I wouldn't be too concerned with the weight of the amplifier, after all, it's how it sounds to you, not how much it weighs. I own the A3, and would say the A3.2 would be a great match for your speakers. The other integrated I was going to suggest is the Audio Refinement. It's a stellar integrated and I would put that high on your audition list. It can be had brand new in your budget. I think you will be happier with the A3.2 instead of the A300.
Downsizing-Need Integrated Amp Advice
HI. I am downsizing my speakers (buying Green Mountain Europas) and would also like to downsize my amp/preamp to an integrated setup. I am moving soon and space will be an issue-my amp is pretty big, and I doubt I will need 200 watts to run the Europas. I am currently running a C-J PV10A and MF-2200, and would like an integrated that performs as well or better on all types of music. Tube pre is not required, nor is phono board, but I do like the slightly airy sound of a tube pre-I don't want something too harsh or heavy in the low-end. I have about $1000 to spend, and would like to pick up a used model if possible. On my initial list are the Arcam FMJ-22 or Alpha 10, Musical Fidelity A3.2 or A300, A306, Classe CP-101, Creek 5350SE.
Any opinions on these? Will they give me the same quality sound I am getting right now? I have heard that the answer is "yes" but it seem hard to believe, given that most of these units are probably 30lbs total, while a good amp alone weighs twice that.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Any opinions on these? Will they give me the same quality sound I am getting right now? I have heard that the answer is "yes" but it seem hard to believe, given that most of these units are probably 30lbs total, while a good amp alone weighs twice that.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
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The Musical Fidelity integrated amps are refined and musical sounding and will do a good job with your new Europas. I owned the A3 for a year and loved it, before upgrading to a MF CD PRE 24/A300 combination (even nicer). Upscale Audio usually has great prices on new MF equipment. Regards, Rich |
Is there a reason that you're downsizing? I'm asking because you may be going backwards when you may be fine with what you have. If the c-j's are paid for, you might audition these integrateds against them before jumping into something. Like S7horton, I have not the B&W Signature 805's, but their father, the Silver Signatures. So we're basically on the same playing field. I had a c-j DA3 DAC that I really, really liked. I traded it in on a Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21, which I think blows it out of the water. However, while I was waiting for it to come in, I took my c-j to the dealer and compared it against the MF Tri-Vista SACD. In 'CD' mode, I would not have chosen the Tri-Vista SACD over the c-j. I did end up after that comparision or audition, trading in my Krell pre-amp and amp for the MF A308cr Pre-amp and Amp. They had to ordered them too, just like the Tri-Vista 21. In the meantime, my dealer loaned me an A3.2 Integrated. For the next four days, I was sick to my stomach thinking that I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I had the A3.2 running 24 a day thinking that it needed to burn in, but it didn't help. The A3.2 literally turned my stomach. I took it back and listened to nothing until the A308's arrived rather than listening to the A3.2. I even talked to my dealer and called another stereophile friend who assured me that once the A308's arrived, everything would be alright. I've never regretted trading in the Krell KRC-3 and KSA-50S for the MF A308's, but the A3.2 couldn't even hold a candle to the A308 combo. My next upgrade though is to replace the A308 Pre-Amp with the c-j Premier 17LS2. Another out of state dealer told me NOT to replace the A308 amp, because with the c-j Pre-Amp, the A308 Amp will sing like I've never heard it sing. All I'm saying is that I really like the MF higher end equipment, but I think the c-j equipment is something special that you may not want to give up without a good reason and side-by-side comparision. |
I am downsizing because I need to save space-moving to a smaller room and can't have a huge stereo rack out. I have been pretty happy with my system so far, although the preamp hasn't been as impressive as hoped. I have A/B'd it against some cheaper (retail $600) SS designs, and while vocals are a little better and bass a little tighter, it isn't a stunning difference. Maybe I need new tubes. The amp is different-it is very, very good. Tight, accurate bass, and great midrange. |
I'm a tube system owner (Cat pre, Cary monoblocks), but recently I had the new Music Hall Mambo integrated for about a week. It's class A, mosfet, no phono, about $1200 new. I could live with it, and at a fraction the price of my set-up, it was not a huge step down. I'd say the main thing I missed was the 'air' that the tubes give, but it's a very sweet - yet powerful - amp. |
I've been there (downsizing)m and found great listening pleasure with a Naim Nait3 integrated (now there is the Nait5 out there). Naim sounds great with Spendor or Monitor Audio Speakers. Another option is to go for a passive preamp (AXIOM, Monlithic) and get e better power amp, you may end-up spending more or less rha same as for an Integrated amp option. Fernando |
47 Labs Shigaraki or 47 Labs Gaincard, weighting in at 20 and 25 watts, most likely a very good match for the Europas. Someone in the Sakura Systems website has this set up, with a Wadia Digital front end directly into the Gaincard, looks as if it will sound awesome. Certainly looks so as the owner describes it. |