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Air Tight ATM2 Direct Driven by CDP?

Does anyone have experience using the Air Tight ATM2 KT88 amp direct-driven from a CD player with a variable output? I have a Cary 303/300 and I'm thinking seriously about purchasing the Air Tight amp, but I want to avoid a preamp if possible. I realize the ATM2 has a two-channel attenuator as well, but what does it sound like driven directly from the CDP? My Cary has audio output levels of 3.0 Vrms single-ended and 6.0 Vrms balanced.
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glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
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
jond's avatar
jond
5,891 posts
 
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!!
bblilikoi's avatar
bblilikoi OP
99 posts
 
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.
jond's avatar
jond
5,891 posts
 
Garret,
No, by the time I got the Herron I had traded the ATM-1 for a pair of Cary CAD 300B Signature monos. That was a great combo, the Herron was easily one of the best and quietest preamps I've ever heard, ss or tube! I'd still have it but I wanted an all Deja Vu Audio system, the best in the planet!
noble110
49 posts
 
I have owned the ATM-2 and ATM-3 monos. The ATM-2 continues to be one of my favorite amps. I did try running the CDP ( Wadia ) directly into the ATM-2. While it worked fine, I did prefer the preamp, which at that time was the First Sound Deluxe. The dynamics and soundstage were improved with the preamp.
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