ATMA-SPHERE M-50 OTL MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIERS STEREO W/ VCAPS
$1500 (firm), although I may consider some trade value.
LOCAL TRANSACTION ONLY -- I WILL NOT SHIP THESE AMPS AND RISK DAMAGE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (they are simply too nice). I am in Chadds Ford, PA (zip 19317).
This is another underutilized piece in my system and, although it is one of my favorite amps, it is time for this to go to someone who can appreciate it more than me.
When I bought these, they were represented to have been upgraded many years ago (early 1990s) to M-60 Mk 1 status; however, I have confirmed with Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere that they are still the original M-50s. They have the tube configuration of 3 12AT7, 1 12AU7 and 8 6AS7G tubes.
This is the version with the printed circuit board.
The only upgrade I have done is to replace the original caps with 0.1 mf VCAP TFTF. I purchased the caps as used, so they are probably fairly well broken in by this stage. It appears that at least some of the power supply caps were changed at one time as well (but not by me).
Physically the amps are EXCEPTIONAL (particularly for their age, which is over 20 by now) with beautiful gold faceplates. Photo #1 is the face of block #1, photo #2 is the back of block #2, and photo #3 is one of the boards showing the VCAPS.
The only appearance issue is that the faceplates seem to have some type of protective coating on them, but there are little "spots" where the coating is uneven. The coating is not coming off -- it is just uneven. You might be able to see the effect if you look closely at the photo, but it is hard to see unless you are up close.
The amps also function nicely and are stable. There are only two small operational issues -- the "Power Available" LEDs are dim, and the "Test" and "Bias" switches on amp #2 stick. The switches do work with some effort, but probably should be replaced at some point. These issues, however, do not affect the sound quality in any way.
The current tube lineup is identical in both amps -- 2 Siemens ECC801s for the input stage, one Sylvania JHS 12AT7 (triple mica) as the constant current source for the input stage, one GE JG-5814A (triple mica, internal supports) for the driver stage. The 6AS7Gs are a mix of various vintage Russian tubes.
For an upcharge (to be negotiated) I can put together one or more extra sets of tubes. I also have an old pair of Atma-Sphere Z-Music Transformers (for using speakers less than 8 ohm nominal impedance) and an RCA/XLR converter (I prefer using the balanced inputs on the amp) that I can include for an upcharge as well. To be clear, the items in this paragraph are not included with the sale price, and will be a negotiated upcharge.
I have an electronic version of an original M-60 manual (full version), and will include some basic power cords if desired. There is some operational know-how to setup and use of these amps which I will also pass along to the ultimate buyer.
Just as a general note, the guys at Atma-Sphere are great (as are their products), and have always been available to answer any questions I have with these amps.
Note -- from an economic perspective these are probably not good candidates for full upgrade to current 3.1 status; however, there may be some lesser upgrades that are worthwhile. You would need to contact Atma-Sphere to get a good answer to that question.
I can provide additional pictures or info on request.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that these units are being sold 'AS IS'.
I am willing to demo, which I would recommend prior to purchase.
I can potentially take partial trade value (I do need some cash); however, my actual needs are very few. I might be interested in certain vacuum tubes (45, 46, 2A3, 300b, KT90, a larger group of tubes, or other tubes at the right value), or possibly other equipment or cables at the right value. In any event, feel free to propose something, and I will respond to any serious proposal.
Cash is always welcome for a local transaction. Payment can also be via money order/cashier's check/personal check preferred but, except for US Postal Money Orders, all must clear my bank first.
I also accept Paypal for convenience, but add 3% to use Paypal. IF YOU PAY VIA PAYPAL, HOWEVER, A CONDITION OF YOUR PAYMENT IS THAT YOU EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A PAYPAL CLAIM OR CHARGE BACK (but do retain the right to sue me in court should you so desire).
Please check my feedback on Audiogon, Videogon and Ebay (ID=baileyler) and buy with confidence.
