Posted by Brian Walsh on August 17, 2005 at 03:42:02:
In Reply to: atma sphere/ASL/ wolcott /ARC amps posted by Iain Emslie on August 17, 2005 at 02:31:49:
Iain,
The JC 1s will sound thin, uninvolving, and quite possibly bright for the first 30 days of continuous use, and then then will start sounding dull. The dullness will grow worse until at about 50 days when the sound will rather suddenly become explosive, fast, and dynamic. They will continue to improve for a few more days afterward.
That said, if you prefer tube (valve) amplifiers, then Atma-Sphere is an excellent way to go. They are unfailingly musical, fast, and involving, and they're extremely reliable as well. Depending upon your listening tastes you might want to consider the ZERO autoformers, which of course can be purchased at a later date. Some people like the Wolcott amps, although I'm biased (pun intended) toward Atma-Sphere based upon experience. The ARC models you mention will not drive the speakers adequately, in fact only the REF600s or perhaps the REF300s will suffice. I would be cautious about the ASL Hurricanes, although I have not heard them driving Sound Labs. Used Atma-Sphere amplifiers can be found and can be upgraded, and voltage conversion can be done. The current Mk II.3 MA-1 is superb, especially with the power supply boost which is a desirable though not crucial option for driving Sound Labs, albeit a bit expensive. The price of the MA-1s is about to go up on Sept. 1.
Brian