The Atlas paired with ARC ref2(SE) was the best sound I have made out of my system. I currently have the titan i, vdh xgp ref mk2, dyna xv1t. Previously had the airtight PC1, my sonic lab ultraeminent, koetsu coralstone. Briefly tried PC1 supreme and goldfinger (forget v1 or v2) .
I am also a mostly classical / jazz listener. Before the Atlas, I have 3-4 favorite carts as they have some unique strength and weaknesses. After the Atlas, all the other carts were much less played. The resolution, dymanics, detail, along with the new found tonal naturalness made the Atlas very addicitive.
The airtight line (pc1 and the supreme) are very dynamic and reasonably detailed. They are rich sounding and have a smooth treble. A little laid back. This can complement an overly bright/lean system. Airtights do not track the transients as faithfully as the lyras. The attack, sustain and decay are all there but not very interesting. The lyras will tell you more about how the note builds and disspipate. The VDH, XV1T are great in this respect too.
In my system, Goldfinger was quite similar to the MSL which was a little better than the airtight. A friend of mine found happiness with the new GF statement but I have not had the pleasure to hear.
I have listened to A90 many times but not in my system. I never felt the urge to try one but my experience is limited by systems showcasing the A90. Anna may be a lot better.
The lyra line have excellent QC as well. Excellent channel matching, low crosstalk, near perfect orientation of the stylus The Atlas will not dissappoint.
I am also a mostly classical / jazz listener. Before the Atlas, I have 3-4 favorite carts as they have some unique strength and weaknesses. After the Atlas, all the other carts were much less played. The resolution, dymanics, detail, along with the new found tonal naturalness made the Atlas very addicitive.
The airtight line (pc1 and the supreme) are very dynamic and reasonably detailed. They are rich sounding and have a smooth treble. A little laid back. This can complement an overly bright/lean system. Airtights do not track the transients as faithfully as the lyras. The attack, sustain and decay are all there but not very interesting. The lyras will tell you more about how the note builds and disspipate. The VDH, XV1T are great in this respect too.
In my system, Goldfinger was quite similar to the MSL which was a little better than the airtight. A friend of mine found happiness with the new GF statement but I have not had the pleasure to hear.
I have listened to A90 many times but not in my system. I never felt the urge to try one but my experience is limited by systems showcasing the A90. Anna may be a lot better.
The lyra line have excellent QC as well. Excellent channel matching, low crosstalk, near perfect orientation of the stylus The Atlas will not dissappoint.