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  • alebonau
    Moderator Emeritus
    • Oct 2005
    • 992

    Originally posted by Cambs12
    Hi Yas,

    i think you have a few options,the first would be to try a different cd player,i.e. the Naim cd5x,they major on rhythm,are great fun,and for the types of music you mention,are probably a more exciting listen than the M/F combo.
    Next would be to introduce Naim pre/power,or something similar.
    Having said this,i listen to a lot of Mary J Blige,John Legend etc,and have found this sounds great through my A5 cd,trivista integrated.My speakers are B&W CDM9NTs,and i think that moving to this type of speaker,along with a Naim cd player,or M/F A5,along with your current amps,would liven things up a huge amount,and may be a cheaper option than starting from scratch.
    I agree too speakers and secondly source is what I would look at the a5 pre-pwr are fantastic amp combo certainly not lacking in my opinion to do a wide variety of music including R&B, blues, soul, dance ..I listen to quite a range of music think they do a great job on those.

    speakers in my opinion influece the charecter of a system the most. If trying to make some changes in charecter thats where I'd look first.

    cambs suggestion is a good one. Would be worth demoing a more spritely speaker in the likes of hte B&Ws eg the 703 floorstander and up. Infact I took my mf a5 pre-pwr over to a friends a while back who has the 703. worked very well together I thought. MF & B&W a good match on a bit of different music we listened too.
    Last edited by alebonau; 19 January 2007, 05:41 Friday.
    "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

    Comment

    • Yasvanth
      Senior Member
      • Jun 2006
      • 403

      Hi Al,

      Would you know what sort of CD player was he using?

      Also I think I will prefer to keep my Kef 1:2's as I just love the build quality, but I will take your second advice about upgrading the source, which in my case is the CD player. I would like to upgrade to the Arcam FMJ CD36, what is your opinion on this set up?

      Or if money is tight maybe upgrade my speaker cable to Nordost Blue Heaven.

      Thanks
      Yas

      Comment

      • alebonau
        Moderator Emeritus
        • Oct 2005
        • 992

        Originally posted by Yasvanth
        Hi Al,

        Would you know what sort of CD player was he using?

        Also I think I will prefer to keep my Kef 1:2's as I just love the build quality, but I will take your second advice about upgrading the source, which in my case is the CD player. I would like to upgrade to the Arcam FMJ CD36, what is your opinion on this set up?

        Or if money is tight maybe upgrade my speaker cable to Nordost Blue Heaven.

        Thanks
        Yas
        we actaully used my mf tube dac as source with his rotel 1072 as transport.

        Reason suggesting to try other speakers is perhaps the mf amps plus kef speaker is not a combination to your liking.

        Source will have impact on the sound charecter but to a lesser extent to speakers I believe. the arcam fmj cd36 is a very competant CD player, on its charecter whether to your liking only you can decide.

        cambs suggestion on the naim cd is a good one I think. It will have a gutsier sound than the arcam in my opinion. Best option here is to find a helpfull specialist hifi dealer willing to lend you a source or two to try in your system.

        speaker cable in my opinion will have even less effect. Again here best to borrow from a dealer to check effect.

        the other thing is setup, theres possibly things you could do setup wise that could influence the sound a fair way. eg the way the speakers are arranged or the room - maybe its over dampened and you need to live in it up with little less absorbent/soft furnishings ?
        "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

        Comment

        • Cambs12
          Senior Member
          • Jul 2006
          • 191

          Hi Yas,

          I think the Arcam will be too neutral,great in the right system,but will lack the drama you are after.This would leave you still not happy with the sound after investing a considerable sum.Al is right on speaker cable,it can't make up for an issue with the system further up the line..

          Comment

          • Yasvanth
            Senior Member
            • Jun 2006
            • 403

            Hi Cambs12,

            If I was to change my speakers in the near distant future, what speakers do you think will best match my amps?

            Speakers should be especially suited for R'n'B, Dance etc with no midrange bass boom maybe something like the Monitor Audio's which have metal drive units!

            Thanks
            Yas

            Comment

            • alebonau
              Moderator Emeritus
              • Oct 2005
              • 992

              Originally posted by Yasvanth
              Hi Cambs12,

              If I was to change my speakers in the near distant future, what speakers do you think will best match my amps?

              Speakers should be especially suited for R'n'B, Dance etc with no midrange bass boom maybe something like the Monitor Audio's which have metal drive units!

              Thanks
              Yas
              The MA RS8s are popular, but I have a feeling the monitor audios especially up the range will be too polite. Try somethign with a bit of gusto. the b&W's are a good suggestion have a rich sound. focal might be another to check out, have always read about the good match they make with mf gear. theres a few posts from guys with focals and mf's including the mf a5 pre-pwr in this thread.

              tannoy would be another to investigate as with pmc.

              if dance music is your liking try some of the american brands, might get a more energetic sound from some of them.

              Best I can suggest is take your amps in store(its only a couple of boxes) and have a listen to a few different speakers. you'll soon get a feel as to what you like and if changing speakers is worth doing or not. If you do find some speakers you really like might pay to demo at home in your room and rest of your system to finalise a choice.
              "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

              Comment

              • Robbo1
                Junior Member
                • Dec 2006
                • 14

                A5

                Originally posted by Yasvanth
                Hi Robbo1,

                Did you manage to order a MF A5cr Pwr amp, and if you have what do you think of it's sound quality?

                Yas
                Not yet, the wife booked four holidays for 2007, so the budget disappeared overnight! I know that the A5 power is going to be a big improvement over the A3, where the base seems a bit loose. However, there is a Bryston B-100 for sale at twice the price of the A5. Only interested to hear it as PMC recommend Bryston amps with their speakers.

                I need a trip to listen to then both but don't have the time at the moment.

