[willie]

I am considering purchasing a hifi systemn and down to 2 choices. The Arcam FMJ CD23T & FMJ A32 Amplifier / Musical Fidelity A3.2CD & A3.2 Integrated Amp.
I would appreciate opinions as honest as possible because i have got to make a decision very soon. I have got great prices for both equipments and pricing with the FMJ slightly more expensive. A difference of $450 for the system.
I will be using the B&W CDM 1NT with Kimbet 8TC for the system.

Any help or comments are appreciated!

Help me!
wilson

[Carlman]

They're both great CD players but, I prefer MF's amps.  The Arcam equipment I've owned (and own) is a little dry.  The MF is a little more 'musical' and will be a great match with those speakers.  Whichever you choose, I think the 8TC might be a little weird for those combos... I have 4TC which is a little dark and slow compared to T-14 or other silver over copper cable.  But, it tames bright highs which might be a good thing on the B&W's.  I think that'll be a very nice combo, though.  Very musical, somewhat lively, and excellent imaging.

What IC's do you plan to use?

[willie]

Carlman,

Thanx for your honest opinions. I will have to listen to the 8TCs porperly then. I got the 8TCs because it was at a bargain. I got a 3m biwire at ebay at a price i just couldnt resist. If the 4TCs are better i might get those and save myself some money! I have also heard that DIY cables (Cat5) sound good as well and cost a fraction of what decent hifi brands cost these days. Have yet to really look into it but be sure i would!

For ICs, i have a pair of Van Den Hul DB102 MKIII and a pair of Audioquest Quartz 3. both which are given to me but i would want to replace them with some silver cables mainly HomeGrownAudio's Silver Lace, Alphacore Micro Purls, Pure Silver Sound Quartets or some DIY silver cables. what do u recommend?

As for the equipment, im still very much confused but im leaning more to the Musical Fidelitys due to its sheer good looks and powerful amps. The reviews which i can find online has nothing but priase for those two equipments and i really want to see them compete head on to see which comes out tops

might have to make a trip to the shops to arrange for a demo.

[Carlman]

The latest MF indeed makes a beautiful little stack of silver and blue.  I listened to the Arcam and MF back to back and the MF was a little more refined sounding.  I remember thinking the music sounded more whole and less disected.  I listened to the exact same combos and really wanted it a flash new system but, in the end, I put together a mix of used and new.  I really enjoyed listening to the CDMNT1's.  Every chance I got I went and listened to them.  They are by far the best of the series.  I decided I wanted floorstanders and the NT8's or 9's just didn't do it for me.  They fell flat in many ways.  I felt the NT1 sounded better than most of the other B&W's of any line they had.  But, that's just me.

If you like that sound... and you can find a dealer for Revel... try to take a listen to the Revel M20.  It's not as polite as the B&W but, it's definitely got a similar liveliness and imaging quality as the NT1... and better bass.

IC's are an interesting thing... and what you have sound like good stuff but, it's sort of a hodge podge.  I would consider going with one type of material and a similar aged cable.  With IC A, B, and then speaker cable C, it'll be tough to know how to improve your cables.  

I haven't found a lot better than Kimber PBJ or KC-1 for under $200.  (I have found a few, that are slightly better though) The silver lace sounds good from everything I've read but, haven't heard them in person.  I guy named Nathan on this board has them... maybe worth asking him about it.

When I was talking about the 4TC and 8TC... I meant that they are good but, somewhat tricky to match in a system.

Good luck with your very nice system!

[TheChairGuy]

<<When I was talking about the 4TC and 8TC... I meant that they are good but, somewhat tricky to match in a system. >>

I found exactly what Carlman found on the 4TC - a tricky match on systems.  It sounded positively awful with my old Superphon amp, but I now use the same length in biamp on my tweeters (and Norh amps) and they sound quite nice. Sounded 'congested' and restrained on the Superphon, so much so that Radio Shack 12ga. was much preferable.

Don't know the possible technical reasons for this, but I know what I definitely heard.

[willie]

Hi everybody, sorry for the late reply.

tried them and i absolutely love the Arcams. They arent as clinical and analytical as the musical Fidelity. I guess it wasnt the MF's fault as it is trying to do what it does best; making music as clean and transparent as possible.

I just liked the arcam's smoothness and its amazing amount of features. It also has the flexibility in any case i wanted to move to home theatre. so the Arcams just edged out the MFs but in terms of sound, its really up to personal taste. One may like the honesty of the MFs,...or some may just prefer the smoothness of the Arcam.

I feel the CDM 1NT is the next upgrade if i were to sell them off. I like the Epos M12 to go with it. Or maybe the ProAcs.

As for cable choices i will be sticking to the Kimber 8TC biwire and the Kimber PBJ Ultra. The Kimber cables so far sounded right...certainly better than the QED Silver Anniversary i had.

Thanx everybody and feel free to drop any opinions or recommendations