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Atma-Sphere MA-1s Incoming

67.174.219.72

Posted on July 22, 2021 at 14:22:50
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
Well I ordered a brand-spankin' new pair of MA-1s from Duke LeJeune and Ralph to drive new Sound Lab 645s. A shout out to Duke who did a great job of answering all my questions remotely.

 

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RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 10:15:13
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 722
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
...great product and great people you're dealing with.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 10:21:28
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
It pains me to buy new, but I do feel a bit better supporting two long-time innovators.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 11:16:35
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 722
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
You've bought into a support group that is second to none with the fact that both vendors know your amps AND speakers like the backs of their hands. BTW, I've had the MP-1/M60s for 20 years now (bought new) and nothing ever breaks. When you think something is wrong, it, invariably, turns out to be a tube. I do recommend using a DVM to set DC offset and bias (tho you may have auto bias) as opposed to using the built in meters (accuracy) and learn how to inspect the "fusible link" for each triode of the 6AS7s for failures. Your combo will sing.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 11:31:46
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
I built my M60s about 1994, so I've got a lot of experience with Ralph's magic. I was tempted to go a different direction (Benchmark Class H/A/B or Pass Labs 600.8), but at the end of the day decided to stick with the magic I know and love.

I sent my M60s back to Ralph about 5 years ago to be upgraded to III.2 version. I retubed them when they were returned and had zero issues since. I figured the tubes were due for replacement a few months ago even though I didn't have any issues. After a few infant mortalities the amps have been trouble free and find sounding since. By the way just because the fuse is intact does not mean a drama-free start up--I had some smoking hot (literally) NOS AS7s in this last batch. Only after which I learned that Ralph recommends running NOS tubes in stand by for several days to avoid arc-over events.

I am a tad concerned the MA-1 won't have enough grunt for the 645s, but I just don't have room or power for MA-2s. Plus there are quite a few people running MA-1s especially on the newer more efficient panels.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 11:46:55
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 722
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
I would amend your statement that Ralph recommends preconditioning NOS 6AS7s
by way of saying that (unless I, myself, have misunderstood) he really doesn't advocate the use of older NOS power tubes (such as the 6080) but IF you do choose to go that route, be sure to precondiotion first.

BTW, I cannot imagine that the Benchmark amp would play in the same zip code as the MA-1s. IMHO.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 12:12:48
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
I don't recognize the 6080 number. I was referring to these GE JAN 6AS7GA tubes at Parts Express. I had about 20% infant mortality (which Parts Express replaced, but even with a 20% hit the effective price is still comparable to the Sino tubes).
https://www.parts-express.com/6AS7GA-6AS7-GE-JAN-Vacuum-Tube-072-612?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0emHBhC1ARIsAL1QGNfJ69-3kP3DXFiyUhh_22_8mWLodh1ed_uNoPN8Hv_BOJ9mDHn4rdYaAmf0EALw_wcB

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 23, 2021 at 13:31:34
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 722
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
Sorry but I can't offer anything useful on NOS 6AS7s as I have no personal experience with them. I've stuck to Sovteks all these years except for a brief fling with the Chinese 6N31 variant, which proved to be a bad move.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 26, 2021 at 11:50:59
marc g.
Audiophile

Posts: 3329
Location: New Orleans
Joined: October 14, 1999
" except for a brief fling with the Chinese 6N31 variant, which proved to be a bad move."

I don't remember that. Why was it a bad move?

voolston - audiophile by day, music lover by night!

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on July 26, 2021 at 12:55:11
acres verde
Audiophile

Posts: 722
Location: Big Easy
Joined: November 13, 2004
High failure rate and short life span...pretty much in line with all of the Chinese tubes I've tried whether driver or power.

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on August 2, 2021 at 16:00:38
MRMB
Audiophile

Posts: 130
Location: Midwest
Joined: August 16, 2001
ACHiPo, congratulations on your ownership of two outstanding products. I own MA1's and fairly new SoundLab Majestic 845's (my 3rd. S/L pair). The Atma-sphere/SoundLab combination is blissful.

