Monoblocks to consider?

If you want a fantastic bottom end slam consider the Innersound mono amps,excellent amps with unlimited power.

I'd recommend adding another ZH270 then strapping the channels making them into monoblocks. The combo is killer, I did it with my old Soundlabs and it was the best amp combo I have heard to date. This might make more sense than switching to old school tube amp technology. The Atmasphere will run much hotter, have much less bass drive, are way more high maintenance and less efficient than (2) Berning ZH 270's. with channels strapped.

Chris,
You stated with respect to Atma-Sphere,
Atmasphere will run much hotter, have much less bass drive, are way more high maintenance.

I have been running 4 MA2-MK III's for almost 2 years now, and I have lost 3 power tubes during this time. This is the lowest tube loss I have ever had when running Audio Research, Air Tight, and Bat, and this is with 4 monoblocks or 80 power tubes in total. I have not heard the Berning, so I can not comment as to how its bass compares to Atma-Sphere's, but I have never heard better bass. I agree that Atma-spere's do produce heat, but my air condition easily keeps this in Check and does not appear to noticeably run more than it normally would when amps are not powered up. Sonically, I can not imagine amps sounding better, more accurate or musical.
Happy listening

Hi Dgclark0007, I agree Atmasphere amps sound good, no question about it. Berning amps are mega reliable, stable and low maintenance designs. Tubes last a very long time due to the grid drive. It would take much longer than 3 years before requiring a drive tube replacement for a ZH270. Bass from the Bernings are world class, they are not outclassed by much. If comparing apples to apples the new Berning Quadrature designs would be a better direct comparison to the MA2 MKIII as the Atmasphere amps cost nearly 7 times what a single 270 did when new. Resale value on used Berning products is also very high. Ultimately, I feel as long as you are happy with your gear and your system thats all that really matters. Cheers, Chris

Hi guys,

Heat from the amps is not a problem... however, reliability and the need to 'just use' an amp is essential - that is one reason why I didn't consider the Joule mono's.

It would seem most of you believe the Berning has damn good bass and the latest spec Merlins should cause a problem, so it leads me to think it might be my room.

I really do like the idea of the Atmashere amps, but there is point in investing if my room is the problem.

Cheers,

Monty