Well, a Musical Fidelity A5 arrived at my house this morning. I appreciate everyone's advice on the Naim, Rega and other amps, but I took the opportunity to give it a trial, it's brand new, and I got it for a price I know I can resell it for if necessary.
But I doubt it will come to that. Straight out of the box, this powerhouse sounds just absolutely stunning (well as part of the setup). Art says MF aren't musical for him. Well this one certainly is musical to me Art. It's fast, rhythmic, has much improved imaging and soundstage, bass is wonderfully full and controlled and it opens up music to such an extent over the NAD combo that even if I had paid full retail, I'd think it was a bargain. Improvements in attack and decay are really obvious and the instruments and voices are so clearly defined.
One little glitch, the Marantz receiver's remote operates the A5. I may need to cover the sensor on the amp for playing movies and surround music.
It's all about preference MR...I'm glad you like it...It's still not what I would choose however it's your money not mine, and your ears that have to be pleased. Congrats!
Thanks guys. Art, I wasn't criticising just reaffirming your earlier comment about preference. Nick, yes the A5 sounds better than our NAD combo, but at the price the NAD is incredible value for money.
When Mrs Rantz arrived home, I played a disc and she heard the difference right away - phew! She said it sounded like the music had more depth and was much clearer.
The A5 has no frills - no tone or balance controls, no standby (it does have a mute button), but it is well built, very heavy, very powerful and makes great music. Our hi-fi rack is a real hodge podge of components now.
Aussie bands/artists - Cold Chisel, Hunters & Collectors, Black Sorrows, Wilson/Diesel, Marg Evans, Crowded House, and some more I'm sure (old age). Thanks for the reminder, it's been some time since I've spun some of these.
