Well, I can't speak for the components listed above, but I did once own a Musical Fidelity A308 integarted with some B&W Signature 805's. So we are almost talking apples to apples. I absolutely loved this combination. I found no need for a sub, and did not find any listener fatigue. In fact, that thought never once crossed my mind as I listened to the system. I have not own Sonus Faber, nor have I ever heard any of them, so I can't comment.
B&W or Sonus Faber with Musical Fidelity A5?
I'd be interested to hear anyone's experiences and opinions about these pairings:
A) Musical Fidelity A5 amp and CD player, with the new B&W 805s.
B) The same electronics with Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home (which I can buy at a very attractive price).
I could add a subwoofer to either combination if necessary.
I have heard the older B&W N805 (not the new "s" version) and I know the Grand Piano Home. But I don't have the opportunity to hear either of them with the A5 gear (which I have already ordered). Will the Musical Fidelity and Sonus Faber pairing sound over-mellow? On the other hand, will the new 805s be bright with the A5 set?
More important to me than the last degree of detail is the avoidance of "listner fatigue" and my experience of Musical Fidelity tells me that I can expect a smooth and fatigue-free sound. However, will the addition of the Grand Pianos be too much of a good thing in that respect? Or will they complement each other?
Will the brighter 805s be tamed by the A5 and actually provide a nice balance of relaxed presentaion and better detail? Or will they not make the most of the A5's virtues?
If you have either combination or something close, I'd be pleased to hear your thoughts.
Please note, I will not be listening to rock or electronic music. My music collection is 90% acoustic music, especially "early" music with plenty of plucked and bowed strings, and often with baroque singing (Rameau operas for example).
Thanks
A) Musical Fidelity A5 amp and CD player, with the new B&W 805s.
B) The same electronics with Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home (which I can buy at a very attractive price).
I could add a subwoofer to either combination if necessary.
I have heard the older B&W N805 (not the new "s" version) and I know the Grand Piano Home. But I don't have the opportunity to hear either of them with the A5 gear (which I have already ordered). Will the Musical Fidelity and Sonus Faber pairing sound over-mellow? On the other hand, will the new 805s be bright with the A5 set?
More important to me than the last degree of detail is the avoidance of "listner fatigue" and my experience of Musical Fidelity tells me that I can expect a smooth and fatigue-free sound. However, will the addition of the Grand Pianos be too much of a good thing in that respect? Or will they complement each other?
Will the brighter 805s be tamed by the A5 and actually provide a nice balance of relaxed presentaion and better detail? Or will they not make the most of the A5's virtues?
If you have either combination or something close, I'd be pleased to hear your thoughts.
Please note, I will not be listening to rock or electronic music. My music collection is 90% acoustic music, especially "early" music with plenty of plucked and bowed strings, and often with baroque singing (Rameau operas for example).
Thanks
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