                Neil

                Comment

                • classic77
                  Junior Member
                  • Jan 2007
                  • 6

                  Originally posted by Vince Helm
                  I bought the X-10v3 and PSU to go with my A-23dac... Sounded great. Then I replaced the A-23 with the X-DACv3. More detail. The PSU is a must. I know this is a bit subjective but when I replaced my stock 3 pin umbilical power cable with cables from Revelation Audio... wow, that is when things really sounded great!!! If you do this, try replacing the power cable to the X-10v3 first as it made the biggest difference. good luck
                  Vince
                  Well I'll definately be keeping the X10. Swapping it out and just using the DAC and PSU certainly makes the sound more sterile, and less dynamic. Overall I think the X10 makes the sound more natural and less fatiguing. I think i did read about the upgraded cables somewhere. Using an upgraded power cable primarily on the the X10 makes sense as it's doing most of the work. I have never experimented with power cables on any of my equipment before, but i may look into this one. I think I can tell the difference in speaker cables.

                  Comment

                  • Yasvanth
                    Senior Member
                    • Jun 2006
                    • 403

                    MUSICAL FIDELITY AMPS V's ARCAM AMPS

                    left
                    center
                    Originally posted by classic77
                    Well I'll definately be keeping the X10. Swapping it out and just using the DAC and PSU certainly makes the sound more sterile, and less dynamic. Overall I think the X10 makes the sound more natural and less fatiguing. I think i did read about the upgraded cables somewhere. Using an upgraded power cable primarily on the the X10 makes sense as it's doing most of the work. I have never experimented with power cables on any of my equipment before, but i may look into this one. I think I can tell the difference in speaker cables.

                    Hi all HT Members,

                    Here's one. Musical Fidelity amplifiers have always had a strong reputation for there fantastic sound and build. But if you were to compare MF's sound quality with Arcam amps, who do you think will come out on top and why?

                    I would like to know what are the good and bad points of MF amps, and also of Arcam amps, so I await everybody's replies.?

                    Thanks

                    Yas
                    Last edited by Yasvanth; 27 January 2007, 03:39 Saturday. Reason: missed out a comma

                    Comment

                    • Yasvanth
                      Senior Member
                      • Jun 2006
                      • 403

                      Techno Head!

                      Hi

                      I'm looking for a pair of floorstanding spks that would suit my Musical Fidelity A5cr Pre and Pwr amps, something that it is suitable for hard banging Dance, R'n'B and Hip Hop maybe something like the new MA Silver RS 6' with aluminium drive units ?
                      At the moment I have been using my Kef Reference 1:2 now for the past 7 years and I do find them a touch boomy in the midrange so I think now is the time to find some real hard pumping spks with real balls and no coloration that will suit my style of music. :evil:

                      So any ideas!
                      Yas
                      Last edited by Yasvanth; 27 January 2007, 14:34 Saturday.

                      Comment

                      • kgveteran
                        Senior Member
                        • Oct 2005
                        • 865

                        The B-1

                        I use to have a B-1, a number of years ago.Anyone ever see one used ?
                        Here is my LCR "Trio". Way to go guys !

                        Comment

                        • alebonau
                          Moderator Emeritus
                          • Oct 2005
                          • 992

                          Originally posted by kgveteran
                          I use to have a B-1, a number of years ago.Anyone ever see one used ?
                          theyre a bit of a classic amp the mf b-1. check the likes of ebay, I have seen them pop up now and then.
                          "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                          Comment

                          • hifidez
                            Member
                            • Feb 2007
                            • 42

                            Hello everyone. Just joined so a few notes of introduction from me. I have had MF products since the around 1987 when I bought a B200 integrated amp. This amp failed once to often a few years back so replaced it with a pair of bridged Rotel power amps (RB 971s) and continued to use the B200, modified, and used simply as a 'passive' pre-amp. Right now I still use the ' passive' B200 because it's such a good looking case. I have an A3.2cr power amp plus X-DACv3, X-CANv3 (with Grado SR60s and Sennheiser HD 480s) , Denon DVD2900, Philips CDR775 (used as transport for the X-DACv3), LS3/5a speakers plus MJ Acoustics Ref 100 sub.

                            I live in Shropshire UK.

                            Regards,

                            Derek

                            Comment

                            • nektarios
                              Senior Member
                              • Mar 2006
                              • 106

                              Hi to all.

                              This is mainly for Yasvanth!

                              I read all this forum from beginning to end (excluding my posts about the TriVista DAC issue I had) and I really felt sorry for you! In the beginning you were so excited you got this lovely big sound from the MFs, then you found them a bit polite, you were asking the same set of questions to every new guy logging in, and at a certain point you even got so frustrated that you even decided to sell them!

                              I know very well how you feel because I was on the same boat! So I'll try to give you the most complete picture I can according to my experience up to now.


                              I noticed two things:
                              a) You try to figure out from other people's answers how you could get what you like from your system
                              b) In the beginning you were taking it for granted your speakers are fine and it must be the cables or CD player to blame.


                              First thing: never be sure for anything; especially with sound, it's always worth trying and getting the experience.

                              Second, it's great asking people so you get an idea plus creating information flow for other people looking for answers too, but what you really need to do at this stage, is try and book an appointment with a SevenOaks or other hifi that does demos and they have a good variety of speakers and take your gear there and do every combination test you want (not forgetting to take your CDs along!)


                              I started with an MF A3.2 CD plus Denon 3803 and Monitor Audio S6 speakers (centre and S1 for HT mode). I got the TriVista 21 DAC after. QED Silver Spiral interconnects and Monitor Audio Pureflow silver biwired speaker cable. Everything at present is on a Clearlight Audio rack.

                              The sound was nice and detailed but something was slow and too polite. Because at nights the sound was improving I thought it must have been due to vibration and resonance and hence home demoed the Quadraspire Q4 rack, the Starbase, the super expensive Naim rack and I don't remember which other ones. Thanks God I couldn't get the Seismic Stand for demo.

                              I started trying different CD players and amps to see with my own ears what the terms we read in the magazine reviews translate to.

