Musical Fidelity A308CR

This preamp, which weighs more than most integrated amps, won Product of the Year Awards on both sides of the pond.  It has very clear sound with an almost tube-like sense of harmonic overtones and palpable air.  This full-function preamplifier includes plenty of inputs, a good MM/MC phono board, and tape monitor output.  If you’re upgrading from a more modest integrated or preamp, this will yield a relaxed presentation with greater ease and naturalness, removing a fine electronic haze.  It weighs a whopping 40+ pounds.  This one was made in England, and was their high-end line (discounting the limited-edition products such as the kW Tri-Vista gear), before the brand moved more upmarket with their pricing (while having their cheaper products built in Asia).  

"In fact, the A308 preamplifier is built like an integrated amplifier, but with a low-power output stage. This circuit topology allows the A308 to swing 35V at its line-level outputs. The audio circuitry is all discrete, with an input stage that provides all the gain before the volume control. Because the input stage is supplied from the choke-regulated power supply and its higher-than-normal power-supply voltages, it is unlikely to be overloaded. The input stage is followed by the volume control, and then by a high-current unity-gain buffer to drive the interconnects and an external power amplifier."  (Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound)

Rating is for age.  The unit is otherwise in great condition.  Buyer pays PayPal fees (3%).  

Reviews and Praise for the A308cr Preamplifier:

-The Absolute Sound (Robert Harley, Issue 139)
I can recommend the A308 pair even for demanding high-end systems, though many audiophiles may overlook them as not being expensive or exclusive enough. But if sound quality and honest value are important to you, this new pair from Musical Fidelity should be on your short list to audition. 

-The Absolute Sound PREAMPLIFIER OF THE YEAR
The A308’s combination of sheer musicality, massive build quality, and  relatively low price adds up to one conclusion: The Absolute Sound’s Preamplifier of the Year Award. On the basis of its solid construction and smooth, transparent musical presentation, one would expect the A308 to cost three times its $2,395 price. We still can’t figure out how Musical Fidelity can sell this product at this price, particularly considering that A308 includes a switchable MM/MC phono stage. THE great bargain in full-function preamplifiers today. Reviewed by Robert Harley in Issue 139

-Hi-Fi Choice PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - Stereo Pre/Power Amp
Musical Fidelity’s A308CR is a big shiny amplifier which offers bags of power and a good selection of features.  Our original reviewer claimed it is one of the least “sounding” amplifier combinations you can get.  In other words, it has very little character that you can identify - a real talent for a hi-fi amp - and you’ll hear the source, the cables, and the speakers’ character before you can get a handle on the amp’s sonic signature.  It seems to work with just about everything you throw at it - hip-hop, classical, rock, whatever, it all gets the same non-treatment.  Its accurate, honest, spacious nature brings you closer to the music - excellent value in a sector dominated by larger and more expensive alternatives.  

-The Inner Ear Report
The Musical Fidelity system offers enough power and finesse to accommodate even the most demanding loudspeaker designs.  Audition these components with upscale cables, for they could be the weak link in an otherwise great audio system.  

-Hi-Fi Choice (Alan Sircom)
It also has a treble and midrange that are completely free from grain or constriction.  But none of there are evident, until you switch back from the A308cr.  At that point, the majority of amplifier combos sound "bunged up" like they have hay fever.

Even the built-in MM/MC phono stage is above average, extremely accurate, honest, and spacious. It has the soundstage to cope with classic Decca Gilbert & Sullivan recordings, and the dynamic range for classic Casals Bach Cello Suits.

The biggest reason for many buying something costing more than the A308CR is “label pride”.  Those stuck on spending over the odds on buying the latest designer label will always stump up extra cash for extra cachet, even when there is little or no reason to.  There is no such thing as the perfect amplifier, but the Musical Fidelity A308CR pre/power amp combo gets closer than most. 

-Hi-Fi News (Dave Berriman)
Apart from the superb build quality, their sonic and musical performance is little short of stunning, with oodles of clarity, space, rhythm, bass texture, and instrumental definition.  It’s as close as you’ll find to a neutral conduit anywhere and may force you to really listen to familiar recordings anew.  

-Hi-Fi World (David Price)
A top-drawer pre-power combination that does so much so well and gives away so little to its price rivals from all sides of the field.  It’s open and smooth, yet manages to pump vast amounts of power.  I’d say the Musical Fidelity A308 pre-power combo is all most people will ever need from a hi-fi amplifier.
Verdict: Four Stars.  Another fine all-rounder with a brilliantly powerful and clear sound. Partner with good ancillaries and you may never upgrade again.