I like the Musical Fidelity very much but the one criticism is that it can be a hair forward. Paired with a very forward speaker like the CM line from B&W, you might find that combination is a bit fatiguing.

I have not listened to the Prima Luna but am planning to go listen to it in the near future. I hear great things. You should also look at the Peachtree Nova 125SE and the Rogue Audio Sphinx.

I like the NADs in the sub $1000 range but over $1000, these other options to me are superior.

If you have a hair of room in your budget to go up, you should look seriously at the Rega Elex R at $1695 or the Roksan Kandy K2 at $1700. The Elex R is unbelievably detailed but is not bright. The K2 is powerful and neutral but lacks the detail of the Rega.

"Forward vs. Laid Back:

Forward sound is caused by coloration that increases the volume of the "forward" frequencies. Bass, midrange, treble, or individual instruments which usually populate a certain part of these, can be forward. What happens is the louder frequencies appear closer than they should to the listener in the soundstage. Additionally, because of the increased volume small details in the frequencies are easier to distinguish, which also makes the instruments sound closer. It's "forward" because the listener feels closer to the musicians. A forward headphone usually emphasizes the upper midrange and treble, but like I said bass can be forward too. Laid back is the opposite. Frequencies are quieter and sound farther away"

A speaker that is forward in the mid and upper frequencies is what is usually meant by forward and that is the exact way I would describe B&W Speakers.

Here is the full link:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/563656/audiophile-terms-for-dummies

I can fully recommend the Creek Evolution 50A Integrated. It is around $1200, and with the $300 you can either purchase a Creek internal Phono board; they offer three models addressing both MM and MC users; or go with an external phono stage of your choice. I personally find this integrated pretty neutral with just a very faint hint of warmth to its sound...excellent for vinyl.., and have in fact had Bowers & Wilkins CM5's hooked up to if for months and was very pleased with the sound. It will drive the B&W's just fine and is excellent in my opinion with vinyl.

I also have not auditioned the Rogue Audio Sphinx, but that was my second choice. It has a class D amp with a tube hybrid approach and has received very good reviews here on Stereophile and other locations. It has slightly more power than the Creek, and also a built in phono section.

The reason I ultimately went with the Creek was just for written specs: it is a true Class A/B time proven design with a loyal following. The Class D hybrid approach may in fact actually be superior and time was the only thing preventing me from also auditioning the Rogue. If I had the time, I would have. But alas, I am truly satisfied with the Creek for vinyl.

As recently as a year ago, I would have cautioned against most Class Ds. This has changed.

Peachtree, NAD, Marantz, & Rogue Audio all produce Class D Stereophile, WhatHiFi or Absolute Sound recommended components and there are other great Class D products from Primare. I am not saying we should assume every Class D is fabulous, but these 5 manufacturers are producing Class D equipment that sounds as good if not better than A/B units. And they run cooler and consume less energy.

I echo what bierfeldt has stated; hence the Rogue making it to my final list as second choice...

But only YOUR ears will be able to answer your quest... I would gamble that the Rogue is in fact a well-designed, modern implementation of Class D, in alignment with the other systems bierfeldt mentioned....Drew, please let us know your decision or other questions. I'm curious to see what you decide.

Not to dilute my opinion on Creek, but the recommendation for Rega in this price range is also good. if their amps echo the design philosophy and sound of their turntables (which I own), I could see a Rega amp in a future setup. I've again not auditioned them either; but have reviewed many positive reviews and specs. Rega did make it in my final lists...but ultimately again came down to Creek vs. Rogue.

In closing, I really have come to find a lot of times in high-end audio, you merely get what you pay for and I am pretty certain you won't be disappointed with ANY of the recommendations I have seen here.

Again, please write back with any updates or if you've decided on a purchase.

Kind Regards,

Ron

Good luck and have fun with your purchase!

Like I said, any of these recommendations I think will allow a more than satisfying audio experience. Be aware though that the Musical Fidelity M3i just went to "discontinued" on it's website this past few days. It already has been replaced by the M3si. But that's actually a GOOD thing; means you have more bargaining power on that floor model! Having said that, the new M3si has an interesting take on a dual mono block internal design, significantly more power, and other significant improvements...I looked..it IS available...and it's the same price as the original M3i, and if they have it in stock, I would seriously take a listen!

And the Prima Luna is also awesome. Both of these I think are a step above my Creek... If the Musical Fidelity M3i sounds excellent to your ears and can be had for under $1100, you can't go wrong there; just don't forget to inquire about the new M3si and you may even be able to get the M3I for even less if you show up armed with the information that it's recently discontinued.

Good Luck,

Ron

Drew:

That purchase should be the start of a very good system. Congratulations!

Ron

If you can, try and listen to a Rega RP6 and the Clearaudio Concept in addition to the Musical Hall. They sound different enough to make it worth your time. I would have also said, the VPI Traveler but it has been discontinued.

The Rega is all about Pace, Rhythm and Timing. To quote the article posted above, the Rega has "punchy midbass, forward upper midrange, underdamped response, and fast decay."

Alternatively, the Clearaudio Concept is extraordinarily precise. It is accurate, clean and totally uncolored sound. The Marantz TT-15S1 is also made by Clearaudio and is a similar sounding table and a very good value.

The Music Hall 7.1 and in no way am I saying it is a bad choice. I had a Technics table and when I upgraded, based on everything I read, I went in thinking that I was going to get a ProJect Expression with an Ortofon 2M Blue. After listening to several tables, I ended up with a Rega P3-24 with an Elys2 which the similar model today is the RP3. My point is, the Music Hall may or may not be the right choice for you. You need to listen to a few to know if it is.

For the money, the Vincent Audio Pho-8 and the Musical Fidelity M1LPS are outstanding phono stages. The Vincent Audio is on sale right now at Needledoctor for $299 though they are out of stock. It is normally $399. The Musical Fidelity is $449 and works with MM and MC cartridges.