Opinions on Meitner MTR-101 Amps???

I've used the Meitner PA-6i preamp for about 2 years; got the full upgrade package about a year ago. Picked up a pair of MTR-101s about six months ago, but since they sound so good I have not felt any urgency to get the upgrades done. In general, I feel that Museatex/Meitner products offer far more for the money than the big names. The Bidat D/A converter is another good example of a giant-killer. It is probably no coincidence that Sony, who could have paid for the services of virtually any audio engineer on the planet, contracted Ed Meitner to assist with the development of the Super Audio CD format. I would only add that using the PA-6i and the 101s together is definitely the way to go. It's also worth mentioning that when Stereophile gave the combo the Class B rating, the reviewer also noted the synergy achieved when using pre and power together; moreover, Stereophile acknowledged that the units they reviewed were early versions that had already been upgraded by the time the review went to press. Overall, with the pre and power going on the used market for under $2K, in my opinion, nothing else comes close. Happy listening! Joel Tatelman.

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.