2. amps-preamps
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Opinons on Musical Fidelity A3 cr Preamp

Very interesting preamp so far (I've had it 3 days). Doesn't sound like a solid-state preamp at all. Very musical, very natural, relaxed sound. Harmonically complex, especially in comparison to my MFA Magus tube preamp - which has a sweet, forward midrange, but not that much on either the top or the bottom). A little less bright than the Magus as well, and I'm find myself having to raise the volume a little higher with the MF to hear vocalists than with the Magus -- probably because the tube units pronounced midrange emphasis. After 8 years with the Magus, it's taking a little getting used to. The MF is far superior with classical recordings. I am leaning towards keeping it (I have the usual 30 day return privledge with Audio Advisor), but I'd be interested other owners/previous auditioner's opinions. If it goes back, I'd probably be looking for a pre-owned Joule Electra LM-100 III (at probably $600 more than the MF) or Rogue Audio 99 -- pieces (from what I've read) are worth a serious audition. So I'd be interested in any comparisons to those units.
horizon
sgmlaw
76 posts
 
The A3cr is a very nice pre amp, although I would give it at least three solid weeks of audition in before making any appraisal. I bought an A3cr combo some months ago - together they make a very exciting pair. However, I wound up returning the pre for a Sonic Frontiers Line 1. With proper NOS retubing, I found the SF to deliver greater presence than the A3cr, particularly with vocals and more intimate arrangements. The Line 1 (with proper retubing - and I cannot overemphasize this) strikes a good balance between the strengths of tubed and SS preamps - dynamic, neutral and extended, yet musical. I found it at least the equal of the A3cr in range, dynamics and detail. The A3cr is nevertheless a very fine performer, particularly at its price point - very transparent, quiet and smooth. On complex recordings, the A3cr left me with the impression that it captures absolutely everything, but just not quite as elegantly or coherently as the retubed SF. I've not heard the Rogue, but did briefly consider it - I understand the 99 to have a more euphonic signature than the Joule and certainly far more so than the SF or MF - perhaps closer to the stereotypical tube sound. The Joule is really at another price point, even used. I strongly considered it as well, but felt the SF a better match in my system.
horizon OP
10 posts
 
I actually owned a Line 1 for a couple of weeks, and while loving the top and the bottom, simply could not live with midrange -- with the stock Sovtek, of course. What kind of tubes are you using in your Line 1.
sgmlaw
76 posts
 
The Line 1 is exceedingly polite up the middle with the stock 6922s - I didn't like it either. However, there has been extensive commentary on the SF pre amps over the years and the universal theme is that these units come alive once you pull those terrible stock Sovteks. I obtained a full six tube upgrade set from Kevin Deal, including two wonderful Siemens valves, which completely transformed it. It is really just terrific now, especially in that all important midrange. You've got to retube these units to fully appreciate their potential.
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