Club Musical Fidelity

[musical physic]

Anthony in Sydney at LWA 22/07

http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/index....ny-michaelson/

[HDBLU]

http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/index....ny-michaelson/

Hi there

When I press your link it said page can not be found, Is the New len wallis web page coming or some think?

[musical physic]

Hi Kris,

Sorry for the dead link.

Here it is http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/index....ny-michaelson/

Cheers

Daniel

[DM3000 Owner]

Hi Kris,

Sorry for the dead link.

Here it is http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/index....ny-michaelson/

Cheers

Daniel

Kind of a flip flop powerwise from his last statement pieces, the KWP Preamp and Kilowatt Power amp. He tends to boast a little too much but his products are really outstanding.

I just upgraded from an A308CR preamp to a KWP preamp. :B Quite a piece of equipment, it has a huge soundstage and the top end is still as smooth as can be. I was worried using B&W 800's but it is a great match. Too bad they did not make more of them.

[SPaibool]

it's quite old story but I'm still curious about how internal DAC inside A1008 work? especially what's types of synchronization data stream?
• Synchronous
• Adaptive mode
• Asynchronous
please help me up
many thanks

[KahunaCanuck]

Just put up some pics in the B&W gallery of my 2.1 system, here is a pic of my KW500:


Love it!

[HDBLU]

Just put up some pics in the B&W gallery of my 2.1 system, here is a pic of my KW500:


Love it!

Awesome :T

[Audio_ElF]

If you mean the USB connection into the A1008 DAC, then I think it's a basic adaptive connection. The whole DAC stage is very similar to the X-DACv8 IIRC.

Eloise

[SPaibool]

many thxs Eloise,

[Audio_ElF]

Dm25 Dac

Does anyone know what sample rates the DM25 DAC will accept? I think that the dual link from the transport is 24/96 per channel, but is this compatible with other devices or is it proprietary to the MF combo? I was thinking I could use a Lynx AES16 (or other alternatives) to give dual-link 24/192 but not sure if it will work with the DM25 - has anyone tried?

Eloise

[uncle_dito]

Does anyone know what sample rates the DM25 DAC will accept? I think that the dual link from the transport is 24/96 per channel, but is this compatible with other devices or is it proprietary to the MF combo? I was thinking I could use a Lynx AES16 (or other alternatives) to give dual-link 24/192 but not sure if it will work with the DM25 - has anyone tried?

Eloise

Hi Eloise,
I recall having read in a review that the balanced inputs are NOT standard, so they are good only for KW25 transport (I think they mentioned they go the other way male-female connectors). I am not sure the other inputs can handle 96Khz. Here is the manual at MF´s site: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/manuals/kW/kWdac_eng.pdf
Good luck.

[chrisbureau]

Evolution of MF CD players.

Hi everyone.

I am about to buy a MF A5.5. CD player (to match my A308 amp and Dynaudios speakers, replacing and old Marantz CD). A decent deal for a second hand one, but still quite a lot of money. I am a bit afraid of the lack of evolution possibility. What I mean is that this player won't be of much help if I decide to move to streaming rather than CDs, an option that seems interesting given the lossless formats now available. It looks a bit like a waste to have such a great converter on my shelf and not being able to plug anything into it.

What are the prospects for future (or current?) MF CD players to be a bit more versatile ? Is it worth delaying the purchase ? I know it is not particularly a MF topic but still, opinions would be appreciated. thanks

Chris

[Audio_ElF]

Ternatives...

I don't know how much you are paying for the A5.5; but have you considered X-DACv8 and X-Rayv8 CD player as alternative to the A5.5 CD? The X-DACv8 certainly givesyou options looking towards streaming in the future and offer tube or solid state options for output.

