The Mark II.2 versions of Ralph Karsten's amplifiers are superb, giving up next to nothing to the Lamm ML 2s in sound-staging, transparency, timbres, and dynamics, and only a smidgeon in inner detail, neutrality, and sheer presence. Indeed, compared to anything but the Lamms, the MA-2 Mk II.2s are the best tube amplifiers I've heard by a considerable margin. At 220 watts per side, they will handle just about anything (and are a marvellous combination with the Soundlab M-1s, the Maggie 20Rs, and the PipeDreams themselves.)

Jonathan Valin; The Absolute Sound 2000 Golden Ear Award
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The MA-2, simply put, is the finest amplifier made anywhere in the world at any price. The MA-2 is now updated to the rev.3 level with an improved gain stage with even wider bandwidth and lower distortion then before. Switchable feedback has been added as well. The MA-2 Mk. II.3 is the most powerful production OTL amplifier available, with vastly enhanced ability to drive difficult loads.

The improvement the MA-2 offers is total. The amplifier is faster then transistor designs, yet involving. It has bass impact other tube amps lack, plumbing the low frequencies that other amps seem unaware of. Yet it is smooth, detailed and tuneful, allowing the listener the ability to play the amplifier day in, day out without noticeable artifact. The improvement the MA-2 offers is obvious on any system - it is not subtle.

Designed for music, not sine waves, the MA-2 MkII.3 tracks a dynamic waveform faster than any other amplifier known in the world. It extracts more detail than designs that use transformers, transistors and single-ended (asymmetrical) circuits: music is presented intact.

• Introduction to Atma-sphere
• Atma-sphere’s 20 year rule
• Why we use the 6AS7G Power Triode
• Debunking Common Power Amplifier Myths
• Understanding Basic Circuits
• Using Single-Ended Equipment with Atma-Sphere Preamplifiers