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 1 response by ultrakaz

Short answer is no.

I agree that all designs are a compromise. You have to decide what compromises are right for you. I have a 20 watt OTL and speakers with low impedences do not work well with it at all. This does not mean that it will sound good with all high impedence speakers either. But, as a general rule, with high impedence or flat 8 ohm speakers, the OTL will sound more transparent and fast than other amp designs.

Most OTL amp designers contend that the Berning is not a true OTL. With all the wires and circuitry in there it is amazing that it even works. It is more amazing when you hear the thing play- with all types of speakers. I believe that Mr. Berning is a genius who just happens to design amps. He is so far ahead of other designers (most of which use basic amplifier circuits created in the 50s- not entirely bad) that the only thing they can do is ignore him. I almost bought one, but........ The only drawback is that it is so unconventional that if it ever breaks you better pray that Mr. Berning is around to fix it (and have parts for it).