                              So here is what I found:
                              Where you place the CD player matters: it actually does sound different whether it's on the floor, or on the table, or on glass, etc.

                              Manufacturers usually have their CD + amp complement each other. For example X-Ray V3 goes for politenes with extended highs and lows while the X-150 provides the slam. When I home demoed the new X-series and connected X-Ray V3 with X-T100 the sound was totally pathetic and lethargic! The system sounded like retarded! When I connected the X-T100 with X-Ray V8, the familiar big MF sound re-appeared but with crystal clear highs and bass (the bass was too weird or strong for my taste - always when connected to the S6 speakers).

                              So a CD player may be lean but the amp provides the fat part and vice versa. You really need to know what you are doing if you are going to mix components from different manufacturers - it's like turning the treble and bass controls of an amplifier - in a crude way. If your system is balanced you shouldn't need to use fancy cables to compensate for some frequency misbehaviour.

                              Pre + amp share the same ideas as with CD + amp.

                              Then amp + speakers are utterly important too. If the power is too much the speaker may sound too polite - if the power is not enough the tweeter may sound harsh as there is not enough juice to bring the mids out from the main cone drivers. Plus lean and fat attributes as in CD + amp.


                              I found Arcam 73T a very lively CD player. All other more expensive Arcam CD models were making my system "fatter". I didn't particularly like the Arcam amps - they didn't have that something...

                              All Cyrus CDs sounded excellent with my S6s - when I tried the special Cyrus interconnect the sound was impressive but the whole soundstage moved forward (it didn't sound bright - the singer literally came forward a few feet). I don't remember which Cyrus amp I tried but it was boomy with the S6s in my room.

                              Roksan Candy amp sounded "sweet" - too much actually.


                              I read somewhere that the new X-RayV3 is an excellent transport for the TriVista so I borrowed the CD plus the X-150. There was a Dianna Krall CD inside - I was totally blown away! Nice big sound with detail alive and kicking! I bough them straight away!

                              One or two years later I tried the A5 int but with the S6s the sound was just lean! I was thinking, why do they like this amp so much?! X-150 is top!


                              A few days ago I bought from ebay a pair of Monitor Audio GR20s. My poor x-150 lost it's oomph with these speakers! The Denon 3803 in two channel mode (to redirect power supply), no sub selected (to completely disable digital processing), and Pure Direct (disable video circuits) sounds very neutral, no highs, no bass, i.e no emotion!

                              So I decided to home demo an A5 Pre/Pow combo. I was totally utterly blown away! Not only you have the oomph, but the whole thing sounds damn real! It is like you are in a festival!

                              I connected the combo to the S6s and once again I got the same lean anemic sound that I once had with the A5 integrated...

                              I connected the premp of the X-150 to the A5CR and the sound even on the GR20s was not only leaner but totally unreal - as if somebody messed up the equiliser or something...

                              I had borrowed the new GS10 stand mounts and they sounded awesome too with the A5 pre/pow. By the way, I had once tested the previous GR10s with my x-150 and it was as if the speaker had come with tweeters only! I had to really increase the volume to get something. With the S6s the X-150 sounds nice detailed and big even on really low volumes.

                              Speaking of volume, if the dial on A5CR starts at 7:00 o'clock, with the GR20s, around only 8:00 o'clock the sound was big enveloping and utterly real. However, the bass felt a bit sluggish. By increasing the volume to 9:00 and 10:00 the bass becomes fast - it comes and goes unnounced but you really feel it and that is something I had heard only on the KW500 in SevenOaks. 10:00 o clock I think the sound was 85 db on my radioshack pressure level (sitting 2.6m away from the speakers). I tried 12:00 and even 1 o'clock - easily 95db but my ears didn't complain which means the sound is very balanced! Amazing!

                              When testing everything and anything in the Swiss Cottage branch (London), I found the B&W speakers sounding a bit neutral. The KEF's always sounded too polite in my opinion in that room with the specific components and cables (and the list goes on this is why it is so important you must hear them yourself!).

                              I always found myself going back to the Monitor Audios. I think I read somewhere that Monitor Audio use MF system in their labs - I am not sure though how thruthful that is.


                              And then last but not least have you read the Guerrilla Guide to Great Sound? Google that on the net. Basically the way you place your speakers is extrememly important. Too close together and the sound is boomy hiding other frequencies - too far apart and the sound collapses. Moving them close to the rear wall increases the base, moving them away decreases it. What I found with the GR20s, with no toe in they sound crisp and nice. With the X-150 they sound harsh instead. With toe in, the base is too much and the music sounds totally weird and fat. I don't get the same effect with the S6s.

                              It is sad in a way, but we audiophiles (!) instead of adjusting a treble and bass control we have to physically move speakers from the back wall accordingly, toe in or not, etc!

                              As far as the distance between you and the speakers I find the guide working OK for me: as a starting point, if your distance to the speakers is X, then the distance of the speakers themshelves should be 80% of X


                              So what was my problem at the end (before getting the X series):
                              A3.2 CD sounds very polite and has a small emphasis on a specific bass frequency range but I am sure (although I haven't tried though) the A3.2 amp must compensate for that by being lean and mean, i.e. having some slam.

                              The S6s are bottom heavy and this is why my system was giving me troubles!

                              So stop the mental torture and start some physical one! Grab your stuff and even travel to a nearby town and do some demos! It's a torture but only that way you'll know for real what's the scoop!

                              Hope this helps!

                              By the way, the reason I read the posts is because I try to get ideas too for amps matching XRayV3 + TriVista 21 Dac (like A5 sound if I set the DAC on 192 mode but I prefer 96) + GR20s! I wish I could home demo a couple of X-p200 or a KW500. Tomorrow I am going to borrow the A5 integrated!

