Subject: Atma-sphere Membership
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 07:14:36 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com
Folks --
Now there are five of us.
Reed
Subject: Atma-sphere Club Membership
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 06:35:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com
Greetings!
Here is a listing of our members to date:
Rebank@aol.com -- Edward
frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl -- Frits
asek@ix.netcom.com -- Albert
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com -- please email me as I've misplaced your name!
jharper@dialup.francenet.fr -- John
tre@ncplus.com -- Tre'
john_spellman@ml.com -- John
ReedLom@aol.com -- Reed
A fellow recently suggested that I replace the MIT coupling caps in my M60
MkIIs with the Wonder SETIs. Has anyone done this and, if so, was the result
beneficial?
John Harper and John Spellman are awaiting delivery of their M60 MkIIs, while
Tre' is in the process of building the kit. I'm sure they'd appreciate any
suggestions or insight other members of the group could provide.
Regards,
Reed
Subject: Technical Assistance
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 06:43:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com
Tre' poses the following question:
I'm running the output tubes [in my amps built from scratch] using the design
center values 135v at 95ma per tube. Do you know these values in the [factory
built] Atma-Sphere?
Anyone have the answer?
Reed
Subject: Fwd: Technical Assistance
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 13:04:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com (Mark and Jan Gilmore)
To: ReedLom@aol.com
Date: 97-07-06 11:21:54 EDT
ReedLom@aol.com wrote:
> Tre' poses the following question:
>
> I'm running the output tubes [in my amps built from scratch] using the
> design
> center values 135v at 95ma per tube. Do you know these values in the
> [factory
> built] Atma-Sphere?
>
> Anyone have the answer?
>
> Reed
Dear Reed,
You didn't say whether Tre' is using 6SA7G's of 6C33B's. I have no idea
what the 6C33B's should be doing. Ralph 6AS7G based amplifiers are 135v
and 60 ma per tube.
I hope this is helpful.
Best regards,
mark gilmore
Subject: Coupling Caps
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 13:06:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com
> A fellow recently suggested that I replace the MIT coupling caps in my
> M60
> MkIIs with the Wonder SETIs. Has anyone done this and, if so, was the
> result
> beneficial?
> John Harper and John Spellman are awaiting delivery of their M60
> MkIIs, while
> Tre' is in the process of building the kit. I'm sure they'd appreciate
> any
> suggestions or insight other members of the group could provide.
>
> Regards,
>
> Reed
Dear Reed,
Thank you for the update. Its a wonderful thing you're doing.
Its good to hear there are two new M60 MKII's about to be built.
As far as the coupling cap issue goes, I'm not the best to answer
because I have so much difficulty hesring the differences others claim.
Originally, I wanted to use the same Wonder caps in my MA-1 and MP-1
clones. Ralph told me that the Wonder caps take in excess of 300 hours
to break in and even then aren't optimum. The Pass caps are Ralph's cap
of choice and I'm using them too, although I have no idea what an
inferior cap os supposed to sound like.
FYI - The power supply in my MA-1 clone is working now. I am im process
of building the umbilical and then all I need to do is wire the chassis
of the head unit.
Best regards,
mark glimmer
Subject: Membership
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 16:59:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net
Fellow OTLers -- yet another member joins our ranks:
nalevy -- apparently located in Iceland or Sweden
Here is my system:
Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp
Atma-Sphere MA-1 amps
ProAc Response 3.5
VPI TNT III/Graham/Benz Ref
MIT cables
Subject: Fwd: Atma-Sphere Owners
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 20:18:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: Atma-Sphere Owners
Date: 97-07-14 13:27:17 EDT
From: MHR
To: ReedLom
Hi Reed,
I saw your post to the usenet regarding Atma-Sphere owners. I have just
completed a pair of M60 MkII amps. They sound wonderful! My other euipment
includes a rather generic Sony CD player coupled to a pair of passive volume
controls then to the M60s then to a pair of mini-monitors of my own design.
By the way my speakers have a 4 ohm impedance; the M60s drive them just fine.
Speaker cables are Goertz copper and my interconnects are homebrew magnet
wire spaced 1/4 inch apart for three feet or so. As they say this is a
minimalist approach.
Anyway, I am very interested in your endeavor and would like to be included
on the mailing list. I already have one request to another owner. I am
looking for someone that has built the Novacron kit and would make a copy of
the instructions and circuit so I could compare it to the M60.
All the best,
Mark R.
