Musical Fidelity brings back one of the most iconic hi-fi integrated amplifiers of all time.
When you think of design icons, what comes to mind are cars like the Porsche 911, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses or the Bialetti espresso pot.
In hi-fi, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. First released back in the 90s, it quickly made waves for being an absolute beast when it came down to driving some of the most difficult speakers of that time, even though it was actually a rather low powered integrated amplifier. But: it was all done in pure Class A with excellent and expertly laid out discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and using only high- est quality components. The A1 showed people that there was more to amplifiers than just high power.
Based on its huge success, the A1 has gone through multi- ple reissues amd new versions over the years.
Now for 2023, for the first time since its initial release we have actually kept all specifications, the appearance and circuits of the 1990’s rendition for those who missed out the first time. With an updated transformer, power supplies and modern low noise components we’ve revitalized the formula and are proud to reintroduce the fresh original – three decades later.
- Discrete symmetrical topology for unique sound and dynamics
- 25W Pure Class A power @ 8 Ohm
- Planar Audio transistors with 25A maximum output
- Dynamic class A, if class A standing current is exceeded, it will automatically allow more. It therefore “slides” (NOT “switches”) smoothly into class B style operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw needed
- Output stage therefore drives difficult speakers with no problems
- Updated transformer from shared (1988 original) to more efficient “dual mono split rail” windings
- Fully independent left and right power supplies for better power handling and stereo imaging
- Each power amplifier now has double supply capacity resulting in reduced ripple and noise and improved performance
- Transformer noise and heat dissipation reduced due to better efficiency and updated components
- Filtered main supplies for better regulation and reduced switch on surge
- Gain block before volume control totally by passable using “direct” switch (-10dB)
- High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer as volume control
- Low noise TL071 JFET preamplifier circuitry, same as original (1988) design
- Fully smoothed and regulated supplies for lowest noise possible
- Discrete current-mode input stage for low- est noise amplification of MC as well as MM cartridges
- Low noise current to voltage converter for further amplification and RIAA equalisation
- Automatic input impedance matching (1K nominal) for MC selected along with with increased gain
- Original (1988) A1 appearance and circuits with modern improvements
- Remote control added for volume control
- Modern updated low noise components
The A1 is available for an MSRP of 1.599€ (incl. VAT).
