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Musical Fidelity A3.2pre/power vs 308 intergrated

I would be interested if anyone has had a chance to compare these 2. The A3.2pre/power costs about 10% more then the 308 intergrated and is the companies entry level system while the 308 is supposedly their higher end system. I would prefer an intergrated, and if it costs less and sounds better then the pre/power combo, then it is a win win situation for me. However, if the pre/power sounds significantly better, I would consider that route. I have been listening to the A3.2 intergrated and will get a demo A3.2pre/power soon, but getting the chance to audition a 308 might be difficult.
mikerottaa1b
kgveteran
377 posts
 
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.
cdc
1,845 posts
 
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.
cdc
1,845 posts
 
NOTE: A 308 also has "full choke regulation". I quote:

"Very clean power supply lines and immunity from mains borne interference"
mikerottaa1b OP
2 posts
 
I was able to bring each systems home over a weekend to listen. My base comparisons are with a MF 3.2 intergrated. The 3.2 pre/power sound similar to the 3.2 intergrated only a lot better (surprise!), cleaner, clearer, more detail, better sound stage, bass etc.. but same basic sound. The A308 is more like the 3.2 intergrated in terms of detail and clarity, but with much richer mids, unlike either of the 3.2s.
Does the A308 really have choke regulation? In the MF reference guide it says it does, but not on their web-site, and in a review in Hi-Fi News they make the point of saying it does not have choke regulation. You would think if it did, it what have 'CR' on the front panel. When I bring the demos back on tues, I will ask if I could do a quick comparison between the two amps using their power conditioner and see if that makes a difference.
frmont
16 posts
 
Mike, you mention that the A308 had less then 100 hours on it. I have a MF A300 and I found that this amp required a minmuim of 100 hours - to sound like it was starting to loosen up. I have heard from other MF owners that this is normal. Anyway, let us know how the demo goes and which system you choose.
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