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Atma-Sphere with Gilmore on HE 2004

Have anybody heard Atma Sphere Music Amplifier MA-2 Mk. II.3 with some Gilmore speakers on HE 2004 NY ?
I have heard, read a lot about those output transformless tube amps, I was expecting audio nirvana, my expectation was very high, but what I heard was week non-dynamic, non-involving sound. Yes there was a lot of details nice soundstage, but still sound was lifeless. Was it speakers, or this transformless amps sound this way ?

I was mighty impress with transformfull :) Manley or VTL or even more with VAC Phi. I even went back after few hours one more time to Atma+Gilmore room unfortunately the some bad impression. Was it bad combination?
Does Berning's sound the some way ?
sorlowski

Showing 3 responses by trelja

trelja
3,224 posts
 
Sorlowski, you and I did not like the Atma Sphere/Gilmore sound at HE2004. I did not find it weak, or non dynamic, but harsh, irritating, and very shrill.

I also back up those here who feel the Atma Spheres are a stellar sounding product. I assure you that with a different speaker, the Atma Sphere amplifiers will sound a lot better.

However, if you witness Ralph's comments in my thread reviewing the show, you will see that he found the sonics to be first rate. I think it just comes down to preference. I think that is the kind of sound Ralph honestly likes, and more power to him. The converse is that most audiophiles will disagree, and would like the sound of his rooms better than shows where he has paired his amps with the CAR horns or these Gilmores. Still, it's his company, and he should go with what he believes in.

But, please try to give the amplifiers a listen with a different loudspeaker if you are at all able.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
I would encourage you to give OTL amplifiers another chance.

At the 2001 and 2002 HE shows, I found the Atma Sphere amplifiers sounded horrific with the Classic Audio Reproductions horns. Two months later, I heard the same amplifiers with a different pair of speakers and wound up buying them on the spot.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
Well, I think your invitation is a good thing, Ralph. Although I really disagree strongly about the competence of these speakers, and you must admit, I am really in the majority, they deserve the chance you are asking us to give.

From my vantage point, they represent an update of the old Carver Amazing Platinums, which seem to have always been out there used for about $1000, for a quite princely sum. I happened to like the sound of the Carvers, from what I remember - wish I bought that pair 16 years ago. Time will tell as to whether the Gilmore speaker is a player or not, although the market often undervalues deserving products, such as AtmaSphere amps, in favor of products less worthy. If these speakers actually mirror what is being passed through them, they deserve my backing off of my criticism. However, it seems that those coming to their defense are few and far between - can't say as I recall one person, but what do I know? I wonder how a manufacturer of a product like this, at a price like this, can find takers in the long run based on what I personally heard and the opinions of others that I trust.
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