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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
twl
3,251 posts
 
The Berning amp uses a high-speed switching supply instead of a normal power transformer. This was discovered to be superior about 20 years ago. So much for that argument.

You don't have to like the amp. But judge it on its merits, and not its weight. Weight has nothing to do with anything. As far as being ugly, ugly is as ugly does.
khokugo
122 posts
 
Berning lovers, including myself, it's not worth arguing with him, who apparently doesn't care for the sound.
allanbhaganinfo
121 posts
 
Oh boy, let's keep it to the topic, everyone is entitled to their opinion, that's for sure.
I think Saxo might not fully understand what a Berning designed amp is and maybe rightfully so, as this industry is full of BS an BS'rs, so if I was an outsider, I too would be skeptical of such a claim, so Saxo may be reacting just as I might, if I did not get to know this design first hand or at least still trying to get to know it, WOW!

Just a note, there is a number of highly regarded speaker companies that use the ZH-270 as reference amps, one being an Italian company, that makes some of the most beautifully finished speakers in the world, yet they chose this ugly duckling.
saxo OP
98 posts
 
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.
brulee
564 posts
 
Twl, Berning has had a few amps, preamps go down. But what service! I get the feeling all production stops until repairs are made. I know of only two. He was very upset, these are his babies. Turn around for these two were sent back two day's after Berning Received them. If you buy from Berning and you are I of the very few that has a problem, no need to worry. I get the impression he worries more than the customer. We need more customer service like Mr. Berning delivers.
And yes, there is something very special there.
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