L'Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amplifier is part of the legend of the Hi-Fi like the are the RegaBrio, the Sugden A28 or the Naim Nait 1. He has certainly contributed to the current success of the manufacturer.
Released in its first version in 1988, it was quickly considered a benchmark in integrated amplifiers for several major reasons: its ease in powering difficult speakers, its musicality, and its timbre quality due to its operation in pure Class A.
Musical Fidelity A1: Front Panel and Connections
Le design du A1 It was original in 1988, and well, it still is just as much in 2023! The case is made of aluminum. The cover looks like a radiator, and that’s normal because it is one! It is directly coupled to an aluminum bar where the power transistors are screwed in. These operate in pure Class A and generate 100% thermal dissipation… I remember that on the original version, after several hours of operation at high level, it was possible to cook an egg on the A1 !
The front panel features a rotary volume knob, a source selector, the power switch, and a "Direct/Normal" selector. This is one of the notable modifications. This switch allows the gain block located before the volume control to be completely bypassed, resulting in a gain reduction of about 10 dB. This function is particularly advantageous when working with modern digital sources with a high output level. It allows for precise adjustment of the volume potentiometer range and adapts to high-efficiency speakers.
On the back of theamplifier There are 5 auxiliary inputs, a phono input (with MM/MC selector), and a Tape input. In addition, there is a Tape Out output and a Pre-Out output.
The stereo speaker output (single) allows the connection of banana plugs. Unlike the original version, the new A1 is equipped with an IEC power socket allowing the replacement of the cableBy a more efficient model.
Musical Fidelity A1: Technology
Today in 2023, for the first time since its initial release, the manufacturer has retained all the original specifications. The design and circuits of the first version from 1988.
However, a higher-end and more efficient transformer is noted, which incorporates more effective "dual mono split rail" windings. The amplification stages are powered by completely independent left and right power supplies for better power management. The A1 2023 also shows the significant addition of filtering capacity. They go from 4 to 8, which reduces ripple and noise. It is also noted that the sensitive components have been considerably improved in terms of precision, tolerance, and noise. The low-noise preamplifier circuit is identical to the original 1988 model, but it greatly benefits from the new power supplies. The manufacturer uses only the highest quality components, which is essential for a function of this type.
L'A1 is therefore built around a fully discrete and symmetrical "Class A" topology. It offers 25 W of pure Class A power per channel with an 8-ohm load. It is capable of delivering an output current of 25 A!
It is also noted that it uses a dynamic Class A. If the continuous current of the Class A is exceeded, it will allow a smooth "slide" towards Class B operation, temporarily permitting the additional necessary current.
The potentiometer has been replaced with an ALPS potentiometer from the RK series. This high-quality component ensures superior performance and increased precision. Additionally, the potentiometer is now motorized, allowing you to adjust the volume using the new remote control provided.
Musical Fidelity A1: Phono stage
L’integrated amplifier A1 uses a phono stage entirely with discrete components. The preamplification is low noise, and is compatible with the low-level MC cellsAnd MM. A low-noise current-to-voltage conversion stage is used for additional amplification and RIAA equalization. The input impedance matching for the MC cells is automatic.
Musical Fidelity A1: Test and listening
I owned a Musical Fidelity A1 early 90s. At that time, I had associated it with some Rogers LS5/9. I have excellent memories of it, and I recall an unmatched quality/price/music ratio at that time.
Le Musical Fidelity A1 is surprising for its ability to drive the speakersWith ease. Of course, don’t ask him to power a speaker too high-end or having too low efficiency. But the 2-way or 3-way column speakers with an efficiency above 88 DB suit him perfectly. For me, the ideal is a very good quality 2-way in a 20 m2 room. Connected to a good source, this integrated amplifier A1 works wonders in terms of articulation of dynamics and nuance. Its softness and fluidity are reminiscent of tube integrated amplifiers operating in triode mode. The heat dissipated by the heatsink is also very evocative.
The playback shows no aggressiveness and no harshness. The dynamics are surprising and the control of the lower spectrum is remarkable. The midrange is present with that transparency and texture characteristic of the amplifiers Operating in Class A. The top of the spectrum is teeming with detail without boosting this part. It is perfectly integrated with the midrange.
As the manufacturer points out: "The A1 has a secret. This secret is simple: it makes music.And that is exactly what many electronics lack to this day.
Our favorite!
FranckPower: 25 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms
Voltage: 42.5 Volts peak to peak
Current: 25 amperes peak to peak
Damping factor: 150
Gain (max volume): 32 dB (direct mode), 42 dB (normal mode)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 82 dB
Channel separation: 85 dB
Frequency response: +0, -1 dB, 10 Hz to 40 kHz
Line level sensitivity: 300 mV rms nominal, 8 V rms max
Line level input impedance: 25k Ohms
Band output impedance: 220 Ohms
Pre-out impedance: 100 Ohms
Phono input: MM and MC
Phono RIAA accuracy: +/- 1dB
MM: 40 dB, 50 k-ohms, 100 pF
MC: 60 dB, 1k
Tape output: 1
Pre-out output: 1
Speaker outputs: 4 mm Bananas
Dimensions: 440 x 68.3 x 283.3 mm
Weight: 10.5 kg
Customer reviews
Classe A
Pur son audio et belle ampli .
SO BRITISH
Comme disait son concepteur il fait de la musique, et quelle musique!!! comme Franck je l'ai couplé avec des vielles rogers et là que du bonheur.livraison soignee et dans les temps comme d' habitude avec ce site qui m' est si cher depuis son lancement.MICHEL.T
Bon appétit !
Aussi bien relié à des Wharfedale Denton 85 qu'aux petites colonnes Totem Arro c'est un ampli à la musicalité contagieuse et ce qui est le plus surprenant c'est sa vélocité. On entend la matière, Olé de Coltrane devient plus fluide, Boards Of Canada devient plus organique et Human Impact devient plus féroce. Un régal !
Un grand merci à toute l'équipe pour les conseils et la livraison dans les temps
A1 exceptional Class A
I have several amplifiers but something was always missing. Having used this musical fidelity A1 amplifier for over a month, I feel confident to write that the sound is exceptionally sweet, smooth, powerfully detailed and balanced, the bass is real! compared to the m6si which is also an exceptional amplifier by musical fidelity, I found the A1 more tonally warm, focused and very forgiving of poor recordings or vinyl pressing. If you love music and want your family and friends to enjoy your sound and quit fussing over audiophile issues this is the answer.
My set up is a living room of about 30m3 that includes, Speakers focal aria 948, acoustic signature turntable, ortofon black quintet s, blusound node. Thank you Maplatine for your service and discount. Am very happy to have this amplifier as part of my collection. One love.