Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2023/06/25

In Hi-Fi, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. Now, for 2023, for the first time since its initial release MF have actually kept all specifications, the appearance and circuits of the 1990’s rendition for those who missed out the first time.
First released back in the 90s, it quickly made waves for being an absolute beast when it came down to driving some of the most difficult speakers of that time, even though it was actually a rather low powered integrated amplifier. I was all done in pure Class A with excellent and expertly laid out discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and 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 amid new versions over the years. Now, with an updated transformer, power supplies and modern low noise components Musical Fidelity revitalized the formula and are proud to reintroduce the fresh original – three decades later.
The new version yields 25W per channel, featuring a Dynamic class A power stage, meaning that, if class A quiescent current is exceeded, it will automatically allow for more, by “sliding” (not “switching”) smoothly into class B operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw needed. The updated transformer uses “dual mono split rail” windings and there are fully independent left and right power supplies for better power handling and stereo imaging. Each power amplifier now has double supply capacity, resulting in reduced ripple and noise and improved performance. Transformer noise and heat dissipation are reduced due to better efficiency and updated components, the company says.
The gain stage before the volume control is totally by-passable using a “direct” switch (-10dB) and a high quality and updated Alps RK series potentiometer is used as attenuator. The preamp circuit features low noise TL071 JFET op-amps, same as the original (1988) design.
The phono input uses a discrete current-mode input stage for lowest noise amplification of MC as well as MM cartridges and a low noise current to voltage converter for further amplification and RIAA equalization. The input impedance matching is automatic (1K nominal) for MC.

For more information: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/

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