PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING 1) Be kind and courteous to one another in the comments.it's fine to have different opinions, Remember that we are not all the same! 2) No URLs or # Please; It will be delete it automatically by TH-cam! 3) For Daily Content, News from the Audio World and my Blog Please visit my social accounts: linktr.ee/madaudio
Mad Audio, this is one of the best and most complete review of the A1 out there, well done! I placed my orders when it was first announced and it’s everything I thought it would be and more. You’re the only reviewer to bring up the noisy volume control (mine does it and it doesn’t bother me) and bigger power cable can be a problem as my Kimber power cable just fit. The A1 has a beautiful tone and is very special fresh out of the box and it just keeps getting better, and better as you listen to more of your favourite music. Well done Musical Fidelity, Brian
Regarding the Denon DL103 MC cartridge compatibility, I investigated a bit and it looks to me the problem might NOT be with the Denon's low output. It seems that the A1 MC stage is a so called Current Mode (CM) current dumping stage (hence it needs no load adjustment). CM stages work best with cartridges of very low to low internal impedance (
Nothing but super positive reviews on this one makes me wanna try it out. I’ve got Harbeth P3Esr and Proac Tablette 10, both not super hard to drive but benefit greatly from good amplification. Can’t wait to test it out. Keep up the good work !
You will love it on the Tabs. On the Harbeths I'm not so sure the combo won't become too warm and featureless. But the amp can also drive much more dynamic speakers than those two.
@@MadAudiofficial Harbeths really lived up to the hype for me. They will sound great even on a cheap amp but obviously the better amplification the better they will sound. Plus the craftsmanship is amazing. I bought brand new pair ( non XD ) for 2000$. Proacs are great also, more detailed, little elevated treble, but it seems like they respond best to quality amp. Both are great. Explore used market, some great deals can be found and you’re saving lots of money. And when you want to upgrade to even better speaker you will not lose a great deal of money.
Also strongly consider the Schiit Aegir, which is half the price of the A1. You’ll need a separate preamp, but will still end up with money left over. The Aegir is high-bias Class-A and is translucent, detailed, and very muscular for its 20 watts. Everything is as it should be with this amp - never forward or hard, and perfectly balanced across the frequency range.
Have you heard the Schiit Aegir? Does it have the sweet liquid sound of Musical Fidelity A1? I would be very interested to know how they compare in sound quality. @@ChicagoRob2
This integrated is really something special. Needs break in for sure and I put mine on the top shelf of my rack and added isolation footers for more air flow underneath. This topped my reference amp that cost a fair amount more. Have mine paired with the 1TDX.
Yup, not necessarily better than much more expensive amplification I've had, just more addictive. As soon as you swap out the A1 for something else, you miss the A1.
Your atmosferic vid really complements the properties (sound) of the iconic A1, nicely done! I tend to prefer warmer tuned gear a bit more, so I'm def. going to audition this one. Thank you for the insights. 🙏
Per me un ottimo amplificatore in classe A visto il costo basso unico difetto che ci vogliamo delle elettroniche di qualità per ascoltare appieno la macchina ma questo vale un po per tutto buona recensione saluti
Hi, thanks for the review. I noticed during your video you show your prohibitively more expensive Cambridge Audio Edge series, which I am aware you're very fond of. How does this very affordable offering compare to something that is considerably more expensive? Also, if the A1 requires more power to drive different speakers, try getting hold of some old Musical Fidelity 550K Supercharger Monoblocks and add them to the mix. You'll be able to power anything and the extra headroom should dramatically increase the dynamic range of the A1. Now that would be a very interesting review :)
You welcome, intresting product the 550k, didn't know something like that existed, but i am afraid in the same time that something like that will.brake the spirit of the A1. As soon you turn on the A1 you will forget about everything, with the right speakers is just pure pleasure.
@@CorbinByCorbin you simply can’t compare it! One is affordable and the other way expensive, one is low watt class A for relatively small speakers and one can handle almost all speakers, if we take a compact speaker like the Project box 5 S2 i will always choose the A1 over any amp cause is just magic, but with more difficult to drive speakers is another story.