                              Comment

                              • alebonau
                                Moderator Emeritus
                                • Oct 2005
                                • 992

                                great to read your journey nektarious, especially in the source and speaker matching that you tried. And yes nothing beats exploring and physically trying out the options and which can always lead to soem interestign discoveries. Good to read about the synergies you found with the MA GR20.

                                I too was blown away literally what the MF A5cr pre-pwr did with my mission speakers. They do make my speakers come alive are so real, not that my previous mf mono blocs were light weights either - its always a relative thing. I demoed a lot of stuff before settling on my gear which I found to sort of click together to do what I was after.

                                good luck with the A5 integrated demo, glad to read your borrowing one, only way to know how it will sound in your system. look forward to reading how you go with it, hopefully you post back on yoru thoughts.

                                ps guys have you been checking the MF site. looks liek something interesting product wise to be released in May...they have a countdown happening ! hehe

                                If you received their free CD then you would have received an email as well telling you that you'll never have to worry about not enough power ! obviosly a serious power amp to be launched by them maybe even surpassing the massive kWP ? time will tell !
                                "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                Comment

                                • nektarios
                                  Senior Member
                                  • Mar 2006
                                  • 106

                                  Thanks alebonau. You have set-up your sitting room nice - I am sure you enjoy music and movies. Plus we do the same tricks for our cats to feel comfy!

                                  Well, here are my impressions from the A5 integrated. Let's not forget that this is with X-RayV3 + Trivista 21 Dac + Monitor Audio GR20s, QED Silver Spiral audio interconnects and Monitor Audio "Pure flow" biwired speaker cable.

                                  The sound is much much leaner to the point that the GR20s floorstanders sounded like standmounts. All this realistic soundstage of the A5 pre-pow just was not there. The communication between the listener and the music I had felt was absent. Not sure if it is the A5 pre-pow extra bass that delivers all this ambience info and realism.

                                  Whereas in A5 pre-pow the volume at 8:00 o'clock would give a very realistic sound, in the A5 int I would need at least 10:30 11:00 o'clock for something that is not even the same anyway. When I would increase to 12:00 and even 1:00 I was about to jump behind the sofa - very bright sound.

                                  I toed in the speakers and this emphasized the bass (in my speakers) so the sound was more palatable. I even brought the speakers a bit closer to each other. Little difference and not sure if positive.

                                  Switching the 192KHz mode on the DAC made the sound a bit smoother (rolled off highs) - strange because this setting sounded like "muted" with the A5 pre-pow. Even with the X-150 and S6s, I prefer the 96KHz for it's richer harmonics, and unforced natural sound.

                                  The A5 pre-pow on low volumes may become boomy depending on the room etc, but then still I wouldn't get the A5 int - I would prefer the pre-pow with some good standmounts: the GS10 that I had last week sounded impressive.


                                  I think the scale of the A5 pre-pow sound is just awesome. Those 200Amps on tap must be really making the GR20s sing! It somehow resembled when I connected the X-150 for the 1st time with my S6s: big scale, musical, real.

                                  Most probably the GR20s are not easy speakers to drive. But one thing is for sure: if I had tried the GR20s only with the A5 integrated I would have sold them back to ebay as soon as I bought them...

                                  Of course on a different system the A5 may be a bliss, but in my case not my sort of sound.

                                  What a pity I can't home demo the TriVista 300, the KW500 and a couple of X-P200! Then I would have a very complete idea what to get for the GR20s!

                                  For the time being though the A5 pre-pow rocks!

                                  Comment

                                  • Cambs12
                                    Senior Member
                                    • Jul 2006
                                    • 191

                                    Power...

                                    Hi Nektarios,

                                    Glad you like the A5 pre/power,i think they are a superb combo,and how they do that for the money...it should make other manufacturer's think!!
                                    I have the Trivista 300 integrated,and recommend auditioning this also if you get the chance of a second-hand model.
                                    Alebonau,i too have seen the future announcement on M/F website,sounds very interesting..! But one thing that i find bemusing,i already have all the power i could possibly want with the Trivista,as i am sure the A5 pre/power will also deliver,how on earth would we want more watts? even in a bigger room with the 802ds i have promised myself,i don't think i will run out of amp steam anytime soon!!
                                    Might they be shooting themselves in the foot by announcing to people who buy the bottom-of-the-range kit that they won't reach decent sound levels?
                                    People who spend less time reading hifi journals,listening and on forums etc might be put off,ending up buying lesser kit(NAD etc)simply to get watts per channel.I bought my Trivista as i had an issue of clipping power amps(fantastic quality,but only 50 watts per channel into 8ohms) with a good size listening room and speakers which require a decent amount of power to get going,but i also see a place in the market for a pure valve design feeding Living voice or some other efficient speaker..

                                    Perhaps Musical fidelity will announce a buy-back scheme towards the new amps tho,that would make me forget,possibly,my argument above in an instant!!

                                    Comment

                                    • alebonau
                                      Moderator Emeritus
                                      • Oct 2005
                                      • 992

                                      Originally posted by Cambs12
                                      Hi Nektarios,

                                      Glad you like the A5 pre/power,i think they are a superb combo,and how they do that for the money...it should make other manufacturer's think!!
                                      I have the Trivista 300 integrated,and recommend auditioning this also if you get the chance of a second-hand model.
                                      Alebonau,i too have seen the future announcement on M/F website,sounds very interesting..! But one thing that i find bemusing,i already have all the power i could possibly want with the Trivista,as i am sure the A5 pre/power will also deliver,how on earth would we want more watts? even in a bigger room with the 802ds i have promised myself,i don't think i will run out of amp steam anytime soon!!
                                      Might they be shooting themselves in the foot by announcing to people who buy the bottom-of-the-range kit that they won't reach decent sound levels?
                                      People who spend less time reading hifi journals,listening and on forums etc might be put off,ending up buying lesser kit(NAD etc)simply to get watts per channel.I bought my Trivista as i had an issue of clipping power amps(fantastic quality,but only 50 watts per channel into 8ohms) with a good size listening room and speakers which require a decent amount of power to get going,but i also see a place in the market for a pure valve design feeding Living voice or some other efficient speaker..

