Musical Fidelity A5 CDP

Look elsewhere.

The A5 is actually not in the same league as MF's older but more expensive models of Nu-vista and Tri-vista, but like Kiwi I never really warmed up to the $5,500 Tri-vista. The reliability of this player is another issue.

I recently purchased the Reference Audio Mod Oppo 980 universal player (full mod version) which at 1/3 of the price completely outcasted the MF Tri-vista.

A Cambridge Audio C840 can be had here for the same price as the MFA5. Would this be a better option as well? I heard this is one of the best NZ$2500 players on the market. How would they compare side by side?

What type of sound do you like? Laid back and relaxing or rhythmically involving? I don't remember the exact models I've auditioned, but when auditioning MF CD players, I've always found them to be very laid back players that are somewhat lean in the bottom end. While this appeals to some, I prefer a more engaging presentation.

From hearing the Cambridge 840C, it seems kind of half-way between the MF and players that I enjoy more (being Naim, Ayre and Simaudio from experience, and likely Cary from what I've read).

I guess what I'm saying here is...you need to figure out what type of sound you're after, and then determine if the MF is right for you. For me, I'd rather have an entry-level Simaudio player than a twice as expensive MF player...so price doesn't necessarily tell you if you'd like a component.

Hi Countingbackwards, I prefer the thick solid sound with full body of the value CD players (not that i'm saying valves over colour music). I had a Shanling CD3000 and loved the sound but missed the PRaT so was hoping for something that did both. The MF A5 having a valve buffer stage had me thinking it might do both better? Are there any MFA5 owners who could verify this?

I own the A5 (so take anything I type with a grain of salt) and find it to be an excellent CDP. Perfect for everyone? Heck no, and thank goodness for different tastes. But it is very resolving and the soundstaging is especially excellent.

I know this is a lame description, but I find it sort of "elegant sounding." It is not as thick and full bodied as two less expensive tubed CDP I have tried in my system, a Njoe Tjoeb with upsampler and the Jolida, both with NOS tubes. In my system, the A5 was better than both of those (perhaps not surprising given in costs twice as much); it was also a bit more shy in bass and had less body in the mids -- both of these tube players were pretty thick through the mids.

So I would not call it the most full bodied player I have ever heard, but it is highly resolving and well balanced -- again, in my system. So judging by your goals, it may not be your ideal CDP. Again, in my opinion, the A5 is a very good CDP overall, just perhaps not exactly what you might be looking for.

Good luck.
Bob