25Wpc Musical Fidelity A1 Plays with Sweet, Fluid, Warm Sound: Retro-Minded Integrated Amplifier Features Symmetrical Class A Design with Discrete Phonostage

What defines a high-end classic? First released in 1985, the Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amplifier made waves for being unshakable when tasked with driving some of the era's most difficult speakers. It's secret despite having relatively low power specs? Pure Class A output, with expertly arrayed discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and audiophile-grade parts. Time and again, A1 showed music listeners that there was more to amplifiers than just high power.

Nearly 40 years later, A1 returns with nearly all the specifications, circuitry, and looks of the 1985 rendition. What's new? Fully smoothed and regulated power supplies, metal-film-type resistors, PP capacitors in the signal path, more strategic circuit layouts (including the separate power supplies), and a revised transformer with dual-mono split-rail windings. Also, a "direct" switch at the preamp stage that lets you bypass the gain block before the volume control, resulting in roughly 10dB less gain. By enabling fine tuning of the range of your volume potentiometer and sensitive loudspeakers, this feature proves particularly advantageous when working with modern or high-output digital sources.

Another notable upgrade pertains to the volume potentiometer, which now takes the form of a premium ALPS RK Series potentiometer. It ensures superior performance and enhanced precision, and since it is now motorized, you can enjoy the convenience of adjusting the volume from the comfort of your couch via another new inclusion, a remote control.

As for the rest of A1? Totally legendary. Built around completely discrete and symmetrical Class A topology, A1 outputs 25W of pure Class A power (into eight ohms) with 25A of maximum output. Again, while those numbers might seem rather low, the ability for the output stage to drive difficult speakers will turn your head. And since the design subscribes to the dynamic Class A approach, if Class A standing current is exceeded, it will automatically allow more. In other words, A1 slides (and does not switch) smoothly into class B style operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw that's needed. 

Featuring the same low-noise preamplifier circuitry as found in the original, A1 employs a discrete current-mode phonostage for use with both MC and MM cartridges. A low-noise current to voltage conversion stage is used for further amplification and RIAA equalization. Automatic input impedance matching for the selected MC input, along with increased gain, further increases this component's versatility. Ditto five line-level inputs, two outputs, and easy-to-place dimensions.

Read some of the critical raves below and reach out to a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200 to learn more about this Reagan Era favorite, revised for the modern age.

“[This] 2x25W Class A unit picks up where its predecessor left off – notable for an organic, almost tube-like presentation that delivers music in a thrillingly expansive, expressive fashion.”
—EISA Award, 2024-2025, Best Enthusiasts Amplifier 

“More than most amps I'm familiar with, the Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amplifier engages my brain's right and left hemispheres in roughly equal fashion. That's its chief virtue. And that is something very few amps at any price can do. A timeless classic, as good as it was, but better.”
—Herb Reichert, Stereophile

"It is true ‘affordable esoterica,’ then — offering performance in some respects that’s hard to beat at three, four, or maybe five times the price."
—StereoNET 

"I love the look, I love the feel, I love the sound, I love the weight that it brings to music. This thing sounds like it‘s got some serious balls — a knockout!"
—Steve Guttenberg, The Audiophiliac 

"Two things ensure that the Musical Fidelity A1 ranks as one of the most intriguing and talented integrated amplifiers for the money. First of all, yes–it’s a great value. I can’t think of any integrated amplifier for less than $2K that offers this sort of fun, and with such an expansive list of useful features. Second, most of those affordable integrated amps lack that niche appeal."
—Part-Time Audiophile

"The creamy colorful music reproduction is of outstanding quality, extremely delicate and fine, of rarely heard detail and expressiveness. The stage is very well illuminated and layered in depth."
—Stereo

"The 2023 model doggedly sticks to the original design brief and still supplies a smooth, warm, and detailed sound, exactly what you’d expect from a good Class A amp."
—Forbes