Gavin Hodgson wrote:

Hi,

I would be interested in peoples opinion on the following as an upgrade to matching Musical Fidelity A3.5 amplifier and CD player, will be paired with Spendor D1's. I am really looking for used/ex-demo kit.

- Roksan Caspian - I demoed the M2 and found it to be an improvement on the A3.5. More of an airey/spacious sound and better detailing.

- Musical Fidelity A5 - more watts, but will the A5 CD player really sound that much better than the A3.5? I have never heard one...

- Musical Fidelity M6i (potentially M6 500i if the price is right) - any idea how this compares with the A5?

I have already discounted Roksan Kandy K2 (which to me sounds almost identical to the A3.5), NADs and Cyrus as to me they don't seem to be an improvement.

I would be interested to hear opinions based on demo's you might have had.

Thanks

The M6PRX amplifier is one of the best I have heard at ANY price!

I am using it with a Audio Research LS26 preamp and Vandersteen Treo speakers, and the sound is to die for.

The OPPO BDP-105 is better-sounding than any player M-F makes IMO, and it is a steal at only $1200. Do yourself a favor and get one.

I had the $6000 Ayre C5 player for 5 years, and it is excellent, but the $1200 OPPO sounds distinctly better!!

I will preface this by saying I am a big fan of Rega and there music first philosophy and have a Brio R. I am confident this will be my next integrated though. It is a great sounding, super detailed unit.

It is extremely transparent but I am not sure it would sound great with every speaker. I have Revel's which are just a tiny bit warm, but very revealing and I am confident it will sound awesome. Not sure what speakers you have but that could influence your choice.

Gavin Hodgson wrote:

Thanks for the feedback. Audio research ls26 is one hell of a piece of kit - but bit outside my budget. Space is also a consideration - super integrated is really best for me.

The M6i is very very good.

That sounds as if it might be a winner for you.