everything sounded great until the upgrade

@itsjustme 

Why did you buy something without hearing it first? 

Because it's used, can't hear it anywhere

@mahgister 

design change is less impactful on listening test than acoustic and psycho-acoustic change in the speakers/room relation

Right. But when my room is a given, not many options in placement, my main variables are components and cables - as I stick to the speakers

1 week update:

the sound from the MF A3.2 is definitely different. I noticed that different types of music sounds good with it, and so I changed what I listen to, all the instruments are brighter, more forward, vocals less harsh, less punchy.

haven’t gotten a DAC yet, but I certainly appreciate the experience and the quality, It does bring out recording flaws, which - given my selection of 60s-80s mostly - is a pain, because recording back then was less than perfect (but also, some were tweaked until it sounded best)

Playing LPs is much more fun now. (need a new cartridge, then a new turntable, then I will find my suitcase on the driveway)

thank you all! As much as I often find some of you arrogant and egoistic pricks, most of you are awesome: generous, helpful and knowledgeable! :)

@felixa 

I need you to explain this to me via zoom!

No need to ever turn the amp off unless you are plugging or unplugging cables. Just make sure you turn down the volume when you turn  your source on or off. Eliminates warm up time and sounds even better after beiding played for a little while.

grislybutter

One thing I wanted to mention as an ex-cd player person - I ripped all my cd to FLAC and now it is all on a USB drive.  This means you don't need a new CD player and it saves space.  Many streamers/dacs can play the digital files directly.  You can then also rip new cds as needed, or buy digital music song by song.  I liked this path because it preserves my existing collection and allowed me to phase into high res and single song purchases.  Something to think about if your CD is the problem and the money you would use for the CD player can be used for a file player dac or streamer.  I have been looking at hi fi rose, but it is expensive, but maybe other options exist.  Good luck.