Eloise

[ellison]

MF A5.5 Amplifier

Hi..
Ive recently purchased an a5.5 amp.I wanted an amp that would make my speakers (acoustic zen adagios) "breathe" more easily.I was using a primare i30 but to my ears it just didnt gel right with the zen speakers.So the primare is now upstairs in my second system paired with quad 22ls.The MF amp and zen speakers are fantastic together.One thing that is spoiling the "nirvana" though ,is loud hum from the amplifier that changes pitch (frequency?).It can be heard 8ft away at my listening position.Ive noticed the amp also picks up interference when theres a hairdryer plugged in upstairs for example.I first thought it must be my mains however ,i took it over my parents and its the same there.I sent the unit back and MF says theres nothing wrong with it.Ive tried special mains lead and mains conditioning power supply,however the problem is still there.Its not a ground loop hum as theres no noise at all from the speakers.Its purely the amp as it makes the same noise without anything connected at all to it.Im not sure what to do at this point as MF say theres nothing wrong with it.No other piece of electronic equipment i have makes such a noise or is affected by a hairdryer being plugged in upstairs.Im starting to think its the actual design or components used in the a5.5 that are either poorly made or poorly matched or poorly shielded.Does anyone else have such an issue with the a5.5?
tia
ellison

[uncle_dito]

Hi..
Ive recently purchased an a5.5 amp.I wanted an amp that would make my speakers (acoustic zen adagios) "breathe" more easily.I was using a primare i30 but to my ears it just didnt gel right with the zen speakers.So the primare is now upstairs in my second system paired with quad 22ls.The MF amp and zen speakers are fantastic together.One thing that is spoiling the "nirvana" though ,is loud hum from the amplifier that changes pitch (frequency?).It can be heard 8ft away at my listening position.Ive noticed the amp also picks up interference when theres a hairdryer plugged in upstairs for example.I first thought it must be my mains however ,i took it over my parents and its the same there.I sent the unit back and MF says theres nothing wrong with it.Ive tried special mains lead and mains conditioning power supply,however the problem is still there.Its not a ground loop hum as theres no noise at all from the speakers.Its purely the amp as it makes the same noise without anything connected at all to it.Im not sure what to do at this point as MF say theres nothing wrong with it.No other piece of electronic equipment i have makes such a noise or is affected by a hairdryer being plugged in upstairs.Im starting to think its the actual design or components used in the a5.5 that are either poorly made or poorly matched or poorly shielded.Does anyone else have such an issue with the a5.5?
tia
ellison

Hi, I used to have MF A5 CR pwr/pre and also A5CD. I also had some hum (A5 CD sitting on top of A5 CR PRE, which sat on top of A5 CR PWR. After calling my dealer, and trying many things, I sorted it by placing the A5 CR pre away from the A5PWR (about 30 cm above), and the A5 CD sat on top of the AR CR Pwr. The hum went away. So my advice is that you try to play with the position of A5.5, maybe separate A5.5 from your CD or other equipment. Or tidy the cable loops connected at the rear...Good luck

[ellison]

Thanks for reply.I actually took the amp over to my parents home and tried it.It wasnt connected to anything and not near any other electronic equipment so i suspect it is something internal to the amp causing it.I have been advised that its possibly the transformer thats not tightened to correct torque ,however MF says its ok ,and I dont really want to invalidate the warranty by opening it and looking myself.However the g/f has noticed the hum now whenever theres quiet parts on tv or cd so i am tempted to open the top and look for myself.
ellison

[chrisbureau]

Thanks Eloise. Yes, I thought about that, but the price I can find the X-DACv8 is about the same as the MF CDA5.5 (second hand) around here. For some strange reason... I am not sure I want to stick to CDs for another 10 years, that is my problem.

[HDBLU]

Has anybody tried the 550k as a Power amplifier, and how did it sound, I found a place where I can buy the 550k for $1249US dollar 'pre' Amp is this a good buy.

Thanks

[musical physic]

Kris,

Best thing to do is to arrange a demo at Len Wallis Audio.

I believe they still have a pair on site for demo. You be the judge.

Cheers,

Daniel

[HDBLU]

Kris,

Best thing to do is to arrange a demo at Len Wallis Audio.

I believe they still have a pair on site for demo. You be the judge.

