MUSICAL FIDELITY A1

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The Musical Fidelity A1 is presented here in its updated version, derived from the iconic 1985 integrated amplifier. It retains the unmistakable aesthetic that earned it the nickname “griddle,” with its flat top profile and the characteristic warmth produced by pure Class A operation. The chassis is slightly wider than the original model to improve heat dissipation, while the front LED has changed from red to blue — a subtle visual cue of its evolution. Despite these refinements, the amplifier maintains the essential charm that defined the original A1.

Technically, this used A1 features modern components carefully selected to recreate the tonal character of the historic unit, preserving the symmetrical discrete topology and the pure Class A design philosophy. Power output now reaches 25 watts per channel thanks to more efficient modern semiconductors and a transformer with “dual mono split rail” windings, which ensures better channel separation, reduced noise and more stable operation. Each power stage benefits from doubled power-supply capacitance, resulting in significantly reduced ripple, while the filtered and regulated power supply provides improved control, lower noise and smoother startup behavior. The amplifier operates in dynamic Class A and automatically supplies additional current when needed without ever switching into Class B, ensuring the warm, fluid musicality for which the A1 is renowned.

The signal path follows the original layout, employing a JFET preamplification stage inspired by the TL071-based design of the 1980s and powered for minimal noise. Volume control is managed by a high-quality Alps RK potentiometer, and the Normal/Direct switch allows complete bypass of the initial gain stage, shortening the signal path and reducing gain by 10 dB for a more direct sound. A discrete MM/MC phono input is also included, featuring automatic impedance selection and a low-noise input stage designed to ensure accurate RIAA equalization.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Class A stereo integrated amplifier
• Power output: 25 W per channel into 8 Ohms
• Voltage: 42.5 V peak-to-peak
• Current: 25 A peak-to-peak
• Damping factor: 150
• Gain: 32 dB (Direct mode); 42 dB (Normal mode)
• Output devices: 2 per channel
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 82 dB
• Channel separation: 85 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz (+0 / –1 dB)
• Line-level sensitivity: 300 mV rms nominal; 8 V rms max
• Line input impedance: 25 kΩ
• Tape output impedance: 220 Ω
• Pre Out impedance: 100 Ω
• Inputs: 1× MM/MC RCA Phono; 5× RCA line inputs
• Outputs: 1× fixed RCA Tape Out; 1× variable RCA Pre Out
• Phono RIAA accuracy: ±1 dB
• MM sensitivity: 5 mV nominal
• MM capacitance/impedance/gain: 100 pF; 50 kΩ; 40 dB
• MM S/N ratio: 75 dB
• MC sensitivity: 450 μV nominal
• MC impedance/gain: 1 kΩ; 60 dB
• MC S/N ratio: 70 dB
• Power consumption: max 130 W
• Dimensions: 440 × 68.3 × 283.3 mm (W × H × D)
• Weight: 10.5 kg