OTL Tube Amps-- are they superior to everything?


A recent conversation I had with an Audiogon member got me interested in OTLs. His opinion is that nothing compares to them for clarity, naturalness and superiority in just about every area. The Atmaspheres are the amps he has, and they are purportedly very stable, unlike most other OTL designs, which many can tell you were a living nightmare.

This is ironic, because some mfrs., like McIntosh, actually put output transformers on their better solid state pieces, claiming they provide superior sonics.

What is the truth here?
saxo

Showing 4 responses by brulee

IMO, Tubegroover and Twl opinions are right on. Must use common since in speaker choice, but you may be amazed at how many speaker options are open to you. Take a listen, you may never want to hear another SS amp again.
Twl, Berning has had a few amps, preamps go down. But what service! I get the feeling all production stops until repairs are made. I know of only two. He was very upset, these are his babies. Turn around for these two were sent back two day's after Berning Received them. If you buy from Berning and you are I of the very few that has a problem, no need to worry. I get the impression he worries more than the customer. We need more customer service like Mr. Berning delivers.
And yes, there is something very special there.
Twl and Saxo, this reminds me of another thread. Thank you both for making me feel so at home. I love the passion of these kind of threads. After seeing the same questions asked over and over. Threads like this and a few others remind me of the old day's. I mean there's Tubegroover, Wellfed, Twl, Sean, and one if not my favorite, Trelja, all on the same thread. Ya gotta love it. i am sure we will be hearing some input from Jcbtubes once he gets back Sat.
Saxo, I do not mean this as criticism, but the Berning and Atmasphere are two different animals. At least in sound. I know the Berning and IMO, the Atmasphere ain't no Berning. I can also say the Berning ain't no Atmasphere. Great to see so many of the old regulars, not to mention the newer ones.
Ya gotta lotta class Saxo. Please don't feel alone. i have been there many times and i suppose i will be there many more times. I have no problem when i make an apology when one is due. I have no problem not to apologize just for the sake of an apology. Twl IMO, deserved your apology (like i should talk) I would take my hat off to you Saxo if i owned one. Hope to see you around more often.
allanbhaganinfo, what a warm gesture. It's people like you that show with action rather than words, a man who deserves respect. You sure got mine!