Air Tight ATM-2 Amplifiers

Air Tight ATM-2 Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

80 wpc stereo amplifier

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-3 of 3  
[Dec 29, 2013]
dpod4
AudioPhile

I bought the ATM-2 amp and the ATC-2 preamp for a second system (main system is ARC Ref 40 preamp and ARC Ref 2se phono preamp into a Constellation Centaur stereo amp driving Magico speakers). When I listened to these in my main system to see how they sounded, I was blown away. The ATM-2 is exceptionally musical, and beats amps I have had in my system costing 20-30k. One of the few amps (solid state or tube) that can really bring my Magico speakers to life. Vocals and instruments are as natural as I have ever heard them. No electronic sheen or signature....just pure music coming through. Addition of the ATC-2 preamp provided more drive and extension and pace. Air Tight products are also some of the best looking, best built artisan pieces I have ever seen. I could keep these in my main system and be very very happy. They cost a fraction of my reference gear.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 23, 2003]
SoundzGood
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Very detailed, smooth and musical. Can listen for hours without fatigue. Plenty of power on tap.

Weakness:

None that I can isolate - unless poor tubes are used. For that, read definately no Sovtek, JJ or Svetlana KT88s. I know lots of you out there rate the JJs and Svetlanas, but try the Tesla KT88S - superb!

This is an extremely well designed and well built amplifier. The tube compliment is VERY important, however. It simply sounds like what you put in it! I have found NOS RCA tubes and the Telsa KT88S (see http://www.rpm.fi/rpm/010-tesla-audio.htm) to form an absolutely killer combination in this unit. This amp was designed years ago but is still a current product. It is an absolute audio classic. If you can get your hands on one on ebay for what I paid then do it. This is the best electrical component I have ever bought!

Similar Products Used:

None that compare!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 17, 2001]
Jean Carmet
Audiophile

Strength:

Read the review.

Weakness:

Read the review.

Very well built, excellent components (Tamura, Black Gate, NOS tubes), Point to point wiring.

The sound is difficult to describe because of his lack of any sonic signature as often encountered on tubes (or SS) amplifiers.
It is very well balanced from top to bottom of the spectrum; very transparent (using the front input is a must), with bags of details; deep and wide soundstage; very good dynamics (with a preamp) and pace & rythm; tones are second to none; bass are robust and not one note, surprising for a tube amp; medium is perfect, not too euphonic or too lean, very expressive ; treble has lot of colours, not very extended or sparkling but very integrated.

Overall the sound managed to be both smooth and "chiseled" refined and tasty but not nauseous; it is not a jaw dropping amplifier because it is not spectacular at all. You can listen to every types of music, rock or baroque, without any problem or listening fatigue.A match made in heaven for Quad or ProAc speakers (for sample).

Caveats : tube complements are crucial in their choices and power tubes will last only 1000h.The price when bought new.

Similar Products Used:

I have already listened and sometimes enjoyed : Brinkmann, Pass, Etalon, Pathos, Sim Audio, Cayin, Naim, Linn, Magnum audio, Densen, Sphynx etc.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 1-3 of 3  

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