2. amps-preamps
  3. 149644-80583

Just purchased a pair of Atma Sphere M-60 Mk 3's upgraded to 3.3's

Hello all, I feel I’m a novice when it comes to audiophile setups. Been spending the past 10 plus years buying and selling trying to get to the top in regards to hearing what I want to hear, you know, what sounds just right!

I feel like I’m satisfied in regards to the turntable setup, got me a Thorens TD 124 Mk I that I’m in the middle of high end mods.

My current amp and pre are the McCormack DNA 1 Gold upgraded and ALD 1 with a Micro line drive phono pre. I’ve had many variable speakers flying in and out of here that I can’t remember them all. The set I’m planning on keeping will be the Klipsch La Scala’s that have the preferred type AA crossovers and vintage K55V mid horns and K77 tweeters, both metal horn variety. I’m also in the process of making new custom cabinets, something exotic.

I also have a Crown 724 R2R for my tapes and an Oppo 193 modded DVD player for CD’s.

As great as the McCormack is, I happen to come across an opportunity to pickup a set of Atma Sphere M-60’s. Having a quick demo at the persons house I was blown away by the smooth soul pouring out of her speakers. They were her late husband’s and she wanted something simple to use and was moving these onto someone who would appreciate them.

Long story short I grabbed them but now I need to ask, will the McCormack ALD 1 do the system justice or should I get a Tube Pre to match the M-60’s and if so what? My budget right now can’t afford a MA-3 like I hope for, something in the $1K range until I can move the other stuff out.

Your suggestions are much appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read all of this!
kjack48230

Showing 5 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
I own both McCormack and Atma equipment and can say that Atma is probably going be the superior amp.-Unless, you send it to SMcAudio for upgrading, even then, I think Atma will still be a finer amp.
Regarding preamps, if you can swing it, get a MP-3 to go with your amp.

I have the MP-3 and am thinking of upgrading to the MP-1. Truly a fine piece of equipment. Once again, I think it will smoke the McCormack's.
Don't get me wrong. I love McCormack equipment. I run my office system with upgraded Mirco power amps (monoblocks) and a Microline Drive for my Vandy VLR's and am very happy with the results.
As MrDecibel recommended, give Ralph or his assistants a call.They answer the phone and are very knowledgeable. Heck, you can even call Steve or Pat at SMcAudio and get their take on this.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
@brownsfan .
I can't say I have ever experience 'glare' with my MA-1's using the Chinese Tubes that Ralph supplied.
What speakers and preamp are you using.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
Perhaps a zombie thread, but I have made a number of changes since posting last.
I ended up taking out the McCormack's and moved to Belles Aria Monoblocks and an Atma UV-1.
I tried the UV-1 with the McC Micro's but got horrible buzz. I even sent it to Ralph to sort out. He did improve it, but the buzz was too annoying. 
Bob
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
@atmasphere ,
Even with the Belles, I still get a buzz. Not as bad as with the McCormack's but still there. At least it is listenable.
B
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
@atmasphere ,
Thanks for replying, but I did helped with the buzz.
As I said, the Belles Aria monoblocks made a big difference. The buzz is still there, but at least it is not noticeable.
My office system is on a dedicated line with everything connected to it.
I am wondering if my HSU subs (connected through the UV-1 auxiliary outputs could be the culprit? Even when connected via the speaker outputs, I got a buzz.
Bob 
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