In the hi-fi world, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. First launched in 1985, it quickly earned a reputation as an absolute beast when it came to driving some of the most difficult speakers of the time, despite actually being a rather low-power integrated amplifier. But: It was all built in pure Class A with an outstanding and expertly laid-out discrete symmetrical circuit topology using only the highest-quality components. The A1 showed people that amplifiers are about more than just high power.

The A1 is based on a fully discrete and symmetrical Class A topology. It can output 25 W of pure Class A power into an 8-ohm load and 25 A of maximum output. While the numbers here might seem rather low, the ability of the output stage to drive difficult speakers is a small miracle in itself. The amplifier design is dynamic Class A, and if the Class A standing current is exceeded, it automatically allows more. It therefore "slides" (does NOT "switch") smoothly into Class B operation, allowing for the additional current draw required when necessary.
Power supply

The new A1 has received an updated transformer, moving from split windings (original from 1985) to more efficient "Dual Mono Split Rail" windings. The amplifier stages are powered by completely independent left and right power supplies to ensure better handling and stereo imaging. Each power amplifier now has double the supply capacity, resulting in less ripple and noise.
Transformer noise levels and heat dissipation are reduced due to better efficiency and updated components. The main supplies are filtered to ensure better regulation and a reduction in switch-on surge current.

The A1 uses a discrete current-mode input stage for the lowest-noise amplification of MC and MM cartridges. A low-noise current-to-voltage conversion stage is used for further amplification and RIAA equalization. The automatic input impedance matching for the selected MC input, as well as the increased gain, enhance the versatility of the A1's phono stage.
The return of a true hi-fi classic

The A1 has a secret. This secret is simple:
It makes music. It sounds sweet and fluid and creates a beautiful atmosphere around natural instruments. Especially in small to medium-sized rooms, carefully set up with a pair of great two-way speakers. It is not a powerhouse, but music lovers will appreciate its capabilities.

It is also not a product you want to hide. A perfect example of form following function. The oversized heatsinks define the A1's appearance but are essential for operation. Truly unique, inside and out.
The A1 has a sweet, warm, full, and exciting sound. No harshness. No grain. Just pure music. It doesn't get muddy and, despite its lower power, drives difficult speakers with ease. It remains clean right up to its power limit. To hear what the A1 does is to hear what hi-fi is supposed to do: It makes music, plain and simple.

Power:
25 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms

Voltage:
42.5 Volts peak-to-peak

Current:
25 Amperes peak-to-peak

Damping factor:
150

Gain (max. volume):
32dB (Direct mode), 42dB (Normal mode)

Output devices:
2 per channel

Signal-to-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 input impedance:
25 kOhms

Tape out impedance:
220 Ohms

Preamp output impedance:
100 Ohms

Phono preamp

Phono RIAA response:
+/- 1dB

MM sensitivity:
5mV nominal

MM capacitance / impedance / gain:
100pF / 50k Ohms / 40dB

MM signal-to-noise ratio:
75dB

MC sensitivity:
450μV nominal

MC impedance / gain:
1k Ohm / 60dB

MC signal-to-noise ratio:
70dB

Inputs
1x Phono RCA MM/MC, 5x Line RCA

Outputs
1 x Line level RCA fixed TAPE OUT
1 x Line level RCA var PRE OUT
1 x 4mm banana plug/terminals SPEAKER OUT

General information

Dimensions (WxHxD):
440 x 68.3 x 283.3 mm

Mains voltages:
230V/115V internally set or 100V optional

Max. consumption:
130W, 0W in standby (=mains switch OFF)

Weight: 10.5kg

Herstellerangaben:

Musical Fidelity a division of Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH
98 Margaretenstrasse
A-1050 , Vienna
Austria
info@musicalfidelity.com

Verantwortliche Person:

REICHMANN AudioSystems
Graneggstrasse 4
8078 , Niedereschach
Germany
info@reichmann-audiosysteme.de