Dvavc,
I still own the Musical Fidelity A-5 and still like it very much. When I wrote the remarks relative to that machine back in January, I didn't yet own the Esoteric.
I bought the Esoteric in March and had it modified a month or so later. I purchased the machine "brand new" from an authorized Esoteric dealer and it is "NOT FOR SALE".
With the cost of purchsing the machine new, plus the cost of modifications, I would be hard pressed to find anyone who would pay me enough to make any money. Besides, I am totally happy with the Esoteric and think it unlikely that I would be tempted to sell it in the near (?) future.
I am currently using the A-5 in a second system and I still stand behind my earlier remarks. It is a great unit. The modified Esoteric, however, is better sounding in my main system than the Musical Fidelity A-5. I also have decided that SACDs are worthwhile and I am building a modest collection. The A-5, of course, does not play any medium other than redbook CD.
There is a super review of the A-5 in the issue of The Absolute Sound that just came in the mail this week - comparing it with the Lector CDP-7.
Friend, Dvavc, I do not pretend to be an audiophile and I certainly am not a dealer or otherwise. I am just a stereo nut who likes to listen to good music on a good sound system. I have no interest, financial or otherwise in any manufacturer or dealer or reviewer, or whatever, of audio equipment.
My only Bias is the one developed through long term listening to the various components in my stereo system. That bias, obviously, is subject to change whenever I hear something better.
