Should I go with ATI Class D or Cherry MEGAschino?

[JengaHit]

What are the customer-service reputations of both companies? That's as important to me as length of warranty (though ATI's 7-yr warranty is very good).

I've had a Bryston 4B-ST for 21 years and it still works flawlessly. In all that time only have had one service event when speaker terminals came loose (probably during a move), but Bryston repaired under warranty no questions asked and paid return shipping in a new manufacturer's box. Plus they included a test-measurements spec sheet of the repaired amp. And a competent rep quickly and reliably communicated with me. No BS. That's customer service. Only thing that would prevent me from buying another Bryston is their prices have tripled since the late 90s.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What are the customer-service reputations of both companies? That's as important to me as length of warranty (though ATI's 7-yr warranty is very good).

I've had a Bryston 4B-ST for 21 years and it still works flawlessly. In all that time only have had one service event when speaker terminals came loose (probably during a move), but Bryston repaired under warranty no questions asked and paid return shipping in a new manufacturer's box. Plus they included a test-measurements spec sheet of the repaired amp. And a competent rep quickly and reliably communicated with me. No BS. That's customer service. Only thing that would prevent me from buying another Bryston is their prices have tripled since the late 90s.

Yeah, you’re paying big bucks for all that service and warranty.

I’ve never had any issues with my ATI amps. And none of my clients have ever had any issues with their ATI amps.

But I do talk to ATI engineering/research department and the ATI/DataSat/Theta sales department often enough to feel like they would take care of all ATI clients whether the repair is under warranty or out of warranty.

 

[Cos]

Ok, I finally made the leap. I researched for about a week, finding specs for just about every Class D amp I could find. I sold my A52 (handling the Atmos) and my A23 not being used. Still leaves me with my A31 A51. I had decided to stay with my Halo until I stopped by my secondary audio dealer who had an open box AT524NC amp his client just traded in. Needless to say I got it about 40% of list, so I figured I would try it and find out. The guy traded it in for the Parasound JC 1+ Monoblocks. The unit is only 6 months old, purchased from the same dealer, complete with everything, so too hard to say no. Still 6.5 years of warranty

Will be hooking up tomorrow to test out. If it performs at least as well as my Halo's, I will be selling those and picking up the AT527NC, if not, they will just replace my A52 for Atmos.

 

[Movie2099]

Ok, I finally made the leap. I researched for about a week, finding specs for just about every Class D amp I could find. I sold my A52 (handling the Atmos) and my A23 not being used. Still leaves me with my A31 A51. I had decided to stay with my Halo until I stopped by my secondary audio dealer who had an open box AT524NC amp his client just traded in. Needless to say I got it about 40% of list, so I figured I would try it and find out. The guy traded it in for the Parasound JC 1+ Monoblocks. The unit is only 6 months old, purchased from the same dealer, complete with everything, so too hard to say no. Still 6.5 years of warranty

Will be hooking up tomorrow to test out. If it performs at least as well as my Halo's, I will be selling those and picking up the AT527NC, if not, they will just replace my A52 for Atmos.

Curious why you decided to ditch the Parasound's? Those are great amps. You have/had the almost entire lineup of their amps. Seems weird to drop them. I don't believe you're going to notice really anything different with the ATI amps.

 

[Cos]

Loved the Parasounds, no issues, not expecting sonic difference

• Slight tweeter power buz/static on my Personas w/A31 curious if its ATI is better
• Lighter Weight (25-30lbs lighter) not as light as other class D
• Less Energy used & Heat
• Less Amps (1x4 channel 1x7 channel) vs 3 on Parasound

If these work out I will actually make money on my amps and can use that on other gear, but the top 4 reasons are listed above. Minor plus all my amps are out of warranty 9-10 years old. Having 7 years is nice. If I have an issue lighter amps are much easier to deal with.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Loved the Parasounds, no issues, not expecting sonic difference

• Slight tweeter power buz/static on my Personas w/A31 curious if its ATI is better
• Lighter Weight (25-30lbs lighter) not as light as other class D
• Less Energy used & Heat
• Less Amps (1x4 channel 1x7 channel) vs 3 on Parasound

If these work out I will actually make money on my amps and can use that on other gear, but the top 4 reasons are listed above. Minor plus all my amps are out of warranty 9-10 years old. Having 7 years is nice. If I have an issue lighter amps are much easier to deal with.

Those ATI AT52xNC amps will also look great when ATI finally release the matching ATP-16 Pre-pro.

 

[Movie2099]

Those ATI AT52xNC amps will also look great when ATI finally release the matching ATP-16 Pre-pro.

Don’t get my hopes up like that. That new DataSat/ATI processor is gonna kick some ass.

 

[Cos]

Those ATI AT52xNC amps will also look great when ATI finally release the matching ATP-16 Pre-pro.

What would be good to know is the difference between the ATI and Monoprice, which I assume will be significant?

