Musical Fidelity A3.2pre/power vs 308 intergrated

A308 integrated has 48 amp peak to peak current. >100dB S/N ratio. Channel separation >70 dB.

A3.2cr has 72 amp peak to peak current. >120 dB S/N ratio. Channel separation >89 dB.

So measurements for power amp ALONE look better than the 308

Wel, I am going to try and answer my own question. The MF 3.2 pre/power that I listened to had several hundred hours on it whereas the A308 had less then 100 hours. The biggest difference was that the 3.2 combo was very clean, clear and detailed,especially in the highs, but kind of thin sounding. The A308 had a fuller sound, especially in the mids but lacked the clarity and detail of the 3.2 combo. I am a bit surprised by the results. Reviews on the A308 rave about the clean clear highs but I didn't hear this. Could it be that the A308 needs more hours before the sound starts to open up? Alternatively, I am in a older building with not the best wiring and the area where I live suffers from irregular power. Are the differences that I am hearing due to the choke regulators on the 3.2 and could this be improved with a power conditioner? I would really like to get the fullness of the A308 together with the clarity/detail of the 3.2 combo.

I once owned a B-1. I used it in conjunction with a vandersteen sub(2W) and a pair of Spica TC-50's.The amp(integrated)delivered only 35watts,but the sound was first rate.I know this isn't what you were asking but what the heck.

Where did you hear the two M-F's? In the same store?

You could try an audio magic stealth conditioner. They retail for $700-800 but one of the audiogon dealers (Symphony of Sound ???) has the mini for $500. This is one of the best you can buy. Although I have not heard many but most people here will agree.

Power hash usually shows on the highs. So you could be right.

M-F literature describes the 308 as sounding more like a tube amp than a tube amp. Also says top end is smooth and sweet, NOT clear.

Can a fuller sound also be more clear? I don't know.

NOTE: A 308 also has "full choke regulation". I quote:

"Very clean power supply lines and immunity from mains borne interference"