Can you compare the Musical Fidelity A1 to the Schiit Aegir 2? The Aegir 2 is also class A but has more power is cheaper and can be bridged to mono mode. It only lacks in dumping factor 10 compared to 150 of the A1.
Today I audiotioned the A1 with my Elac DBR62, amazing sound! It is true these are hard to drive speakers and more meat and bass was heard with an Unison Research Unico Primo, it was a tough call.. Now I am intrigued with your Pro-Ject Box 5 S2. Do you think they sound better than your Elacs?
I Don't have anymore the beautiful DBR62 unfortunately, had to send it back to ELAC, but i have the DFR52 and you can't compare a Floorstanding speaker to a small Bookshelf, the Box 5 S2 is something magic and if you managed to integrate a small subwoofer you can really fly away!
@@samidebs3559 Great question since i have both of them, the S400 mkii is a speaker that benefits a lot from good and quality power, with A1 you will got a beautiful open and airy sound with clear voices. However as I said with something above 50 W they will extend more in the sub bass and dynamic!
Looking at some of the older A1 amps, at a third of the price of the new model. I'd love to know if the older model is worth buying? How much different does the new model sound vs the old one? I'd be powering a pair of aDs L810s (94db/6ohms) or the aDs 910s (93db/4ohms). They need a lot of current to play their best.
Great review. I know the A1 is only 25wpc@8ohm. Not sure about 4 ohm rating, anybody know? but do you think it could sound good on the Magnepan LRS+ or KEF LS50 META? I think the 4 ohm rating would have to be close to 50wpc to work with these speakers. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Thanks for the review. I hope you did not forget to switch it to NORMAL (rather than direct) mode when using low output MC cartridge. Could you please confirm? I have listened to the new A1 extensively at home but I'm not a vinyl listener any more.
Thx for watching, no i didn't forget, the Denon DL103 has only 0.3mV output so was an hard test, but moving to the Sumiko Blue Point 3 low that has 0.5mV things get much better..
@@MadAudiofficial I deleted my original answer to this and commented on a possible reason for your results with the Denon in a separate top-level comment which some readers may find interesting. In short it might not be due to the Denon's output level but due to the Denon's high internal impedance in combination with the specific kind of phono stage the A1 uses. Pls. read my other comment if you are interested.
I know these two are in a completely different tier but... How does the A1 compare to the Rotel A11 Tribute in overall tonality and resolution? I'm asking because I demo'd the A11 Tribute for some time and know how it compares to other amps I've owned, so I can use it as a reference to help me predict what other amps may or may not be to my taste.. Thank you sir :)
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING
1) Be kind and courteous to one another in the comments.it's fine to have different opinions, Remember that we are not all the same!
2) No URLs or # Please; It will be delete it automatically by TH-cam!
3) For Daily Content, News from the Audio World and my Blog Please visit my social accounts: linktr.ee/madaudio
@pt265 i test it but didn't convince me!
Mad Audio, this is one of the best and most complete review of the A1 out there, well done!
I placed my orders when it was first announced and it’s everything I thought it would be and more.
You’re the only reviewer to bring up the noisy volume control (mine does it and it doesn’t bother me) and bigger power cable can be a problem as my Kimber power cable just fit.
The A1 has a beautiful tone and is very special fresh out of the box and it just keeps getting better, and better as you listen to more of your favourite music.
Well done Musical Fidelity,
Brian
Thank you very much, really appreciate your feedback, enjoy the beautiful A1👌🏾
My power knob has the same sound ..i dont care love this unit
Regarding the Denon DL103 MC cartridge compatibility, I investigated a bit and it looks to me the problem might NOT be with the Denon's low output. It seems that the A1 MC stage is a so called Current Mode (CM) current dumping stage (hence it needs no load adjustment). CM stages work best with cartridges of very low to low internal impedance (
Nothing but super positive reviews on this one makes me wanna try it out. I’ve got Harbeth P3Esr and Proac Tablette 10, both not super hard to drive but benefit greatly from good amplification. Can’t wait to test it out. Keep up the good work !
