Silver Audiophile Posted January 13, 2022 Posted January 13, 2022 (edited) On 13/01/2022 at 12:32 AM, Mark100 said: I have just looked at the price of the MF M8xi, it has gone up from around A$9,450 to A$13,000. That's an increase of more than 30%. Expand Yes, 37.5%. It is steep I agree. However, I and many others have posted on this forum and others warning well in advance of this happening. It doesn't stop at one price increase, since inflation is starting to accelerate globally. Therefore is it hard to predict 15-20% in 4 months time, since by then, other factors dictate it is more like 30-40% increase. Wait for it, like used cars, used HiFi is the next thing to inflate in price quickly. Below the detailed forum discussion I started on September 26th, 2021. In this forum, I discuss that inflation starts off as a supply-demand imbalance. However, it quickly can spiral out of control as 'money velocity' kicks off. This is a psychological phase of rapid inflation, whereby fiscal and monetary policy tools don't work to tame inflation- essentially as people start to panic and buy today, fearing a even bigger price increase tomorrow, thereby further exacerbating the demand-supply imbalance, and making the inflation even worse. Edited January 13, 2022 by Silver Audiophile 1
Ronny Schilt Posted January 16, 2022 Posted January 16, 2022 On 13/01/2022 at 12:32 AM, Mark100 said: I have just looked at the price of the MF M8xi, it has gone up from around A$9,450 to A$13,000. That's an increase of more than 30%. Expand Yeah I saw that, m8 700m went from $5190 to $6900. I had the m8xi before but it lacked bottom end drive on the sf Nova 5 2
fourlambs Posted January 20, 2022 Posted January 20, 2022 Hello, I have been using my M5Si for a few months now, it’s been paired with both B&W CM5s and KEF R3s on trial. it’s now time to buy and I really the R3s and tempted to commit to these, however just seeking feedback in case I have missed anything else that I should listen to? My budget is 3000-3500. Plan to listen to the B&W 705s2 also. Thoughts? 1
Silver Audiophile Posted January 20, 2022 Posted January 20, 2022 On 20/01/2022 at 9:46 AM, fourlambs said: Hello, I have been using my M5Si for a few months now, it’s been paired with both B&W CM5s and KEF R3s on trial. it’s now time to buy and I really the R3s and tempted to commit to these, however just seeking feedback in case I have missed anything else that I should listen to? My budget is 3000-3500. Plan to listen to the B&W 705s2 also. Thoughts? Expand Hi Phil, I'd seriously consider the Duntech DSM-15. They use to be retailed for around $13k, but today I've seen used/demo/near new ones go for $4-6k. I've posted some pics below and videos of the DSM-15 being driven by MF and other Amps on my YouTube channel. How do they sound? A heck of a lot better than a new Focal Scala Utopia which retails for $80k! I've heard them side by side.
fourlambs Posted March 5, 2022 Posted March 5, 2022 M5Si Subwoofer Connection keen to understand how everyone has connected their subwoofer to MF amp? in my case will be REL and they recommend direct to speaker terminals. thoughts?
