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October 25, 2005 - 3:54pm
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Home theater doesn't deserve that fine Musical Fidelity amp. Why not just buy the cheapest thing you can. It won't make any difference given the kind of content involved.
Not familiar with Audioquest speakers... but, what is the goal here? Are you looking for a 2-channel setup for home theater (movies) only? Or a combination of music and home theater?
The MF A3.5 is a 2-channel integrated amplifier that has a "direct" mode that bypasses the pre-amp section so it can be used as a power amplifier to drive 2-channels, (presumably the 2 left/right channels).
If you want a 5.1 surround sound experience, you are probably better off with a A/V receiver. Unless you wish to go the premium route with separate amplification for the other channels and a separate preamp/processor.
Hope this helps.
As ST indicates in his review last month, the MF A3.5 is a fine piece of hardware at good price point. As is most of Musical Fidelity's gear. I am saving my pennies for one after having heard a A3.5 system (amp + CD).
However, as with any hi-fi kit, the final arbiter should be you and your ears. Listen and decide for yourself. I would caution anyone against buying hi-fi- even if $1600 retail is considered entry-level pricing by your budget- sound unheard. In your case, if you are used to valves, going to solid state might yield a big difference and perhaps not all positive.
Good luck.
Not familiar with the speakers as well. What is the price point? I would look at some of the Jolida tube product; the 12ax7/mosfet hybrids of 1701 (50 watts.ch) and the 1501 and the 1501RC (remote control) at 100 watts.ch. $500, $650, and $750 each I believe. There all tube JD202 is 40 all tube EL34 watts/ch and is very nice and cool to look at ($750.00) www.jolida.com www.underwoodhifi.com has some great mods.
I was looking at spending around $1,000 just for a power amp, but was thinking maybe I should start over since my val alstine pre amp took out one of my reman dynaco tube amps. Not sure what to do, love the tube sound but this maybe the only time I will be able to afford a nice amp. Was told the pre-amp was only dirty but still ran the stereo with only the one amp and still cracks off and on. Thanks, Joan
room used just for music, not sure if I need to buy a pre-amp and power amp or will i be satisfied with a integrated amp? Love the tube sound looking to spend around a $1,000 any suggestions Thanks, Joan
Like some other respondents, I know nothing about your speakers. If they are fairly efficient, you'll be able to have some choices of good integrated amps for your thousand dollars. Can you give us some clues? Speaker impedence? Favored musical genres? Personal preference tube vs solid state?