You will love it on the Tabs. On the Harbeths I'm not so sure the combo won't become too warm and featureless. But the amp can also drive much more dynamic speakers than those two.
Thank you, wish to have the budget to purchase Harbeth snd ProAc speakers, they are just phenomenal, maybe one day..✌🏾
@@MadAudiofficial Harbeths really lived up to the hype for me. They will sound great even on a cheap amp but obviously the better amplification the better they will sound. Plus the craftsmanship is amazing. I bought brand new pair ( non XD ) for 2000$. Proacs are great also, more detailed, little elevated treble, but it seems like they respond best to quality amp. Both are great. Explore used market, some great deals can be found and you’re saving lots of money. And when you want to upgrade to even better speaker you will not lose a great deal of money.
Also strongly consider the Schiit Aegir, which is half the price of the A1. You’ll need a separate preamp, but will still end up with money left over. The Aegir is high-bias Class-A and is translucent, detailed, and very muscular for its 20 watts. Everything is as it should be with this amp - never forward or hard, and perfectly balanced across the frequency range.
Have you heard the Schiit Aegir? Does it have the sweet liquid sound of Musical Fidelity A1? I would be very interested to know how they compare in sound quality. @@ChicagoRob2
This integrated is really something special. Needs break in for sure and I put mine on the top shelf of my rack and added isolation footers for more air flow underneath. This topped my reference amp that cost a fair amount more. Have mine paired with the 1TDX.
It is, what you are driving with?
@@MadAudiofficial CSS 1TDX. Amazing speaker for the money. DAC is a Gustard R26 with Eversolo streamer.
Yup, not necessarily better than much more expensive amplification I've had, just more addictive. As soon as you swap out the A1 for something else, you miss the A1.
Your atmosferic vid really complements the properties (sound) of the iconic A1, nicely done!
I tend to prefer warmer tuned gear a bit more, so I'm def. going to audition this one. Thank you for the insights. 🙏
Thank you very much for watching and find the time to give your feedback 🙏
🤗🙏THANKS FOR THE HELPING THE COMMUNITY 👍😎💚💚💚
@@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for your review. I’ll definitely be demoing this.
You're welcome, don't forget a glass of red wine! ✌🏾
Per me un ottimo amplificatore in classe A visto il costo basso unico difetto che ci vogliamo delle elettroniche di qualità per ascoltare appieno la macchina ma questo vale un po per tutto buona recensione saluti
Bought one for ProAc D20R - it’s rules
Hi, thanks for the review. I noticed during your video you show your prohibitively more expensive Cambridge Audio Edge series, which I am aware you're very fond of. How does this very affordable offering compare to something that is considerably more expensive? Also, if the A1 requires more power to drive different speakers, try getting hold of some old Musical Fidelity 550K Supercharger Monoblocks and add them to the mix. You'll be able to power anything and the extra headroom should dramatically increase the dynamic range of the A1. Now that would be a very interesting review :)
You welcome, intresting product the 550k, didn't know something like that existed, but i am afraid in the same time that something like that will.brake the spirit of the A1. As soon you turn on the A1 you will forget about everything, with the right speakers is just pure pleasure.
@@MadAudiofficial Can you speak to his question about the Cambridge Audio Edge comparison?
@@CorbinByCorbin you simply can’t compare it! One is affordable and the other way expensive, one is low watt class A for relatively small speakers and one can handle almost all speakers, if we take a compact speaker like the Project box 5 S2 i will always choose the A1 over any amp cause is just magic, but with more difficult to drive speakers is another story.
Can you compare the Musical Fidelity A1 to the Schiit Aegir 2? The Aegir 2 is also class A but has more power is cheaper and can be bridged to mono mode. It only lacks in dumping factor 10 compared to 150 of the A1.
