Air Tight ATM2 Direct Driven by CDP?

I have owned the ATM1 ( I think I sold mine to Jond?), the ATM2 and now own the ATM3 Monos. I would strongly suggest using the Attenuators off the AirTight. If your Cary has a fixed out which has less in the way then the Variable, this would be the best way to go.

while the built in Attenuators are very tranparent, I beleive they can be further upgraded by Tom Tutay to an even higher quality version.

"If your Cary has a fixed out which has less in the way then the Variable, this would be the best way to go."

I'm sorry. But I don't follow this very crucial comment above. My Cary has a VARIABLE OUTPUT, but I can set it to any specific level and use the ATM2 attenuators to control volume.

I heard from the dealer today, though, that this method would REDUCE dynamics as compared to using a preamp and that I might lose a fullness of sound as well. Comment?

Thank you.

I don't mean to highkack. I am very interested in the Air Tight Amps. How does the ATM1 compare to the ATM2. Is it easy to get repair work done if needed?

Thanks

Derrick,
Great memory, you did indeed sell your ATM-1 to me, and a great amp it was, thanks! I hope you're enjoying your ATM-3!!

My sense of the above advice is that, if my Cary 303/300 can be set to a FIXED output level, it's better to use the attenuators in the Air Tight ATM-2 to control volume--correct?

It's also my sense that the amp works fine without a preamp and may be even more transparent.

Finally, Jond, did you ever use your Herron preamp in combo with the ATM-1 you had? How did it sound?

Thanks.