ATC sia2-150

[drummerman]

After my recent re-aquisition with a Naim system I have decided it is not enough of an improvement. Leaving an all ATC one.

Hopefully my budget will be sufficient enough to soon try the SIA2-150 and the floorstanding 40s. Having done a little re-search into the amp especially, I was intrigued by the transformer used, an 'unfashionable' frame type rather than the usual torroids used these days in all but cheaper amps.

Not that this matters to me. I just wondered if anybody knows why torroids are the favoured transformers these days?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Generally, frame transformers are considered inferior, but a well designed frame transfomer can outperform a poorly designed toroidal. Many of the huge, powerful 70's Japanese amps used frame transformers. Personally, I wouldn't base any final decision on the type of transformer an amplifier uses, I'd base it on it's actual performance.

Frame transformers tend to be used a lot in mass produced amplifiers as it's the sort of transformer that can be bought 'off the shelf'. Toroidal transformers can be made to exacting specifications to suit a certain job within a product.

There may be other reasons, and I'm sure some transformer expert can shed some light on those.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

drummerman:

After my recent re-aquisition with a Naim system I have decided it is not enough of an improvement. Leaving an all ATC one.

Hopefully my budget will be sufficient enough to soon try the SIA2-150 and the floorstanding 40s. Having done a little re-search into the amp especially, I was intrigued by the transformer used, an 'unfashionable' frame type rather than the usual torroids used these days in all but cheaper amps.

Not that this matters to me. I just wondered if anybody knows why torroids are the favoured transformers these days?

Hi drummerman

The ATC SIA2-150 MK2 uses both types of transformers. A torroid is used for the pre amp stage and a frame type transformer is used for the power amp stage. ATC believes this route offers an ideal solution.

Btw, the SIA2-150 MK2 and SCM40's is a stunning combination and one that can punch well above its weight.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[plastic penguin]

drummerman:

After my recent re-aquisition with a Naim system I have decided it is not enough of an improvement. Leaving an all ATC one.

Hopefully my budget will be sufficient enough to soon try the SIA2-150 and the floorstanding 40s. Having done a little re-search into the amp especially, I was intrigued by the transformer used, an 'unfashionable' frame type rather than the usual torroids used these days in all but cheaper amps.

Not that this matters to me. I just wondered if anybody knows why torroids are the favoured transformers these days?

Didn't you used to like Cyrus?

Nudge: Leema Pulse....

 

[drummerman]

Thanks Rick and David.

PP, Yes I had a cyrus system and I probably should include Leema, especially at these prices and might even do so but I want to keep it simple for the moment. - ATC seems to represent good material value on the face of it and I only heard good things. Until I try one I won't know of course so can't really say much more.