cat jl3 signatures vs. atmashere ma2III's

Optarchie,

I use Atma-Sphere MA-2 Mk.III amplifiers driving Avalon Eidolon speakers. The Eidolons are a nominal 4 ohm load, with a minimum impedance of about 3.6 ohms, and about 87db sensitivity. I find the Atma-Sphere to be phenomenol match to the Eidolons, fully delivering all of which the Eidolons are capable.

In my opinion, the strengths of the Atma-Sphere MA-2s are their incredible midrange transparency and neutrality, accuracy of overall harmonic overtone rendition, and ability to delineate the body and texture of individual instruments and vocalists. The great midrange strengths of the MA-2 are complemented by exceptionally agile and accurate bass response, delivering the best that solid state has to offer but with all the virtues of tubes.

If your preference is for tubes that will help make everything sound sweeter, more beautiful and consistently easy to listen to, look elsewhere. But if your priorities include needing an amplifier that is highly resolving, exceptionally neutral and transparent, with no artificial edge or highlighting, the Atma-Sphere is an amplifier I can recommend to you without qualification.

But rather than trying to write a review of the Atma-Sphere MA-2s, permit me to suggest that you read what Marc Mickelson, editor of Soundstage, has had to say in his several reviews of the MA-2 over the years. Here are links to two of his articles:

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/atmasphere_ma2iii_followup.htm

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/atmasphere_ma2ii3.htm

Best wishes,

Optarchie,

With 93db / 8ohm impedance, your speakers should be an easy load to drive. I'd think either of these amps would be overkill. I would consider the CAT JL2 or Atma MA1's instead. You'll save a ton of $$$. Of course if you change later to a very power hungry speaker, that's another story.
I've heard both the JL3s and MA2mkIIIs on multiple occasions, but never side-by-side. IMHO, the Atmas do things that few amps can do as well. They are incredible at untangling complex orchestral music while maintaining natural timbre and timing. The mkIIIs do indeed "do bass" quite well, and significantly better than the mkIIs. I really think they don't defer to the CATs in this or any other regard.
Another reason I would recommend Atma-Sphere is the superior support that Ralph & his team provide. He is one the the most gracious and helpful individuals in the biz, and will make himself readily available to help with anything from troubleshooting a bad tube to helping you with DIY mod advice on your other gear.
FYI, my bias is that of a happy owner of MA1s. FWIW, I've also owned CAT components. Cheers,
Spencer

They [Atma-Sphere amps] are incredible at untangling complex orchestral music while maintaining natural timbre and timing.

Bingo! And when paired with the latest version of Atma-Sphere's MP-1 preamplifier, they're even better at this !

Tim

The Atmashere is lusher and more musical. I am a huge CAT fan but their pre-amp is way better than their amp. The CAT amp is thin and doesn't have any drive.

In all the years I have read and participated in these forums, there have been a lot of ridiculous statements but this would takes the gold metal.

Optarchie - I have heard the CAT directly to the Atma-Sphere on SoundLab speakers and have reported on my findings in these forums. Check these out or contact me further details.

John

Agree with Spencer.

The Escalante Fremont presents a rather benign load and can be easily driven to paint peeling levels by the MA-1.

The MA-2, in this case, offer nothing more than a higher price and electric bill.

Disclaimer: AS retailer