 

[ryanosaur]

What would be good to know is the difference between the ATI and Monoprice, which I assume will be significant?

If the ATP-16 actually comes out, it would presumably come down to refinement and the rounding off of some of the rougher corners in the HTP-1.
I would expect it might have some combination of: a direct analog pathway, perhaps an OSD option, DTSX Pro from the start, expansion capabilities...
Probably a more responsive touch screen, a solidly-screwed-in IEC socket for the power cord, better adaptability for external control, a better GUI...

I would expect the differences to be in fit and finish. The HTP-1 is hitting on so many levels that most of the others still are not. Advancement on those "misses" may well be the key to their success. If ATI is able to drop a solid working product with ZERO hiccoughs: #Boom-Pow!!!

Here's a pipe-dream for you: 9.4.6 capabilities. (I don't need it, but some on the HTP-1 Owners Thread seem to think it's an issue. (Think matching or exceeding (9.4.8 (or even throw in a VOG for 9.4.9)) what Anthem offers in their Flagship.))

Internet buzz has been negative on the ATP-16, with reports of it being outright cancelled. ADTG says it is still a possibility. *fingers crossed
I'd like to see something that could bridge the gap between the HTP-1 and the upper echelons of the Super Processor. I won't be able to fox-wit-it, but....

 

[Movie2099]

If the ATP-16 actually comes out, it would presumably come down to refinement and the rounding off of some of the rougher corners in the HTP-1.
I would expect it might have some combination of: a direct analog pathway, perhaps an OSD option, DTSX Pro from the start, expansion capabilities...
Probably a more responsive touch screen, a solidly-screwed-in IEC socket for the power cord, better adaptability for external control, a better GUI...

I would expect the differences to be in fit and finish. The HTP-1 is hitting on so many levels that most of the others still are not. Advancement on those "misses" may well be the key to their success. If ATI is able to drop a solid working product with ZERO hiccoughs: #Boom-Pow!!!

Here's a pipe-dream for you: 9.4.6 capabilities. (I don't need it, but some on the HTP-1 Owners Thread seem to think it's an issue. (Think matching or exceeding (9.4.8 (or even throw in a VOG for 9.4.9)) what Anthem offers in their Flagship.))

Internet buzz has been negative on the ATP-16, with reports of it being outright cancelled. ADTG says it is still a possibility. *fingers crossed
I'd like to see something that could bridge the gap between the HTP-1 and the upper echelons of the Super Processor. I won't be able to fox-wit-it, but....

Oh ATP-16 is happening. I can confirm that. Everything you’re seeing online are rumors. The ATP will be based on the DataSat RS20i and LS10. Since ATI bought DataSat they will be upgrading and improving it. I believe ATI will release their version first and then release a new DataSat super processor. They are working on a lot of programming right now. Don’t expect anything until late 2021 at the earliest.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If the ATP-16 actually comes out, it would presumably come down to refinement and the rounding off of some of the rougher corners in the HTP-1.
I would expect it might have some combination of: a direct analog pathway, perhaps an OSD option, DTSX Pro from the start, expansion capabilities...
Probably a more responsive touch screen, a solidly-screwed-in IEC socket for the power cord, better adaptability for external control, a better GUI...

I would expect the differences to be in fit and finish. The HTP-1 is hitting on so many levels that most of the others still are not. Advancement on those "misses" may well be the key to their success. If ATI is able to drop a solid working product with ZERO hiccoughs: #Boom-Pow!!!

Here's a pipe-dream for you: 9.4.6 capabilities. (I don't need it, but some on the HTP-1 Owners Thread seem to think it's an issue. (Think matching or exceeding (9.4.8 (or even throw in a VOG for 9.4.9)) what Anthem offers in their Flagship.))

Internet buzz has been negative on the ATP-16, with reports of it being outright cancelled. ADTG says it is still a possibility. *fingers crossed
I'd like to see something that could bridge the gap between the HTP-1 and the upper echelons of the Super Processor. I won't be able to fox-wit-it, but....

According to ATI Engineering/development I spoke to 4 days ago, the ATP-16 is still on. But just delayed because ATI wants to focus on their new amps first. After that, then ATP-16.

The goal of the ATP-16 is to make a pre-pro that matches the aesthetics of the AT528NC/544NC amps and also costs significantly less (??) than the DataSat LS10 ($12,500 MSRP) which is also made at the same ATI/DataSat/Theta factory in California.

So I got the impression from engineering/development that the ATP-16 is between the DataSat LS10 and Monoprice HTP-1, probably not 9.4.6 or 9.4.9.

But then again, I could be wrong and they offer 2 different ATP-versions.

Sure would be nice to have an ATP-16 + AT528NC +AT528NC (13 speakers + 3 passive subwoofers).

 

[DigitalDawn]

Those ATI AT52xNC amps will also look great when ATI finally release the matching ATP-16 Pre-pro.

Going to be a killer combo for sure.

