Musical Fidelity A3.2 CD Player

[ipodstudio]

Anyone any experience with one of these?

 

[ipodstudio]

No-one got one of these? Aren't they American?

 

[dhwilkin]

Nah, Musical Fidelity is actually based in the UK, I believe. Though it's not difficult to find their products in the US. I heard the A3.2 briefly, but not long enough to make definitive statements about it. I will say I enjoyed what I did hear, but ended up w/ something a bit more high-end (MF's NuVista).

IIRC, Tuberoller has one, so maybe you should send him a PM...

 

[ipodstudio]

Cool, thanks dhwilkin! What would be your recommendation for a cd player in the $1000 used price range?

 

[dhwilkin]

Need to know what sort of sound you're looking for, before I could make a decent recommendation. Things like, are you looking for tight bass, lots of bass visceral impact; is soundstaging/imaging very important; is lots of detail very important; lush vs transparent midrange; etc...?

 

[ipodstudio]

Well, a tight bass, good midrange and soundstage. I basically want an honest sound without too much being added to the actual recording. I listen mostly to country music and some classic.

 

[dhwilkin]

OK, from what I've personally heard, either the MF A3.2 or the Arcam FMJ-23 would be my recommendation. The Arcam has tighter bass, but gives up some impact. Combine that w/ very detailed highs, and I thought it could've used some more body to the sound, at least on most recordings that weren't exceptional. The Arcam also has a very fast sound. Neither had a big advantage in the soundstage area. I enjoyed the A3.2 more, even if it wasn't quite as detailed or tight in the bass, so that'd probably be my recommendation.

I'd also recommend both sending a PM to Tuberoller (if you haven't already) and checking out a mega-review of sources by jude. His description of the Creek especially looks promising for you. As always, if at all possible, audition the players first.

 

[ipodstudio]

Great, thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. I'll PM tuberoller if he doesn't chime in soon

 

[daycart1]

I gave the old MF A3 a good listen with classical music. I loved the air and refinement...I almost got one for about $1200. So the 3.2, which is supposed to be better is a fine deal, IMO.

 

[ipodstudio]

Thanks for the note, daycart1. I just solved my CD player search by getting an Arcam FMJ CD33T

 

[daycart1]

$1K used is excellent for the FMJ. Post impressions when you've had a good listen!

 

[ipodstudio]

Will do, daycart1. Just counting down the days