MDA2
The MDA2 integrated amplifier uses a quad of Melody 2A3 tubes (presumably in Push-Pull) to output 2x 13 Watts in pure Class A. The driver and gain tubes are 4x “Made In Brittain” XF184 and a single USA-made Western Electric WE407 X. Inside, the amp uses Mundorf capacitors and point-to-point wiring.
The Bias control is accessible on top of the amplifier panel and can be set using the built-in, beautifully back-lit, true ampere meters on the front panel. The amplifier’s side cheeks are made of wood to add a smooth and classy touch. Like all Melody amplifiers, the MDA2 has a Soft Start and 30-second time-delay.
An aluminum cage with magnetic feet and a full-aluminum infrared remote control are included. The amp offers 4 cinch inputs and an XLR input and has separate speaker taps for 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms.
After switch-on, the MDA2 emits no hum or hiss from the speakers and, when sitting close, only a very mild hum from the transformer housing. It’s so soft, however, that it cannot be heard at the listening position that, in this room, is only 3 meters away, making this really a non-issue. While this may seem like faint praise, I found that it’s actually rare for a tube amp to be this silent.
Listening
Sonically, the MDA2 paints an entirely different picture than the Action Ultra. Sure, it’s considerably more expensive but from the very first minutes that it plays (even before being warmed up) it’s clear that it performs solidly in the high-end league. I don’t use that term lightly and when I do, I mean it. Although most tube amps that I listened to had to yield to the Ayon Spirit III in multiple aspects, the MDA2 actually outperforms it in nearly all aspects, something that has not happened before!
The MDA2 sounds beautifully linear and transparent, finely detailed, and highly refined. In all these aspects, it outperforms the Spirit III. That, I did not see coming. The MDA2 sounds captivatingly pure and is highly revealing yet supremely gentle which results in a fascinating performance that lays bare all that’s inside the recordings. It’s very neutral and analytical, but never clinical and its timbre is spot-on natural. The bass, nearly always an aspect in which tube amplifiers perform less well than transistor amplifiers, is fast and tight and beautifully articulate, and with perfect pacing, it’s neither slow nor hurried. The bass is a little lean compared to the Ayon’s but then, nearly every other amplifier sounds less solid than the Ayon, and that goes even for many a transistor amp. Whether one presentation or the other is preferred, is of course a personal matter as well as something that will be dictated by the rest of the system. The Xavians do not have huge bass and for this reason, I tend to prefer fuller-sounding amplifiers in this room. On balance, however, I’d say that the Melody is more neutral as well as more linear than the Ayon and thus, strictly speaking, the better amp.
The only area in which one could lay blame at the amplifier’s performance is in terms of power. Although it outperforms the Action Ultra in literally all audiophile parameters, with 2x 13 Watts, the MDA2 is not a powerhouse. But, as mentioned, at 88dB’s, the Xavians are not very efficient, either. Still, you honestly do not notice the power limit unless playing really loudly at which point the amplifier will start to distort. The solution is easy enough: either lower the volume a little or use more efficient speakers. I’d wager that a couple of dB’s more sensitivity will already be enough.
As with the Action Ultra, again, I felt that the AudioQuest Water ideally matched the amplifier. And, again, as with the previous amp, I found that both the FoilFlex and the Driade worked equally well. This time, however, the MDA2’s carefully balanced sound makes that it does not require further tweaking to give its best. One can simply choose from a wide palette of speaker cables and use whatever best fits the rest of the system or the personal taste.
Christian,
Very succinct and well done! I was especially intrigued by the MDA2 review I am right now listening to a pushpull 2a3 amp on loan from my dealer. The 2a3 is my favorite DHT and running it PP as in the MDA2 makes for truly realistic power on tap. I agree the 2a3 sound is very linear and very transparent the MDA2 looks like an excellent value.
And I’ve never personally heard the 211 tube before but it was of course the power tube of the Iconic Ongaku so I can imagine how good that Everest sounded.
Cheers,
Jon
Cheers Jon!
Thanks again Christiaan
You are always very detailed and objective.
Recently I use marantz pm6007 and Juson JTA50 hybrid amplifier which is identical to Dayton 100.
While marantz pm6007 which is solid state has powerful bass definition and open high and very fast with swings and transients , it lacks the beauty and realism of Juson especially with voices.
Now I want to Upgrade to the next level, and there very good options at very good price, the first is Atoll In100 signature and second is this Melody Action.
Of course Atoll is solid state but it is mosfet design which some claims very close to tube amplifier.
What do you think?
Your help and suggestions are very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Hi Mohammed, thanks for your kind words. I’m sorry to say that I can’t get into personal advice concerning products I have not reviewed. My time is limited, so I can only respond to questions directly related to articles on this website. But what I can say is that my experience is that tube and transistor remain very separate worlds, each with their own particular strengths. It’s one or the other, you can’t really have both. Only when I heard the Halcro Eclipse stereo amplifier did I feel that we have a true combination of both worlds without introducing the almost inevitable downsides, although, even then, a true tube amp may still be preferred by some for certain aspects. Please be aware that certain tube downsides (harmonic distortion, hysteresis) can actually be experienced as positives. Its a very relative and personal matter. You might prefer Class-A transistor amplifiers. The best advice I can give is to read as much as you can, then try potential candidates for yourself. Oh, Class-G and Class-H spring to mind. This is Class-A but with switching/Sliding bias, so they do not get hot and do not use so much energy, but still possess typical Class-A sound properties such as smoothness. Arcam might be worth looking at. I have not heard them in a controlled environment and this is all I can tell you about them. Ok, once I start rambling something always comes up, but I really have to stop here. 😉
Thanks again
😊
Now , probably I will go for Melody Action Evo.
I really find the sound of the tube amplifier even the hybrid, is something far better than typical solid state class A/B.
It just sounds more real and dimensional.
I just don’t feel the spiritual emotional connection with solid state amps which I have , like Cambridge, Pioneer and Marantz.
Regarding, the downsides of the tube, like distortion, for me i don’t consider it a downside, I found it pleasant. 😊
Keep up the uniqe good work.
Kind regards and best wishes
And if you allow me please
I have last question for this Melody action.
How you compare it to Accuphase 280 ?
I know there is huge difference price but always interesting to know the sonic differences.
Kind regards and best wishes
Good that you mention it. The Accuphase E280 is in a much higher class overall. Sure, it does not actually sound like a tube amp, but it is MUCH more refined and MUCH more highly resolving. If you want precision as well as lushness, smoothness, and richness of sound, the E280 could be a very good option.
Thanks
If Accuphase doesn’t sound like tube amplifier then I will overlook it.
😊
Kind regards
Well, no transistor amp truly sounds like a tube amp. Then again, no tube amp I heard has transistor bass and control. So, it’s a matter of priorities. Let me know how you get on with the Melody Action Ultra. It offers excellent value for money.
Of course I will.
My pleasure
I will choose between Melody Action or Vincent 500 hybrid.
From my experience with Juson JTA50 hybrid amplifier, I think hybrid tube with class ab solid state can get very similar to pure tube amplifier. Also it would more reliable, since the heat here in Saudi Arabia especially in Jeddah city is something makes me hesitant to choose the Melody.
But hopefully I will make the right decision.
Kind regards