Atma-sphere Updates


As some of you know I have had a few pieces of equipment updated by the Atma-Sphere Crew. I picked them up on the used market. Otherwise, I’d never be able to afford such quality gear.  First would like to say I have never seen a company in which it’s employees take so much pride in their work.  Hats off to Ralph and everyone at Atma-Sphere. Best CS I’ve ever had with any company. And I do mean ever...
   Secondly I have had a pair of M60’s 3.0, and a pair of MA-1’s 3.1 updated to 3.3 versions. Also had Adam Hot Rod my UV-1 to the Hottest UV-1 ever built. A couple friends had MP-3’s updated to 3.3 status also. In each case of the Amps and MP-3’s they came back like a completely different piece of gear.  The updates  are such a difference it’s hard to believe it’s the same piece I dropped off.  The UV-1 was a big difference but not as dramatic. But it is a very simple bare bones circuit.  I would strongly suggest if anyone hasn’t updated to the current model 3.3 you really should. You will not be disappointed in anyway. Especially on the Amps, incredible. Also Ralph gives you a brand new 3 year warranty when you update. Pretty hard to beat that. It’s like having a new system. 
  Simply put the 3.3 update is incredible. Everything sonically is improved. Which makes for a dramatic presentation upgrade. Ralph took great pieces of gear and made them incredibly better. His 3.3 update was the biggest advancement I think he’s had in my opinion.  My MA-1’s will be my forever amps. Now I dream of owning an MP-3. 

Atma-sphere fanboy I am self admitted.... lol
128x128pstores


"Please open up your mind and understand the scope and reasonableness of the cautionary statement "

No you are quite wrong.Modern adhesives are extremely robust and are highly suited to all sorts of engineering,building and industrial applications.They are also more capable of maintaining their integrity following knocks and shocks than more rigid alternatives.And that type of adhesive is what is used in that product.I have seen components come loose from nuts and screws fracturing due to shock or contraction/expansion .That is much less likely to happen with a good adhesive.I run a business involved with constuction and the use of adhesives like that as well as other fastening materials.Modern adhesives are fantastic products.

So those comments were anything but reasonable and could very easily be judged as malicious.And if they were reasonable why did Atmasphere delete many of the worst ones himself [which he said he had done] when other members here cautioned him to do so?



Here is an article on the trend towards replacing welding and bolting of components in the automotive industry with adhesives because they are structurally superior.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&...
And if they were reasonable why did Atmasphere delete many of the worst ones himself [which he said he had done]
@jtgofish 

This statement is incorrect. I've yet to delete any of my posts and stand by them. You are also mistaken about my intent.


Are you saying that the glues used are of a similar high tech nature used in the product in question?
I dont think we are discussing space age adhesives. More like cheap hot glue and double sided carpet tape. What Ralph is discussing is the questionable building practices he has seen with other components. I would assume he works on other products from time to time and has most likely looked under the hood of a greater number of components than you or I. I want to know the real reason why you just wont let this go. There must be some motive other than want stands on this thread. Why dont you give us your name? 
I know the rest of us know this and it’s probably best to just drop it so the outlier hopefully grows board or the mods delete his hyperbolic posts. He is intent on not accepting reasonable considerations and running down the narrow lane of assuming the worst of ____ and using off-point arguments. This is not about space age adhesives.
I keep reading this thread and just keep shaking my head in amazement.  What I see is a large number of folks who have been very pleased with their interactions with Ralph and/or their experiences with Atma-Sphere products.  My goodness, if this were high school he would be king of the prom, would he not?  I am a happy owner of a set of M-60 amps.  I've had a number of interactions with Ralph within the context of my ownership and as an Audiogon contributor.   My interactions with him have been above reproach.   I can only say that if you are not happy with Ralph and his work, this may not be the best hobby for you.  It is probable that you will experience much frustration.  
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I just want to add another positive vibe post to Ralph and his crew.  I have had a bunch of their gear, and dealt with them on upgrades of a few pieces.  They have always been awesome to deal with, and the performance of their products is breathtaking (I have a loaded MP-1 MK3.3 and MA-2 MK3.3).  Its awesome that Ralph always works with older customers on upgrading old gear to new specs, and providing honest feedback on what those upgrades might do for you.  It is a tough position being a manufacturer and participating in forums.  I am so glad that Ralph does!
I have interacted with some companies and decided I would never buy another product from them.

Atma-Sphere is definitely *not* one of those. Ralph is a great contributor and makes a great product. Wouldn't hesitate to buy from him. 
Wow just saw this thread . 
Ralph and Atma-Sphere have been nothing but professional and insightful in their activities on A-GON. 
Someone is definitely mistaken about the company and their dedicated employees.
+1 firberger.
Atma-sphere has been extraordinarily helpful. I enjoy my MA1 amps. Upgrades have been reasonable.
Ralph’s advice is very unbiased, in my judgement, even if we don’t always agree.
I own MA-1 mk3.1 upgraded to mk3.3 and MP-1 mk3.3. Once the MP-1 arrived, I quickly replaced the three fuses on the power supply unit. Ever since, I always complained to Ralph, his preamp hummed so badly. The phono stage also making noise. Ralph told me, it was very silent when they're testing the product at factory.

A few weeks went by, I couldn't stand the hum which immediately starts when I engaged the B+ on MA-1, I brought my MP-1 to a very reliable local tech.

He opened up the top plate and check everything. Nothing's wrong. Finally, he noticed that my fuse holders, those two small holders were not tight enough. So he helped me tightened it.

And my MP-1 is silent ever since. My bad, I was careless when replacing the fuse myself.

During those email and phone conversation with Ralph when I was frustrated with the hum, Ralph provided many feedback and instruction on how to check if any other my equipment caused the hum. Thanks to Ralph's patience and professionalism. He's a man with great passion for music and great with customer service as well. I stand with Ralph.
@ferrox,

Great Post!
Everytime I have issues with my system, the problem is usually from another component, and not Atmasphere.
Bob