OTL Tube Amps-- are they superior to everything?

It sounds to me like you need to commit to an OTL amp, and then choose a speaker that works well with it. This is a big step, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a commitment. I also read quite a few reviews on the otlamp.com website. Although every reviewer liked them very much, Todd Warnke of Sound Stage seemed to zero in on the flaws they do have. So, I guess they don't do everything perfect, but then nothing does.

Sean, since I'm in Chicago, perhaps you could drop me a line, and maybe we could talk...

It sounds to me like you need to commit to an OTL amp, and then choose a speaker that works well with it. This is a big step, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a commitment. I also read quite a few reviews on the otlamp.com website. Although every reviewer liked them very much, Todd Warnke of Sound Stage seemed to zero in on the flaws they do have. So, I guess they don't do everything perfect, but then nothing does.

Sean, since I'm in Chicago, perhaps you could drop me a line, and maybe we could talk...

Someone has emailed me privately to express his opinion of the Atma-Sphere M60. He owned them, and found that the input stage creates distortion that you can hear, although they are transparent and real sounding. He claims most owners have modified the input stages of these amps.

What's all this about?

Trelja, you did mention OTL to me and I know that you own OTL, and you did provide me with some food for thought there. But you were not the Audiogoner I was referring to. You don't own Atma-spheres, which at the start of this thread, I mentioned were the amps this Audiogoner owned.

This is just a clarification, not meant to take away from your appreciated and insightful comments. Thanks again for the generous sharing of your experience and knowledge.

The Berning sounds very interesting, although I would be concerned about the complexity of the design and its execution, plus the fact that I believe Berning disappears and reemerges periodically. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Verybigamp obviously has some very strong feelings on these amps. I don't think I'll have to ask for others to react to this.

About the Berning, after seeing how it looks like someone made it in their garage, perhaps that explains the stingy two-year warranty. At $4,200 for a 10 pound amp, I think I'll pass. Mr. Berning obviously feels he would be paid well for his design abilities.

Twl, your comments show gross rudeness. Your adolescent, condescending comments should be kept to the high school playground.

You assert that the elimination of the output transformer accounts for an amp that weighs 10 pounds. Transistor amps don't have output transformers, but they have heavy power supply transformers, just as tube amplifiers have, either with or without output transformers. Your comment regarding this shows gross ignorance.

As far as opinions comparing them to 20K amps, there are many opinions comparing X, Y or Z amp to a costly counterpart. Berning has no corner on the market for such praises.

OK, OK......Maybe I don't fully know what type of design innovation Berning has devised, that no transformers are needed. I won't say anything more against it. I will admit that it is considered in high acclaim, so there must be something special there.

Thanks for your apology, Twl. Sorry for my overreaction.

Thanks for the kind words, Brulee. You're a class act yourself. Yes, Allanb & his friend amazed me in being so generous. I will be in contact with the gentleman and see if a listen can be arranged.

Hugs all around.............