Musical Fidelity’s A1 integrated amplifier takes music lovers on a journey back in time, resurrecting the distinctive, slender-chassis styling and much of the under-the-hood design of the company’s celebrated 1980s original. This remains an all-analogue amp with MM/MC phono, line in and tape loop connections, but now benefits from carefully considered upgrades to its power supply and internal heatsinking, and adds a welcome Direct mode that bypasses the preamp gain. Otherwise, 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.
