Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Atma-Sphere MA-2 mk1 Amplifier (Tube) by Ron

After listening with an Jadis JA-80 amp for some 3 yrs, I found the MA-2's
and traded for the JA-80's.. only after a couple of minutes listening i discovered that this was not just a subtle upgrade, but a complete transformation on my system ! since that first impression i had the MA-2's cleaned and checked thoroughly, and replaced the input tubes for some NOS Telefunken.
The MA-2's have been running very stable since then, and the sound has not
really something to wish for.. they are involving,emotional, clear,
and have that super clarity feeling that an OTL posess only.
BUT with the difference of 200 watts available ! there is headroom allover,
no matter what frequency, no matter what instrument/music played.
I used to own a CROFT OTL [model 3], and this amp had 35 watts, and the sound was just as heavenly as my Atma-Sphere now, but that little CROFT
really lacked bass and control as you may have guessed.
I have heard all big name amps in maybe 20 yrs of hifi experience, and these amps are on a par with the very best around, only your preference will tell whether they will steal your hart away. did mine..

FORGET about tuby sound, roll-offs, warmth, slappy bass,rosy midrange,
restricted highs, easy listening, forget about all typical 'tubey'names.
JUST THE MUSIC LEFT. pls visit the Atma-Sphere site which has a very
enthusiastic owners group, and extensively factory back up.
Atma-Sphere has been making these OTL's for more than 20 yrs....

Atma-Sphere amps have 'MUSIC AMPLIFIER' written on their front plate.
Nuff said,listen to them,any model. take the oppertunity when you have.

Ron [the Netherlands]

REVIEW: Atma-Sphere MA-2 mk1 Amplifier (Tube) Review by Ron at Audio Asylum