Musical Fidelity AMS35i Integrated Amplifier

Vade Forrester has posted a review of the Musical Fidelity AMS35i integrated amplifier ($8,999) at Soundstage! Hi-Fi. His conclusions:

Who should be interested in the Musical Fidelity AMS35i? Someone who loves the sound of tube amplifiers but not the hassle of maintaining them, who has reasonably sensitive speakers (95dB or higher), and who listens to unamplified music (classical or jazz) at less than ear-splitting levels. I suspect that such a person will find the AMS35i class-A integrated amplifier’s rich, pure, transparent sound extremely appealing. Its extended high-frequency response lights up the treble, and its bass sounds considerably more powerful than its specification suggests. I suspect that the AMS35i is very conservatively rated, and will probably surprise you with its ability to drive speakers of average sensitivity — but if your speakers are inefficient, try before buying.

While I found some ergonomic problems with the AMS35i, that’s a personal reaction that’s somewhat system-dependent. If your speakers are less sensitive than my 103dB horns, the volume-control increments may suit you just fine. And if you don’t use the AMS35i’s preamp outputs, it won’t matter that they emit turn-on/off pulses.

I loved the sound of the Musical Fidelity AMS35i in my system, and could easily live with it long-term. If you’re shopping for an amplifier at or around $9000, I urge you to add it to your audition list, even if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool tube dude. It could be your ticket to listening nirvana. Highly recommended.

You can read the full review here.