Looking for an amp to drive Eidolons Vision.

Elberoth, I have a pair of Eidolons that I drive with Atma-Sphere MA-2 MkIIIs amps and the combination is superb. I've heard the Eidolons in different systems over the years with a variety of amps, and this is the most satisfying combination I've heard (I've not heard the JL-2s, but do read good things about that combination).

The challenge is the cost new: $33,000. I know you say "new gear ONLY," but let me offer a consideration: buy a used MA-2 MkII ($12-13,000 see Audiogon classified) and send it back to the factory to be updated to MkIII status. Ralph will update the amp to current factory spec and extend a new 5-year "as new" warranty on the amp. One great thing about the Atma-Sphere amps is that the life of the output tubes is very, very long (in the 10,000+ hours range), and output tubes do not have to be matched so you can replace just one at a ttime as needed. The output tubes are also relatively inexpensive.

I agree right down the line with the comments Marc Mickelson makes in his May, 2004, SountStage review of the MA-2s: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/atmasphere_ma2ii3.htm
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Hi Jafox, just a comment on the dynamic contrasts of the two Atma-Sphere amps: the MA-2 has far greater dynamic capabilities than the MA-1. There is very little comparison unless you add the power supply boost upgrade to the MA-1 (which adds a significantly greater amount of capacitor reserve to the power supply). I know your comparison was between the MA-1 and the JL-2, just didn't want anyone to draw an inference you'd not intended. Cheers.
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