Musical Fidelity A1
The Musical Fidelity A1 is a piece of hi-fi history.
First produced in the 1980s, its pure Class A electrical design was famous not just for its ability to work with a wide variety of equipment of the day, but for its ability to deliver a sound performance like nothing else.
The new generation of Musical Fidelity A1, released in 2023, stays true to the original design in almost every way, only making changes to improve certain technical characteristics and suit modern requirements.
The electrical layout of the A1 features completely discrete, fully symmetrical pure Class A technology.
Delivering 25W of power (to an 8Ω load), it can also handle 25A of maximum current output.
Though these numbers may seem low compared to some modern amplifiers, the A1 is still able to drive more complex speakers thanks to its ability to slide (not “switch”) into Class B operation when further current draw is temporarily needed.
The A1’s transformer design is directly inspired by the 1988 design but has been updated with more efficient dual-mono split-rail windings and better components for improved stability and better heat management.
The amplifier stages are now powered by fully independent supplies for left and right channel allowing for better power handling and stereo imaging.
Each power amplifier also now has double the supply capacity, resulting in reduced ripple and noise artefacts.
The low-noise pre-amplifier circuitry is the same as the original A1, though this area also benefits from new modern touches.
First, the DIRECT switch on the front panel allows users to bypass the Gain stage before the musical signal reaches the volume dial.
By switching this button on, the pre-amplifier stage will apply roughly 10dB less gain, suiting it to more modern, high-gain source devices that may benefit from a wider volume dial range.
Second, the use of a new ALPS RK series motorised potentiometer for the volume dial not only allows greater accuracy and reliability, but it means the 2023 A1 amplifier can also make use of a remote control for volume adjustments.
Alongside five RCA stereo inputs, a fixed level output and a variable output, the A1 also features a high-quality built-in phono stage.
The phono input allows for direct connection to a turntable, whether it has a moving magnet (MM) or a moving coil (MC) cartridge.
The low-noise design and automatic impedance-matching for MC cartridges make this a viable solution, and a great convenience for vinyl record lovers.
The industrial design of the Musical Fidelity A1 is the same as the original from the 1980s, with its angular front panel, full-length top-mounted heatsink and side-mounted ventilation panels.
The only minor modifications are intended to help enhance the user experience and manage the heat output from the pure Class A technology employed within.
The result, when combined with the intricate workings, is an amplifier that takes you right back to the original design brief for the A1: to enjoy music.
The A1 sounds sweet and fluid, facilitating a beautiful environment for your favourite music to come alive within.
When paired with well-matched speakers in a suitably sized room it delivers a warm, full, and exciting sound, without harshness. Just pure music.
Specifications Musical Fidelity A1
Amplifier
- Power: 25 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
- Voltage: 42.5 Volts peak to peak
- Current: 25 Amps peak to peak
- Damping Factor: 150
- Gain (volume max): 32dB (Direct Mode), 42dB (Normal Mode)
- Output devices: 2 per channel
- Signal / noise ratio: 82dB
- Channel separation: 85dB
- Frequency response: + 0, –1dB, 10Hz to 40 kHz
- Line level sensitivity: 300mV rms nominal, 8V rms max
- Line level inputs impedance: 25k Ohms
- Tape Out impedance: 220 Ohms
- Pre Out impedance: 100 Ohms
Phono Preamp
- Phono RIAA response: +/- 1dB
- MM sensitivity: 5mV nominal
- MM capacitance / impedance / gain: 100pF / 50k Ohms / 40dB
- MM signal / noise ratio: 75dB
- MC sensitivity: 450μV nominal
- MC impedance / gain: 1k Ohm / 60dB
- MC signal / noise ratio: 70dB
Inputs
- 1x phono RCA MM/MC, 5x line RCA
Outputs
- 1 x line level RCA fix TAPE OUT
- 1 x line level RCA var PRE OUT
- 1 x 4mm banana/binding posts SPEAKER OUT
General Information
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 68.3 x 283.3 mm
- Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
- Max. Consumption: 130W, 0W in standby (=Power Switch OFF)
- Weight: 10.5kg
Brand
Musical Fidelity
Musical Fidelity has been designing and manufacturing Hi-Fi electronics for over thirty years and are proud to have become one of the best-known brands in the Hi-Fi industry.
They are driven by a passion for wonderful music and the challenge of world-class engineering.