                                      Perhaps Musical fidelity will announce a buy-back scheme towards the new amps tho,that would make me forget,possibly,my argument above in an instant!!
                                      hehe I suspect this new amp isnt for the likes of you and me, but mroe so for those who look to the likes of the kw750 and still want more !

                                      I agree though with a super efficient speaker a low power valve amp can be very nice thing in many ways.

                                      an amp buy back scheme ! hehe will be interesting what they come up with come May 1st !
                                      "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                      Comment

                                      • alebonau
                                        Moderator Emeritus
                                        • Oct 2005
                                        • 992

                                        Originally posted by nektarios
                                        Thanks alebonau. You have set-up your sitting room nice - I am sure you enjoy music and movies. Plus we do the same tricks for our cats to feel comfy!
                                        ~
                                        thank you nektar and ah another cat lover !

                                        Originally posted by nektarios
                                        ~

                                        Well, here are my impressions from the A5 integrated. Let's not forget that this is with X-RayV3 + Trivista 21 Dac + Monitor Audio GR20s, QED Silver Spiral audio interconnects and Monitor Audio "Pure flow" biwired speaker cable.

                                        ~
                                        For the time being though the A5 pre-pow rocks!
                                        interesting to read your coments re the a5 integrated, yes perhaps the gr20 are a difficult to drive speaker but anyways the pre-power appears to be getting them going for you and maybe a better match.

                                        as per cambs suggestion well worth checkign ou the s/h scene also. never know what pops up every now and then.
                                        "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                        Comment

                                        • Guy
                                          Senior Member
                                          • Jan 2006
                                          • 107

                                          Question for A5 Power Amp Owners

                                          Do you use the supplied power cord or have you upgraded the power cord for the A5 amp?

                                          The reason I ask this is that I am willing to spend the money on a better power cord however my understanding is that the choke regulation inside the A5 already acts as a good mains filter so theoretically it would be useless to buy a fancy power cord.

                                          What are your ideas?

                                          Cheers, Guy.

                                          Comment

                                          • alebonau
                                            Moderator Emeritus
                                            • Oct 2005
                                            • 992

                                            Originally posted by Guy
                                            Do you use the supplied power cord or have you upgraded the power cord for the A5 amp?

                                            The reason I ask this is that I am willing to spend the money on a better power cord however my understanding is that the choke regulation inside the A5 already acts as a good mains filter so theoretically it would be useless to buy a fancy power cord.

                                            What are your ideas?

                                            Cheers, Guy.
                                            guy I do infact use the standard supplied cord on my MF power amp. the built in choke regulation in the A5cr pre & power means that using power filteration devices to supply power to the amps will probably be of little benefit. I do not understand the benefit a better power cord would bring. As with anything borrow rather than buy an item like that give it a try and check whether the benfit is worth the purchase. No point buying if it does little for you.
                                            "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                            Comment

                                            • Guy
                                              Senior Member
                                              • Jan 2006
                                              • 107

                                              Originally posted by alebonau
                                              guy I do infact use the standard supplied cord on my MF power amp. the built in choke regulation in the A5cr pre & power means that using power filteration devices to supply power to the amps will probably be of little benefit. I do not understand the benefit a better power cord would bring. As with anything borrow rather than buy an item like that give it a try and check whether the benfit is worth the purchase. No point buying if it does little for you.
                                              Thanks Alebonau

                                              Comment

                                              • Blewis
                                                Junior Member
                                                • Sep 2006
                                                • 17

                                                Hi all,

                                                First my apologies for not responding for such a long time although I promised to share my findings of the A5 pre/power demo together with my A5CD player and B&W 803s speakers.
                                                Since the story came out a bit longer than expected I will give you the full version.
                                                Well, after some delay from the store I did get the MF A5 pre-power combo. The question was if the A5 pre would add something to the sound quality as I already knew what the A5 power amp was capable of. Well, all in all I was rather dissappointed, the A5 pre did not do what I expected, the sound was not fuller or richer. It stayed rather thin. I tried with different interconnects, (VandenHul, NBS, Kimber) placed the separates on different shelves but this all didn´t help. It just could not produce satisfying sound in my room. The bass was dry, but not enough present, the mids where a bit too forward and the result was listening fatigue. So both amps went back to the store 3 days later.
                                                In the meantime I have listened to a Krell KAV500 integrated, very fast and tight bass, but also here the mids were too much present, so ending up in listening fatigue. Then, about 2 weeks later, I could test and try a Pass Labs X150.5 (never heard of this brand before) for a night from a friend. Immediatly I was overwhelmed with the sound. This was what I was looking for: tight and fast bass, tubelike smooth mids and cristal clear highs. Also, with some CD´s (Stockfisch Records - Listen to the music) it develops a soundstage, and you can locate single instruments ands singers on the stage, which I never experienced before. Even with house, R&B or rock music the set rocks. Since I was offered a good price I decided to buy this amp with in the back of my head to look for a Pass Labs preamp in the future.
                                                For now I have to settle with my NAD T762 receiver as pre-amp....

                                                Regards and happy listening, Blewis.

                                                Comment

                                                • Yasvanth
                                                  Senior Member
                                                  • Jun 2006
                                                  • 403

                                                  Hello Blewis,

                                                  Nice to hear from you again.

                                                  Like you I also own the Musical Fidelity A5cr Pre & A5cr Pwr amps. I am using a VDH Mainsstream Hybrid Power cable for my A5cr Power amp, and it does make a big difference, eg wider deeper soundstage, greater detail and you can also feel the power coming through the speakers , but again that it is my opinion. But again another person may say that it not worth the expenditure and also it depends whether the cable is compatible with your system.

                                                  p.s If anyones interested I have posted 2 pictures of my sound system on Audioreview.com. Just click on Photo Gallery and then Dream system/Gear.

