2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137613280

Conrad johnson amp with Musical Fidelity pre

My amp-preamp combo is:
CJ 2250 (SS, 125wpc) + MF A3.2cr preamp. I'm using a Ah! CD player

I bought this pre-amp pair in my reawakening of audio joy. During my research, I noted that each unit was often referred to as 'musical'. In addition, descriptions of each contained many similarities.

I've since spoken with an audio-invested friend of mine and expressed some, not a lot, of dissatisfaction regarding the quality of the sound. He suggested that while both components are musical, the CJ is tubier despite being SS and the MF is analytical and cold. Whatever the case, he suggested I post for others' to comment.

Any thoughts or experiences out there with these items separately or together?
swimmerone
milliwatt
13 posts
 
I have used the MF 3.2CR for 2 years now. I don't find it lacking in soundstaging, fullness or musiciality. If anything, it might be too revealing. Some might call that analytical.

I have found that some experimentation with setup like supports and cabling can help tune your system somewhat to your preference.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
There is a thread running now on pre or no pre,check it out as it will give you some ideas as you move along in your quest.After you read it forget all you have read including the MF marketing reports.Get some good shipping boxes so you can double-box and figure your finances out,then double that and start buying and trying off this site.Stay away from anything that weighs much more than 50 lbs.to avoid shipping hassles.Otherwise you need to be using wooden crates.There's usually a synergy between pre and power amps from the same maker,not always,YMMV,good luck,Bob
swimmerone OP
13 posts
 
This simplest solutions are often of the KISS nature, but alas, the speakers are in phase. It is a valid ? given my aging eyes and laziness as my glasses are often downstairs when I'm upstairs in my audio room working on small parts...

Milliwat: - have you ever tried Mapleshade's products?

Thanks for keeping the knowledge coming..and to Usblues, that's what brought me here...buying and trying off this site. I've just begun the fight.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Good work,Bob
swimmerone OP
13 posts
 
So, days later, Harbeths repositioned, more broken in, some other tweaks, and gone is the tinniness and fatigue. I'm extremely grateful for my gear today.

Yes, I've heard better setups. A pair of Focals with a Krell integrated and CD player as it is set up in the Newington, NH Tweeters is one. I believed Paul Desmond was standing right there, just in front of Dave Brubeck; I'm sure of it.

But I can make what I have better, too. For example, I'm building my own speaker stands especially for these monitors.

I now understand what it means to have speakers disappear and that to me is just jaw dropping amazing.
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