The Musical Fidelity AMS 35i thread

[CnoEvil]

When I first got this amp, I was a lone nutter in the wilderness, extolling the virtues of an amp that seemed to be a ridiculous amount of money for "only" 35 Watts! I then persuaded Alex to give it a listen, and thanks to the excellent adventures that he had with Roby, and their subsequent (amazing) threads, it caught the interest of the forum.

I like to think of the small, but growing band of owners on here, as the "35 club". My thinking was to have a thread that the owners can give feedback on how they're getting on and if they have been tempted into improving their system on the back of owning this amp.

It also has the added benefit of encouraging (tempting) others to have a listen, who are in the market at this price point, and want to see what all the fuss is about...hopefully there will be no more exploding ones, but this too is important info to be brought to the attention of both present and potential owners.

This is one of the very few amps that seems to meet the expectations of both Valve and SS owners and is a must listen, provided you can live with the heat and power consumption....and that it's around the money you wish to spend.

 

[acalex]

I can't speak highly enough in favour of this amazing amp...I feel I belong to this group even if I bought another one in the end!!! If I were alone (not having my gf's taste to take into account) I would have bought an AMS for sure...

It is a great choice for somebody who wants the warm and emotional sound of a valve amplifier without having to worry about changing valves every now and then.

If anybody has this kind of budget it is a must listen amp....

 

[CnoEvil]

I can't speak highly enough in favour of this amazing amp...I feel I belong to this group even if I bought another one in the end!!! If I were alone (not having my gf's taste to take into account) I would have bought an AMS for sure...

It is a great choice for somebody who wants the warm and emotional sound of a valve amplifier without having to worry about changing valves every now and then.

If anybody has this kind of budget it is a must listen amp....

Good to see you, young man.....and I hope that you and/or Roby will become fully paid up members in one or t'other of my two threads of a similar nature! >)

You have certainly earned honorary life membership of the 35 club.

 

[acalex]

I can't speak highly enough in favour of this amazing amp...I feel I belong to this group even if I bought another one in the end!!! If I were alone (not having my gf's taste to take into account) I would have bought an AMS for sure...

It is a great choice for somebody who wants the warm and emotional sound of a valve amplifier without having to worry about changing valves every now and then.

If anybody has this kind of budget it is a must listen amp....

Good to see you, young man.....and I hope that you and/or Roby will become fully paid up members in one or t'other of my two threads of a similar nature! >) You have certainly earned honorary life membership of the 35 club.

I am honored, thanks a lot!

How I see myself in the short/medium term...would be probably with a Akurate DS and a Pathos Inpol 2...I think the italian fashion really got me.. :doh:

 

[CnoEvil]

I am honored, thanks a lot!

It's the least you deserve for your not inconsiderable part in putting this amp on the map.

:beer: :beer: :beer:

Cno

 

[WishTree]

My entry is in denied at multiple levels into this club

However I will follow this thread with full attention and hopefully one day I will be able to own one lsiten one at one of the club members set up.

May be a Class A amplfier club will also be a good idea.. damn I would not become a member even there

 

[plastic penguin]

When I first got this amp, I was a lone nutter in the wilderness, extolling the virtues of an amp that seemed to be a ridiculous amount of money for "only" 35 Watts! I then persuaded Alex to give it a listen, and thanks to the excellent adventures that he had with Roby, and their subsequent (amazing) threads, it caught the interest of the forum. I like to think of the small, but growing band of owners on here, as the "35 club". My thinking was to have a thread that the owners can give feedback on how they're getting on and if they have been tempted into improving their system on the back of owning this amp. It also has the added benefit of encouraging (tempting) others to have a listen, who are in the market at this price point, and want to see what all the fuss is about...hopefully there will be no more exploding ones, but this too is important info to be brought to the attention of both present and potential owners. This is one of the very few amps that seems to meet the expectations of both Valve and SS owners and is a must listen, provided you can live with the heat and power consumption....and that it's around the money you wish to spend.

Mmmm... love to contribute Cno, honestly would... however, no way will I ever have the budget or the desire to spend £6k plus on an amp and 3-5k on Kef Reference speakers. Therefore I think it'll be a very, very exclusive club.

Wish you luck with it though.

 

[CnoEvil]

My entry is in denied at multiple levels into this club

However I will follow this thread with full attention and hopefully one day I will be able to own one lsiten one at one of the club members set up.

May be a Class A amplfier club will also be a good idea.. damn I would not become a member even there

You also get honorary membership, as you've owned a wonderful Class A amp, and I wouldn't rule out you going full circle, sometime in the future.....that is when you realize nothing else quite sounds as good! >)

 

[CnoEvil]

Mmmm... love to contribute Cno, honestly would... however, no way will I ever have the budget or the desire to spend £6k plus on an amp and 3-5k on Kef Reference speakers. Therefore I think it'll be a very, very exclusive club.

Wish you luck with it though.

All Penguins have the "Keys to the thread" and so all opinions / contributions gratefully received.

 

[plastic penguin]

Nah, my keys always end up down the back of the sofa.

Question I've always wanted an answer to: If your amp was, just an example, set-up in my living room (18' x 13')but with standmouted Kef Reference speakers and had - let's say - a Leema Antila with MA PL100 alongside, would the cheapo system sound as good or better or worse than the MF/Kef set-up?

Or put another way, doesn't room size limit the capabilities of systems, especially those in the upper echolon price bracket?

Don't expect exact answer, so educated guess will suffice.

 

[CnoEvil]

Nah, my keys always end up down the back of the sofa.

Question I've always wanted an answer to: If your amp was, just an example, set-up in my living room (18' x 13')but with standmouted Kef Reference speakers and had - let's say - a Leema Antila with MA PL100 alongside, would the cheapo system sound as good or better or worse than the MF/Kef set-up?

Or put another way, doesn't room size limit the capabilities of systems, especially those in the upper echolon price bracket?

Don't expect exact answer, so educated guess will suffice.

PP my addled brain is a little confused with your examples of systems ie. do you mean:
Antilla + 35i + 201/2s vs Antilla + Pulse (?) + PL 100 (not exactly cheapo)

This question has a lot of variables but here goes:

- An amp is the heart of a system and a talented one will always bring huge dividends (provided you like it) in terms of control and quantity of bass; transient response; detail, soundstage etc etc,. My amp for instance, sounds as if it has an extra octave of Bass.

- The better the speaker the more they respond to a good amp and a good source. The Kef 201/2s are capable of surprising bass, provided the amp is up to the job. If the amp isn't, I would rather have the cheaper system, provided the speakers are properly controlled.

- As you have told others, its about balance. If a source is too good for a system, it won't shine and so is a waste of money (unless an upgrade is on the cards). If the amp can't handle the speakers, they will sound well below par.

- There will always be a limit to the size of a room that you can put a Standmount in, and I think the 35i + 201/2s would be fine in your room. Taste also comes into it, some people can't live without deep pounding bass that hits you in the chest, while others prefer a detailed, balanced and controlled sound, with an accurate mid-range, where there is no "muddling" of the sound in complex passages.

So to sum up, within reason, the better system should sound much better, but the room will always have a sizable effect, but it will have this effect on both systems.....the Refs have boundary compensation which also helps.

I hope I have gone some way towards answering your question.

 

[WishTree]

You also get honorary membership, as you've owned a wonderful Class A amp, and I wouldn't rule out you going full circle, sometime in the future.....that is when you realize nothing else quite sounds as good! >)

Thanks Cno.. Yes, I am with you on Class A amplfication even more than before. The HK990 is a completely different beast altogether and a pleasant surprise (I will create a thread for it and explain how / why I want my next amp to be Pathos)

So.. it looks like in the end I might end up with Class A amplification and I will write my post soon on this!

AMS35i? Not there yet but I am sure MF will come with a product that is Class A and more to my requirements soon!! (Wishful thinking)

 

[CnoEvil]

(Wishful thinking)....

...or even "Wishtree thinking!"

 

[plastic penguin]

Nah, my keys always end up down the back of the sofa.

Question I've always wanted an answer to: If your amp was, just an example, set-up in my living room (18' x 13')but with standmouted Kef Reference speakers and had - let's say - a Leema Antila with MA PL100 alongside, would the cheapo system sound as good or better or worse than the MF/Kef set-up?

Or put another way, doesn't room size limit the capabilities of systems, especially those in the upper echolon price bracket?

Don't expect exact answer, so educated guess will suffice.

PP my addled brain is a little confused with your examples of systems ie. do you mean: Antilla + 35i + 201/2s vs Antilla + Pulse (?) + PL 100 (not exactly cheapo) This question has a lot of variables but here goes: - An amp is the heart of a system and a talented one will always bring huge dividends (provided you like it) in terms of control and quantity of bass; transient response; detail, soundstage etc etc,. My amp for instance, sounds as if it has an extra octave of Bass. - The better the speaker the more they respond to a good amp and a good source. The Kef 201/2s are capable of surprising bass, provided the amp is up to the job. If the amp isn't, I would rather have the cheaper system, provided the speakers are properly controlled. - As you have told others, its about balance. If a source is too good for a system, it won't shine and so is a waste of money (unless an upgrade is on the cards). If the amp can't handle the speakers, they will sound well below par. - There will always be a limit to the size of a room that you can put a Standmount in, and I think the 35i + 201/2s would be fine in your room. Taste also comes into it, some people can't live without deep pounding bass that hits you in the chest, while others prefer a detailed, balanced and controlled sound, with an accurate mid-range, where there is no "muddling" of the sound in complex passages. So to sum up, within reason, the better system should sound much better, but the room will always have a sizable effect, but it will have this effect on both systems.....the Refs have boundary compensation which also helps. I hope I have gone some way towards answering your question.

Sorry, meant Leema Tucana not Antila. I know room acoustics make a difference but can a size of room limit the true potential of your system or kit of similar money.

The reason why I'm asking is because all the houses I've lived in have had very similar proportions - and I've never heard a amp of the quality of your MF.

 

[CnoEvil]

Sorry, meant Leema Tucana not Antila. I know room acoustics make a difference but can a size of room limit the true potential of your system or kit of similar money.

The reason why I'm asking is because all the houses I've lived in have had very similar proportions - and I've never heard a amp of the quality of your MF.

Right, a couple more comments.

Tucana vs AMS 35i is as much about Class A vs Class A/B as it is about the superiority of the MF. I have a personal rule of thumb that says you need to double the cost to get a good increase in performance.

The Tucana is one of the best SS amps around its price point, but if you like SS Class A, the 35i has very few competitors under £10k...if you ever get a chance to have a listen, take it!

 

[Native_bon]

I had the pleasure to listen to this amp when i went to audition a DAC. I must say the sound was very pleasing to the ear. I heard them through some spendor speakers which cousred around 6grand. Evn at low volume a could hear a lot of detail. This amp is full on enveloping sound.

If i have the money now I will buy one like yesterday. Excellent stuff. I have sonus faber Cremona's floor standers not sure if may be too smooth for them. Then it may be time to save up. Oh i just only realized now the 35watts per channel. Sounded more like 120 per channel when i had a listen.

 

[CnoEvil]

I had the pleasure to listen to this amp when i went to audition a DAC. I must say the sound was very pleasing to the ear. I heard them through some spendor speakers which cousred around 6grand. Evn at low volume a could hear a lot of detail. This amp is full on enveloping sound.

If i have the money now I will buy one like yesterday. Excellent stuff. I have sonus faber Cremona's floor standers not sure if may be too smooth for them. Then it may be time to safe up.

Cheers NB.

If you hear it with some SFs, do report in....I know Acalex felt it wasn't a perfect match, but I feel it should work, in the right circumstances.

