I've got a CA-5 which I only use for the phono stage running into a Musical Fidelity A3 duel mono integrated. The MF by it's nature produces a really sweet and precise top end and is very well balanced in all areas. If your ever get out this way you're very welcome to pop in for a listen.
Turntable
Toshiba SR-370/Mission 774/Van Damme cable with MS Starline plugs/Ortofon Quintet Black
CD
Cambridge CXC transport/modified Musical Fidelity X-DAC/modified Musical Fidelity X-10 V3 tube buffer
Network Player
Cambridge NP30
Amplifier
Denon HA-500 head amp/Nakamichi CA-5E pre-amp/Chinese passive RVC/Proton AA-1150 DMC power amp
Speakers
Mordaunt Short Signifer on original factory stands
Cables
Mogami with Rean Neutrik plugs/NVA LS5
Headphones
Sennheiser HD600/Sennheiser HD650/Koss Pro4 AA
Location: gone
Posts: 11,519
I'm gone.
My Pass X150 power amp has just now become available in the AOS classifieds.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...X150-power-amp
EDIT: Oops - just noticed, it's a bit over budget. But then those Aleph 2 amps would be even more so!
Last edited by jandl100; 04-12-2017 at 07:04.
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I have a JVC AX-1010TN that I'm thinking of putting up for sale.
this is in excellent condition and it comes with an internal dac and remote control.
I think the thing with the CA-5 is that it doesn't colour the music, it is very smooth but gets a really good grip on the bass, warm but with perfect punch when needed. The mids and top end are sweet and natural with no shrill or harsh edges. It is a real little gem that is starting get noticed, reflected in rising prices for good used ones.
Amp wise I use the Nak purely as a phono stage run directly into the MF A3 integrated. The MF is a dual mono and I really like it's vibrant, punchy nature. It works very well with the Nak, 5 line inputs and a MM phono stage ( redundant but handy all the same ) and is built like a tank.
Turntable
Toshiba SR-370/Mission 774/Van Damme cable with MS Starline plugs/Ortofon Quintet Black
CD
Cambridge CXC transport/modified Musical Fidelity X-DAC/modified Musical Fidelity X-10 V3 tube buffer
Network Player
Cambridge NP30
Amplifier
Denon HA-500 head amp/Nakamichi CA-5E pre-amp/Chinese passive RVC/Proton AA-1150 DMC power amp
Speakers
Mordaunt Short Signifer on original factory stands
Cables
Mogami with Rean Neutrik plugs/NVA LS5
Headphones
Sennheiser HD600/Sennheiser HD650/Koss Pro4 AA