recently purchased this system. I started out thinking I wanted a small system for a medium sized room (15 X 11 X 8). I began by purchasing the following
* MF A3cr Preamp
* (2) MF A3cr Power amps for biwiring (per Sam Tellig's advice)
Then I started hunting for speakers. I decided I liked the sound of the Dynaudio contour speakers. Since I was able to get a good deal on much of the Contour line, I figured get the top of the line. The Contour 3.3's. However they are not biwireable (which doesn't make use of the second MFa3cr amp) and require a lot of power (or so I have heard). Anyhow, tried to return the amps but could only get store credit. Basically I was locked into buying from this one audio store for the amp/pre. I traded all 3 pieces in for retail value towards all of the Musical Fidelity gear you see listed above. All in all, I feel I got way off track and have spent far more than I intended. The good thing is, that the system is powerful enough to move into a larger room when I move out of my current residence. After all this cash has been spent, I want to be assured that this is a synergistic combo... OR not. In which case leads me to my questions
My questions are:
* Has anyone had experience with the MF & Dynaudio combination, and if so, do you feel it is a good match.
IF not,
* What speakers would you recommend to go with the Musical Fidelity A308cr system ??
* OR, what amp and pre would you suggest for the Dynaudio speakers.?
I'm at the point where I'm willing to lose some money by selling off what does not match in order to finally settle on a system that will not keep me guessing whether or not I've got the right synergy.
24bit upsampling cd player. Based on the Nuvista 3d cd player
Musical Fidelity A308cr Preamplifier
I believe this to be the best product in the new A308 series of components
Musical Fidelity A308cr Power Amplifier
250W @ 8 ohms 450W @ 4 ohms
Dynaudio Contour 3.3
.
Sony SCD-C555es
5 Disc SACD Changer
Bel Canto Design DAC-2
24/96 upsampling DAC
HTPC HTPC-13
Home Made Music Server 3.2Ghz Pentium IV Prescott Processor 1.8 Terrabyte Raid-5 Array 1GB RAM Audigy 2Z Platinum Sound Card - Digital Coax out to Bel Canto DAC2 Lian-Li Aluminum Server Case
The only problem with Musical Fidelity is not the SOUND it's not the LOOK'S it's not the QUALITY it's only the RESALE value they change their gear so often they go down in price very very quick it is OK for used gear but don't buy this NEW my friend as bought 2 very expensive UNITS at one fith the retail price this is fine for the BUYER but as the seller it sucks so at least NOW if you didn't know you DO.
System edited: Added Sony ES Sacd player, Technics turntable; hooked up out of nostalgia for the college dorm daze. Have some old vinyl and like to listen just for fun. Also, built a Music Server/Home Theater PC. I know, not the most audiophile thing to do, but it actually sounds very good through the Bel Canto DAC2. Offers extreme convenience and flexibility when listening to my 1600+ cd collection. The cd's have been ripped to the server in *.wav file format. NO COMPRESSION for optimal sound ! Any comments or other Music Server creators/users out there ? Comments and opinions on system greatly appreciated.
Capnizzy, they are expensive but Siltech cables work beautifully between your MF A308 and Dynaudios. Try the LS38 G3 as the cheapest in the silver/gold line. You will hear vastly extended bass and treble response.
I use the MF A300cr version amp with the 3.3,s and find the match is fine, so long as you use good cables. Try the genesis loudspeaker cable for a full bodied sound. And keep you inter-connects neutral. These speakers are very revealing of source and cables so play around.
Thanks for all of your input. Since my last posting I have used Audioquest interconnects, and they have made a huge improvement. The sound that was slightly on the "bright side" has smoothed out considerably. I really love this combo now. Maybe the amp/pre also needed time to burn in. Either way I am very satisfied with the performance of this setup. The fit, finish, and most important, the performance of all of these components is top notch in their respective price points. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I have to agree with Katinguele "the amp's high current, and full/clean sound " "stops and starts on a dime" not to mention completely dark/silent background is something I have experienced (and enjoy) as well. I had at one time put the older A3cr preamp back in the chain, and then after a few days put back my newer A308cr preamp back. What a huge difference. Much wider, deeper, soundstage, along with smoother top end. Over the past year and a half I have had many amps and preamps in my system (yba,bryston,krell,etc.. all excellent in many ways. However, the better amps (YBA Passion) cost many more $$$) I have to say MF gear lives up to it's hype. I have read that their power output spec's have been a little inflated compared to real world scenario, but in the end it's the sound that counts. I couldn't be happier with the price to performance ratio (and looks to boot). As for Dynaudio, the only downside is power hungry. They worked well with my original amp, but even better with the upgraded A308cr amp. If you have the power (which I feel I do now)... these speakers are EXCELLENT !!!
any speaker cable suggestions ????? THANKS AGAIN !!!!
cap-i have also found musical fidelity to be a bit harsh (or bright) with dynaudio. i have the contour 2.8's and love them! cabling can definitely help and acoustic zen matrix reference is a great cable for the mf gear. if you're up for switching power and/or source gear, in my experience, i have found that plinius or ayre seem to match up with dynaudio the best. good luck and enjoy the tunes!
I use an MF A308CR power amp with Totem Model 1 speakers. The Totems use Dynaudio drivers and are similarly difficult to drive. I auditioned many power amps and decided on the MF due to its high current delivery and its full but clean character. It starts and stops on a dime. I use a Meridian pre amp and this calms the system down a bit as I find an all MF amplification a bit forward.
You could always use cabling to tune your system - maybe Audioquest or Transparent.
Thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate it. What brand of cables would you recommend as being full bodied? This sounds like a much better option than selling off a lot of equipment at a huge loss. Thanks again
The Dynaudio 3.3's are amazing speakers (for the money). In my experience the Dynaudio/Musical fidelity combo can be a bit bright. the Dyns. can be ruthlessly revealing. However, with a good power conditioner and full bodied cables they can produce a very pleasing presentation.
Never had any experience with Musical Fidelity but I'm sure that Dyna 3.3 worth to be kept when you will wish to upgrade components. From the specs I see you've no problem with power. Great matches could be for your future reference: Bryston 4b-st or sst, McCormack DNA1 or DNA2, VTL MB125 or VTL MB180. Your spending might've been less if you ask here earlier but you did your job and research already so far and I'd keep it for the next upgrade. If you will feel that your system is not powerfull enough than near-field listening will be more appropriate in your case. Dynaudios have a very high and clean performance that is very suitable at near-field and low-volume listening so the main demand is from amplifier, preamp to be stable and clean to deliver pleasant near-field drive not neccessary with high power. I personally evaluate components at near-field rather than in some dedicated large room to hear every imperfection slowly changing volume level up or down defining ranges of distortion-free listening the larger range I will find the better I will love the product or system.
