Integrated Amp Recommendation


I have a Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated amplifier that started making static when the volume is adjusted. The authorized repair shop informs me it needs a complete overhaul -- for $900. I am considering 3 options:

1) Repair it -- the repair shop tells me essentially they don't make them anymore like they used to and this is a great unit that I can get another 10 years out of.

2) Replace it with a Musical Fidelity M5si for $2k or a few hundred less for a factory-refurbished unit.

3) Something else... Rotel 1592? Parasound Halo?

The speakers are B&W 804's. Input is a Naim Uniti media server through a Naim DAC. No vinyl.

Any advice, recommendations and suggestions welcome!

Thanks,

Bill
wsomers

Showing 2 responses by wsomers

Thanks for all the great feedback!  My 804's are 15 years old, made before the diamond series was introduced.  I open up my Musical Fidelity integrated and sprayed contact cleaner on the volume control, but that didn't solve the problem.  The Musical Fidelity distributor informed me that it's normal that the capacitors will dry up after 15 years or so, and was not surprised that they need to be replaced.  I trust the tech service who gave me the estimate, although apparently they have a reputation for being very expensive.  But then there seems to be no one in New York City who can do it for less.  

Does anyone have an opinion on whether the new Musical Fidelity integrateds are as good as the old ones like I have?  The tech guy, who seems honest and very knowledge -- and a real purist -- feels the old ones are better, with a warmer sound...
Yes, I opened it up and sprayed it with contact cleaner but that didn't help.  It's also now making a slight popping noise occasionally when I play music -- even without changing the volume.   I spoke with the guy at Analogique and he said, although it's impossible to say without looking at the unit, that it would probably be a few hundred dollars to repair it.  But then who knows what else may go wrong.  I'm inclined to get a new one.  

Does anyone have an idea whether the A3.2 integrated amp would have resale value on Audiogon "as is"?