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AirTight ATM 2 Amplifier Help

Posted by clennard (A) on August 20, 2005 at 09:41:50

I'm a newcomer to tube amps, and I'm auditioning an AirTight ATM-2 amp. I'm using it with Living Voice OBXR-2 speakers, a nice vinyl front end, a CD and also use it for DVD sound in 2 channel mode.

I have been trying it with a Music First passive pre-amp, which is a magnetic transformer design and quite well thought of, and have also tried it with an Audio Research LS16 mk II, and also with a direct input to the amplifier.

When coupled directly, the sound is quite neutral. With the passive pre-amp, it is more detailed and transparent, but loses a little weight, and with the Audio Research it is fuller with more drive, but a little less detailed. Why is this? Opinions are divided on passive versus active line stages, but using either type appears to add something to the sound - and perhaps take something away too!

I have read posts that state that direct coupling is the best for sound - I'm not sure though. I also have 3-4 inputs, so this is a challenge. If I elect to use a line stage, should I consider blanking off or by-passing the switch and attenuators or leave them as is? Alternatively, I could use a splitter for the CD/DVD and have the vinyl going straight into the front, although fiddling with two attenuators is not that practical!

Or should I consider other amplifiers like the Rogue 150 Monoblocks? Is the ATM-2 still a good amp (as a used purchase)as technology may have advanced in the intervening years.

Musical taste is Rock/progressive, some jazz (this sounds very good)

Also I don't quite understand the balance biasing versus the normal valve biasing.

Any comments appreciated - thanks in advance!

charles

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