You have $1500...

tonyb

Kinda puts a damper on using that fireplace huh ?

hochpt21

@DSkip It sounds really great. I put off buying this one for awhile, but the vinyl is dead quiet and sounds great.

@tonyb We'll probably use the fireplace at some point, and I'll figure it out then

Erik Tracy

The phono section on the MF ints are really quite good, imo.

My A5 killed a stand alone Jolida phono pre...impressive....most impressive. :-)

hochpt21

I agree. The Anthem integrated was really good, but the phono section couldn't beat the PS Audio.

Now, to be honest. If I was only running a vinyl rig....the PS Audio to the B&K Reference may be all I ever needed.

But the phono section of the MF handily beat the Anthem. I'm freaking excited about this integrated. I was nervous at first, because there was some static which just turned out to be volume pot-related, so now I am all good. And this thing has PLENTY of juice to feed my 705's.

Would be interesting to compare the A5 and the A308, but probably doesn't matter.

tonyb

There's certain things about the 308 you won't get in the A5, and certain things about the A5 you won't find with the 308.

The A5 has a more modern rhythm and pace to it, not as warm as the 308, but everything about the 308 that makes it special is somewhat missing in the A5. Not that it's a bad thing, just 2 different sounds for different ears is all. The A5 still has shades of that English sound but the 308 leaves no doubt what your listening to. The A5 grabs you by the balls, while the 308 caresses them and lulls you into a dream state. Hows that for colorful commentary ?

Matter of fact, I love the 308 enough to call dibs for first right of refusal should you ever need to sell.

hochpt21

I mean...I think getting my balls grabbed is a good thing...but getting them caressed is pretty special as well. So win, win??

First right is yours, but I've been searching for something to settle down with for a few years now (which you know), and I think I've found her

tonyb

Good for you man, she's a nice piece which is why they don't show up on the used market that often. Enjoy the tunes...and the Turkey.

OleBoot

I've got an A300 - the predecessor to the A308 - which I've had since new and used to drive several different speakers. Never heard the 308, but from what I've read, it's punchier (which the specs suggest) and less warm than the 300. I've swapped other comparable amps in and out of my system to see if they would improve whatever I felt was lacking at the time, but always came back to the MF. I'm sure that the 308 will lower your blood pressure even if it doesn't caress your balls.

Erik Tracy

Any final report yet???

hochpt21

I know...I know..

Just trying to find the time with all the craziness...you know

tonyb

Yeah...yeah....excuses,excuses.lol

Talking the 308, I believe that was their totl pre when MF was still being made across the pond. Heck they still go for 1200 used. You'll hear many who swear by the old brand of British heritage, and some who like the Asian versions better. They both have likes and dislikes but to these old ears....I'll take the British version.

tonyb

OleBoot wrote: »

I've got an A300 - the predecessor to the A308 - which I've had since new and used to drive several different speakers. Never heard the 308, but from what I've read, it's punchier (which the specs suggest) and less warm than the 300. I've swapped other comparable amps in and out of my system to see if they would improve whatever I felt was lacking at the time, but always came back to the MF. I'm sure that the 308 will lower your blood pressure even if it doesn't caress your balls.

BTW chief, you do know there are some mods for that A300 that can bring it into 308 sounding territory....supposedly anyway. Just sayin'....maybe worth looking into as the older MF units are hard to let go of.

OleBoot

tonyb wrote: »

OleBoot wrote: »

I've got an A300 - the predecessor to the A308 - which I've had since new and used to drive several different speakers. Never heard the 308, but from what I've read, it's punchier (which the specs suggest) and less warm than the 300. I've swapped other comparable amps in and out of my system to see if they would improve whatever I felt was lacking at the time, but always came back to the MF. I'm sure that the 308 will lower your blood pressure even if it doesn't caress your balls.

BTW chief, you do know there are some mods for that A300 that can bring it into 308 sounding territory....supposedly anyway. Just sayin'....maybe worth looking into as the older MF units are hard to let go of.

Tony, No hadn't seen that. Do you have the source of the details handy? I'll google it later if not.

tonyb

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1117571181

I was just cruising around the Audiogon forums and came across this. There was another one that had more specifics that I came across googling but I can't seem to find it again. I'll post it up if or when I do....again.

I do remember it had changing the caps as a must do.....