Cheers,

Daniel

Hi Daniel
I found a place in the US that sells them for $1249 from $2500, I have a RB1080 Rotel but looking for some think allot better. Am wondering how does the 550k sound just using them as a Power Amplifier, How do you hook your 750k up and what pre-amp are you using.

I looked at len wallis and can not see any 550k there I would think they would won't so much for them.

cheers

[HDBLU]

Would anyone know if the 550k supercharges can be changed from 110v to 240v inside using jumpers!! if they have jumpers?

Cheers

[musical physic]

Kris,

Try sourcing out the 550k amps from UK. They will work here in Aus with no hassles.

I'm currently using the A1 FBP as the preamp.

Last time I checked out Len Wallis they had 550k hooked up to a1 FBP. That was about 2mths ago. You should ask them and see if you can score a deal for the pair of them.

I have heard the 550ks with A1 FBP, A5 cd player with Audio Physic Scorpios and the sound is good.

Regards,

Daniel

[rantzmar]

Hi all.

Just ordered a Musical Fidelity X Ray v8 CDP with its external power supply. I have 30 days to return it if I don't like it. I'm starting to up grade my system and thought I'd start with the CDP. What do you guys think of that CDP? I actually know nothing about MF.

[HDBLU]

Kris,

Try sourcing out the 550k amps from UK. They will work here in Aus with no hassles.

I'm currently using the A1 FBP as the preamp.

Last time I checked out Len Wallis they had 550k hooked up to a1 FBP. That was about 2mths ago. You should ask them and see if you can score a deal for the pair of them.

I have heard the 550ks with A1 FBP, A5 cd player with Audio Physic Scorpios and the sound is good.

Regards,

Daniel

Hi Daniel
Am not going for the 550k at 110v It will do more damage then good using a transformer on them, so I will have a look at some think else, my ROTEL RB1080 is driving me up the wall to the sound way to thin bass lacks a lot also.

some one else said to get the Elektra Theatron 7 Channel Power Amplifier he said it sound very good and will be a better sounding amp then the rotel.

Anyway have you done anything with your setup how is the new speaker cable going.

cheers

[KahunaCanuck]

Just replaced my Marantz Reference SA11S2 CD player with a KW 25 Transporter/DAC...all I can say is wow! Not sure if it the synergy of the KW500 pairing with it adds to the sound, but there is so much more depth to the sound, and you reall notice the space in between notes a lot more...I am thrilled at the changes...I really didn't expect much... 8O

[alebonau]

looks like musical fidelity have refreshed their website !

and what is great to see is an M6 range, which looks like a replacement of the A5 range with similar cd player, integrated, plus pre-pwr combination.

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/M6-Series/M6-Series.asp

for the first time appears they have also included both black and silver options in the range.

website is still very scant on the technical info on the m6 range
and wonder where pricing is placed at for the range

[HDBLU]

looks like musical fidelity have refreshed their website !

and what is great to see is an M6 range, which looks like a replacement of the A5 range with similar cd player, integrated, plus pre-pwr combination.

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/M6-Series/M6-Series.asp

for the first time appears they have also included both black and silver options in the range.

website is still very scant on the technical info on the m6 range
and wonder where pricing is placed at for the range

Hi AL
I Hope the New M6 Range will be the same price as the A5 range when they came out if so I have found what I have been looking for for so long.

This is awesome I have been waiting so long to here a replacement for the A5 Range.

Are you going to update your A5cr & pre when they get released I would think it will be next your about April until they came out.

I also noticed the M6i Integrated has 200wpc vs the A5-5 that has 250wpc I wonder if it will sound the same.

[HDBLU]

I also found this looks like the M6i will be $5000Aus

http://www.audiovenue.co.uk/products_info.asp?id=982&cat=1&sub=1

[alebonau]

Hi AL
I Hope the New M6 Range will be the same price as the A5 range when they came out if so I have found what I have been looking for for so long.

This is awesome I have been waiting so long to here a replacement for the A5 Range.

Are you going to update your A5cr & pre when they get released I would think it will be next your about April until they came out.

