Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Music First Audio Copper Passive Magnetic Preamplifer with MKII Transformers Passive Components by FlyGuy

Model:	Copper Passive Magnetic Preamplifer with MKII Transformers
Category:	Passive Components
Suggested Retail Price:	£2275
Description:	Copper classic model with upgraded MKII transformers
Manufacturer URL:	Music First Audio

Review by flyguy on July 20, 2009 at 05:01:05
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for the Copper Passive Magnetic Preamplifer with MKII Transformers

Finally have my definitive pre-amplifier to complete my system that I have been searching for a good few years.

I had a home audition of a custom Music First Audio Copper Classic Passive pre-amplifier with the MKII transformers which have 25% more windings for increased dynamics.

I haven't tried the standard MF Audio Classic but the mere hour was enough to convince me I'd found the missing link.

I placed an order for the custom MF Audio Classic and it's been installed in my system the last couple of days.

It is deathly quite, music sounds well more musical, its like its just connected my system and not getting in the way.

Its fast, notes stop and start on a dime, and there is now decay and shimmer in the high frequencies, with cymbals sounding as such not sheets of metal with one note.

The lower frequencies which are important to me as my musical taste is underpinned by the mid-bass/bass frequencies, are tight, fast and have body, double basses have reverb, Bootys Collins spanks the living daylights out of the bass guitar.

All I can say is for my system it is a match made in heaven, I have enough gain to have my Sonus Faber Electa Amators move serious air, and with the Sonus Faber Gravis B1 subwoofer the whole frequency spectrum is there shimmering highs to pulsating lows.

The unit is minimalist, but the controls feel weighty and the it has a high standard of build. With the environment and economy to think of it uses no power and doesn't need a power lead, so you are saving money as well.

It would have been nice to have remote, but that's the MKII which is nearly double the price, but has identical performance, so the Classic was a no brainer.

I dont see the need fo a replacement for a considerable amount of time. The great thing is that they provide an upgrade path and high level of customisation, so your investment is protected.

Product Weakness:	No remote, minimalist.
Product Strengths:	Musical, dynamic, rhythmic.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Musical Fidelity Nuvista 300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Michell Engineering Gyro SE
Speakers: Sonus Faber Electa Amator II
Cables/Interconnects: Townshend Isolda DCT speaker, Musical Fidelity Nuvista interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Funk, Soul and Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 7m x 4m x 2.5m
Room Comments/Treatments: Wallpapered and well furninshed so not bright
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Musical Fidelity Nuvista 300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Michell Engineering Gyro SE
Speakers:	Sonus Faber Electa Amator II
Cables/Interconnects:	Townshend Isolda DCT speaker, Musical Fidelity Nuvista interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Funk, Soul and Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	7m x 4m x 2.5m
Room Comments/Treatments:	Wallpapered and well furninshed so not bright
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner