Loads of MF followers on here. What would be the major sonic difference between the two? They are both priced around the a similar price bracket.
Discuss...
Discuss...
CnoEvil said:Now this is an interesting one.
I haven't compared the two directly but I would expect the Pulse to be a touch livelier and the M3i to be a touch smoother.
SPECS
Pulse 111 - Power: 80W @ 8 Ohms and 130W @ 4 Ohms; Current: > +/- 12 Amps; Weight: 11 kg
MF M3i - 76W @ 8 Ohms and 137W @ 4 Ohms; peak to peak 25 Amps; 9.2 kg
So "on paper" power is similar, with the MF possibly having more current available, but where looks come into it, there's no contest! Where flexibility comes into it, it has to be the Leema.
plastic penguin said:Read a review on the M3i and it stated that speaker matching is essential, as it could have slightly bright top-end. Pretty much mirroring WHFI's review of my MKII Pulse.
Here's the review: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/amplifiers/musical-fidelity-m3i-710226/review
BenLaw said:Are you thinking of getting one PP?
CnoEvil said:plastic penguin said:Read a review on the M3i and it stated that speaker matching is essential, as it could have slightly bright top-end. Pretty much mirroring WHFI's review of my MKII Pulse.
Here's the review: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/amplifiers/musical-fidelity-m3i-710226/review
Here is a slightly different slant, where they describe it as a little darker and sweeter: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/musical-fidelity-m3i-integrated-amplifier-tas-205/ and it's listed in Stereophiles "Recommended Components" (Catagory B) where they say, "though it lacked the bass control of the Nad 375BEE, it exhibited greater refinement in the mid-range and treble". Saying all that, they are both certainly in the same league.
plastic penguin said:So it all boils down the type of qualities one is looking for. Based on what I've read about the M3i, I would suggest the Pulse has better imaging and overall dynamics, one area where I've not heard bettered below £2k. On the other hand, for a slightly richer tone, or amp that majors in vocals, the M3 would be the choice, is that a fair assumption?
CnoEvil said:plastic penguin said:So it all boils down the type of qualities one is looking for. Based on what I've read about the M3i, I would suggest the Pulse has better imaging and overall dynamics, one area where I've not heard bettered below £2k. On the other hand, for a slightly richer tone, or amp that majors in vocals, the M3 would be the choice, is that a fair assumption?
Yes, that is pretty much how I see it..... as good as it gets (for a SS amp) for the money, with the Pulse being a little leaner, bolder and drier; and the MF a little richer; ie. semi skimmed vs Full Fat, from a Jersey Cow.
plastic penguin said:I know this sounds a crass question... what is the MF like at reproducing 'live' or unplugged music, regardless of format, including DVDs?
plastic penguin said:CnoEvil said:plastic penguin said:So it all boils down the type of qualities one is looking for. Based on what I've read about the M3i, I would suggest the Pulse has better imaging and overall dynamics, one area where I've not heard bettered below £2k. On the other hand, for a slightly richer tone, or amp that majors in vocals, the M3 would be the choice, is that a fair assumption?
Yes, that is pretty much how I see it..... as good as it gets (for a SS amp) for the money, with the Pulse being a little leaner, bolder and drier; and the MF a little richer; ie. semi skimmed vs Full Fat, from a Jersey Cow.
I know this sounds a crass question... what is the MF like at reproducing 'live' or unplugged music, regardless of format, including DVDs?
th0m said:Have you heard the CA 851A? I remember you said in one of my threads that you're not very fond of Cambridge stuff, and I used to feel the same way until I heard this one. When the Azur series first came out I thought they where pretty dull and unengaging despite all the glowing reviews (ended up with a NAD instead), but the 851A is really quite superb imo. Sounds powerful and tight. Great solid bass!
Just a thought, since it's about the same price as the MF and Leema...