Either herein, or on the SoundLab Owners Group (http://www.soundlabowners.com/), if you get the chance, I would enjoy reading any comments you have regarding the two products and your experiences....
-Mike

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on August 2, 2021 at 16:54:54
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
"congratulations on your ownership of two outstanding products. I own MA1's and fairly new SoundLab Majestic 845's (my 3rd. S/L pair). The Atma-sphere/SoundLab combination is blissful.

Either herein, or on the SoundLab Owners Group (http://www.soundlabowners.com/), if you get the chance, I would enjoy reading any comments you have regarding the two products and your experiences....
-Mike"

Mike,
Thanks. I expect I'll be a proud papa and post about everywhere I can when I get my new toys!

Do you have a description of your room and system posted anywhere? I'm down the acoustic treatment rabbit hole at the moment while I wait for the speakers and amps, and am trying to figure out what additional treatments I need (if any) to realize the benefits of the 645s and MA-1s.

Evan

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on August 2, 2021 at 18:47:41
MRMB
Audiophile

Posts: 130
Location: Midwest
Joined: August 16, 2001
"congratulations on your ownership of two outstanding products. I own MA1's and fairly new SoundLab Majestic 845's (my 3rd. S/L pair). The Atma-sphere/SoundLab combination is blissful.

Either herein, or on the SoundLab Owners Group (http://www.soundlabowners.com/), if you get the chance, I would enjoy reading any comments you have regarding the two products and your experiences....
-Mike"
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"Mike,
Thanks. I expect I'll be a proud papa and post about everywhere I can when I get my new toys!"

"Do you have a description of your room and system posted anywhere? I'm down the acoustic treatment rabbit hole at the moment while I wait for the speakers and amps, and am trying to figure out what additional treatments I need (if any) to realize the benefits of the 645s and MA-1s."
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Evan,

I see an "ACHiPo" on the SLOG (SoundLab) forum. In fact if ACHiPo is also your moniker there, you replied to a post I made (user: MikeB) about Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables (and SoundLab's), wherein you asked about amp current vs voltage. I didn't see your question until just now. So, I didn't respond.

Nevertheless, I brought up the SLOG forum again, because your room question deviates from the OTL nature of this forum and this thread; thus, it would be more interesting and appropriate to re-post your above room question on the SLOG. There, I will be happy to provide my room experiences.

However, since your dealer, Duke (who is also a superb speaker designer in his own right), you have access to some of the best advice on the subjects of SoundLab's and Atma-spher's that I know! Duke knows more about them and their "like's and dislike's" than I will ever know.

As suggested above, in Roger, Ralph and Duke, you're already dealing with well over a century of combined audio design experience; with three of the most knowledgeable and true gentlemen (in every sense of the word), in our hobby!

There is no one best audio component! But, you are the owner of two of the best of the best components that are available. If you haven't heard SoundLab's in your home, you are in for a real treat! Plus, your new Atma-sphere MA-1's will make your 645's truly "sing"!!
-Mike

 

RE: You aced the test..., posted on August 2, 2021 at 19:05:19
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
Mike,
Good to meet you again!

I'm fine with posting wherever it is appropriate. I don't want to pollute the OTL thread with SL and acoustic stuff.

Evan

 

Stay away from any 6AS7GA, posted on August 9, 2021 at 12:11:03
Ralph
Manufacturer

Posts: 4769
Location: Minnesota
Joined: April 24, 2002
I was referring to these GE JAN 6AS7GA tubes at Parts Express.

Any 'A' variant will be unreliable!

 

RE: Stay away from any 6AS7GA, posted on August 9, 2021 at 12:21:55
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016
Good to know Ralph. Thanks!

The 8 that made it through burn in continue to work well, but I'll stick to Chinese or Russian tubes going forward.

 

RE: Atma-Sphere MA-1s are Here!, posted on September 25, 2021 at 17:45:34
ACHiPo
Audiophile

Posts: 67
Location: California
Joined: March 26, 2016



Amps arrived this afternoon. Got them unboxed, tubes installed, and powered up in standby overnight.

 

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