2. amps-preamps
  3. 1219977824

Imaging problem, or lack thereof...any ideas

Not sure what/where the problem is, so I'm not really too sure where to post this, but here goes. I'm using a PS3 to send HDMI to my onkyo 805 receiver, which is playing the music in "direct" mode and sending the pre out to a musical fidelity A5 integrated amp (HT bypass input on A5). When I play music this way I get a great image, but of course I'm using the preamp section of the onkyo receiver so it's lacking a lot of power when compared with the A5's preamp section, especially in the lower freqs.

When I send optical out of the PS3 (2 ch 44.1 khz) to my musical fidelity A3 24 DAC and then to an input on the A5 integrated, I totally lose any image. All sound is put out of both speakers simultaneously and all sound is localized at the center. Overall the sound is much better/open/powerful coming from the preamp section of the A5, but I just can't go without an image...

I also have the same problem when sending 2ch analog out of the PS3. No distinction in the 2 channels.

I don't know if it's the player (doesn't seem like it should be, because it separates the 2 channels when playing out HDMI), or the MF A5 integrated (which also doesn't seem like it should be because it's distinguishing channels fine when received through the HT Bypass input from the receiver). Anybody ever have this problem? If so, how did you solve it?

After typing all that it seems like this might be a little confusing :D
joeshow750
joeshow750 OP
6 posts
 
Well the MF A5 integrated (preamplifier stage) seems to be the problem. Using the PS3 optical out to the MF DAC to the one of the receiver's analog line level inputs and then out to the HT bypass input on the A5, I was able to hear two distinct channels. But when I took the analog out of the DAC directly into any one of the MF A5's inputs, I lost the two separate channels. I tried swapping the speaker inputs just in case either the amp or speakers' ground and hot leads were mismarked--with no effect. Went through the manual for the A5 and it talks about imaging in there a few times, so I'm thinking this isn't normal for these amps, especially since it's not like this is a bottom of the barrel integrated or anything. Just for good measure I hooked up my Onix SP8 tube integrated amp up and did not have the same problem.

I'll try contacting MF, but I'm going to start looking for a new 2ch integrated...or possibly separates with the pre having a HT bypass.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Congrats on fidning the apparent problem. Perhaps there is some simple fix for it. Talking to MF ought to say so or not. Sorry that facet isn't working for you too.

Good luck in the hunt for another int. SET & a good int are the two things I've yet to try. As long as the int has preouts, and main ins, I'd not mind it I don't think. Of course I'd want a tube preamp stage and likely an SS main amp. BAT comes to mind.
joeshow750 OP
6 posts
 
Yeah, you might be right about the simple fix. There must be a setting or something that can change it, because I'm sure that they all can't be like this. I would pop the top on it and see if there are any dip switch settings or anything like that and just visually inspect the components, however, that would void the warranty.

I've never used separates myself and I'd rather not just because I already have a six shelf rack and it's completely full. I'm thinking about going the PS Audio way--variable gain control amplifiers.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
RE Racks
I've got two. w/amp stands for the Dodds, and in need of a couple more shelves... or a head shrinker. Yikes.

Mine would have to be remote controled. All my gear is in a separate room from me and the speakers.
More to discover