I’ve had the new X-series comprising of X-T100 Integrated Amplifier, X Ray V8 CD Player and XXX power supply unit for about 3 weeks now so I thought it was time to share my thoughts on this system.
All the usual caveats apply the thoughts here are my own and not those of the forum, I am not employed by MF etc., etc., etc. and most importantly – this is my subjective view and any comparisons to other products are made from my own experiences i.e. I've owned them.
Right, on to my thoughts…
Build and Appearance[/b]
I think this is an easy one to answer, as has been the case with the X-Series (and most of the MF range) the build quality, fit and finish is exemplary (even though this is not built in the UK like the original X-Series) – everything is where it should be and the quality of the materials is fantastic to look at and touch
As for the looks, I don’t think there is a better looking set up (half width or full) that is currently on sale
(or probably has ever been on sale). Aesthetics is a very important factor for me when buying anything and it’s no secret that I adore the original X-series lozenges (own most of them at the moment), I was less enamoured with the V3 rectangle boxes and felt cheated that the lozenges had gone (even though the V3 gear did sound quite good).
The new X-series is rectangular in shape but the 2 tone finish with everything arranged symmetrically (never understood why the X150 volume dial had to be off centre
) looks just………………………right! Combined with some discretely placed blue LED’s and you have a great modern look. Cyrus watch out
Unfortunately, not all is perfect IMHO though as the XXX power supply is c. two-thirds the width of the amp and CD player, apart from saving money – why have you done this MF, it just looks odd
Setup[/b]
For those of you into aftermarket powercords you’ll be a tad disappointed as the amp and CD player all connect to the XXX PSU via Din sockets so the only real powercord is the one from the PSU to the wall (I suppose you could play with Din Cables for power if you really want to
)
Cleverly, all of the din sockets on the PSU have a different configuration so you don’t get them confused and the XXX has one spare for the forthcoming XPLORA tuner (although god only knows how the new DAC will connect up – maybe it will have a powercord as well
).
A side effect of this power supply arrangement is that if you want the new CD player on its own you have to buy a separate XXX as the CD player does not come with one as standard for the price (you have to buy one for c.£300) but the integrated is supplied with one in the price.
The second thing you notice is that when you pick up the X-T100/Xray V8 you nearly launch them through the ceiling
– they are that light. This is obviously down to the PSU being external so all you have in the half width boxes is the circuits and not heavy transformers.
Once all hooked up and first powered on the amp is in a stand buy mode which is probably to allow the valves to warm up. When all is well the red LED goes blue and off you go!
Having turned the kit on and off a few times I don’t think it makes a difference to the presentation of the sound with this setup if you keep it powered on or not – a plus point for the tree lovers (although it might be that I’m deaf!).
Sound[/b]
Ahhhhhhhhhh, the important bit!
I’ll talk about the 3 units as one piece for this bit as I haven’t hived off any one component to see how it sounds on its own – sorry[/i].
From the off the soundstage is immense and the warmth of the sound is very reminiscent of the Nu-Vista Preamp. Actually, I feel it is very like the Pathos Classic One in terms of relaying emotion and feeling in the music (especially strings and vocals).
My criticism of the Pathos was that emotionally you were attached but it always felt underpowered, a tad polite if you will (even at full volume). There is no such issue here, the X-T100 is only rated at 70W/Ch but it feels far more controlled and powerful than the X150 ever did which was rated at 105W/Ch (and I thought that was good) – bass comes across as very tight and crisp with highs not being harsh at all – at any volume level.
Emotion is conveyed in the most wonderful manner and vocals feel solid and ………….real.
As for detail I would say the X-ray V8 is a significant improvement on my X-ray (which is nearly 6 years old now so no real surprise) with the old cliché of “I heard things I never had heard before[/b]†coming into play. Is it better than the V3, I’d say yes as I felt the V3 was a technically good CD player but I couldn’t really listen to the V3 rig without the tube buffer as everything was too clinical or lacking in emotion. How much of this improvement is down to the amplifier is difficult to gauge but in its own right the V8 is good, the placing of instruments is precise and 3-dimensional (depth is the best I’ve heard) which makes them very easy to pick out.
Conclusion[/b]
For me the X-T100/X-Ray V8/XXX represent fantastic value for money in an exceptionally good looking design. I would describe the sound as a cross between everything I loved about the Pathos Classic One MK II Hybrid Integrated (a wonderful smooth sound at all volume levels with vocals that dripped emotion) and the power and detail of the V3 X Series. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this Hybrid valve setup does provide a good dose of valves with some serious power. You could argue it is my perfect system (never said that before have I
............…but this time I’m more serious than before - I think).