I also noticed the M6i Integrated has 200wpc vs the A5-5 that has 250wpc I wonder if it will sound the same.

it is good to see something follow along the lines of the a5 which was a cracker of a series of amp and cd player for mf I reckon.

not looking to update HDBLU, usually with most brands one model to the next is usually just an incremental upgrade if any. 2ch gear doesnt advance along the way ht gear does where each new model surpases the one previous.

yeah did notice the slight power drop from the previous model, but I wouldnt be too concerned with specs like that. and espcially in the scheme of things 50w isnt really a huge difference.

[alebonau]

I also found this looks like the M6i will be $5000Aus
http://www.audiovenue.co.uk/products...82&cat=1&sub=1

I wouldnt be suprised. maybe even 5.5k or above. all really comes down to exchange rate and when the importer here gets them in. exchange rate is been a bit like a yoyo of late, but high to our advantage for uk gear

will be very interesting to see more info on the m6 pre pwr

it certainly looks like very well made and put together stuff. do hope a success for mf

[Audio_ElF]

Hopefully Musical Fidelity will be a little consistent with their range for a while. The big "supercharger" amps didn't last for long. And the A1008 wasn't around for that long either.

Thats my "issue" with MF ... not the quality, but they change their ranges so often. I'm not sure if maybe they have issues with continuity of supply. Possibly as they are only small and don't (AFAIK) have their own factory and get others to build their equipment for them, they have a run of (say) the amps made, and then later can't get the same made by same company so may as well change to another design... (This is supposition not fact).

Eloise

[HDBLU]

Hopefully Musical Fidelity will be a little consistent with their range for a while. The big "supercharger" amps didn't last for long. And the A1008 wasn't around for that long either.

Thats my "issue" with MF ... not the quality, but they change their ranges so often. I'm not sure if maybe they have issues with continuity of supply. Possibly as they are only small and don't (AFAIK) have their own factory and get others to build their equipment for them, they have a run of (say) the amps made, and then later can't get the same made by same company so may as well change to another design... (This is supposition not fact).

Eloise

I notice the A5-5 is not on there web anymore and that came out last year, But am going to go for the New M6i looks awesome

[alebonau]

Hopefully Musical Fidelity will be a little consistent with their range for a while. The big "supercharger" amps didn't last for long. And the A1008 wasn't around for that long either.

Thats my "issue" with MF ... not the quality, but they change their ranges so often. I'm not sure if maybe they have issues with continuity of supply. Possibly as they are only small and don't (AFAIK) have their own factory and get others to build their equipment for them, they have a run of (say) the amps made, and then later can't get the same made by same company so may as well change to another design... (This is supposition not fact).

Eloise

eloise, mf have always had product runs and a range of product replaced by other every few years.

could look at it a couple of ways. one theyre continuously improving their product with every new range. or on the other hand trying to keep the range fresh both stylistically and technologically.

both somethign they do need to do to keep them in the race. to not be left behind and also to keep them selves noticed.

was never too sure about the a1008 to be honest. seemed a bit of a stop gap product. as with the superchargers which were a little gimicky in my opinion. even though they were supposedly good power amps not sure the whole concept of the suerpcharger business. but again that might have been just to get them in the lime light :roll:

in reality as mentioned earlier I dont see 2ch gear as superceded or outdated as quickly as av gear. so not so much a reason to keep up with the very latest. my original mf dac, pre and mono bolocs I owned for over a decade. was a long time before was worthwhile updating those for any significant gains. the dac I still own and does a superb job with an mf xcan v3 and senheisser hd650's

[HDBLU]

They have details on the Pre/pwr now looks very nice.

[Audio_ElF]

eloise, mf have always had product runs and a range of product replaced by other every few years.

could look at it a couple of ways. one theyre continuously improving their product with every new range. or on the other hand trying to keep the range fresh both stylistically and technologically.

both somethign they do need to do to keep them in the race. to not be left behind and also to keep them selves noticed.