                                                  Yours in musical fidelity!
                                                  Yas
                                                  Last edited by Yasvanth; 09 February 2007, 15:56 Friday. Reason: Missed out a few letters

                                                  Comment

                                                  • Cambs12
                                                    Senior Member
                                                    • Jul 2006
                                                    • 191

                                                    Hi Folks,

                                                    in case anyone is interested(Nektarios if in uk?) On ebay at moment is an A5 pre/power combo,starting price 2095 UKP.I know Ebay can be dodgy some times,but this seller is,i believe,100% reliable,and has close links with MF,so warranties etc should be good.if anyone is interested in these,it could be potentially brand new,with nine hundred quid off...

                                                    Comment

                                                    • nektarios
                                                      Senior Member
                                                      • Mar 2006
                                                      • 106

                                                      Hi guys, hi Cambs12!

                                                      Yes I am looking for opportunities in getting a good 2nd hand MF. If I don't like it I could sell it without losing much.

                                                      Yesterday I thought I bought a KW500 from ebay £976 something like that! Imagine how disappointed I got when a fake ebay email came through asking me to pay via Western Union because of some account problems...

                                                      What a shame! I saw many KW500 apeearing and disappearing out of the blue the last two weeks! So beware!

                                                      Comment

                                                      • nektarios
                                                        Senior Member
                                                        • Mar 2006
                                                        • 106

                                                        Thanks Cambs12.

                                                        Psychologically, although I liked a lot the A5 pre/pow, I can't buy it if I don't listen to the KW500 at home first!

                                                        This ebay entry seems legit, although the description is wrong: I think the A5 pre/pow is only solid state and not a hybrid, i.e. it is not a combination of valves and solid state. Or am I wrong?

                                                        Comment

                                                        • Cambs12
                                                          Senior Member
                                                          • Jul 2006
                                                          • 191

                                                          Hi Nektarios,

                                                          I believe the A5 pre/power uses valves in the output stage,the website should be able to clarify this.My Trivista does also..
                                                          The Kw 500 is certainly worth looking at,myself i believe it to be very similar to the Trivista.I can thoroughly recommend the A5 pre/power tho,i would have happily bought this combo had a Trivista not come up on the second-hand market.I came to Musical Fidelity from more expensive amplification,but needed more power to drive my speakers,having moved house and now using a bigger listening room.I am a convert,it is fantastic value for money.

                                                          Comment

                                                          • Yasvanth
                                                            Senior Member
                                                            • Jun 2006
                                                            • 403

                                                            Hi

                                                            If anybody's interested I've posted few photos on audioreview.com. Just click on photo gallery and then on dream systems/gear. There's some nice photos of my MF A5cr Pre & A5cr Pwr amplifiers.

                                                            Cheers
                                                            Yas

                                                            Comment

                                                            • alebonau
                                                              Moderator Emeritus
                                                              • Oct 2005
                                                              • 992

                                                              Originally posted by Yasvanth
                                                              Hi

                                                              If anybody's interested I've posted few photos on audioreview.com. Just click on photo gallery and then on dream systems/gear. There's some nice photos of my MF A5cr Pre & A5cr Pwr amplifiers.

                                                              Cheers
                                                              Yas
                                                              nicely setup there yas. didnt realise you had a michell gyrodec or that you were even into vinyl !

                                                              what cartridge/arm are you using on the gyrodec. Are you using the inbuilt phono stage on the a5cr pre ? have you tried any external phono stages.

                                                              you can check my lp setup via the loungeroom link in my sig. I used to use an outboard mf xlps phone stage with my TT but since getting the MF a5cr pre have found its internal phono stage to be superior. Was wondering if went to a superior outboard phono stage what type should I be looking at that might be better than the inbuilt one.
                                                              "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                              Comment

                                                              • Yasvanth
                                                                Senior Member
                                                                • Jun 2006
                                                                • 403

                                                                MUSICAL FIDELITY A5cr PRE & PWR AMPLIFIERS

                                                                Hi,

                                                                Thanks Al,
                                                                I'm glad you like the photos.
                                                                I been into records since I was 14, but unfortunately I just do not get the chance to listen to my treasured records, but I will never sell my record player as I think its great. You asked me what arm and cartridge I'm using, well I am using the Rega RB300 arm and Goldring GX1012 cartridge.
                                                                Like you I am using the inbuilt phono on the MF A5cr Pre, but I do find it bit smooth and boomy. Anyway I've never listened to an external phono stage as I prefer not to have too many unnecessary boxes.

                                                                To the best of my knowledge you could try a Trichord Dino phono stage which What Hifi gave a award to in 2005 it's the sort of phono stage that can unearth all kinds of detail and is coherent and enjoyable to listen to.
                                                                The other phono stage brands you could try are from Graham Slee, Sonneteer Sedley or maybe even the Roksan Caspian M, which is refined and detailed but it does cost £1000!

                                                                Just one more thing, I have owned the MF A5 Pre & A5 Pwr amps now for 9 months, but as they are refined sounding amps I still have my doubts whether they are capable of playing R'n'B music eg Beyonce,R Kelly etc.
                                                                As you know I am using Kef Ref 1:2, so I am wondering whether the amps or the speakers are the problem.
                                                                I hope you can give some advice?

                                                                All The Best
                                                                Yas
                                                                Last edited by Yasvanth; 10 February 2007, 14:07 Saturday. Reason: Missed out a few words

                                                                Comment

                                                                • alebonau
                                                                  Moderator Emeritus
                                                                  • Oct 2005
                                                                  • 992

                                                                  Originally posted by Yasvanth
                                                                  Hi,

                                                                  Thanks Al,
                                                                  I'm glad you like the photos.
                                                                  I been into records since I was 14, but unfortunately I just do not get the chance to listen to my treasured records, but I will never sell my record player as I think its great. You asked me what arm and cartridge I'm using, well I am using the Rega RB300 arm and Goldring GX1012 cartridge.
                                                                  Like you I am using the inbuilt phono on the MF A5cr Pre, but I do find it bit smooth and boomy. Anyway I've never listened to an external phono stage as I prefer not to have too many unnecessary boxes.

