Atma-Sphere MA-2 amplifier


Get a sense of what it's like to live with one of the world's best amplifiers by reading Marc Mickelson's excellent review of the most recent evolution of the Atma-Sphere MA-2 Mk3.1 OTL amplifiers in The Audio Beat.

Ralph Karsten continues to improve these remarkable amplifiers. Well done, Ralph!
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The ".1" upgrade is genuinely significant - more so than the numeric designation might suggest. Taking my MA-1s from 3 -> 3.1, I was impressed with the improved quietude and audible reduction of distortion, which cashed out as superior intonation, poise, and heightened intelligibility across the frequency range. You say to yourself 'well, I figure it will be better' but it is hard to conceptualize that 'betterness' until you actually hear the differences in your own system - of course by then you're beyond concepts. If you own an amp under 3.0, I suspect the upgrade improvement is exponential.
I'm glad someone else heard similar improvements moving from 3 to 3.1, a well worth upgrade for a reasonable price. Ralph's upgrade philosophy is just one of many reasons why I love my OTLs. Congratulations Ralph!
What a great write-up and review - congrats Ralph!

While I would love to own the MA-2's, I will just have to be satisfied being a proud owner of Mk 3.1 MA-1's. ;-)

As others have stated here and Marc did in the review, Ralph knows how to make some seriously good amps and I can't think of any amp I have previously owned that can do everything my MA-1's do.

The upgrade from Mk 3.0 to Mk 3.1 is substantial and at the price Ralph charges, it is absolutely mandatory! The fact that you also get a new three year warranty puts it into the "great value" and "no brainer" categories.

BTW, I also own the Mk 3.1 MP-1 preamp and it is just as good as the amps!!

Thanks again Ralph for producing great gear and providing outstanding customer service and support.

George