Zero Feedback: Atmasphere vs. BAT

Hello Marakanetz,

If you look at the Atmasphere website they espouse very low to zero feedback and they claim to have achieved it. These guys often get very high praise by audio clubs that are not part of any audio magazine. I emailed them, and they do respond really well and are helpful even when dealing with someone looking to buy used gear. I think BAT is also very good from reputation and review. I wonder how they compare sound wise since one is AB the other is A?

Scott

It's a tough choice. I think if I want Atmasphere amps I will sell my Spendor's which I really like for their natural sound. I would look for something that could run on the M30, I thought that AudioKinesis Jazz Modules looked good with an M30.

I think with my S8e's I could enjoy BAT VK75 and then try a second and run Mono down the road if more power is required.

The question is should I sell and go with horns and low power class A? Should I keep what I have and go with something like the VK75? "Gold Plated Decibels", maybe that is what keeps the common man from having a world class system. Bottom line you may need effecient speakers to have the best gear feeding them at a reasonable cost.

That's where I am at today. Been listening to Spinnerette, Ghetto Love to distract me as I think about system re-design.

Thanks for your input.
Scott

Hi Dgarretson,

Thanks for the message confirming that if you want an Atmasphere amp, start with that choice and then roll forward. If I go Atma, it would be an S30 and then find some speakers that can go with it. I was thinking of DIY speakers to try and get world class sound on a budget.

I checked out your system, I am blown away by your engineering of basic components into something totally unique. Amazing.

Cheers!
Scott

A couple of years ago Nelson Pass (check out 1st Article on website, seems a must read for audio geeks) wrote on the subject of zero feedback. He talked about the distortion spectrum between an A circuit running zero feedback, and an AB running zero feedback, as well as the whole feedback concept creating less total distortion, but more of the complex unpleasant type. This was also covered in Stereophile, as they were gushing over a Cary 803C amp and zero feedback CJ Pre. In the back of that article the designer of the CAT Pre tried to inject some sanity in the conversation by saying it is not sooo simple.

Since I cannot listen to all the equipment in the world, I was wondering how BAT compared to Atma? From what I can tell their are fans of both with Atma perhaps being more trasnparent.

Still comes down to "Gold Plated Decibels" as a key factor if you want to have a class A set up, you gotta have effecient speakers if you want the option.

Thanks,
Scott

Sorry about that Unsound.

You can purchase a Krell KSA 200 or a Threshold, or a Pass XA200 or something else in the BIG Class A Tube range like TRL Tube amps ot ATM1.

It's a lot of energy and possibly big upfront cost going that route. I stand corrected. Still looks like "Gold Plated Decibels" when you factor in your energy bill and a lot of heat in the summer if you go big class A.

Best Regards,
Scott