Cno

 

[Native_bon]

Opps!! I think I actually had i listen to the M65500i. But do like the sound of Musical Fidelity. Dn't know why I have yet to own one.

 

[proffski]

I can't speak highly enough in favour of this amazing amp...I feel I belong to this group even if I bought another one in the end!!! If I were alone (not having my gf's taste to take into account) I would have bought an AMS for sure... It is a great choice for somebody who wants the warm and emotional sound of a valve amplifier without having to worry about changing valves every now and then. If anybody has this kind of budget it is a must listen amp...

An acquaintance bought this marvel for use with his Tannoy Arden loudspeakers, not the kindest of transducers and not renowned for their subtlety either!

I have heard these efficient beasts with Amcron DC300 amplifiers, Radford HD250 and 500s as well as a few AV amplifiers. They have virtues, but with the MF they had a reprieve we just could not believe!

With their efficiency of >92/94 92db 1w 1mtr the MF db levels were not lacking, the dynamic contrast as well as range was huge.

The shocking thing was the apparent calming of the metal cone tweeter; no information was lost whatsoever but the entire presentation took on a lucid structured image between the loudspeakers, voices, massed strings, the whole spectrum just suddenly gelled. I do not often wax lyrical like this but we sat up with many black and silver discs till well past midnight, it was a journey of re-discovery.

Maybe the single malt helped but I seldom walk home euphoric after a session of recorded music like this.

A veritable bargain sadly well out of my reach for now!

 

[CnoEvil]

An acquaintance bought this marvel for use with his Tannoy Arden loudspeakers, not the kindest of transducers and not renowned for their subtlety either!

I have heard these efficient beasts with Amcron DC300 amplifiers, Radford HD250 and 500s as well as a few AV amplifiers. They have virtues, but with the MF they had a reprieve we just could not believe!

With their efficiency of >92/94 92db 1w 1mtr the MF db levels were not lacking, the dynamic contrast as well as range was huge.

The shocking thing was the apparent calming of the metal cone tweeter; no information was lost whatsoever but the entire presentation took on a lucid structured image between the loudspeakers, voices, massed strings, the whole spectrum just suddenly gelled. I do not often wax lyrical like this but we sat up with many black and silver discs till well past midnight, it was a journey of re-discovery.

Maybe the single malt helped but I seldom walk home euphoric after a session of recorded music like this.

A veritable bargain sadly well out of my reach for now!

You have described exactly what I've found regarding speaker matching. I've yet to hear a speaker that doesn't sound good on the end of it....even ones that I found too forward on the end of other SS amps.

What you say about the way it presents music also rings true with me...exciting, detailed and natural - it just sounds "right".

Thank you for your thoughts

Cno

 

[Neuphonix]

Hey Cno,

hope that you are well mate.

Just thought that I would provide you with an update of developments with my problematic AMS.

For those who haven't read about my ongoing issues please check here:

for stage 1: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/musical-fidelity-m6i-or-naim-nait-xs-to-drive-my-bw-683?page=17

& here for stage 2: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/new-linn-majikds-or-second-hand-akurate-ds?page=5#comment-2757940

Quick summary, I bought a new AMS35i in late May this year. After using it for around a month the right channel output stage failed & fried a speaker. About 6 weeks waiting for repairs to be carried out (all at dealer/distributor expense). Came back & less than two weeks later the left channel went & fried another speaker. Not happy! So the dealer has had both the amp & speakers for over a month now, one of their techs has looked at the amp & has confirmed that it was the same failure as previously. Apparently the solder in this particular unit had not been applied correctly. Hmmmmmm :?

In some regards this is not entirely a bad thing. Given that failures of this nature are so rare, the second incident had left some question as to whether the cause lay with the rest of my system & not the amp itself. So while I do feel particularly unlucky to have landed a dud unit, at least I now know with certainty where the problem lies.