They approached each new design by looking for the absolute best solution to a given challenge and embrace new technologies in our designs as well as developing more traditional methods for even greater performance.
1982
Their first product - The Preamp – launched to rave reviews. Followed by shoebox-style Dr Thomas power amp.
1984
Launch of A1 integrated amp, ‘the most important development so far in the renaissance of the UK hi-fi scene’ (Hi-Fi Answers).
1986
New A370 Power Amp proclaimed ‘the best power amp I’ve ever heard’ (Hi-Fi Answers).
1987
World’s first high-end DAC- Digilog – makes debut
1988
Another world first: MVX preamp, combining tube circuit topology with transistors.
SA470 launched: 86Kg power amp running 99% in Class A
1992
A1000 integrated released, featuring pure Class A power amp section
1993
Classic valve-driven Tubalog DAC goes on sale
1995
X Series launches with X-10D Class A triode line stage: ‘the most dramatic sonic enhancement you’re likely to hear!’ (F1).
1997
Nu-Vista Preamp launched, using miniature, metal-cased nuvistor tubes. All 500 units sold within three months.
X Series expands with X-ACT DAC, praised for 'smooth, easy-going sound' (What Hi-Fi?)
1998
X-24K upsampling DAC released: ‘capable of getting sound to die for’ (Stereophile).
X-Ray CD player launched. Described as ‘the sort of object you just want to fondle’ (Hi-Fi News) ‘a thrilling, substantial and satisfying listen’ (What Hi-Fi?) and ‘Hi-Fi meets nuclear warhead’ (T3).
2000
Futuristic CD-PRE 24 arrives, combining a high-quality CD transport, DAC and preamp. On Hi-Fi says it ‘represents a combination of features, functional performance and affordability that seems an audiophile dream come true’.
Debut of Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista M3 pre/power amp, including discrete Nu-Vista power amp modules with choke regulation.
‘This is what hi-fi should be all about’ (Gramophone).
X-DAC V3 released, offering ‘stunningly good measured performance’ (Stereophile).
2002
World’s first audio application of trivistor tubes in new Tri-Vista series, including legendary Tri-Vista 21 ‘Super DAC’.
2003
Flagship kW pre-amp and kW power amp launched: ‘the very finest amps you can buy...the MFs redefine audio standards’ (What Hi-Fi?)
Next up: kW 500 super integrated amp with twin-triode tubes. Hi-Fi News said, ‘For one rare reviewing occasion I could not find a thing to fault about the musical presentation of an amp’.
Limited-edition M1 turntable released. Considered one of the best-engineered decks ever, it’s now a collector’s item, fetching above its original price.
2004
Supercharged X-DAC V8 introduced, with switchable tube buffer and extra-heavy-duty power supply. ‘For its superb performance as a detailed, sweet-sounding DAC, the X-DAC V8 stands on its own’ (Stereophile).
X-150 wins European Stereo Amplifier of the Year, EISA Awards 2004-2005.
2006
Debut of kW250S one-box wonder, packing in dual 250-watt monobloc amps, tube hybrid preamp, phono stage, 24-bit 192K upsampling CD player, FM/DAB tuner and iPod input.
2009
Meet the mighty TITAN: 1kW per channel dual monobloc design with external power supply. Hi-Fi News was ‘Smitten… The Titan is the best power amplifier I’ve used’.
Reference-standard Primo pre-amplifier released; pure Class A with 14 hand-picked ECC81
2011
New M1 CLiC unites analogue and digital sources under universal control. Wins European Network Music Player, EISA Awards 2011-2012.
2012
Line-up expands to meet every hi-fi need and budget. Highlights include the AMS CD/DAC – our finest digital product yet - and AMS100, the world’s most advanced pure Class A amp
Now owned and operated by Audio Tuning, an independent audio specialist company based in Austria, Musical Fidelity still retains its proud British heritage, with every product we design continuing to boast the natural, authentic sound that has made our name so respected across the world. Our unique ranges embrace both traditional and modern requirements. So whether you need a high-quality phono stage to improve your vinyl listening experience, require bit-perfect playback of your beloved CDs, or have chosen to embrace the increasingly popular world of wireless music streaming, we have something to offer. And for every source, we’re still proud to boast a wide range of powerful, state-of-the-art amplifiers that sound at home anywhere.
Whatever type of music you enjoy and however you want to hear it, we have something for you at Musical Fidelity.
