Familiar with MF A5 CDP?

NJPOLKER

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/archived/a5cd.html

I will be in the market for a new/used CDP with-in 30 days. Since I am this far down in the rabbit hole I figure I'll spend somewhere around $1,000. Currently I am running a Arcam CD72 which is probably the weakest component in my system. I am considering a Jolida, Shanling, Rega, Arcam Cayin and so on but I really like the MF for some reason. I know I have to hear them to really make a good decision but that can't really happen till I get it in "my" system. So the way I look at it is if I make a good purchase I can always turn around and sell it for somewhere around what I paid.

Suggestion/experience will be much appreciated.
Thanks Drew

NJPOLKER

I searched through just about every thread here looking for information on the A5. Didn't find much on the A5 CDP but did find some favorable information on the MF 3.2
My search continues but without hearing them I guess I'll just take my chances on a nice player like the Musical Fidelity A5

Face

Ask Hearing Impaired(sp?) which MF CDP he had, there is one model to avoid.

What kind of sound are you looking for?

If you're looking for something on the warm side, I would also check out Marantz SA-8003 or a used SA-15S1/S2. Also check out Rega.

NJPOLKER

Neutral to warm I'd say. I spoke with Joe and he suggests I speak with Jesse so that's my next step. Maybe I should spend more and get the new MF 5.5

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/a55/a55cd.html

If she finds out she won't be looking so happy!!

Emlyn

NJPOLKER wrote: »

Maybe I should spend more and get the new MF 5.5

Not sure if that would be best. The main difference I recall between the A5 and A5.5 is MF put a different tube type (6112's vs. ECC88's) in the newer model because of availability. The older tube was the same as used in the Tri-vista line. I haven't heard an A5.5 myself, so I can't comment on whether it's better or worse. It likely is a little different though.

Getting a lightly used A5 and modifying it may be a better idea. There are no unusual reliability problems with the Philips cd drive mechanisms on these units and they can be repaired if necessary. There were incurable failures in the SACD drives on the Tri-vista players. The 6112 tubes last for many thousands of hours in this application but I wouldn't buy a store demo in case it was left on 24/7.

NJPOLKER

Good advice and I thank you.

danz1906

The Musical Fidelity A5 is a great player. pm sent

Ern Dog

NJPOLKER,
I'd like an update on this. Did you end up getting the MF A5 or what did you end up with? How does it sound? thanks

I'm in the market to upgrade my cdp and want more info about this player.

danz1906

Maybe an Oppo BDP-83SE or Modwright 83?

vc69

I am leaning in the direction of the Modwright. I just don't think the SE upgrade is going to be the jump in performance I am looking for.
The thing I have to consider is that I purchased an extended warranty with my -83. If I let Oppo upgrade my player to an SE then it resets my warranty. Of course, the Modwright option will void it. :eek:

danz1906

vc69 wrote: »

I am leaning in the direction of the Modwright. I just don't think the SE upgrade is going to be the jump in performance I am looking for.
The thing I have to consider is that I purchased an extended warranty with my -83. If I let Oppo upgrade my player to an SE then it resets my warranty. Of course, the Modwright option will void it. :eek:

If you get the Modwright, let us know how it sound.:)
What do you think of the analog CD sound of the base 83?

vc69

I have put it up against a Rega Planet2k and an older Pioneer DV-578A (a good player back in the day) and the -83 comes out on top every time. I like the Rega, but it lacks detail and bottom end clarity. I don't have a lot to compare to, but I can't help thinking that with a modded analog section, the -83 will be very hard to beat short of an off the charts reference player.

I love my 83, I just wish it were a little less edgy without giving up the detail I really like. I think an analog stage mod would do that. The standard 83's DAC's are very good.

danz1906

vc69 wrote: »

I have put it up against a Rega Planet2k and an older Pioneer DV-578A (a good player back in the day) and the -83 comes out on top every time. I like the Rega, but it lacks detail and bottom end clarity. I don't have a lot to compare to, but I can't help thinking that with a modded analog section, the -83 will be very hard to beat short of an off the charts reference player.

I love my 83, I just wish it were a little less edgy without giving up the detail I really like. I think an analog stage mod would do that. The standard 83's DAC's are very good.

Thanks!