Phill451 Posted March 5, 2022 Posted March 5, 2022 On 05/03/2022 at 1:03 AM, fourlambs said: M5Si Subwoofer Connection keen to understand how everyone has connected their subwoofer to MF amp? in my case will be REL and they recommend direct to speaker terminals. thoughts? Expand I’ve got my rel connected directly to the speaker terminals on my mf amp. It works for me. 1
kdoot Posted April 8, 2022 Posted April 8, 2022 On 05/03/2022 at 1:03 AM, fourlambs said: M5Si Subwoofer Connection keen to understand how everyone has connected their subwoofer to MF amp? in my case will be REL and they recommend direct to speaker terminals. thoughts? Expand Be careful. From my amp's manual: "This unit features a BRIDGED speaker output and should NOT be grounded on either speaker output terminal as both red and black speaker terminals are effectively “hot”, i.e. carry high current signals. Please check if using any active “sub”, electrostatic, or other non standard potentially grounded speaker types directly connected to the speaker outputs of the M8s 500s." In my case I'd definitely prefer to use the loop outputs from the back of the amp into any sub. 1
Ronny Schilt Posted April 8, 2022 Posted April 8, 2022 On 08/04/2022 at 12:54 AM, kdoot said: Be careful. From my amp's manual: "This unit features a BRIDGED speaker output and should NOT be grounded on either speaker output terminal as both red and black speaker terminals are effectively “hot”, i.e. carry high current signals. Please check if using any active “sub”, electrostatic, or other non standard potentially grounded speaker types directly connected to the speaker outputs of the M8s 500s." In my case I'd definitely prefer to use the loop outputs from the back of the amp into any sub. Expand Very true , have to be careful about active speakers too depending on how they are configured. 1
bjs Posted April 8, 2022 Author Posted April 8, 2022 I have a tube preamp and mf power amp setup. I connect my powered sub to the outputs of the preamp. This is not what rel suggests, but I was worried about the same thing as @kdoot
Jon Snow Posted April 8, 2022 Posted April 8, 2022 On 08/04/2022 at 5:17 AM, bjs said: I have a tube preamp and mf power amp setup. I connect my powered sub to the outputs of the preamp. This is not what rel suggests, but I was worried about the same thing as @kdoot Expand This is how I connect my Rythmik sub to my preamp that feeds my m6 500i amp 1
Steever Posted April 28, 2022 Posted April 28, 2022 (edited) I remember comparing a used A100 integrated to my existing Plinius IIb and IIIc pre/power back in 1998. All it took was a few seconds and I knew I had to own the MF amp. I eventually upgraded to a The Preamp and MA65 monoblocks in chrome. I was 20 and was in audio heaven. Sadly, the monos collapsed and took out several of my Mission 753 drivers. This hurt financially and the MF rep felt bad so swapped the amps for an E600 cpd, E200 pre and a couple of E600 stereo power amps. It didn’t have the magic of the MA65s but it was still fun as they were more powerful. I liquidated my whole system and vinyl collection not long afterwards as I lost interest in music and equipment. The only MF products I’ve had since have been a couple of Vlink II digital audio bridges. I swapped the first for a Yellowtec Puc and then a Wyred4Sound uLink unit and now I’m back to a Vlink II. They’re not the most expensive but they sound very good. This is my current Vlink. It’s in my car audio system doing USB audio conversion from IPad to optical for my preamp/processor. Not an amp by any stretch but I am now actively looking for a B200X integrated for a second system using my rebuilt Mission 782 speakers. Not the best amp MF made but the design is nostalgic for me. For reliability and ease of use reasons, I’m trying to resist buying an A1 or another A100. Edited April 28, 2022 by Steever 3
Silver Audiophile Posted April 29, 2022 Posted April 29, 2022 (edited) On 28/04/2022 at 10:22 AM, Steever said: I remember comparing a used A100 integrated to my existing Plinius IIb and IIIc pre/power back in 1998. All it took was a few seconds and I knew I had to own the MF amp. I eventually upgraded to a The Preamp and MA65 monoblocks in chrome. I was 20 and was in audio heaven. Sadly, the monos collapsed and took out several of my Mission 753 drivers. This hurt financially and the MF rep felt bad so swapped the amps for an E600 cpd, E200 pre and a couple of E600 stereo power amps. It didn’t have the magic of the MA65s but it was still fun as they were more powerful. I liquidated my whole system and vinyl collection not long afterwards as I lost interest in music and equipment. The only MF products I’ve had since have been a couple of Vlink II digital audio bridges. I swapped the first for a Yellowtec Puc and then a Wyred4Sound uLink unit and now I’m back to a Vlink II. They’re not the most expensive but they sound very good. This is my current Vlink. It’s in my car audio system doing USB audio conversion from IPad to optical for my preamp/processor. Not an amp by any stretch but I am now actively looking for a B200X integrated for a second