Opinions on Meitner MTR-101 Amps???

I use them as bass amps (200hz on down) in a 4-piece system, but have also run them full range. Mine were revised just before I got them about 3 years ago, but I have heard a friend's original 101s in my system. I don't know the cost, but the revised version has more detail, depth and dynamics than the original--a more refined presentation. Sonically a very worthwhile improvement. The overall character of the sound is the same--it's a very rich amplifier and smooth. It won't wow you with detail, but that's because it's not bright or tilted towards the high frequencies in its balance. It may not be the best amp for rock in that respect, because there is less high frequency energy than some other solid state designs on transients; I personally think the Meitners are more natural sounding. Sounds quite tube-like in its presentation and tonal balance, but it has VERY powerful, and full, bass. I got it originally as a spare in case my Jadis JA80s went down, and now use it, together with the 80's on the midrange and tweeters in the biamped system, because it's a good match tonally with those amps. And they don't weigh 200 pounds, are compact and look great in their mahogany/rosewood cases.

Joel: I also have a PA 6 that I use as a spare when my Jadis preamp is acting up, and ultimately will move to my second system. Is the upgrade on that one worth it? I already have the current MC phono module, which I thought was a big improvement over the original module in my unit. I was thinking of upgrading, but not sure of the benefit. Incidently, I live two blocks from Arnie Balgalvis, the Stereophile reviewer of the Meitner system, who has been over to my place for some NJAS meetings, and on seeing the 101s in my system he mentioned that he still has fond memories of the Meitner components. I think they're innovative and a hell of a bargain, as you note.

Audionut: On your last point, while they are a synergistic match, the amps do work well with other equipment; my JP80MC sounds better than the PA-6i with them, for example, although you're talking ridiculous money there. The Rogue is a fine piece; it may work very well with the 101s, I wouldn't rule it out at all. If Rackon lives in the NYC/tri-state area, I could bring over one or both of my pre and amps to let him/her give it a listen and comparison (I did this for a friend in the NJAS, who's now looking for these pieces on the used market).

Rackon: The JP80 is the Jadis all tube unit; I got mine about 7-8 years ago when they were a little less expensive. I'm prejudiced, but I think it's still one of the best you can get, particularly for classical music. That said, while I miss the Jadis, the PA-6 is a more than capable replacement; it has a superb phono stage, soundstages very well and has excellent bass and dynamics, just lacks the last degree of dimensionality and refinement I feel you get from tubes in general and the Jadis in particular. Tatelman, thanks for your input; I'll probably send it in for an update when the Jadis returns.

John Wright at EMM Labs (Ed Meitner's company) was the person whom I contacted, but I recall receiving a piece of mail or e-mail from him recently saying he had left there. I'll see if I still have it in my office on Monday. Possible Ed Meitner might be able to help, try emmlabs.com with a search, as he's venturing back into consumer audio with his DSD transport/DAC combination.

I just got an e-mail from John Wright. He has a new website, www.museatex.com, where you can get in touch with him regarding Meitner/Museatex repairs, upgrades, etc. He is the person who has been handling repairs and upgrades the past 10 years, and the work he did for me in the past was done very well.

$20 for MTR 101s?  Bargain of the Century!