Upgrade advice: Conrad Johnson MF-2500a ?


HI. I am considering upgrading my amp-I am currently using a PS Audio HCA-2. I was impressed with the C-J MF-2200 when I used to own one, and was considering buying an MF-2500a. It seems to be very well regarded for the price. I have also heard good things about the Musical Fidelity 308cr.

Any opinions on these two amps? Would either be an upgrade over the HCA-2? My amp evolution has been: C-J MF-2200 (nice, but lacking detail and frequency extremes), McCormack DNA-125 (better bass, a bit more detail, easy to listen to), PS Audio HCA-2 (best so far, much more detailed and even a bit more "tubelike" then the others). There are no decent dealers in the area, so I will be buying used off of A-gon.

The reason I am thinking of upgrading: each time I upgraded the amp, there was a noticeable difference in sound quality (most so with the HCA-2). I would like to keep that streak alive!

My preamp is the EE Minimax w/upgraded caps, and speakers are Soliloquy 6.3's. CDP is the Opera Reference 2.2. I listen mostly to jazz and orchestra.
dawgcatching

Showing 1 response by czbbcl

Dawgcatching

First off I will be upfront with you as I have an upgraded MF2500a on this site for sale right now. The difference between the "A" version and "non-A" version of this amp is substantial. It is much more dynamic, fast and detailed with much better bass control. The improvement was not subtle. If I can draw a comparison it is more like my old Premier 11a in the midrange and high frequencies with much more bass and better bass control.

Yes, I can not believe the low prices this amp is selling for. It is much better and highly under rated than the price suggests. The only reason I am selling is to upgrade to a Premier 350 or 140 otherwise I would not be selling this amp. It is simply very musical in its presentation and very tube-like with solid state bass control.

I know nothing of the PS Audio so I can not comment.

Chuck