Subject: Fwd: Atma-Sphere Club
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 1997 15:13:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: hjgladstone@direcpc.com (Howard J. Gladstone)
To: reedlom@aol.com
Date: 97-07-19 13:18:39 EDT
I an buying Lee Desrosiers M60's that you may have seen listed on
rec.audio.*
I will be using them to drive Monitor Audio Studio 6 Speakers
Line stage is passive (EVS attenuators)
Phono is EAR 834P
VPI Jr table with Grado Reference Platinum Cartridge
Rega Planet CD player &/or Theta Pro Basic II Dac
Cables are various including Kimber (AGDL & PBJ)
Music Metre Signature
MIT 750
WireWorld Atlantis etc.
I am about to order some SupraPly from Sweden
I traded away CODA 10 and Audio Note OTO SE for a lot of stuff including
the M60's. The only OTL's I have heard are the Futtermans and Fourier
Triomphe's.
I almost bought a KSS 100 watt OTL but decided I 'd rather be around
when the various parties tweaking of the M60's reach a point where they
have made real progress in enhancing the mid-range on these amps ("300B
SE like"). Presently my only complaint is the high cost of upgrading the
M60 to Mk II status.
And you,
Howard Gladstone
Weston, FL
Subject: Biasing of M60 MkIIs
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 17:36:48 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
John Spellman informs me that the designer of Coincidence speakers says the
M60 bias meters won't accurately read tube bias if the connected speakers
have capacitors. Any input from members of the group would be appreciated.
FYI - I just acquired a Krell KPS-30i and am running it through a balanced
passive preamp to my M60 MkIIs. The Krell has a very low output impedance [I
believe about 38 ohms] and the amps seem to love it. Sound is very nice.
Reed
Subject: Fwd: Biasing of M60 MkIIs
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 17:57:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: hjgladstone@direcpc.com (Howard J. Gladstone)
To: ReedLom@aol.com
CC: Rebank@aol.com frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl asek@ix.netcom.com
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com jharper@dialup.francenet.fr tre@ncplus.com
john_spellman@ml.com nalevy@eathlink.net MHR@aol.com
Date: 97-07-29
17:53:32 EDT
ReedLom@aol.com wrote:
> John Spellman informs me that the designer of
Coincidence speakers
> says the
> M60 bias meters won't accurately read
tube bias if the connected
> speakers
> have capacitors. Any input from
members of the group would be
> appreciated.
>
> FYI - I just acquired a
Krell KPS-30i and am running it through a
> balanced
> passive preamp to my
M60 MkIIs. The Krell has a very low output
> impedance [I
> believe about
38 ohms] and the amps seem to love it. Sound is very
> nice.
>
>
Reed
Have you asked Ralph Karstens about this?
If you know the value of
the caps in your speakers can you make an
adjustment in evaluating the Bias
read-out, i.e., so it is still
"useful"?
Thanks
HG
Subject: Fwd: What's Going On?
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 17:58:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: spellman@swaps.ml.com (John Spellman X3644)
To: ReedLom@aol.com
Date: 97-07-29 17:58:04 EDT
> From ReedLom@aol.com Tue Jul 29 17:32 EDT 1997
> From: ReedLom@aol.com
> Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 17:32:39 -0400 (EDT)
> To: spellman
> Subject: Re: What's Going On?
> Content-Type> : > text>
> Content-Length: 579
>
> John
>
> In all honesty, I have no idea whether the ProAcs have caps. I've been
> biasing with the amps' onboard meters. Quite frankly, I would be inclined
to
> defer to Ralph Karsten's judgment on the issue. I doubt he would design and
> build amps with biasing meters which don't work with the vast majority of
> speakers. What about all the other tube amps with built in bias meters. Do
> they not work if the speakers have caps? Is there something weird on this
> issue because the amps are OTLs? I'll discuss this with Roanoke's resident
> tube amp guru and let you know what he says.
>
> Reed
>
The onboard meters not functioning if the speakers have caps is a comment
direct from Ralph himself. A voltmeter giving inaccurate readings is also
a comment from Ralph. Israel Blume, the designer of Coincident speakers
tells
me almost every speaker in existence has caps. I have tried using the
onboard
meters to bias the amps as per the instructions in the manual, and they don't
budge from 0.
Subject: Fwd: Biasing of Atma-sphere amplifiers
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 1997 20:55:43 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: ralph@atma-sphere.com (Ralph Karsten)
To: ReedLom@aol.com
Date: 97-07-29 19:38:36 EDT
>Ralph
>
>As the ostensible leader of an Atma-sphere users group, I need your advice
on
>something. One of our members informs me that you stated the bias meters on
>the M60 MkII will not accurately read/adjust bias if the associated speakers
>have capacitors. Please share your knowledge with us.
