Balanced preamps with Atma-sphere MA-2's

I have a pair of m60 2.2's that have been upgraded to 2.3 status. I was driving them with what I thought to be excellant results with my Melos SHA 1 linestage(with Siemans 6922 goldpins). I then acquired an Audio Experience Balanced linestage. What a difference! So the Melos is ending up as what is was designed to be-a headphone amp. You simply have to try a fully balanced pre-amp. Now I'm looking for fully balanced sources! Happy Listening.

First, congrad's on one of the finest purchases you may ever make in Hifi. I am not an MA-2 owner but, I do own the MA-1 Silvers and have a good friend with M-60's (three sets) and can say unequivocally that you must get into something balanced on the front end to yield the greatest results from these amps. Ralph is obviously correct. I simply love the sound of Atma-Sphere OTL’s. Ralph’s MP-1 or MP-3 is an obvious choice and Jim White’s Aesthetix gear is all very fine indeed. The Callisto and Io Signature at the top of the line and the Calypso and Rhea next in the peeking order. I have the later pair and find the sound quality unmatched at anything near this price range to what I’ve heard. Maybe it just depends on what features you desire and how much your pocket book can bare. Both product lines I mention not only for their musical merit but working with these gentlemen on your sound system will also be a pleasure and they are most helpful. Enjoy!

I can only echo what others have said about the magical synergy between Atma-sphere preamp and amp. I also have an MA2 and prior to my current A-S MP-1, had a Mark Levinson reference 32 preamp. The change to the MP-1 wrought a huge difference in the sound - musicality, soundstaging, everything - just seemed to bring the MA 2's to a new level. This is my preamp-amp for keeps. Needless to say, I think that's the way to go........Good luck.

According to Ralph Karsten of Atma-Sphere, the just-released MP-1 MkIII has a new power supply that features a lot more regulation and a better bridge supply scheme for the output of the unit, giving it much more dynamic range.
Brian

Thanks evryone for your responses thus far. And, yes, I am thoroughly enjoying th MA-2's. They are simply glorious.

Have any of you compared the AS MP-1 to the Aesthetix Callisto? If so, what are their similarities and differences?
What about any of the Lamm's? Again, TIA.

Bill