2. amps-preamps
  3. 1292295856

Atma-Sphere MA-1 Mk.3.1 Vs. Atma-Sph. MA-2 Mk.3.1

Hello to all and thanks in advance for looking at my post.

I am in the process of upgrading my soundsystem:
1-Speakers:Tannoy GRF 15'' Dual Concentric Gold in a refurbished and rewired cabinet. I've ahd these for the last 20 years and I finally have the room to enjoy them (about 900 sq.ft)
2-Oracle turntable with Linn Exos and Dynavector XV-1
3-YBA Diamond IC's, power cords and speaker cables
4-Mac Mini with Ayre QB-9 DAC running AIFF files
5-Atma-Sphere MP-1 Mk.3 w phono preamp

6-What amps should I choose between the MA-1 or the MA-2?

I currently own a YBA alpha 2 preamp and power amp. I have them on my system since 2003 and after looking at several posts on Audiogon, it seems OTL 's are the way to go with the Tannoys.
I have settled on Atma-Sphere for their quality build, their reputation and continued support of their products. Marketing and sales pitch aside, I can grab good deals on both the MA-1's and the MA-2's...The price difference is significant, but I feel the more power I can get, the better it is? I would appreciate your inputs on which one to choose if money was no object?
donfibre
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I was mistaken when I said the MA-1 was what I had heard several times. It was in fact Rushtons Avalons that were being driven by the MA-2. Forgive me for my error.
The speakers that the M-60s were driving have a very benign impedance they were Coincidents which I recall being rated at worst 11 Ohms. In any event I did acknowledge that the Tannoys were not known for dropping their impedance. Thus it was clearly up to the OP whether he would need the extra power.
I still stand by my remark however that the MA-2 on the Avalons sounded better but quite different than the M-60 on the Coincidents which have their own outstanding attributes. My amps have 4 Ohm taps so maybe that is why they can tolerate the more demanding load but they are paralell PP, not OTLs.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
While I have never heard the 11 ohm Coincidents, I would imagine they would make for a very good match with any model Atma regardless of power.
donfibre OP
10 posts
 
This is great! Thanks for all your inputs...I have to talk to Ralph soon about this, but your comments are bringing me closer to the MA-1's...Other comments are very welcome and I will keep you informed of my decision and my experiences...
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Don. A refurbished cabinet? Did you add any bracing?
donfibre OP
10 posts
 
I am not sure what you mean about bracing (my mother tongue is french). A carpenter friend and I took the originals that had a severely damaged finish, chipped corners and one missing grille frame and we proceeded to take them apart. But the gold monitors themselves were mint and no work needed to be done on them, only the cabinets. We then proceeded to rebuild or replace the damaged parts and refinish what we took apart...at the same time we put in new wiring in the cabinets while keeping all the original crossovers...They still look like vintage GRF's, but with a better finish and a more contemporary look with the grills on. It took us roughly a year and a half to do this in our spare time...yeah, I know, sounds pretty crazy...But they sounded so good I thought it was a good investment to improve their looks...
More to discover