vintage ADS Atelier A2 integrated amplifier c.1987—80WPC—plays great

Description: Offered for your consideration is a vintage ADS Atelier A2 Control Amplifier, manufactured c.1987. The ADS A2 was the U.S. version of the BRAUN Atelier (Designers’ Studio) A2 control or integrated amplifier. ADS and BRAUN had a relationship going back to 1973-74 when an enterprising German scientist living in the States began importing BRAUN speakers, then just the drivers which were joined with U.S-made cabinets by his new company ARIA dba Analog & Digital Systems, ADS. This direct relationship lasted only a year or two. Thereafter, ADS began using drivers made to their exacting specifications by, I'm fairly certain, Peerless of Denmark at the new Peerless facility in Massachusetts. This amplifier was produced some years after the two companies’ speaker lines no longer shared any commonality, but BRAUN was evidently still the go-to source for ADS when they saw the need for a supplemental product line. I first acquired one of these amps about 15 years ago, so I know a bit about them. In fact, my eBay listing from 2009 can still be found on Worthpoint. The ADS A2 sports a modern appearance, years ahead of its time, which would be mimicked by NAD and others. It measures 17½” wide by 14” deep (not incl. the knobs) by a svelte 2¾” tall and is tastefully constructed from matte-finished black metal and plastics. The handsome A2 boasts outstanding sound coupled with numerous features and retailed for $699.00 when new. So, please have a look at my large photos and read the remaining description to decide if this superlative ADS A2 integrated amplifier should become yours. This ADS A2 is in clean, excellent condition. The black-finished case looks amazing with no dents, dings, or notable scuffs, just a few scratches on the underside panel, as pictured. Plus, all of the faceplate and rear panel lettering is crisp, the knobs and button controls have a tight, positive feel, and the tone controls door opens/closes smoothly. Also, the spring-actuated speaker terminals have no issues and hold raw cable ends or pin terminations firmly. And, the power meter lights glow bright green with the bottom two remaining illuminated during standby. Adult-owned since new, used sparingly for five or six years then stored away for decades, this splendid integrated amplifier is in remarkable shape! What’s more, at the rear of the case is provision for a full-width door to cover the inputs and tuck-away an unplugged cord. But, most owners removed the door because, in the open position, they made an already deep case even longer. This A2 does not have the rear door. The A2 was offered c.1983-88 and it underwent some changes over its production run. The BRAUN specs show 75 watts per channel at first, then 80W, finally 90W, while driving an 8 ohm speaker load (100, 100, and 120W, respectively, at a 4Ω load). I believe the U.S. version stayed at the 80/100W power level, but I can’t find the ADS manual anywhere online to confirm it. Also, the early A2 had the moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridge options as separate RCA inputs, which was changed to a single input with adjacent MM/MC switch at rear. This allowed for the addition of a CD input and, finally, the auxiliary input was renamed video, both in alignment with growing buyer preferences. The A2 for sale here is the updated, final version. In addition to the phono, CD, and video inputs, the A2 has a tuner input and dual tape inputs and outputs. Naturally, both CD and video can also be used as auxiliary inputs for iPod, MP3, MiniDisc players, etc. Plus, there is a PRE-OUT, MAIN-IN loop allowing users to connect a powered subwoofer (that has RCA in/out) between the pre-amplifier/amplifier sections, or to use the A2 as a pre-amp with a separate power amp, and such. Most importantly, this A2 sounds excellent in my testing. It plays strong and clear as suggested by its power rating, impressive total harmonic distortion of 0.08%, and an amazing 10Hz-100kHz bandwidth that’s far in excess of the capabilities of audio sources and the finest speakers. There is a bit of static at startup which dissipates quickly, and should sort itself out with sustained use. I tested the CD and video inputs with my iPod and Rotel CD player, connected to some fantastic BRAUN L200 speakers I just restored. Since I don’t have a turntable, cassette deck, or FM tuner at present, I didn’t fiddle around with those inputs, but see no reason why they wouldn’t work just as well. Lastly, the A2 is optimized for 4 ohm speakers, so there’s no overload worries if you wanted to play two sets of typical 8Ω speakers at once. Overall, this is a well-designed, attractive amplifier with ample power for most users’ needs. So, as pictured and described, this outstanding ADS Atelier A2 Control Amplifier is offered to the discriminating buyer at a competitive price. Terms of Sale: I encourage prospective buyers to ask any questions they may have about the ADS A2 as there are no cancellations, returns, refunds, or claims considered for this listing. This is a high quality integrated amp from a respected maker, but it’s also nearly 40 years old. There’s an inherent risk to buying pre-owned electronics (whether online or in-person) as some parts can suddenly fail due to age degradation with no warranty recourse. What’s more, I can’t anticipate how the new owner will put the unit to use, their degree of experience with audio equipment, or the quality/condition of the equipment it will be connected to. This is a extremely well-built unit, so I don’t foresee any problems, but nevertheless needed to state the above. Also, I pack items very securely, and full insurance coverage will be included in the shipping/handling cost, but will not be held liable for rough/negligent handling in the shipping process nor fall prey to a “parts switching” scheme of any sort. If this makes you skeptical, please take a look at my feedback pages and you won’t be. I’ve been an eBay member for over 25 years and have served thousands of satisfied audio customers. And, I’d like you to be the next one! A note on shipping: It will take me several days to devise and implement a packaging plan to get this ADS amplifier to the new owner safely. A sturdy box will be used, possibly two, lined with dense foam panels (and/or other protective materials as I deem fit), to ensure no disappointments upon arrival. Local pick-up is fine, actually preferred, for those in the Chicago-Milwaukee metro area (or farther if you’re willing to make the drive). We’re located about 35 miles north of downtown and some 20 miles south of the WI State line at Kenosha. For those interested in pickup, please contact me so that I can discuss that option with you. Payment is due at checkout by PayPal or other accepted methods. U.S. mailing addresses will pay $39.95 for very carefully packed shipping via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS with tracking, delivery confirmation, and full insurance coverage. International purchases are not accepted for this listing—U.S. addresses only. For international buyers that use a U.S.-based shipping service to circumvent that—only if it’s been established as their confirmed eBay/PayPal address—the insurance coverage on the package ends when carrier tracking shows that it has been safely delivered to the U.S shipping agent. At that point, the package becomes their responsibility, so make sure they also provide insurance. Thanks for looking, and I look forward to doing business with one of you!

Price: 349 USD

Location: Libertyville, Illinois

End Time: 2025-01-06T18:00:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 39.95 USD