set vs otl, which is the most musical

atma-sphere's used to have fans in them for cooling. They do run hot but i could name a few non otl amps that ran hot too. With otl amps its more a function of what type of output tube there using and how their biasing the tube. Generally speaking u wont find otl amps using 6550 or 6CA7's as this would be an impedence mismatch. G. Garfield

I would agree with Thomasheisig with regard to the Atmas. I once heard these amps with the top of the line full range Sound Lab Electrostats and almost fell off my chair. The sound was nothing short of breathtaking. The problem I have with SET amps is there output capabilities and distortion products. Ten percent distortion can't be taken seriously as an audiophile product as it's a profound sonic coloration. I know that sounds rather brutal but its just my opinion. Even though a piece of gear has its own inherent sound, I would preffer something that creates less coloration and a bit more neutrality. I don't want everything to sound pretty. G. Garfield