Zero Feedback: Atmasphere vs. BAT


Do Atmasphere and BAT have similar sound because they both use low or zero feedback tube designs?

I am considering these amps for my 8 ohm 89db Spendor S8e's.

I am looking for smoothness, Transparency and sound on the warm side. I am leaning toward a BAT VK75, it can be upgraded and it runs AB instead of the hot class A. You can also upgrade to VK 150. From what I can gather the 140 watt MA1 is superior in the area of dynamics, that would be the main reason to go Atmasphere to the best of my knowledge as OTL is super fast and more of a rock out style.

I am looking for used gear that can be supported over the long term by a good company.
scottlanterman

Showing 2 responses by dgarretson

The BAT topology is not exactly push-pull, but rather single-ended floating bridge(similar to Atma-Sphere), as described by Victor Khomenko:

"The VK60 is neither a traditional single-ended design nor a push-pull design. We refer to the VK-60 through VK-1000 amplifiers as single-ended bridge designs. This fundamental circuit dates back to the early 1950's and was invented by Henry Wiggins while working for the ElectroVoice Company. The original name for this type of output topology was Circlotron. The single-ended bridge design relies upon two single-ended amplifiers arranged in a floating bridge formation. This differentiates it from other forms of bridge topologies, most of which effectively incorporate two push-pull sides. The output circuit is inherently balanced and is driven differentially from a preceding stage. The two DC bias currents that exist in each half of the output stage cancel each other in the load. It is a more expensive way of building an amplifier as it requires multiple floating power supplies, as opposed to the more traditional ground-referenced supplies. The benefits of this approach, however, include enhanced symmetry when compared to push-pull designs and lack of the DC saturation problem inherent to single-ended designs."

After hearing an Atma MA-1 I was ready to sell my VK-75SE, but instead set about modding the piece to the point that I feel I'm getting similar performance. Both manufacturers provide excellent customer service, with Ralph at Atma going the extra mile regarding customization, upgrades, and long-term personal relationships with customers.

You can't go wrong with either of these similar designs. However Atma OTLs need to be closely matched to speakers with benign impedances, and they do run hotter.
This is true. BAT tube amps have liquidity and suppleness similar to SETs. However, IME their paper-in-oil coupling caps slightly blunt dynamics, bass control, and resolution. With a swap to better coupling caps the BAT amps gain in these areas and in neutrality and perceived extension at frequency extremes-- which is characteristic of Atma-Sphere.