MF A300 to A308: notable improvement?

Silvmoon, I have a system similar to yours. I have the MF A300, A3CD and a pair of nautilus 805 with a rel strata iii subwoofer, and recently added a Bel Canto DAC2 so the A3CD acts as a transport now. Well, before adding the DAC2 I also had the same felling about my system being somewhat thin and bright. After adding the DAC2 I think things improved significanlty in other areas and the sound became smoother in the treble and a little weight was gained, but it still sounds a bit thin even though I have the sub, I find the sound exactly as you describe in those instruments (i.e piano, cello), so from your comments I'm starting to suspect of the A300. Hopefully someone can share any experience about the A300 vs. the A308 or other integrated that is significantly better in this regard.

Silvmoon:

Assuming for the moment that we could reasonably agree on what is full/thin/bright/smooth/thick in terms of sound, I think the culprit may be your speakers. The one constant in both my 2 channel reference and 2 channel HT systems for the last 4 years has been my speakers ... Acoustic Research 302 Classic Speakers (full range; 3 way; 10" woofer). Back in 1995, these were Stereophile Class D speakers that were known for their musicality.

In my reference system, I have gone from an ADCOM 545 Amp/ADCOM 500 II Preamp & Tuner/SONY SCD 555 SACD Player to a Musical Fidelity A3.2 Integrated/SONY SCD 555 SACD Player to a Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24/Musical Fidelity A300 Amp. The system has only become more musical, warm, and notably refined sounding with each change. When I compare my 2 channel HT set-up which is a NAD C320BEE/SONY SCD 555 SACD Player to my reference system, the HT system is still musical and enjoyable, but noticeably less refined and not quite as deep sounding.

I also have a similar home environment ... a coop in Queens with neighbors above and below me that could hear a mouse doing a #1 on cotton. So, when I read of Sean and some others playing their systems to plane take-off volumes, I just laugh ... my volume control just about makes it to 8 o'clock, let alone 11 o'clock.

I have never been a big fan of B&W's ... just OK to me ... not quite right in the treble and not quite defined enough in the bass. But that's me. I also thought that B&W's had the reputation that they needed to be played loud to sound their best. So, maybe the solution is in finding speakers that sound good when played low. EPOS is reportedly one such brand.

The 308 is supposedly the solid state Tri-Vista ... so soundwise you will be seriously upgrading from the A300 ... but the A300 integrated was supposedly warmer sounding than the A3 integrated.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Rich

I can only share experience with the A308, and the A3 integrated amps, as those are the only ones I've owned. I had the 308 with two different speakers. First with the B&W Signature 805's and second with the Revel F30's. It was a great match for the B&W's. They seemed to go together very well. The bottom end was good, midrange was excellent, and so was imaging. The highs were not too bright, and the system seems to be very musically satisfying.

I have a strong feeling that you are going to notice a large difference stepping up to the 308. It is not the solid state version of the Tri Vista namely because it does not use choke regulated power supplies. Although, it is a true dual mono design. A very hefty amp at 55 pounds give or take. Build quality is as to be expected from Musical Fidelity. I'm thrilled with their integrateds. My next step is to try the Nu-Vista integrated. I'm very excited to try it based on my past experiences with MF integrateds. I have never used any plinius gear, but I do know it comes highly recommended. Lately, it seems like you can get a 308 for a very decent price. Somewhere in the ball park of 1700-1800. Worth every penny if you ask me.