                                                                  To the best of my knowledge you could try a Trichord Dino phono stage which What Hifi gave a award to in 2005 it's the sort of phono stage that can unearth all kinds of detail and is coherent and enjoyable to listen to.
                                                                  The other phono stage brands you could try are from Graham Slee, Sonneteer Sedley or maybe even the Roksan Caspian M, which is refined and detailed but it does cost £1000!

                                                                  Just one more thing, I have owned the MF A5 Pre & A5 Pwr amps now for 9 months, but as they are refined sounding amps I still have my doubts whether they are capable of playing R'n'B music eg Beyonce,R Kelly etc.
                                                                  As you know I am using Kef Ref 1:2, so I am wondering whether the amps or the speakers are the problem.
                                                                  I hope you can give some advice?

                                                                  All The Best
                                                                  Yas
                                                                  thanks yas, vinyl is what got me into music, my parents playing their records on a garrad valve radiogram as far back as I can remember. I still have those records and its a rare treat of nostalgia to listen back to that music, brings back a lot of memories. Have a few more modern LPs. Theres somethign about vinyl I like. Like you I appreciated the built in phono stage on the mf pre, and was quite astounded the improvement it had on the sound over the outboard mf unit I was using and appreciated the one less extra box using the built in phono stage. But given the improvement with the phono stage got me wondering how much more improvement an even better phono stage might bring.

                                                                  Thanks for the response and recommendations, I'll explore. Locally we dont have that much re phono stages. I cant afford or have the space for the likes of the mf kw phono pre. or a full size unit like the audio research units. Dont think moving to a little inexpensive unit from the likes of creek would be an improvment. I've been wondering about this one..
                                                                  the sim audio moon LP5.3
                                                                  Simaudio is above all else a team of music enthusiasts. Our exceptional high-quality audio amplifiers and sound systems are made in Canada since 1980.

                                                                  its about 4 times the price of the mf x-lps, but probably about as much as I could afford to spend. Not sure how much better than the x-lps or the built in phono stage in my a5 pre. Also not sure how the moon will go with my rega TT and mf amps.

                                                                  re the mf a5 pre-pwr and R&B I have no reservations in regards how they do R&B or any other kind of music, though dont know re classical as dont listen to much or know enough about the music to comment. But was listenign to Kandi and babyface last night, both are R&B and sounded a treat.

                                                                  not sure I can suggest re your system anymore apart what I've written previously, which would be to demo in your system in order of priority...another ...

                                                                  1. mains speaker
                                                                  2. source
                                                                  3. amp (in the same league as the mf a5 pre-pwr)

                                                                  and most importantly look at the setup of your room and speakers. check my earlier posts re this. there is much in the setup and the room that can impact the sound, without even looking at the components. that is whether you have a live a or a very damped room or how your speakers are setup in respect to your listenign position and the boundaries of the room.
                                                                  "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                  Comment

                                                                  • Yasvanth
                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                    • Jun 2006
                                                                    • 403

                                                                    Hi

                                                                    Does anybody know whether MF have a email address so I can ask them a few questions?
                                                                    If you actually think about it, it's a bit strange that they have a website and phone number for customers but no email address.

                                                                    Thanks
                                                                    Yas

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    • alebonau
                                                                      Moderator Emeritus
                                                                      • Oct 2005
                                                                      • 992

                                                                      could try, Musical_Fidelity@mail.vresp.com
                                                                      the last two mail outs came from that address.

                                                                      you do live in the uk though dont you ? why dont you give them a call ?
                                                                      "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                      Comment

                                                                      • Cambs12
                                                                        Senior Member
                                                                        • Jul 2006
                                                                        • 191

                                                                        Hi Yas,

                                                                        I wanted to email them also when buying my amp,to check availability of spare valves..
                                                                        I believe they don't take correspondence by e-mail,you would need to ring them.I did find them very helpful however.

                                                                        Comment

                                                                        • alebonau
                                                                          Moderator Emeritus
                                                                          • Oct 2005
                                                                          • 992

                                                                          Originally posted by Cambs12
                                                                          Hi Yas,

                                                                          I wanted to email them also when buying my amp,to check availability of spare valves..
                                                                          I believe they don't take correspondence by e-mail,you would need to ring them.I did find them very helpful however.
                                                                          I agree they perhaps dont want to be spammed. I actually sent them a fax a while back and got a prompt response back overnight.
                                                                          "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                          Comment

                                                                          • Yasvanth
                                                                            Senior Member
                                                                            • Jun 2006
                                                                            • 403

                                                                            Thanks Guys

                                                                            It's great to get this sort of advice from fellow MF owners.
                                                                            Also if anbody's interested there is a MF A5cr Pre & Pwr amplifiers up for sale in Audiogon. Maybe the owners had enough of them.
                                                                            Ha Ha!

                                                                            Cheers
                                                                            Yas :T
                                                                            Last edited by Yasvanth; 14 February 2007, 03:58 Wednesday.

                                                                            Comment

                                                                            • Yasvanth
                                                                              Senior Member
                                                                              • Jun 2006
                                                                              • 403

                                                                              MF A5 Pre & Pwr

                                                                              Hi Everybody,

                                                                              I got in touch with Sevenoaks Hifi which is a major Hifi Retail shop in the UK, and I told them that my system does sound a touch smooth and boomy with R'n'B music, they think it's my Kef Ref 1:2 speakers which are quite smooth sounding in the midrange department. They have suggested for me to try Monitor Audios range which is extremely detailed in the midrange or Spendor S8e which are a bit smoother. There other suggestions was to change my Arcam CD72T to a Cyrus CD8X, but I think this player will sound too lean and thin for my liking. So I recommended the Arcam FMJ CD36 and the funny thing is he also agreed. So what does that prove, well these hifi retailers don't know as much as we think they do on a given product, and it also goes to prove that you must always take hifi reviews and hifi retailers as a pinch of salt, and demo them to see whether the sound is suitable for your system and your tastes in particular styles of music.