system using my rebuilt Mission 782 speakers. Not the best amp MF made but the design is nostalgic for me. For reliability and ease of use reasons, I’m trying to resist buying an A1 or another A100. Expand Those V-link USB-to-Optical/Coax digital devices are absolutely awesome. I was using one to connect my USB output from Innuos streamer to Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 DAC (which didn't have USB inputs). The V-link II convertor has a detailed clean presentation and crisp top end. An addition bonus for those using a laptop or desktop computer as a music server, is that the V-link allows the destination device (usually a dedicated DAC), do the clocking for the data (not the source). We all know how much jitter exists on a laptop or desktop computer. So, this is another reason musical presentation when run through the Asynchronous V-Link device sounds better. NB. In the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, has a USB input and fortunately, an equivalent of the above high quality USB V-link built-in the unit. So, even a mediocre source for music like a laptop ought to sound half decent. I still own 4 of these devices, although my present HiFi system doesn't have a need for any. Edited April 29, 2022 by Silver Audiophile 1
Fekkity Posted April 29, 2022 Posted April 29, 2022 Encore 225 Owners Hi - any Encore 225 owners on here? I purchased one about 2 weeks ago and just saw a post on a forum in the UK that MF are discontinuing all software support after the next update (which is supposed to fix a number of bugs including the album artwork issue). Following this next software update only the hardware will be supported. My opinions of the unit from the 2 weeks I've owned it are mixed - I love the unit itself, the sound quality is fantastic, the ripping function to the internal HD is awesome - I'm very happy with that side of things - but the software and app support is disappointing, I'm very frustrating that I've spent 2 weeks ripping all my CDs only to find none of them have album artwork - app support is all 3rd party (and I haven't yet found one that I like). MF does still state on its website and in the Encore manual that they have dedicated iOS and Android apps despite them not actually being available (actually the Android one may still be available - the iOS one isn't). I had hoped that the software and app support might improve in the future, but looks like that isn't going to happen now...
Silver Audiophile Posted May 7, 2022 Posted May 7, 2022 West Coast HiFi has an ex demo MF M8 700m monoblock up for sale:
Tartara Posted May 15, 2022 Posted May 15, 2022 Hi all curious & searching. bit of a bomb shell Wes wondering what the group thoughts were on the older Kw 500 & Kw 550 integrated amps & also if these can also be used just as a power amplifier? Bypassing the pre? Online people seem very impressed by there performance I m also trying to get comparisons with the Kw against the A5 integrated & A5CR & as well against new M8 500 s. i been researching & reading forums trying to work out which is the best way to go. ( saving hard) Difficult when it’s harder to audition these older models I know this is not an easy ask, but any thoughts would be appreciated I currently have Dynaudio S 3.4contours .& Cambridge Audio CXN V 2 used as a streamer & pre amplifier . Rotel RB981 power amplifier. & once a decision on a new amplifier can move forward May later then look at a Prima Luna preamplifier evo 400 as the next upgrade , unless the Kw integrated or A5 integrated was already great using its current internal pre. Regards & thanks db 1
Silver Audiophile Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 (edited) On 15/05/2022 at 11:06 PM, Tartara said: Hi all curious & searching. bit of a bomb shell Wes wondering what the group thoughts were on the older Kw 500 & Kw 550 integrated amps & also if these can also be used just as a power amplifier? Bypassing the pre? Online people seem very impressed by there performance I m also trying to get comparisons with the Kw against the A5 integrated & A5CR & as well against new M8 500 s. i been researching & reading forums trying to work out which is the best way to go. ( saving hard) Difficult when it’s harder to audition these older models I know this is not an easy ask, but any thoughts would be appreciated I currently have Dynaudio S 3.4contours .