'The Beast' is Back, and It's Better Than Ever
In audiophile circles, the Musical Fidelity A1 is widely known as one of the most classic integrated amplifier designs. Countless A1's are still in use today and remain the pride of their fortunate owners.
First released back in 1985, the A1 quickly made waves for being an absolute beast when it came 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, using only highest 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 multiple reissues and new versions over the years.
Now for 2023, for the first time since its initial release, Musical Fidelity has retained the specifications, appearance, and circuitry of the 1985 rendition for those who missed out the first time. But it now boasts an updated transformer, power supplies and modern low noise components to revitalize the formula for a fresh A1 original – three decades later.
Dynamic Class A Design
The A1 is built around a completely discrete and symmetrical Class A topology. It will output 25 watts of pure Class A power into an 8 ohm load with 25 amps of maximum output.
While the numbers here might seem rather low, the ability for the output stage to drive difficult speakers is a small miracle in itself. The amp design is dynamic class A, meaning that if Class A standing current is exceeded, this amplifier will automatically allow more. It therefore “slides” (NOT “switches”) smoothly into class B style operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw needed.
Enhanced, Updated Power Supply
The new A1 has received an updated transformer replacing the shared windings of the 1985 original with more efficient dual mono split rail windings. The amp stages are supplied by fully independent left and right power supplies for better power handling and stereo imaging, and each power amplifier now has double supply capacity, resulting in reduced ripple and noise.
The transformer‘s noise and heat dissipation are reduced due to better efficiency and updated components. The main supplies are filtered for better regulation and reduced switch-on surge.
Low-Noise Preamplifier
The A1's low noise preamplifier circuitry is the same as the original 1985 design and greatly benefits from the improved, fully smoothed and regulated power supplies.
One discernible alteration that immediately catches the eye is the addition of a new "Direct" switch for the preamp stage. This switch allows you to totally bypass the gain block before the volume control, resulting in roughly 10dB less gain. This feature proves particularly advantageous when working with modern or high-output digital sources for fine-tuning the range of your volume potentiometer to accommodate sensitive loudspeakers.
Also, a notable upgrade has been made to the volume potentiometer itself, now replaced by a premium ALPS RK series potentiometer. This high-quality component ensures superior performance and enhanced precision. Additionally, the potentiometer is now motorized, granting you the convenience of adjusting the volume from the comfort of your couch, courtesy of the new included remote control.
High Quality MM and MC Phono Stage
The A1 employs a discrete current-mode input stage for lowest noise amplification of 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 increases the versatility of the A1‘s phono stage.
It Makes Beautiful Music
The A1 makes beautiful music. It sounds sweet and fluid and creates a beautiful atmosphere around natural instruments – especially in small to mid-sized rooms, carefully set up with a pair of great two-way speakers. It is not a powerhouse, but music lovers will cherish its abilities. It‘s also not a product that you‘ll want to hide., but a perfect example of form follows function. The oversized heatsinks define the A1‘s look and are essential for its operation. It is truly unique, from the outside as well as the inside.
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, the A1 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, pure and simple.
