Very airy sounding player under 1K used?

I own a solid state amplifier. What I posted here about "airy" digital is my opinion. IME, I prefer the air and instrumental separation of tube pre-amp vs solid state. I also said at the very least a tube pre-amp is needed to deliver the "air". I myself run a solid state phonostage thru a tube pre-amp. For digital, I prefer that source to also use tubes in the signal path. That's about as clear as I can state my opinion on this topic. If you want facts, then look at the specs in your owners manual.

I see a vacuum tube pre-amp and tube output stage cd player in your future.

No solid state pre/cd combo will deliver the goods in the air department. For digital to have "air" it must at the very least pass thru a transparent tube pre-amp.

Hope that clears it up.

I owned an MF A5 for several years. You certainly are on target with that pick. Bass is very taught, tuneful, rhythmic with a good dose of dynamic contrasts. Plenty airy, with a deep layered soundstage.

Good luck

"But as I grow older, I find that I enjoy the system the way it is, and that I don't enjoy sitting very long in front of the unit when I could be doing other things. This is probably a good thing, since it will sound that much better with more time between sessions.'

################################################

We must be the same age or there abouts as I feel the same way.

Here's your chance at an A5 under 1k.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1249053685&/Musical-Fidelity-A5