Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Musical Fidelity A3.2 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Aleph

Model:	A3.2
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1500
Description:	A3.2 DUAL MONO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Manufacturer URL:	Musical Fidelity
Model Picture:	View

Review by Aleph ( A ) on February 13, 2004 at 19:31:46
IP Address: 61.6.163.21

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I have always been a fan of MF amps and decided to try these for fun. The demo was about 2 hours but the amp was already running since an hour before. for looks and build, they're certainly worth the price, though I prefer the older MF models with their gloss piano black finish.
My expectations for this amp were high as i'm also using an mf a1000 at home. Overall, i was dissapointed after listening to the a3.2. Its got all the virtues of a good amp - clear and well projected vocals, bass was well timed deep and punchy though slightly lightweight, nuff power and control even at 12 o'clock volume, focus, soundstage etc. But it just didn't inspire, unlike my a1000. To me, it lacked life. When we played Sting for instance - you could hear all the details and the whole presentation was solid but it didn't inspire me to listen to it again and bask and enjoy the music. I guess i would the describe the amp as assured but boring. I say stick to the older mf intergrateds like a1, a1000. On the other hand, we tried the pre-power a3.2 and that mesmerised me - gorgeous!

Product Weakness: lacks life - boring
Product Strengths: good looks, solid build, very neutral and assured sound, all the 'right' stuff for a dependable and powerful intgrated

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	MF A3.2 integrated
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	A3.2 cd player, Classe cd10
Speakers:	AAD s5, dynaudio, totem model 1, zingali
Cables/Interconnects:	wireworld
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	sting, tracy chapman, stacy kent, pink floyd, moloko
Type of Audition/Review:	Dealer Demo

Product Weakness:	lacks life - boring
Product Strengths:	good looks, solid build, very neutral and assured sound, all the 'right' stuff for a dependable and powerful intgrated