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Preamp Experiences with Atma-sphere Amps

I have finally swapped my CATJL2s for Atma-sphere M-60s and with my Merlin VSM-MXEs they are a revelation. Both are world class amplifiers, but I now beleive that IF you speakers are OTL friendly, it is hard to beat OTLs for speed, clarity, transparency, etc. In other words, I love them with the Merlins.

I would like to hear from those that have experimented with preamps that match well with the Atma amps, including the Atma pres versus others, and passive pre experiences if you have tried it. Right now I'm using a Joule LA-150 MKII that is single-ended and sounds fantastic and quiet so I'm not sure that simply running quieter with balanced outs is a goal, but I'm open. I'm single sourced with Accustic Arts transport and DAC with at least 2V output (might be higher)but it does seem the Atmas need some gain to drive them with their highes input sensitivity. Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom and experiences.
pubul57
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Mrderrick, or others, do you think the Atma pre works very well with the Atma amp, but might not be so strong with other amps? I real matter of synergy.
jtimothya
612 posts
 
I've used a Conrad Johnson ACT2 with both the M-60s and the MA-1s - both of those the mk.III versions. Though the cabling was limited to single-ended RCA, with 3 meter ICs the CJ had a good grip on the amps. Its a preamp flush with virtues and they and all that wonderful OTL transparency came through in spades.

However, in my opinion - and not to put too fine a point on it - there is a really obvious synergistic choice for your situation and that is the MP-1. I cannot think of another sub-$20k preamp I'd pick ahead of it to drive the M-60s.

Tim
jwm
918 posts
 
I tried my friends Atmasphere preamp (its there 15,000.00 one) with my VTL 450 monoblocks in balanced mode. I could not use it because it created a lot of hum. I am using a Audio Research Ref 2 mark 2 in balanced mode and it sounds wonderful. I have had several balanced preamps in my system with out hum. I think Atmasphere scheme on the balanced connector is not what most people in the industry uses. Ralph says otherwise, but the proof is in the pudding.
cvman
34 posts
 
I've heard that that the atma-sphere is potentially hum sensitive depending on the tubes used in it. More sensitive to tube matching and selection.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I've been experimenting with a passive attenuator made by Music Reference and it sounds extremely good to me, I won't say how cheap it is. It is dead quiet, apparently dynamic, and plenty loud at the 3:00 position. I was suprised as the Atma amp is fairly insensitive, but my DAC is built like a preamp in terms of power reserves and the 2 meter CARDAS GR cables have very low capacitance (lowest on the market?). They say "no preamp" is better than any active, but I can't help thinking that the right active with the Atma-spheres would be better, but my passive is making me question the whole active stage argument, at least in my set up.
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