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REVIEW: Musical Fidelity A3 Integrated Amplifier (SS)

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Model: A3
Category: Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $1195
Description: Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Musical Fidelity
Model Picture: View

Review by Hifi Steve ( A ) on October 04, 2002 at 07:58:47
IP Address: 209.115.142.81
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for the A3


Well now that I see another review here I think I'll add my thoughts. First off my audio system consists of a Rotel RCD1070 CD player, Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp, and Mission 753 speakers, connected with a Kimber Kable Silver Streak interconnect and Audioquest Crystal speaker cable. As this product went end of line the local retailer was offering a pretty good deal and I decided to take it home and have a listen against my aging, but excellent sounding, Cyrus 2/PSX combo. The version I brought home is the "3.1" variant having upgraded power supply components from the original A3 but still retaining the same name. Right away it was obvious that this amp was much better than the Cyrus 2. It actually sounded quite similar in character but the A3 had much more detail and a much bigger sound stage, no doubt due in part to the dual mono design. So I bought it and a friend of mine got a very good deal on a used Cyrus 2/PSX combo. Anyway after about a month of listening I began to tire of the sound and I realized that the reason was the amp was much to bright. What initially seemed like a fantastically detailed top end just became annoying. Now what to do? I briefly considered returning the amp for something else but there was so much that I liked about the amp that I was reluctant to do this. As well, the only other amp the dealer sold even close to the price was the Arcam A85 which was still $500 more than what I paid for the A3. After a while of causing head aches to some of those I had over listening I decided to try changing my interconnect cables to see if that helped things. At the time I was using Vandenhul D102 MKV. I went to another dealer in town and brought home some used XLO Signature interconnects and some brand new Kimber Kable Silver Streaks. It was apparent quickly that both interconnects removed the over bright sound that was bothering me before however the XLOs lacked the amazing level of detail provided by the Silver Streaks. The XLOs had slightly deeper bass but everything else was not as good. So I bought the Silver Streaks and now everything is great. The sound of the system is incredibly detailed with an immense sound stage and great dynamics. I as well noticed a slight hump in mid bass presence that seemed to be prevalent on kick drums and the like, however this is a minor quibble compared to the greatness of the rest of the sound. I have to admit though the system can still be a tiny bit bright but only on poor recordings, which may be expected. Take a good recording and you will be rewarded with a sound that is so good for the money that it should be illegal!


Product Weakness: Can be too bright with some poor recordings which covers a lot of rock music unfortunately.
Product Strengths: Detail, sound stage, power, big sound for the money. Especially good with jazz.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Musical Fidelity A3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rotel RCD1070
Speakers: Mission 753
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest Crystal/Kimber Silver Streak
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Musical Fidelity A3 Integrated Amplifier (SS) - Hifi Steve 07:58:47 10/4/02 ( 10)