Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier Review w/ Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal

[@1999zrx1100]

I had one of the originals back in the 80’s, played the hell out of it for 20 plus years, sounded so close to tubes, these newer units must be just as amazing. 👍

[@jazzkatt7083]

Kevin, you and Kat make the best videos for gear. They are informative and entertaining. Keep ‘em coming!😊

[@jakbenardete7707]

I had the original, my first serious amp, year probably 85/86, had the Sony CDP1 the OG CD player and some bookshelf speakers that I can't remember, and the sound was pure butter. Got hot hot hot, and sounded that way too. Loved that amp, I am itching to get the new version. Love shopping at Upscale, you guys are great.

[@frostycanada6404]

What’s remarkable, and something Kevin doesn’t really mention is how distinct this amp sounds compared to other class A or other amps period. I own a Sugden and a Cayin tube integrated and the A1 is more tube like in character than solid state …really amazing. I placed my order when it was first announced and have been enjoying it for a few weeks now. Well done Musical Fidelity, Brian Kevin: thank you for the internal pictures and your personal thoughts.

[@elthamlad468]

I also own Cayin. I am very curious about this amp. Which model Cayin do you have and do you feel the A1 sounds better ultimately?

[@frostycanada6404]

@@elthamlad468 Hello elthamlad, I have a CS55A (KT88) running all stock tubes. Just to be clear “subjective” I don’t find the A1 better than my Cayin but (but) the midrange of the A1 as compared to Cayin or my other amps is deliciously good , just beautiful. The A1 is a fabulous amp at a very reasonable price … it’s an amp that I will be keeping forever or until it blows up 😝🙂 Please do yourself a favour and book an appointment with your trusted Audio dealer and test it out. I would love to hear your personal impressions (good or bad) on this amp. Hope this helps. Please keep in touch, Brian

[@1999zrx1100]

Bought a Luxman Classe A a year ago for more then 10 times the price, I wish I knew these were about to be re- released. Had the original back in the day, talk about a product that punches well beyond it’s price point. 👍

[@frostycanada6404]

@@1999zrx1100 Your Luxman is a beautiful piece. I would be personally very happy owning one if I could. My A1 sounds absolutely fantastic, but it’s no Luxman. Take care, Brian

[@immurli]

I still have the original MF A1, and it works like a charm. I'm not going to change it unless it dies on its own.

[@greencraig8570]

Guttenberg loved this amp, too.

[@avro66]

Hi Kevin, I had the original A1 back in 89, pair of nice bookshelf speakers in my one man room while serving in the RAF, wonderful amplifier, and this new one looks like it could tempt me back, to a class A amplifier, I have tannoy floor standing speakers now ,and listen at modest levels, thanks for you great reviews and insight.

[@brucebelcher4995]

I have fond memories of the Musical Fidelity A1 that I had in grad school. I've moved on to a primaluna dialogue pre-amp and a pair of primaluna dialogue 6 amps. The primalunas cost a lot more, and they are definitely a big improvement, but the A1 is a good choice in it's price range.

[@davidcarter9156]

Kevin, I want to sell gear for you as you have so much fun and know your stuff! Thanks again and keep us updated on your journey with the monster home setup you have.

[@RoddyYon-ed5vt]

I love the way you give it to us you are one of my go to guy thanks

[@asdf072xxp]

I love you're recognition of the great Dr Steven Brule. :)

[@williamchan4340]

Back in the 80's this A1 was among one of my purchase considerations. Eventually I paid 3+ more times the price for the Krell KSA50 Class A power amp😂

[@borlach321]

Kevin, do you plan on doing a review of the Musical Fidelity Nu Vista 800.2?

[@grgnfl05]

Thanks Kevin, very informative video.

[@marcbegine]

Musical Fidelity is finally back thanks to Heinz Lichtenegger’s “Pro-Ject Audio Systems”, who bought this glorious Firm and put it back on the HIGH END Map😎

[@jackstraw1756]

Kevin, just how good is the phono stage in this amp? Say of that phono stage was a stand alone unit what do you estimate it would cost?

[@gilbertsimbol401]

So Kevin you reviewed both the Musical Fidelity m6si Integrated Amp and now the A1. Which is the better sounding amp ? Any suggestions ?

[@upscaleaudio]

They both sound amazing! It can depend on the room, and the rest of your gear. The A1 has that amazing class A sound, but the M6si has incredible bass!

[@milesdufourny4813]

The original was the "Swiss Army Knife" of HiFi - combination amplifier and Hot Plate. You could warm up a can of soup while listening to your favorite music.

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Miles, and it’s no different with the new A1. I have mine playing now and it’s pushing 62c at normal sound levels 🥳 Beautiful amplifier, Brian

[@guccisasha]

Nice ty Kevin.

[@Exgol2005]

Can the A1 be used purely as preamp feeding a class D power amp to drive low impedance speakers?

[@tonipinto228]

No vale la pena

[@bradleydurbin6784]

Have you heard of a new Speaker company from Scotland called Fyne Audio?

[@jerrypowers7671]

Really?

[@raymondtaylor6966]

I’m seeking your help in a rather serious matter I have a wonderful Musical Fidelity A5 I A you are my favorite video blog for info on all things A/V and I believe you are formular with M F I’m hoping you can make some suggestions for

[@upscaleaudio]

Let’s get you with one of our experts! What’s the rest of your system?

[@happylifeman4306]

Nice drama review😊

[@PersonaNonGrata-uz4of]

I'd like to see him do a blind listening test between that amp and the Sony he mentioned. Will never happen.

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Persona, I own a new A1 and would probably pick this out (blind) each and every time. What’s remarkable is how different and distinct this amp sounds as compared to other brands or other class A amps. I highly recommend for you to search out a dealer and doing a demo for yourself. Take care, Brian

[@subant05]

“Ribbed for your pleasure”….smh😂

[@stephensebert763]

We dont all listen to classical. Power especially current heavy with minute thd, is absolutely relevant. Look up sansui b2101. Look at the usec reaction times. It would chew up that amp and spit it out, 1985 vintage

[@mookie2637]

I am a bit surprised that a competent reviewer (or is this a dealer?) wouldn't understand the concept of a transimpedance phono stage. They've been around for decades.

[@EdBenji]

If you tie Kevins hands up he wouldn't be able to speak!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Harkin Coda Kevin, oh uh, UR not a dealer 😮

[@Jumbo-D]

Bought one of the originals back in the eighty's and it melted down with in 30 days. Returned it to the dealer who replaced it with a new one which also melted down in about a month. Returned that one and applied my money to a set of Pass Lab mono's that did not melt down, and served me well for many years. If you buy one of these do not ever touch it until it's been off for hours, runs extremely HOT. I have been there and done that with this unit, I will not be buying another one - Cheap Garbage !!

[@adamnocon9432]

Is it true, maybe if you kept it without ventilation space on top and on either side of the amplifier?

[@PersonaNonGrata-uz4of]

This isn't a review it's an advertisement.

[@hushpuppykl]

Wow! Amazing epiphany. What’s the name of this channel? Duh … Most importantly, is there any misleading statement here? Nope. I got the new A1 and yeah, it sounds nice. Very nice.

[@robk5745]

He never actually does a review.

[@borisbobowski628]

Wake up! Every Review on KZbin is paid!

[@jerrypowers7671]

The nerve of the owner of a company promoting the products he sells. Next thing you know McDonalds will be advertising their hamburgers.

[@robk5745]

@@jerrypowers7671 no one saying that’s a problem, just don’t call it a review, nice try thoigh

[@xstensl8823]

i keep telling the chicks size does not matter.