Anyone looking to spend c.£2-£3k on a CD player and amp should give it a whirl as I rate it higher than the A5 setup which costs twice as much.
I’ll write more as the weeks unfold (assuming there is still some interest) but for now I’m going to listen to some music
:ale:
:ale:
(can’t wait for the little Proac Reference Signature 8’s to land as I’ve heard this is meant to be a great combo).
Well done MF - I'm happy
Some piccies for you:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/gsrai/XSeries2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/gsrai/XSeries1.jpg
All the usual caveats apply the thoughts here are my own and not those of the forum, I am not employed by MF etc., etc., etc. and most importantly – this is my subjective view and any comparisons to other products are made from my own experiences i.e. I've owned them.
Right, on to my thoughts…
Build and Appearance[/b]
I think this is an easy one to answer, as has been the case with the X-Series (and most of the MF range) the build quality, fit and finish is exemplary (even though this is not built in the UK like the original X-Series) – everything is where it should be and the quality of the materials is fantastic to look at and touch
As for the looks, I don’t think there is a better looking set up (half width or full) that is currently on sale
The new X-series is rectangular in shape but the 2 tone finish with everything arranged symmetrically (never understood why the X150 volume dial had to be off centre
Unfortunately, not all is perfect IMHO though as the XXX power supply is c. two-thirds the width of the amp and CD player, apart from saving money – why have you done this MF, it just looks odd
Setup[/b]
For those of you into aftermarket powercords you’ll be a tad disappointed as the amp and CD player all connect to the XXX PSU via Din sockets so the only real powercord is the one from the PSU to the wall (I suppose you could play with Din Cables for power if you really want to
Cleverly, all of the din sockets on the PSU have a different configuration so you don’t get them confused and the XXX has one spare for the forthcoming XPLORA tuner (although god only knows how the new DAC will connect up – maybe it will have a powercord as well
A side effect of this power supply arrangement is that if you want the new CD player on its own you have to buy a separate XXX as the CD player does not come with one as standard for the price (you have to buy one for c.£300) but the integrated is supplied with one in the price.
The second thing you notice is that when you pick up the X-T100/Xray V8 you nearly launch them through the ceiling
Once all hooked up and first powered on the amp is in a stand buy mode which is probably to allow the valves to warm up. When all is well the red LED goes blue and off you go!
Having turned the kit on and off a few times I don’t think it makes a difference to the presentation of the sound with this setup if you keep it powered on or not – a plus point for the tree lovers (although it might be that I’m deaf!).
Sound[/b]
Ahhhhhhhhhh, the important bit!
I’ll talk about the 3 units as one piece for this bit as I haven’t hived off any one component to see how it sounds on its own – sorry[/i].
From the off the soundstage is immense and the warmth of the sound is very reminiscent of the Nu-Vista Preamp. Actually, I feel it is very like the Pathos Classic One in terms of relaying emotion and feeling in the music (especially strings and vocals).
My criticism of the Pathos was that emotionally you were attached but it always felt underpowered, a tad polite if you will (even at full volume). There is no such issue here, the X-T100 is only rated at 70W/Ch but it feels far more controlled and powerful than the X150 ever did which was rated at 105W/Ch (and I thought that was good) – bass comes across as very tight and crisp with highs not being harsh at all – at any volume level.
Emotion is conveyed in the most wonderful manner and vocals feel solid and ………….real.
As for detail I would say the X-ray V8 is a significant improvement on my X-ray (which is nearly 6 years old now so no real surprise) with the old cliché of “I heard things I never had heard before[/b]†coming into play. Is it better than the V3, I’d say yes as I felt the V3 was a technically good CD player but I couldn’t really listen to the V3 rig without the tube buffer as everything was too clinical or lacking in emotion. How much of this improvement is down to the amplifier is difficult to gauge but in its own right the V8 is good, the placing of instruments is precise and 3-dimensional (depth is the best I’ve heard) which makes them very easy to pick out.
Conclusion[/b]
For me the X-T100/X-Ray V8/XXX represent fantastic value for money in an exceptionally good looking design. I would describe the sound as a cross between everything I loved about the Pathos Classic One MK II Hybrid Integrated (a wonderful smooth sound at all volume levels with vocals that dripped emotion) and the power and detail of the V3 X Series. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this Hybrid valve setup does provide a good dose of valves with some serious power. You could argue it is my perfect system (never said that before have I
Anyone looking to spend c.£2-£3k on a CD player and amp should give it a whirl as I rate it higher than the A5 setup which costs twice as much.
I’ll write more as the weeks unfold (assuming there is still some interest) but for now I’m going to listen to some music
Well done MF - I'm happy
Some piccies for you:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/gsrai/XSeries2.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/gsrai/XSeries1.jpg