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Amps Atma-Sphere M-60 Mono blocks OTL design

I just purchased a used OTL Atma-Sphere M-60 mono blocks that I have sent to Atma-Sphere to be upgraded to the current model 3.3 and I also added the option of a higher quality power supply and V caps.

I have sold my old trusted Eggleston Andra 2’s speakers and have built some monitors using Aurum Cantus ribbons (102db) and Aurum Cantus midwoofers (90db) that are both rated as 8 ohm nominal. I have a DEQX Premate and will be crossing over to (2) JL Audio F-113 subs at 80hz.

Currently I am using a solid state high power stereo amp (Pass Labs) that I used with the Andra 2’s.

The Atma-Sphere M-60 is rated at 60 watts class A and is said to work better with higher impedance loads.

It will probably be a few weeks until I get the M-60 and was hoping someone could provide opinions of what to expect.

I listen to late 60 early 70’s classic rock music mostly. Sometimes loud.

ozzy

128x128ozzy
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Ozzy,
When you described the Atma-Sphere as more natural sounding than the Pass Labs,  case closed IMO.  What's more desirable than improving that elusive characteristic? Natural = organic= realism. 
Charles 
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,239 posts
 

Charles,

Yes, it is a pleasure to listen to it.

ozzy

lula
208 posts
 
Ozzy,
I've been considering a Pass xa30.5 vs Atma-Sphere S-30, which I assume is pretty similar to your amp comparison....just lower power. How would you describe the sonic differences? I prefer a full-bodied, dense tonality, but with bottom end slam....not looking for a lean, highly detailed presentation.
Thanks,
Phil
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,239 posts
 
Phil, That's a tough one. First off are you sure you want to stay in the low power arena? I guess it depends on your speakers. Now, I had the X series Pass Labs and you are talking about the XA so its hard to compare. I like the Atmasphere because of its purity of natural sound. ozzy
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
Ozzy, I don't have the Zero's. I only mentioned it because when I changed the crossover settings of the M5-HP, things sounded grainy/shrill. John Rutan said it was that the circuit needed to settle in for about 60 hours or so. Hence, I was wondering that if you changed the Zero settings, it, too, might need to 'burn in' in order for you to gauge the differences in sound quality. As I said, it may not be the same thing, but I thought I would mention it.
Glad to hear the Atma's living up to your wishes.
Bob
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