You are right of course ... though different manufacturers do have different approaches to this - Naim for example have products that they sell virtually unchanged for decades. The problem isn't so much that the products change internally, but that the external styling is inconsistent. For some people that doesn't matter I guess.

Anyway I love my A1008, and would look at Musical Fidelity again but equally look at others.

Does anyone know where the new range is actually being manufactured - are the still building in far east?

Eloise

PS. UK price is £2500 for each component.

[uncle_dito]

Have you seen this setup with Titan?

Hello all,

Have you seen this:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php4?p=471030&postcount=2766

Incredible setup, and using MF´s TITAN.

I just asked him to give some feedback on why Titan, and to consider publising on this site.

Regards

[Audio_ElF]

Hello all,

Have you seen this:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showpost.php4?p=471030&postcount=2766

Incredible setup, and using MF´s TITAN.

I just asked him to give some feedback on why Titan, and to consider publising on this site.

Regards

Not ONE Titan ... but TWO!!

[KahunaCanuck]

One is the power supply...

[HDBLU]

I found more Details on the M6i
Specifications

Output
Power 200 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (23dBW)
Voltage 45 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping
(126 Volts peak-to-peak)
Current peak-to-peak 75 Amps
Damping factor 170
Output devices 2 pairs per channel
Line input
THD+N 100dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance 38k Ohms
Frequency response +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Connections
Line level inputs 1 pairs line level XLR (balanced) connectors
4 pairs line level RCA connectors
Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level TAPE outputs
1 pair line level RCA connectors, preamp outputs for e.g. biamping
USB input USB type “B” (square) socket
Speaker outputs 2 pairs 4mm banana plug/binding posts
Power requirement
Mains voltages 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
Consumption 680 Watts maximum
Weight
Unit only, unboxed 16.6 kg (36½ lbs)
In shipping carton 21.3 kg (47 lbs)
Dimensions
Wide 440 mm (17⅓”)
High, including feet 125 mm (5”)
Deep (front to back) including terminals 400 mm (15¾”)
Standard accessories
IEC type mains lead (10-Amp type)
M6 remote control
Batteries, LR03 or AAA, manganese alkaline type - 2 off

Colour: silver

Price: £2494.99

[HDBLU]

This is the A5-5 Details
[ Specifications ]

Output:
Voltage, RMS 45 Volts 20Hz to 20 kHz
Voltage, Peak-to-Peak 127.3 Volts
Power 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (24dBW)
400 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms
Current peak-to-peak 75 Amps
Damping Factor 170
Output devices per channel 4
Pre-out impedance 50 Ohms
Line input:
THD + N, 20Hz to 20 kHz 100dB 'A'-weighted
Input sensitivity for 250W 330mV
Input impedance 38K Ohms
Overload Margin 30dB
Channel Separation 70dB typical
Frequency response 20Hz to 20 kHz, +0, -0.1dB
Phono input response RIAA/IEC combined
Signal / noise ratio 96dB 'A'-weighted
Input sensitivity 2.5mV (Moving Magnet)
Input impedance 47K Ohms
Overload margin 30dB
Connections:
Line level inputs 4 pairs line level RCA connectors
1 pair phono (MM) RCA connectors
Line level outputs 1 pair RCA [preamp] controlled by the volume
1 pair RCA [ tape record] fixed line level
Digital inputs 1 USB 1.1 [32, 44.1, 48 kHz sample rates] connection for computer only
Remote input 1 3.5mm (mono) jack socket 3V pk-pk 38KHz modulated or unmodulated
Speaker outputs 1 pair 4mm banana plug/binding posts per channel
Power requirement:
100 / 115 / 230Volts AC 700 Watts maximum into 8 Ohms, 45 Watts idle
50 / 60Hz (factory pre-set)
Standard Accessories:
Mains lead 10 Amp IEC type, 1 off
Remote control A5.5, universal, 1 off
Batteries Size LR03 or AAA managanese alkaline type, 2 off
Dimensions:
Unit only 440mm, 17 1/3 inches wide
125mm, 5 inches high inc. feet
400mm, 15 3/4 inches deep inc. terminals
Unit in shipping carton 555mm, 22 inches wide
290mm, 11 1/2 inches high
525mm, 20 3/4 inches deep

Weight:
Unboxed 16.6kg, 36 3/4 lbs
In shipping carton, including all accessories 21.3kg, 46 3/4 lbs

Can anybody tell me why they charge £2500 for the M6i that only has 200wpc and the A5-5 is £1699 and has 250wpc?

