sounds, is found in one’s actual experience with the piece and their resulting opinion. That’s it. |
A fact is simply collected information and not universal. It is a fact that we each hear differently and own different systems in different rooms. It is a fact that we as unique human beings have varying sonic preferences. This is all accumulated information and fact. Our opinions flow from these differences. |
Great posts @atmasphere You answered all of these questions with precision and grace. In addition, we all learned a great deal. As an avid DIYer and modifier I know many pieces of gear can benefit sonically from parts upgrades and such. However, Ralph has articulately stated why some of these mods will not yield positive results in his design. I both believe him and trust his knowledge. |
+100 @jjss49 Ralph is a man gifted with patience along with his many other talents! |
I agree with Ralph regarding future sales of tube amps. Sure, some will always want to own one, but sales will erode dramatically over the next 10 years. Seems like a rather reasonable statement. Innovation in Class D amplification will continue and magnificent sounding options will be introduced at ever increasing speed delivering sonic improvements many felt impossible just a year or two ago. |
I suppose it’s still possible to have an opinion without some folks getting angry? Ralph, myself, and all Agoners have thoughts and opinions. No reason to make fun of or attack these opinions. This forum is simply a place to share them. I will add to my opinion here. Class D integrated amps with tube preamp sections will also grow in popularity. Tube preamps will continue to sell well in the future. Amplifier performance is also held back by the amplifier itself completely independent of the speakers. We are not producing flawless and perfect amplifiers. Yes, how amplifiers interact with imperfect speakers also plays a critical role sonically. No doubt. @fsonicsmith, no need to stop posting on this thread, but it would be helpful and kind if you worked on your demeanor and respected opinions that differ from yours.
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I do the same @mrdecibel for the same reasons. |