2. amps-preamps
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Integrated used as Preamp?

Can anyone comment on using an integrated amp solely for its preamp as opposed to buying a pure preamp? Reason I ask is because I have been eyeing a few Musical Fidelity preamps (such as the A3cr and A3.2) for a while but the integrated versions go for cheaper than the pure preamps. Why spend $150 more to NOT get the amp inside? I don't need the amp but why spend the extra money? Is there anything APPRECIABLE one should expect to lose from using the integrated instead of a pure preamp?
jnehma1

Showing 2 responses by rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,745 posts
 
The part of the question that was not asked. If you go with an MF integrated, just make sure that the integrated has a preamp out. Not all MF A3's had a preamp out. I found out the hard way.

FWIW, MF standalone preamps are superior to the preamp section alone in an MF integrated. Both still have the MF house sound, but the stand alone units are quieter and richer sounding.

Regards,

Rich
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,745 posts
 
The MF A3 that I had did not have a preamp out. See this thread from 2004. Don't mean to disagree with MF's web site, but it is why I wound up trading the A3 integrated for the A300 power amp, after I purchased the CD PRE 24.

With that said, a CD PRE 24 would give you what you are looking for. Stereophile did an exhaustive review that you may want to read.

Regards,

Rich
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