HI, I have a lot of MF kit, most of which is second hand. NuVista 3D CD, A3 CR preamp, A300 Power Amp, A3 24 DAC (for streaming iTunes via Apple AirPort). Speakers are Monitor Audio Studio 20 SEs. Looking to tinker and wondering whether anyone has put their MF kit through Musical Fidelity's Fine Tuning programme. If so is it worth it in your opinion? What improvements did you get? And which products would you look to improve first given my set up? Or is their a better use of cash through switching some components altogether? Budget £2k!
Musical Fidelity Fine Tuning
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I too would be very interested to hear if any people have used this service as I am thinking about it myself.
dazzer your set up is pretty much my dream set up but unfortunately funds dont allow the kind of MF kit you have!
A very envious MF fan!
dazzer your set up is pretty much my dream set up but unfortunately funds dont allow the kind of MF kit you have!
A very envious MF fan!
Wrestled with the idea myself to have the CDP done but never had. Would be interested to hear some positives.
Hi James,
My first upgrade, and the one that made the most difference to me, was to add an A3 power amp to my old A3 integrated to bi-amp the speakers. Could try and pick up a good one of these on ebay (as I did) - made a real difference to degree of control of the music/clarity of bass when loud. May be money better spent than MF Fine Tuning components in your case?
My first upgrade, and the one that made the most difference to me, was to add an A3 power amp to my old A3 integrated to bi-amp the speakers. Could try and pick up a good one of these on ebay (as I did) - made a real difference to degree of control of the music/clarity of bass when loud. May be money better spent than MF Fine Tuning components in your case?
Hi dazzer. Thats exactly what i'm planning to do. Bid on one a few weeks or so ago on ebay but got outbid. My eyes are peeled!!! How do you find the pre/power compared to the integrated/power?
idc
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- Jan 2, 2008
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Not MF but Rock Grotto and their tuning service for MF kit. It made a big difference to my X-CANS to the point it can match my V8P. Considering the amount of MF modding that goes on, so much so their latest product have feature glued in components to stop it, they are a popular investment. The main difference to the modded X-CANS was increased dynamics and attack, so it lost some of its valve smoothness. So a difference, but not necessarily an improvement.
I do not intend to Fine Tune my V8P, until something goes wrong with it. Once out of warranty, it is a good (but expensive) way of getting it fixed.
I do not intend to Fine Tune my V8P, until something goes wrong with it. Once out of warranty, it is a good (but expensive) way of getting it fixed.
A little bit more relaxed and easier to listen to. Although can't remember if that was the A3 pre-amp on its own or combined with the A300 power (vs. the A3 power) that made the difference. Do remember being impressed by the difference adding an A3 power made to the A3 integrated when bi-amping. Rarely see A300 power amps kicking about but if you do recommend going for it over the A3 power amp.
I will keep a look out for either an A300 or A3 power amp and fingers crossed one will come along at a good price. Should probably upgrade my speakers before anything else though really. They are seriously letting down the rest of my kit.
idc I had a quick look into the Rock Grotto services a while ago but was a bit worried about the section on the MF website where they mention using other peoples upgrade services as I would hate to spend all that cash and not be happy with the results or even feel like it sounds worse!!! Think I will probe into it a bit deeper though and see if I can find any reliable testemonials (if thats how its spelt) for my particular kit.
One things for sure though, whatever I decide I want to stick with MF kit rather than changing manufacturers
idc I had a quick look into the Rock Grotto services a while ago but was a bit worried about the section on the MF website where they mention using other peoples upgrade services as I would hate to spend all that cash and not be happy with the results or even feel like it sounds worse!!! Think I will probe into it a bit deeper though and see if I can find any reliable testemonials (if thats how its spelt) for my particular kit.
One things for sure though, whatever I decide I want to stick with MF kit rather than changing manufacturers
idc
Well-known member
- Jan 2, 2008
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The chap who runs Rock Grotto can be, a bit difficult to deal with, but there are many happy customers and there is no denying the quality of his work and pride he takes.
If you mod with Rock Grotto (or anyone else), MF will not deal with you. I do not know of any maker who would approve of aftermarket modding and all will invalidate warranties. But my X-CANS was 8 years old at the time, broken and miles out of its warranty. Rock Grotto modded MF stuff on ebay continually carries a premium price.
If you mod with Rock Grotto (or anyone else), MF will not deal with you. I do not know of any maker who would approve of aftermarket modding and all will invalidate warranties. But my X-CANS was 8 years old at the time, broken and miles out of its warranty. Rock Grotto modded MF stuff on ebay continually carries a premium price.
My kit is pretty old so once I have some new speakers I think I will seriously consider Rock Grotto.
Hope it doesn't seem like I have hijacked this thread in any way and hope dazzer is finding it usefull...
Hope it doesn't seem like I have hijacked this thread in any way and hope dazzer is finding it usefull...
Ive heard the Musical Fidelity kW500 before and after and it was well worth the outlay for the increase in quality IMO
james_LR90:
I too would be very interested to hear if any people have used this service as I am thinking about it myself.
A very envious MF fan!
Hi James, if you are considering spending to upgrade your system, on my experience i would suggest replacing you 40 quid interconnect with Chord Chorus 2, not cheap but cheaper than an MF fine tune. I have similar equipment to you and expected the cheaper Chord Chameleon to hit the spot, but the Chrous 2 really revealed the capability of the MF gear. Doesn't cost anything to borrow a set from your dealer to see if they hit the spot
I too would be very interested to hear if any people have used this service as I am thinking about it myself.
A very envious MF fan!
Hi James, if you are considering spending to upgrade your system, on my experience i would suggest replacing you 40 quid interconnect with Chord Chorus 2, not cheap but cheaper than an MF fine tune. I have similar equipment to you and expected the cheaper Chord Chameleon to hit the spot, but the Chrous 2 really revealed the capability of the MF gear. Doesn't cost anything to borrow a set from your dealer to see if they hit the spot
Aha, looks like some of this is covered in a prior thread:
http://community.whathifi.com/forums/2/280404/ShowThread.aspx
http://community.whathifi.com/forums/2/280404/ShowThread.aspx
Hi Kevin. I was intending upgrading interconnects soon but they seem like a mine field to me so thanks for the recommendation, I will see if I can demo some Chorus 2. Will have to wait a while though as I only got the Kef's yesterday so spent up for a while!!
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