Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

My wish list:

1.  People would only use the words “better than” when referring to specs

2.  When referring to sound the would say “I prefer… and then why

3.  Amp designers would state their objective… straight wire with gain….low distortion with 2nd harmonic dominant….low distortion with 3rd harmonic dominant …etc….. I think Ralph has said this describes his amp  

4.  Audio enthusiasts would admit that the best products all sound so good that on any given day, what you preferred yesterday may not be preferred today  

As for Ralph’s class d amps… is the music vivid and engaging?  Are the harmonics rich?  Do pianos sound right?  How about horns?  Is there sibilance? Is the soundstage engulfing?  How do cymbals sound?  How about drum hit?

These are some of the things that will convey to me how the amp sounds and whether I should try it  

Here is a link to a photo of the rear of the amp. 
 

thanks ralph....I suspect that this is part of the explanation as to why your amps sound so good.

follow up question regarding a higher powered class d amp...would this be of much benefit to people running speakers with 90db+ sensitivity and listening below 85db?

Three comments here:

1. Once you modify stuff, the value usually goes down.

2. Ralph’s stuff on the resale market sells pretty quickly

3. Ralph’s stuff on the resale market holds its value

Even if wood or glue or other things would improve the sound, why would you take the chance?

Having heard Ralph's amps at the Florida Audio Expo, I wouldn't touch them...well, except to plug them in, turn them on and enjoy!

It’s ok to prefer no distortion… think acoustic guitar. 

Its ok to prefer some distortion… think electric guitar with tube amp and pedals.

Preferences are just those… no right or wrong  

Not worth disputing… not worth debating.

Thanks Ralph for making another great product.

It feels as if this whole issue of numbers and measurement is being extolled for the purpose of creating an argument.  The product designer has the right to publish whatever numbers they choose.  The customer has the right not to buy a product if numbers are important to them and there are no numbers to be found.

We all know that numbers often don't tell the story of how something will sound...I really like this statement from Floyd Toole because I think it captures the essence of why arguing about the validity of a product because you don't have the measurements is missing the mark:

"Audio is Art and there are aspects of the art for which we there are no scientific or technical measures yet we have little difficulty describing our reactions, positive and negative, when we hear....."

It would be of great benefit if everyone, before they post a comment, lead with whether they have heard the product they are commenting on...either in a store, at a show or in their home system.  I've heard the Atmasphere class d monos at a show and said good things about them.   

It would be a shame to see the thread deleted….but, It would be beneficial to see a lot of the posts deleted. 
 

Hopefully, this thread can get back on track with Atmasphere class d owners sharing their experience with the amp. 

I’d suggest not questioning or addressing kurobo on this thread… let’s keep on track for/about Ralph’s amp. 
 

Bob… can you post a pic of the black faceplates?

Ralph, I see Bob hasn’t responded. Do you have a couple photos of your class d amp with the black faceplate that you can post…or link to?

Bob… thanks…in my case, my amp is setting out on full display in the main living area.