>
>By the way, my M60 MkIIs continue to improve with each listening session. I
>estimate 200 hours time on them to date. I'm running a Krell KPS-30i [I
>believe about 38 ohms output impedance] through a Reference Line Preeminence
>One B [series II] passive preamp to the M60s. Both pair of interconnects are
>Goertz Veracity XLRs; speaker cables are also Goertz. The naturalness of the
>sound is phenomenal! In the past, I've found such natural sound to be
>countered by weak resolution, detail, microdynamics, etc. Such is not the
>case with the Krell/M60 combination. Of course, the ProAc 3.5s don't hurt!
>
>Please give my regards to Bill. Happy listening!!!
>
>Reed Lombart
>
Dear Reed:
The output of the Atma-Sphere amplifier is a direct-coupled balanced bridge
(Circlotron) circuit. The only way to measure the bias current of the output
tubes accutately is to install a meter in series with the speaker load,
which is the function of the bias test post. At this point we have to find
some way to measure the current of one of the banks of output tubes, this is
accomplished by shutting down one of the power supplies temporarily (the
Bias Test Switch). At this point, DC current flows one way through the load
(instead of both ways causing a net cancellation). This is read by the
meter. If there is a capacitor in series with the load (as in some
satellites intended for use with a dedicated subwoofer), no DC current will
flow, preventing the meter from reading.
This problem is solved by replacing the entire speaker circuit with a
resistor of suitable value, say 5 ohms in the case of a four to eight ohm
speaker. After the procedure is completed the resistor can be removed from
the amplfier's terminals and the speaker cables reconnected normally.
I am intrigued by the your concept of an owner's group. You mentioned it
before-- have you got many members?
Sincerely,
Ralph
Subject: Fwd: Alpha-Core Goertz & Atma-Sphere Club
Date: Mon, 4 Aug 1997 19:09:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: Re: Alpha-Core Goertz & Atma-Sphere Club
Date: 97-08-04 19:07:25 EDT
From: ReedLom
To: hjgladstone@direcpc.com
HG
I'm using the Goertz Tourmaline [copper, 1.0m] XLR interconnects between
source component and passive preamp, the Tourmaline XLRs [8.0m] between
preamp and the M60 MkIIs and the Goertz Veracity [copper, 6 ft, biwire]
speaker cables. Previously, I'd used Purist Audio Design Colossus Rev.B
interconnects and 2 pairs of Colossus Rev.A [not biwire] speaker cables. The
PADs have very low impedance, but still about twice that of the Goertz
cables. Just as important as [some say more important than] the impedance
characteristics of the cables is their inductance. The Goertz have a lower
inductance than any other cables I've used or am aware of. I think the
biggest attribute of the Goertz is its speed. I tried the Nordost Red Dawn
interconnects and speaker cables also. While they were very good, I don't
think they were worth the price -- more than twice the cost of the Goertz.
Plus, the Nordost was a bit too shrill in the upper treble for my tastes. The
speed of the Goertz makes transients in the music sound realistic; their
ability to convey the holy trilogy -- note, sustain and decay -- is superb.
My only real criticism of the Goertz has to do with soundstage. While it's
good, it could be a lot better. For one weekend, I used a friend's Cardas
Hexlink Golden Five C interconnects [SE, not XLR] in my system. The only
really appreciable difference was in the soundstaging. It was massively wider
and somewhat deeper with the Cardas. Again, one must weigh the benefit
against the additional cost. Please keep me and the group posted on your
cable auditions. Regards,
Reed
Subject: Fwd: Biasing of Atma-sphere amplifiers
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 1997 19:19:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: ralph@atma-sphere.com (Ralph Karste)
To: ReedLom@aol.com
Date:
97-08-05 12:21:28 EDT
>Ralph
>
>On behalf of the Atma-sphere Owners' Club, I would like to extent
honorary
>membership status to you and Bill. By acclimation, the group
decided to waive
>the membership fees for you and Bill. [Actually, there is
no membership fee!]
>You are already affectionately referred to as "The
Grand Wizard of OTLs." I
>will keep you apprised of significant
developments/issues which arise in our
>group discussions.
Regards,
>
>Reed
>
Dear Reed,
His Grand Wizardship humbly accepts your
suggestion, and we both thank you
for the cost-free induction into the
society. You might be curious to know
that our dealer in Rep. San Marino
says that there is an Italian Atma-Sphere
enthusiasts group. You might want
to conatct him reagrding the names of
those persons involved.
I am
excited at the emergence of the Atma-Sphere Owner's Group, U.S.A.! You
have
our assurance that if the club actually gets going, we will channel
PLENTY
of outragous Atma-Sphere technical know-how to the organization by
way of
it's president. I can also be counted on for at least the occasional
article
of moderately truthful propaganda.