& Cambridge Audio CXN V 2 used as a streamer & pre amplifier . Rotel RB981 power amplifier. & once a decision on a new amplifier can move forward May later then look at a Prima Luna preamplifier evo 400 as the next upgrade , unless the Kw integrated or A5 integrated was already great using its current internal pre. Regards & thanks db Expand Dave, these are all great questions. First, I think your system has good speakers and has a reasonable streamer/dac/pre combo. Your weakest link is the Rotel RB981 power amp as you pointed out. I have listened to or owned every MF amp you listed in your question above. Here's my summary: MF KW500/550 integrated: Bloody awesome! Warmer, stronger, articulated confident sound. Bass has more authority over say the A5 integrated. Around 2005 when I bought the A5 integrated new (RRP $4K), I didn't have the funds for the KW500/7500 (RRP $8K/$12K). I'm not saying don't buy the A5, but if funds permit the KW500/550/750 are still very desirable even today and rarely come up for sale (being snapped up fast if they do). In short, the KW500 is a far superior integrated amp Vs the A5 integrated. MF M6 500i/MF M8 500s power amp: A modern single chassis integrated/power amp. Noticeable less punch and balls, than the KW500 (I know, they are both rated 500 watts). The modern 'M' integrated has a nicer sweeter smoother presentation. I owned the M6 500i(between owning the A5/MF Nu-Vista M3/ MF 550 Superchargers and M8 700m). Must point out the MF M8 500s in particular has the following advantages: 1) Being a power amp (not integrated like most of the others), allows you to introduce your own separate pre amp. I'm not going to hide I'm in love with the Primaluna Evo 400 Pre with a choice selection of NOS tubes. 2) The MF M8 500(s) are more attainable/available (new or used). I ended up with the MF M8 700m mono power amps and Primaluna Evo 400 Pre. Having a separate pre amp, gives you the freedom to dial in the sound to your taste and room (in the case of Primaluan tube pre amp- with tube rolling), as well as the inherent advantages of improved sound separation, soundstage, background black, and enjoyment. PS. I love the look and industrial design of the MF KW500/750. Edited May 16, 2022 by Silver Audiophile
Ronny Schilt Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 12:09 AM, Silver Audiophile said: Dave, these are all great questions. First, I think your system has good speakers and has a reasonable streamer/dac/pre combo. Your weakest link is the Rotel RB981 power amp as you pointed out. I have listened to or owned every MF amp you listed in your question above. Here's my summary: MF KW500/550 integrated: Bloody awesome! Warmer, stronger, articulated confident sound. Bass has more authority over say the A5 integrated. Around 2005 when I bought the A5 integrated new (RRP $4K), I didn't have the funds for the KW500/7500 (RRP $8K/$12K). I'm not saying don't buy the A5, but if funds permit the KW500/550/750 are still very desirable even today and rarely come up for sale (being snapped up fast if they do). In short, the KW500 is a far superior integrated amp Vs the A5 integrated. MF M6 500i/MF M8 500s power amp: A modern single chassis integrated/power amp. Noticeable less punch and balls, than the KW500 (I know, they are both rated 500 watts). The modern 'M' integrated has a nicer sweeter smoother presentation. I owned the M6 500i(between owning the A5 and M8 700m). Must point out the MF M8 500s in particular has the following advantages: 1) Being a power amp (not integrated like most of the others), allows you to introduce your own separate pre amp. I'm not going to hide I'm in love with the Primaluna Evo 400 Pre with a choice selection of NOS tubes. 2) The MF M8 500(s) are more attainable/available (new or used). I ended up with the MF M8 700m mono power amps and Primaluna Evo 400 Pre. Having a separate pre amp, gives you the freedom to dial in the sound to your taste and room (in the case of Primaluan tube pre amp- with tube rolling), as well as the inherent advantages of improved sound separation, soundstage, background black, and enjoyment. PS. I love the look and industrial design of the MF KW500/750. Expand Bad timing the MF M8Xi was reduced from 12k to 9.5k and I suppose you could negotiate on that price but it's gone up to 13k now. An amazing integrated able to pump out a peak of 1.6kw into 2 ohms and 550 watts into 8 ohms continuous 4 ohms is supposed to be around 870 watts but it's closer to 1000 watts . A 46kg beast with an OK dac nothing great but with an external dac/ streamer and if using a tube disc player or tube dac you can get some pretty amazing results ,the thing I didn't like was the volume control which goes from 0 to 100 and you don't start to hear music until around 45 and usually you need to go up to 85 to get things moving but from 85 to 100 you really have to be careful as the volume increase above 85 goes up much quicker. I don't know why they do this but MF does the same thing with their m8 pre-amp which goes from 0 to 120. I heard the m8xi against the krell 300i and it didn't take long to go back to the m8xi.
Tartara Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 Thanks Silver for your detailed response The kw does appeal in sound quality & grunt , a bit chunky , but I could easily deal with that. There was a recent kw550 that sold in Australia but I wasn’t able at that time to get it. He had the exact speakers as mine for sale as well . Went v.quickly both , kw550 was $3300 i did ask a member recently about purchasing second from Uk re electrics ? is there any issues with compatibility with Aus that you know of??? as the kw come up there more often ? Obviously freight & duty But could be an option.... again thanks for the information ps would there be any issue with connecting a seperate pre amp to the kw 500/ 550 not using its pre?
