Nearly 20 years have passed since the 2001 launch of the AirTight ATM-211 single-monaural power amplifier using the 211 tube. Since then, AirTight have launched 211 push-pull monaural power amplifier ATM-3211, which has become a turning point for the AirTight brand, as well as the SET ATM-300R.

Now, on the eve of the 35 years anniversary of the Japanese brand AirTight, are officially launching the new 211 tube single monaural power amplifier ATM-2211. We brought you the news in summer 2019 that the ATM-2211 was due to be released, now, finally, it is here. Because of this launch, the ATM-211 is now discontinued.

AirTight ATM-2211

AirTight told us: “This time, we decided not to use the overall Negative Feedback (NFB) from the secondary side of the output transformer, but to apply a large amount of NFB from the plate of the 211 output tube to the first stage. This is because the sound penetrating power and the energy feeling are emphasized rather than the so-called characteristic improvement. The operating point of each components of the circuit were designed more strict, and increased the output to 32W. ATM-2211 uses fixed bias method and DC ignition for the filament”.

Transformers

AirTight have used independent power transformers for high-voltage and low-voltage which used to be integral type in past model. In addition, the choke coil, which can be said to be the heart of the amplifier, is made of layers that do not use the traditional bobbin and are specially made to withstand high voltage. This choke coils are individually custom hand-made by Japanese craftsmen. For the output transformer, they installed high output type made by Hashimoto Electric Co.

Monocoque Chassis

The main chassis is AirTight`s traditional monocoque construction that controls resonance and keeps the mechanical strength of the amplifier. A thick pure copper sub-chassis is suspended from the main chassis to support the main amplification board and the power supply section on which the large block capacitor is placed. The main chassis has a structure that uses a threaded stud where the head of the screw is externally invisible. The thick front panel is machined from a solid aluminium block.

WBT Terminals

Loudspeaker terminals made by WBT of Germany are separately equipped for high (8Ω) and low (4Ω) output (16Ω can be selected as a factory set option). The input terminal is equipped with selectable RCA and XLR options. When the power is turned on, a built-in timer relay activates and plate voltage is applied with a time difference. This contributes to the protection of the output tube when the power is turned on and the longer life of the smoothing capacitors in the power supply section. As the 211 tube operates at very high voltage, AirTight have carefully selected parts to withstand high voltage and long-term use.

Specs

Valves: 1/12AX7, 1/12BH7, 1/211

Rated output: 32W(THD<5%)

Input impedance: 100kΩ(RCA/XLR)

Input: RCAx1, XLRx1(No.2 pin=HOT)

Input sensitivity: 500mV(32W)

Frequency response: 20Hz~20kHz(-1dB) @3.5W

Power consumption: 250VA

Dimensions: 400(W)x350(D)x225(H)mm

Weight: 25.5Kg

Price

MSRP for ATM-2211 is US$35,000 / Euro 32,000 per pair

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