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atmasphere

Responses from atmasphere

Preamp to pair with X250.5
Well of course we make tube preamps that are balanced and we have been doing it longer than anyone else, having introduced the first balanced preamps made anywhere, back in 1989.But if not our own the Calypso is one I would consider. Some of the n... 
How big of a difference do amps make?
The folks who love tube amps just like the colorations..This is incorrect. The folks that love tube amps have discovered that they enjoy a larger soundstage, greater detail and don't like the coloration known as brightness.Tubes can be guilty of r... 
Preamp to pair with X250.5
Isn't the Pass balanced? IMO/IME you will want something with tubes that is also balanced.The ability to drive long cables might also be nice. That is one of the reasons the balanced line system exists. That could allow you to place the front end ... 
Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3
I am not sure I would go with systems listed per OP. For example, I would probably go with the Devore loudspeakers, but if you want them to sound right (especially to play bass right) transistors are not a good idea. They are very tube friendly, a... 
How big of a difference do amps make?
OK:http://www.atma-sphere.com/Resources/Paradigms_in_Amplifier_Design.phpThe Merlin is designed on and for tube amps and is friendly to all tube amps as long as they make enough power. 
Which loudspeakers work best close to back wall?
My Classic Audio Loudspeakers are 6 inches from the rear wall. They image great with plenty of depth and I don't get a lot of boom- very natural bass, the best I have had in that room.They are also very easy to drive. 
DIY Amp Preamp building
Of course someone in Minnesota builds tube amps :) 
What makes a good piece of audio gear ?
With regards to the original post, new designs in amps are quite possible. Examples: Atma-Sphere (first fully balanced zero feedback OTLs), Berning (first zero hysteresis air-core transformer coupled amplifier, can be single-ended or fully balance... 
Question About Tube Dampers
Manufacturers of amps and preamps *do* use them. ARC has a proprietory damper for example. 
I'd probably lose this bet....
:) I'll bet you do.Sounds like there is an attempt with the geometry to control CI with that cable. 
Why do audiophiles shun feedback in amplifiers?
Learsfool, when you are not talking about orchestra musicians, the idea of long scale and short scale basses is well-known. A short-scale bass (electric, BTW) will have a neck about the same length as a guitar. A long-scale bass will have a longer... 
Question About Tube Dampers
If the dampers impair the tube's ability to get rid of heat then you can expect a shortened service life out of the tube. But usually they are a good thing sonically.I have heard people say that there is a problem with loss of air due to the tubes... 
Why do audiophiles shun feedback in amplifiers?
I listen to all sorts of music and even play electronic keyboards in my band. 'Tight' to me in its simplest definition is an artificial coloration imparted by overdamped speakers. You get a fast attack, but not so much body behind the initial thum... 
Screw-down reflex clamps vs. record weights
I've had excellent results with the Basis clamp. However the patter design on any 'table is crucial for optimal results. Plus the LP itself plays a role. Sometimes you are better off using an O-ring on the spindle to help dish the LP, other times ... 
Importance of line stage pre--Who Knew?
With tubes, the sins are mainly of omission meaning that they generally roll treble, round fast transients, and muddle things a bit in even the best designs. This makes the sound more "musical" at the expense of removing musical information, nuanc...