Airtight ATM300 vs. Cary 300SEI

Nice to see some AirTight talk on this site. To me, this is one of the best marques that no one ever talks about on this site. We hear a lot about Audio Research, Cary, Conrad Johnson, Rogue, VTL, etc., but as has been mentioned previously, the Air Tight is at least one or two steps above these other brands. I have to reiterate, it all starts with the transformers. The most expensive, most important part of ANY tube amp. There are only a few companies who use no holds barred transformers. Air Tight, Audio Note, Jadis, etc. This is what separates the men from the boys. It extends from the lowest lows all the way on up. Of course, the level of parts used in their products doesn't just include the transformers. It's all of their parts that make the grade. Air Tight is sweet, seductive, powerful, and beautiful. Asa, I really hope you opt for this amp. A very good friend wrote to me last week about the same SET amp you are considering. This is a guy who gets his hands on the best of the best. Not what most of us get our hands on, I mean the good stuff. It was obvious he liked it. That speaks volumes. While I have yet to hear this amp, I have to say their EL34 and KT88 based amps impress the absolute heck out of me. The only thing that doesn't really turn me on about their amps is the lack of ability of tube substitution(EL34 for KT88/6550/KT90 and vice versa). I get to hear a lot of tube amps, but these are a different breed. Good luck!

Eggpowder says Cary is really not in the same league as the Airtight ATM300 and I would have to agree. The 805 from Cary at $3000 more sounds slow and and not nearly as involving. There is a lot more light and life in the Airtight and it can soundstage every bit as good as the 805s. IMO this is one good amp and seems much more powerful than it's 8 watts would suggest.

Thanks guys, you really helped me deal with my latest (but not greatest) audio psycho-pathologic attachment. I've got an AirTight ATM 300 on the way - should have in 2d system by end of June. If you are interested, this system comprised of Sony XA7ES to AudioNote Vz IC, to Supratek Syrah preamp through NBS Pro IC to AirTight (Aleph 3 sub-ing now)to AudioNote's new copper spkr cable (on the way, supposed to equal former Vz series at $50/ft - loaned Kimber on there now)to Spendor LS3/5A's all on Rix Rax stand. Will get Well Tempered w/ Koetsu later. I'm also throwing in outtlet strip & conditioner by Quantum to see what that does (I need a strip in this location).Main system is TNT4/Graham2, Joule pre, etc. All NOS tubes, all hard wired - the only way to go, in my humble opinion.

So, another question: what PC for the AirTight. Electraglide sounds good on amps, but I hate the inflexible, fist-sized stuff. Creates a real cable bottle-neck behind the rack (I place cable carefully). A lot of people like the Shunyata KV MkI. What do you guys say? Thanks again. Regards, Mark

try harmonic tech. magic.and i have king cobra,fim gold,fatman.this could best choice if you want to have very best flexible cable.