Tartara Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 Thanks Ronny for the info on the M8 Xi . Sounds formidable Unfortunately of my League regards db
betty boop Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 1:36 AM, Tartara said: would there be any issue with connecting a seperate pre amp to the kw 500/ 550 not using its pre? Expand id be careful with matching pre an powers... some brands ive tried were not a great match. (to my taste)..if mixing and matching its definitely something would need to explore as ca nee hit and miss...ie down to your taste and what prefer or looking for ... can certainly import these beasts .. but they will be big beasts to import..weight and shipping lack of any insurance and age.. likely need recapping as they were big power beasts ...not a big deal but id factor in if can do it (as a prior a5 cr pre power owner (these were lovely combo) then i would do the m8 500s in a blink the m8 pre is a very affordable option for quality it is ... I love this combo they do pop up 2nd hand at times and a bargain.. that said with prices going up... may not still be bargain in future ... dont know ...
Ronny Schilt Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 1:45 AM, Tartara said: Thanks Ronny for the info on the M8 Xi . Sounds formidable Unfortunately of my League regards db Expand Maybe or not asking 6k 6 months old 1
Silver Audiophile Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 1:36 AM, Tartara said: Thanks Silver for your detailed response The kw does appeal in sound quality & grunt , a bit chunky , but I could easily deal with that. There was a recent kw550 that sold in Australia but I wasn’t able at that time to get it. He had the exact speakers as mine for sale as well . Went v.quickly both , kw550 was $3300 i did ask a member recently about purchasing second from Uk re electrics ? is there any issues with compatibility with Aus that you know of??? as the kw come up there more often ? Obviously freight & duty But could be an option.... again thanks for the information ps would there be any issue with connecting a seperate pre amp to the kw 500/ 550 not using its pre? Expand To the first question, I am not aware of any issues with UK imported gear being incompatible in Oz. I have imported and used UK gear before without issue. As long as your Australian power cord has the require amp rating for the equipment, it shouldn't be an issue. The second question, I do not believe you could bypass the internal in-built pre amp of the MF KW500/550.
betty boop Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 6:09 AM, Silver Audiophile said: The second question, I do not believe you could bypass the internal in-built pre amp of the MF KW500/550. Expand that is correct, these dont have a ht bypass in my opinion to bypass the pre amp.. and jsut use as a power amp...
Silver Audiophile Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 6:31 AM, betty boop said: that is correct, these dont have a ht bypass in my opinion to bypass the pre amp.. and jsut use as a power amp... Expand . Below is a list of Musical Fidelity integrated amps (with HT bypass), allowing one to bypass the onboard pre amp and using your own choice of separate pre amp. Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A1008 Musical Fidelity A308 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A3.5 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A5.5 Musical Fidelity M2Si Musical Fidelity M3i Musical Fidelity M3si Musical Fidelity M5si Musical Fidelity M6i Musical Fidelity M6si Musical Fidelity M6 500i Musical Fidelity M8XI Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800 1
betty boop Posted May 16, 2022 Posted May 16, 2022 On 16/05/2022 at 8:44 AM, Silver Audiophile said: . Below is a list of Musical Fidelity integrated amps (with HT bypass), allowing one to bypass the onboard pre amp and using your own choice of separate pre amp. Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A1008 Musical Fidelity A308 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A3.5 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated Amplifier Musical Fidelity A5.5 Musical Fidelity M2Si Musical Fidelity M3i Musical Fidelity M3si Musical Fidelity M5si Musical Fidelity M6i Musical Fidelity M6si Musical Fidelity M6 500i Musical Fidelity M8XI Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800 Expand as a note if wanting an integrated to just use as a power amp.. why not just buy the power amp version which were available for most f the range ? just not for some of the super integrated some of the power amps eg the a5 cr also had the dual switchable inputs .. which meant you could use the power amp off two pre amps - 2ch and AV.. means dont need a ht bypass on the pre amp.. if wanting to use a pre amp without the feature .... 1
Recommended Posts