[alebonau]

HD I suspect the m6i and m6 pre-pwr are pretty similar to the a5 or a5-5 range just replaced. it looks like updated styling, dac and digitial inputs and balanced operation that your paying for.

the m6 power amp for instance looks pretty much like the a5cr power amp beyond the front plate, same number of output devices, same dual mono configuration etc cant see justification myself moving from my a5cr pre-pwr to the m6 series. as mentioned with 2ch gear model replacements dont usually bring leaps and bounds of improvements usually more incremental.

unless you particuarly wanted the styling or the dac(which would be pretty basic) or needed the balanced inputs (which I find hard to warrant in a domestic setup frankly) then I'd suggest grab an a5-5 or even cheaper the a5 integrated. I have heard my focal utopia diva's on the end of the a5 integrated and can only say it is one very capable amplifier and would be an absolute steal of a bargain if picked up at second hand used pricing these days

[HDBLU]

Thanks Al
I understand what you are saying balanced input a digital stage for a lot more money. If I had your setup I would not update to the M6, what they said about the A5 THE TOWER OF POWER.

I hope someone will do a A/b Test with the M6 and the A5-5, if they have stopped making the A5-5 a might get one a lot cheaper and then I have my A5-5 back. If I can not fine any bargain I will go with the M6i.

[rantzmar]

Hi all.

Just ordered a Musical Fidelity X Ray v8 CDP with its external power supply. I have 30 days to return it if I don't like it. I'm starting to up grade my system and thought I'd start with the CDP. What do you guys think of that CDP? I actually know nothing about MF.

Ok I got no response from anybody here. But I did receive the X-Ray v8. Before I got it I had a Rotel 1055 that I did like and it is a good player. But after the X-Ray got broken in it sounded better than the Rotel, but I did not know by how much. I still have my Rotel Amp and Pre amp. I also have Book shelf speakers. So a friend of mine bought a new CDP and wanted to do a shootout with the X-Ray and his new CDP the Emotiva ERC-1. So I took it over his house. Now mind you this guy only bought the ERC-1 to go into his second system. His main system is a $3000 T+A CDP, a Conrad Johnson tube pre amp and 2 Conrad Johnson Mono block tube amps, and Dynaudio floor standing speakers. All connected with some very expensive interconnects and speaker wire.

So we let the shoot out began. The X-Ray totally out classed the ERC-1. The Emo is a good player for its price range but just not in the same class. So next we had the shoot out with the $3000 German made T+A. While the T+A had a little more transparency it did not out class the X-RAY. While both players are solid state, the T+A had no warmth nor was it not as smooth. My friend actually said the X-Ray seemed it was a better fit for the Conrad Johnson Tubes. I dont know how they did it but the X-Ray has a sweet rich tone thats warm and smooth that the T+A could not match. I was shocked at the performance of the X-Ray. I bought the X-Ray at a discounted price of $799 from Audioadvisor. I dont Know how Musical Fidelity did it but they have a very good product.

Rantzmar

[KahunaCanuck]

Good write up, nice to have a new person try out Musical Fidelity and be able to test it against other brands succesfully. I picked up a used KW 25 Transport & DAC that I compared against my Marantz SA11S2...it was night and day, the KW25 setup really shone through with much better clarity, warmer overall sound, and much greater detail...it put you into the music so much more than my Marantz...the Marantz is gone.... :T

[HDBLU]

I notice you have a 3800 Denon player I also have one my question is how does it compare with the sound on the CD side compare with the big boys you KW.