How good is the Musical Fidelity A5?

I had the A5 CDP with the kW500 and B&W 802D speakers and I did not have the same great experience as the poster above.

When I first received it I also had a Classe CDP-100; in my short time comparing the two I thought the A5 was very slightly better so I kept it. After some time I found I was not pleased, CD playback was cold and sterile. This led me to purchase the Meridian G08, which I acknowledge is much more expensive, but this player bettered the A5 in my system in every way, a few examples being, deeper and tighter bottom end, better high frequency extension, more open and 3D... YMMV

I'm suprised to hear that you found a Tubed CD Player, "Cold and Sterile." I also thought it was much better than the Classe CDP. The Meridian, I cannot say that I have listened to this player.... but have heard good things. I am REALLY curious about the MF KW SACD player. Anyone heard it?

I guess we each have to trust our own ears and go with what makes us happy. I'm keeping all my A5 items.

Tubes are no guarantee of a warm and fuzzy sound.

http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=digital&n=99126&review=1

The A5 to my ears is indeed better than the new 303-300 .It brings out a lot of fine detail in the cd's, and has amzing dynamics on those type of passages.The only cold chills this player gives are goose bumps.For some reason, previous MF players become highly sought after.This thing is less expensive, and WAY better than any before it, and I owned a TV and a 308cd.