Sorry, Optarchie, but no. I can only comment on the MA-2 MkIII, not a comparison of the two you've named.
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cat jl3 signatures vs. atmashere ma2III's
Has anyone had the cahnce to hear these amps side by side? I was wondering what the sonic differences would be between them. I have heard the cat jL2 signature but have not heard the monoblocks. Do you think the atmasphere would give me the bass slam of the cats. I know both have great midrange and I know that the cat will be a little more "maintenance" but which one do you folks prefer and why? Any input would be much appreciated.
Showing 5 responses by rushton
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, |
I will join Sbank and Audiofeil in the belief that the MA-2 is overkill for an 8ohm / 93db sensitivity speaker, provided there are no insane impedance dips. The MA-1 should drive your speakers very well. On another note, the MkIII updates to the MA-1 and MA-2 made a significant improvement in midrange purity and even lower distortion. Those who have not hear the MkIII upgrade may be surprised by the degree of improvement. . |
Louis, thanks for referencing the Marc Mickelson review of the CAT JL2 amps. It was an interesting read. I suppose, as with so much else in this hobby of ours, the right answer for each of us will ultimately depend on finding the right balance and synergy of components that comprise the entire system. One thing I ponder over is the impact of Mickelson's preferred speakers in his appraisal of what he's hearing. Still, a good article and well worth reading. Thanks again for pointing to it. Regards, |
For those who have been following the comments on this thread, Marc Mickelson has posted a follow-up and summation to his reviews of the CAT JL2 and Atma-Sphere MA-2 amplifiers. His comments in part: But even with all of the praise I hefted on the JL2 Signature Mk 2, if I had to pick a single amplifier as my favorite, even among the many truly great amps that I've heard, it would be the latest version of Ralph Karsten's OTL powerhouse, the MA-2 Mk III monoblock ($32,800 per pair). The transparency of its midrange was dramatic and involving to my ears in a way that the sound of no other amp is, and its lightning-quick attack never came at the price of hardness or etch. "Unforced resolution" is how I summed things up, "the earmark of the highest performance high-end audio has to offer."Two outstanding examples of the skills of two excellent designers. (N.B.: I own Atma-Sphere MA-2 amps and love what they do with Avalon Acoustic Eidolon speakers.) . |