                                                                              Yas
                                                                              Last edited by Yasvanth; 14 February 2007, 11:49 Wednesday. Reason: Missed out a few words

                                                                              Comment

                                                                              • alebonau
                                                                                Moderator Emeritus
                                                                                • Oct 2005
                                                                                • 992

                                                                                Originally posted by Yasvanth
                                                                                Hi Everybody,

                                                                                I got in touch with Sevenoaks Hifi which is a major Hifi Retail shop in the UK, and I told them that my system does sound a touch smooth and boomy with R'n'B music, they think it's my Kef Ref 1:2 speakers which are quite smooth sounding in the midrange department. They have suggested for me to try Monitor Audios range which is extremely detailed in the midrange or Spendor S8e which are a bit smoother. There other suggestions was to change my Arcam CD72T to a Cyrus CD8X, but I think this player will sound too lean and thin for my liking. So I recommended the Arcam FMJ CD36 and the funny thing is he also agreed. So what does that prove, well these hifi retailers don't know as much as we think they do on a given product, and it also goes to prove that you must always take hifi reviews and hifi retailers as a pinch of salt, and demo them to see whether the sound is suitable for your system and your tastes in particular styles of music.

                                                                                Yas
                                                                                well worth checking out both the monitor audio and the spendor yas, same with the cd players no harm in demoing both the cyrus and arcam to find out what thyre like in yoru system and if either might perhaps provide what your looking for.
                                                                                "Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."

                                                                                Comment

                                                                                • nektarios
                                                                                  Senior Member
                                                                                  • Mar 2006
                                                                                  • 106

                                                                                  Hi Yasvanth!

                                                                                  I am wondering, have you read the huge post I wrote especially for you (it's in the previous page)? I went to bed 4:00 in the morning that night trying to write down everything!

                                                                                  Actually by changing just a single component in the chain, the character of the rest may get completely redefined. So nothing is in concrete when we specify lean or fatter - the very best solution is to actually hear those speakers and component combinations with your own ears! If you can arrange a demo with the SevenOaks, it could solve many queries.

                                                                                  Comment

                                                                                  • Yasvanth
                                                                                    Senior Member
                                                                                    • Jun 2006
                                                                                    • 403

                                                                                    Hello Nektarios,

                                                                                    Yes I did, and I throughly enjoyed reading it thanks. Let me fill you in on my system, it is a Arcam CD72T, Michell Gyrodec/QC Pwr Supply/Rega RB300 arm and Goldring 1012gx cartridge. My speakers are the Kef Ref1:2 (floorstanders)
                                                                                    The funny thing is my system only seems to sound smooth and boomy when playing R'n'B music. Now I don't know whether the problem is my MF A5 amps which are refined, my midrange cd player, or my spks.But by talking to you guys and getting great advice it's either my speakers are too smooth with my new amps or its the cdp. I will have to try spks from the Monitor Audio's range or hunt around on Ebay for a Arcam FMJ CD36 (black).
                                                                                    The truth is I really do not want to part with my spks as they look and sound beautiful, so I may have to demo the Arcam FMJ36 unless you have any suggestions on which CDP to demo ?

                                                                                    Cheers
                                                                                    Yas

                                                                                    Comment

                                                                                    • Cambs12
                                                                                      Senior Member
                                                                                      • Jul 2006
                                                                                      • 191

                                                                                      Boominess

                                                                                      Is boominess a word?!! Hi Yas,one thing i thought of whilst listening to a few Mary J Blige albums this evening,i have marble plinths under my B&W CDM 9nts,to reduce the bass overhang,and tighten things up.I still believe a different speaker,ie Proac,Monitor Audio is worth you auditioning,but before that,put some granite/marble/slate etc under your Kefs,see if this reduces the flabbiness of the sound...it worked for me,though not completely,but that will require a speaker up-grade,and my wife is not convinced! :cry:

                                                                                      Comment

                                                                                      • Yasvanth
                                                                                        Senior Member
                                                                                        • Jun 2006
                                                                                        • 403

                                                                                        Hi
                                                                                        Cambs,

                                                                                        Do you also own the MF A5cr Pre & Pwr amps as well? and what sort of CD Player, interconnects and spk cables are u using?
                                                                                        I was thinking of buying some marble or granite slabs and placing them underneath my spks, but I think they are just too expensive.

                                                                                        P.S I think the word boominess is just a hifi term that Hifi magazines use when reviewing equipment in the mags.

                                                                                        Thanks
                                                                                        Yas

                                                                                        Comment

                                                                                        • Cambs12
                                                                                          Senior Member
                                                                                          • Jul 2006
                                                                                          • 191

                                                                                          Hi Yas,

                                                                                          I have a trivista 300 integrated,with an A5 cd player.Speaker cables are chord bi-wire,with Vandenhul interconnects between cd and amp.Speakers are B&W cdm9nts at the moment,tho looking at B&W 803d or 802ds hopefully as soon as i get my wife's approval!

                                                                                          I reckon any stone would suffice under your speakers,i.e. you could buy some cheap tiles and stack them 4 high,or even slabs,if they would be cosmetically ok!!

                                                                                          Comment

                                                                                          • Cambs12
                                                                                            Senior Member
                                                                                            • Jul 2006
                                                                                            • 191

                                                                                            Trivista

                                                                                            Hi Folks,

                                                                                            Incase anyone is interested,on Ebay in the UK,there is a mint Trivista 300 integrated for sale.I don't know what the reserve is or what it will go for,but could well be of interest...
                                                                                            I have been very happy with mine,and can thoroughly recommend it.

                                                                                            Comment

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