@@dragonstone6594 i sent them an email in once for a sample unit to review but no reply unfortunately, maybe I will try again👍🏽
Great review, I would like to try these with whafedale Lintons ,
Thx Just let me know when you will do it!
Nice review!
Thank you
Beautiful !
@@kamtongwong9663 thx for sharing 👍🏽
Today I audiotioned the A1 with my Elac DBR62, amazing sound! It is true these are hard to drive speakers and more meat and bass was heard with an Unison Research Unico Primo, it was a tough call.. Now I am intrigued with your Pro-Ject Box 5 S2. Do you think they sound better than your Elacs?
I Don't have anymore the beautiful DBR62 unfortunately, had to send it back to ELAC, but i have the DFR52 and you can't compare a Floorstanding speaker to a small Bookshelf, the Box 5 S2 is something magic and if you managed to integrate a small subwoofer you can really fly away!
Hi,I like your channel a lot I believe you’re very professional,do you think the A1 sounds good with the Bouchard S400 mkII !?
@@samidebs3559 Great question since i have both of them, the S400 mkii is a speaker that benefits a lot from good and quality power, with A1 you will got a beautiful open and airy sound with clear voices. However as I said with something above 50 W they will extend more in the sub bass and dynamic!
@@MadAudiofficial I already have the kinki studio EXM1 but if I want to buy the A1 for night quite vocal listening!
@@samidebs3559 A1 ist the amp that you buy it once and keep it forever!
Looking at some of the older A1 amps, at a third of the price of the new model. I'd love to know if the older model is worth buying? How much different does the new model sound vs the old one? I'd be powering a pair of aDs L810s (94db/6ohms) or the aDs 910s (93db/4ohms). They need a lot of current to play their best.
Great review. I know the A1 is only 25wpc@8ohm. Not sure about 4 ohm rating, anybody know? but do you think it could sound good on the Magnepan LRS+ or KEF LS50 META? I think the 4 ohm rating would have to be close to 50wpc to work with these speakers. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Thanks for the review. I hope you did not forget to switch it to NORMAL (rather than direct) mode when using low output MC cartridge. Could you please confirm? I have listened to the new A1 extensively at home but I'm not a vinyl listener any more.
Thx for watching, no i didn't forget, the Denon DL103 has only 0.3mV output so was an hard test, but moving to the Sumiko Blue Point 3 low that has 0.5mV things get much better..
@@MadAudiofficial I deleted my original answer to this and commented on a possible reason for your results with the Denon in a separate top-level comment which some readers may find interesting. In short it might not be due to the Denon's output level but due to the Denon's high internal impedance in combination with the specific kind of phono stage the A1 uses. Pls. read my other comment if you are interested.
Great review and I wish I could speak Italian as well as you can speak English.
Thank you very much for the feedback 🙏
Is it safe to run this as a preamp only?
Nice review thank you ..will it handle 4 ohm speaker Martin logan 40i ?
Thanks, i will probably go with something more compact and smaller! But i didn't test the Martin Logan so..
This amp is unbelievable ..beautifull my logans sing still need to break in but WoW. emotion.
I know these two are in a completely different tier but... How does the A1 compare to the Rotel A11 Tribute in overall tonality and resolution?
I'm asking because I demo'd the A11 Tribute for some time and know how it compares to other amps I've owned, so I can use it as a reference to help me predict what other amps may or may not be to my taste..
Thank you sir :)
There is no comparison, A1 is another planet!
@@MadAudiofficial haha, which planet though??
@@tpn8402 hahaha mars maybe, btw i love my A11 tribute, but imaging and resolution on A1 is outstanding!
@@MadAudiofficial ahh... So it sounds hot and dry
Motor noise from a motorised volume pot is normal
Your accent is so sexy! Oh yes the review is great too! Subscribed!
Thank you ✌🏽
Can hardly understand anything. I'm off
way too much heating on that amp . its a pitty
Well it's class A!
Wow that accent is unbearable.
Wow, this comment is just not it.
I’d like to hear your Italian
I think this reviewer does an AMAZING job and his English is great.