Atma-Sphere MA2 Mk2.3 / Krell KSA 250 / Passlabs?


Good Evening Fellow Audio Heads!

I'm upgrading my amps (will be a big step up from my NAD S200) which I still love dearly.

The amps that I have the choice to purchase second hand are:

Atma-Sphere MA2 Mk2.3 - AUD $9000
Pass Labs X250.5 = AUD $6995
Krell KSA 250 = AUD $3000

Now the Krell and Atma-Sphere are class A. The Pass labs A/B. Front End will be a Atma-Sphere MP1 Mk3. Speakers are the unfriendly Dynaudio Confidence 5 (no intention of changing these lovely speakers)

Can you please advise your thoughts on what amp would sound best in this situation. Music Reggae / soul / female vocals. What amp listed is the best value? I would say either the Atma-Sphere or the Krell. I have only heard the Pass-Labs in person and that sounded nice and smooth. I like detail in my music.

Many thanks for all your help as it's impossible to do A/B comparisons.

Cheers
Che
che13

Showing 3 responses by che13

Thanks everyone for the input.

This tech stuff has gone way above my head, but the phase shifts according to Dynaudio are as follows:

Impedance, Phase Shift (20-200 Hz):
-19.6º - +18.7º
Impedance, Phase Shift (200-20 kHz):
-5.1º - +15.1º
Impedance, HF (200 kHz):
5.4 ohms

This means nothing to me but I would like your thoughts on the MA2-Mk2.3 driving these lovely speakers.

Thanks again.

Thanks All,

Ralph thinks they will drive them easily. I beleive him, just after other opinions before I down lay the $$$.

Thanks all for the input.

By the way looks like I will have to run them with my MP3 until the Australian dollar improves :(

Thanks all for the friendly advice.

Cheers
Well I got the Ma-2's and they EASILY drive the C5...no 2 ways about it. I also tried them them on Proac Response 8 Sigs (mini monitors) and they drive the C5 just as easily as a book shelf. Plenty of sound and all controled.

Cheers
Che