Best intergrated amp. for US$800

Chaskelljr: Hello, have you listened to both the X-A1 and X-A2 amps? I own the X-A1 and am wondering how different the sound of the X-A2 is. I for some reason suspect that it may sound a little less warm, as this has been MF's trend with their newer products.

Dekay: I have listened to a Musical Fidelity X-A2, but not the X-A1, so I cannot comment on the X-A1. But I do hear (read seems like a better word here) that the X-A1 exhibits a less warm and more upfront sound than does the X-A2, but I cannot say that for certain. But the X-A1 is still a great amplifier. Because the X-A2 is the newer model and is replacing the X-A1, you may be able to get an X-A1 at a closeout price now at Audio Advisors. --Charles--

Hi Charles. That is what I did, it was $500.00 3 months ago. I just confirmed that a pair of the XA-50 mono blocks are on their way and since the synergy between the older X-A1 and the X-A50's is already estasblished I will stick with the X-A1 for now. I guess that I just have that "boy I wish I would have waited and got that one" syndrome. Hearing that the X-A2 is warmer is intersting though. I will consider it for a bedroom system (along with the Audio Refinement) if I shy away from tubes. It sure would simplify the speaker selection. Thanks.

The Audio Refinement Complete is an amazingly musical, yet forgivingly smooth integrated for an inexpensive system. I demoed it extensively against NAD and ACURUS ($1600), and could not believe how much better it sounded. I eventually selected PASS gear for my ref system because of higher resolution, transparency and holography, but I remain utterly respectful of what that little ARC can do for an $800 street price (with remote!), and will probably get one for a no-muss/no-fuss bedroom system. Enjoy the music. Ernie

The Audio Refinement Complete..Check it out...about 600 for a used one on Audiogon