Once the dealer had confirmed what the problem was he presented me with two options:

1) To wait for repairs & take back the same unit

2) To take his demo unit instead

I took a few days to think about it but rang him back & took a strong stance demanding a complete replacement unit. He tried to steer me away from this saying that it would take at least 2-3 months to source a new one, but I stayed firm & by the end of the conversation he had agreed to my request. I knew that he understood my reservations about taking the same unit back given it's obvious history of malfunction. He said that they would be able to loan me their demo while I was waiting for the new one to arrive. So all seemed to be settled satisfactorily.

Three weeks later I still hadn't heard anything so rang today to ask for an update. He now tells me that MF has discontinued the AMS35i & they are unable to source a new one for me!!! Sigh. I pretty much lifted the anger level a couple of notches & indicated that this was far from satisfactory. I have owned the amp for 4 months now & been able to use it for less than half of that. I told him that I would be contacting MF directly to discuss the matter. He "understood" my frustration (which was nice!) & told me he would look into the matter & get back to me shortly.

About two hours later I get another call saying that the distributor had confirmed that the ASM35i was definitely no longer being made & that they could not source one from overseas. However they were able to come up with a concilliatory offer. For an extra $2400 Australian they would sell me a brand new Primo pre-amp & an AMS35P power amp. Full retail on this package would be $27k which I would get for $11,400, less than half price, not bad.

To be honest even though this is a very tempting I would really just prefer to get a new 35i. All of my funds are being directed towards my new Linn Akkurate DS at the moment. But the offer is certainly worthy of consideration.

I could be accused of being a little paranoid (who could blame me?) but I can't help but feel that the dealer/distributor are not quite presenting me with the complete picture. Judging by the MF website the AMS35P has been discontinued, so I think that they are trying to get out of the predicament by giving me existing stock rather than having to purchase new. I guess the only way to 100% confirm this is to contact MF directly.

What do you think? Have you heard about the 35i being discontinued? I wonder if it is worth finding out if it is going to be replaced & if so how long this will take. Maybe a new replacement will have HT bypass?

The Primo is a pretty sweet piece of kit, maybe it's worth going there just because the offer is so good. It will provide greater flexibility in the future if I wanted to change amps (not that I think I would). Just from a resale point of view it should more than cover itself. Maybe there is a silver lining at the end of this after all.

 

[Singslinger]

I recently auditioned this amp when contemplating going to Class A amplification. The other candidate (priced similarly) was the Accuphase E-560, which is a 30W Class A amp.

It was a close call but I went for the Accuphase, partly because it looks nicer but mainly because it has 2 balanced inputs versus the AMS 35i's one.

But I have to say the MF is a seriously impressive beast. Congrats to all owners - it is surely a fantastic-sounding amp that should give years of pleasure!

 

[gregvet]

It is the first I have heard of this Neuphonix. I can't see anything about the AMS line being discontinued on the MF website, so I would definitely contact MF directly to confirm.

Having said this, MF have a reputation for changing product lines every five minutes, and unfortunately as often as not replacing great products with products a little more average, so who knows what could be coming next.

Keep us updated. BTW if I had the money I would take the offer of the pre/power as apparently the primo is pretty special

 

[BigColz]

I don't own this amp but after reading roby's thread and also el hefe saying it's perfect for rock music I want to audition the m6i and AMS.. I was thinking of gettin the m6 pre to try with my current set up also...

As i'm sure a lot of potetial future owners would like to know, what kind of power consumtion are we talking here? How much does it add to your monthly electric bill? and the main one i want to know, how long does it take to warm up fully?

Cheers mate.

 

[Neuphonix]

Hi Greg,

I just got off the phone to the friendly people at MF, and a have a little more clarity.

The AMS35i is not discontinued as such. They currently have no stock & have to place minimum orders of 50 units before production begins. Given the current economic climate this number represents around 10years of stock & as such they have no immediate plans to proceed.

They have managed to get their hands on one last unit which they will swap for my faulty one. I just have to convince the dealer/distributor over here to wear the shipping/import costs.

But yes, the more I think about it, the more appealing the pre/power deal sounds.

But for all those who already own the 35i it sounds like we might have a collectors item! You would have to wonder if they will ever be produced again?