 

[Movie2099]

According to ATI Engineering/development I spoke to 4 days ago, the ATP-16 is still on. But just delayed because ATI wants to focus on their new amps first. After that, then ATP-16.

The goal of the ATP-16 is to make a pre-pro that matches the aesthetics of the AT528NC/544NC amps and also costs significantly less (??) than the DataSat LS10 ($12,500 MSRP) which is also made at the same ATI/DataSat/Theta factory in California.

So I got the impression from engineering/development that the ATP-16 is between the DataSat LS10 and Monoprice HTP-1, probably not 9.4.6 or 9.4.9.

But then again, I could be wrong and they offer 2 different ATP-versions.

Sure would be nice to have an ATP-16 + AT528NC +AT528NC (13 speakers + 3 passive subwoofers).

I would like the ATP-24 ch with all AT548NC's.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would like the ATP-24 ch with all AT548NC's.

The AT54xNC max out at AT544NC (4Ch). But do you really need 900WPC into 4 ohms?

As far as a 24Ch ATP, I think your best bet (if they do it) would be either a DataSat-24 or Theta-24.

Remember, Theta Digital and DataSat are the top dogs, then ATI.

So if I were in the guessing game and hoping for the lineup, I would guess ATI-16CH, DataSat-16Ch and DataSat-24CH, Theta-24CH and Theta-32CH.

 

[Movie2099]

The AT54xNC max out at AT544NC (4Ch).

As far as a 24Ch ATP, I think your best bet (if they do it) would be either a DataSat-24 or Theta-24.

Remember, Theta Digital and DataSat are the top dogs, then ATI.

So if I were in the guessing game and hoping for the lineup, I would guess ATI-16CH, DataSat-16Ch and DataSat-24CH, Theta-24CH and Theta-32CH.

Haha, my hope when you said they were working on new amps was that they would add to their AT54 series and go up to an 8Ch. I would like that.

Don't forget Trinnov in there as being a top dog!

Right now I feel like Trinnov and Storm Audio are dominating the high end processor markets. DataSat and Theta have taken a backseat in the last 5+ years. Hopefully they come out swinging with their new processors. I expect them to. I would like a DataSat processor that is good for 10+ years and the only things needed are software updates. Which is what Trinnov is. Their warranty is a 10 year warranty. Best in the business. DataSat should easily be able to follow suit. Let the high end processor war begin!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Don't forget Trinnov in there as being a top dog!

Well, I was talking about within the ATI company, not including other companies.

But as far as "top dog", I guess that's up to debate on whether that means having the most number of channels or the most number of warranty years or the total cost.

Maybe Emotiva will come out with the EMO-48CH and be "top dog" if the requirement is having the most number of channels.

Perhaps DataSat and Theta will try to keep up with the Jones' number of channels.

 

[ryanosaur]

Maybe Emotiva will come out with the EMO-48CH and be "top dog" if the only requirement is having the most number of channels.

Wasn’t that what all the expansion slots on the RMC-1 were supposed to be for?
#unfulfilled-promises

 

[Movie2099]

Well, I was talking about within the ATI company, not including other companies.

But as far as "top dog", I guess that's up to debate on whether that means having the most number of channels or the most number of warranty years or the total cost.

Maybe Emotiva will come out with the EMO-48CH and be "top dog" if the only requirement is having the most number of channels.

Perhaps DataSat and Theta will try to keep up with the Jones' number of channels.

Hahahaha! Emotiva going to beef up that processor line. 48 CH would be nutz coming from them.

I would like most high end processors to have options. 16 is the new standard. I want 24 and 32 options. If I'm going to spend the money, I want at least the 24 ch option. Gives me room to upgrade my build over time.

Warranty is obviously a huge plus. I think most top tier companies who are selling high end processors should have nothing less than 7-8 years. If they believe in their products they need to put up.

 

[Movie2099]

Wasn’t that what all the expansion slots on the RMC-1 were supposed to be for?
#unfulfilled-promises

I think you're right. Wasn't the expansion slot for another 16 channels?

 

[ryanosaur]

I think you're right. Wasn't the expansion slot for another 16 channels?

Iirc, there was supposed to be a dedicated 4-channel sub-out module, a digital expansion module for extra I/O, and I think there were supposed to be the ability to expand the speaker outputs as well... perhaps a fourth option too. Regardless, I seem to know of only one RMC owner who seems content with it.

My suggestion about doing the additional 4 dedicated Sub-Out on the part of ATI would address several points that come up routinely on the HTP-1 owners thread: namely that many power users feel limited n their setup because of the loss of possible speaker channels while supporting their Bass habit. If they could match Anthem in offering the 4 SubOuts in addition to 16-channels (which should include assignable options including extra subs), I think they will have a serious advantage over their competition.

One other item I forgot to include in that list which ATI could address in differentiating themselves from the Monolith is processing for additional Zones. Not so much a selling point to me, but some have squawked about that.
Obviously most of those exclusions were done to streamline and build an affordable working product. Which they have succeeded at.