Let me know as soon as the club is
oficially established, and we'll link you
up to the atma-sphere.com website.
Ultra-official!
Oficially yours,
Bill Layer
Subject: Fwd: Atma-Sphere Owners Club
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 1997 18:33:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: Rebank@aol.com, frits@dutlhs1.lr.tudelft.nl, asek@ix.netcom.com,
wb6rhq@ix.netcom.com, jharper@dialup.francenet.fr, tre@ncplus.com,
john_spellman@ml.com, nalevy@eathlink.net, MHR@aol.com,
hjgladstone@direcpc.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: Ray.Shepherd@transquest.com (Shepherd, Ray)
To: reedlom@aol.com ('reedlom@aol.com')
CC: 1778@aol.com ('1778@aol.com')
Date: 97-08-13 12:16:15 EDT
Good Morning,
I think Bill Layer at Atma-Sphere has pretty much sold me on a pair of
M60's that he's using that have been upgraded to Mk II. I expect to
place the order this afternoon unless devine intervention occurs. At
any rate I'd love to get on the mailing list so that I can go ahead and
start making preparations for the arrival of the amps (sounds like a
newborn coming home from the hospital, huh?). I'd like to hear about
interconnects and cables that have worked for others so that I can avoid
unnecessary experimentation. I'm really anxious about the Atma-Spheres
since I'm converting from solid state electronincs and this will be my
first tube amp.
I'd enjoy talking with others who can help me in converting to the
'thermionic' side.
Other current equipment includes:
Linn Sondek LP-12 / Basik Plus tonearm / Sumiko Blue Point Special cart.
Audio Research PH-3 phono stage
Rotel RCD 970-BX
BAT VK 3i pre-amp (one week old, still breaking in)
Sonus Faber Electa speakers
Kimber Kable Silver Streak interconnects
MIT T2 Speaker Cable
I look forward to hearning from you and others in the 'club'.
Warmest Regards,
Ray Shepherd
1778@aol.com (home)
Ray.Shepherd@TRANSQUEST.com (work)
Subject: Fwd: Atma-Sphere Owners Club
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 16:56:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: ReedLom@aol.com
To: atma-sphere@manicreader.com
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: Ray.Shepherd@transquest.com (Shepherd, Ray)
To: ReedLom@aol.com ('ReedLom@aol.com')
Date: 97-08-14 16:07:48 EDT
Ed,
The odyssey is as follows:
My plan was to begin the conversion process from solid state to tubes
while at the same time accommodate a move of my gear from between the
speakers to a wall location beside or behind the listening position.
Since I'm currently using McCormack electronics (DNA .5 Deluxe & Micro
Line Drive Passive), I'm limited to the current set-up due to the
inability to run longer interconnects from the Micro. So, off in search
of a tube pre-amp. My criteria was/is a minimalist type design that
would push a longer run of interconnects (5 meters or so) and employ a
remote that didn't unduly compromise sonics. I've listened to many
including Audio Research LS-15, Joule Electra, Audible Illusions, Sonic
Frontiers, and Aronov and found the BAT to be most favorable.
Now then....while I have taken delivery of the BAT, we're not married
yet. Since it doesn't work with the DNA .5 (too much DC offset from the
BAT causes the amp to go into protect mode on occasion), I can still
return the BAT, get back the Micro Line Drive and start over. The
problem between the BAT and the DNA .5 is the only reason I started
looking at tube amps at this time. When that combo didn't work, the
dealer suggested Aronov amps with the BAT and I'm currently doing an
extended audition with the Aronov monoblocks and the BAT. (a big
ahhhh-haaaaa with all tubes in the system; 'so that's what the tube guys
are talking about'). However, having not anticipated upgrading both the
amp and pre-amp at the same time, finances are a consideration. If the
Micro will work with the A-Ss, I'd consider doing that until I can swing
an A-S or other preamp. I'll see what the guys at A-S have to say about
that combination.
Sooooo, that's where I'm at. If you or other have any ideas I'd love to
hear them.
Ray
> ----------
> From: ReedLom@aol.com[SMTP:ReedLom@aol.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 1997 8:18 PM
> To: Shepherd, Ray
> Subject: Fwd: Atma-Sphere Owners Club
>
>
> ---------------------
> Forwarded message:
> Subj: Re: Atma-Sphere Owners Club
> Date: 97-08-13 18:41:50 EDT
> From: Rebank
> To: ReedLom
>
> In a message dated 97-08-13 18:31:48 EDT, Ray Sheppard writes:
>
> << BAT VK 3i pre-amp (one week old, still breaking in) >>
>
> Ray,
> Why not an A-S preamp?
> Ed Bank
>