SKU: 71542539009

Musical Fidelity A1 - Integrated Amplifier

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Description

Musical Fidelity A1 - Integrated AmplifierA1 Overview In Hi Fi, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs inside and out. First released back in 1985, 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. But: it was all done in pure Class A with excellent and expertly laid out discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and

 

A1 - Overview

In Hi-Fi, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. First released back in 1985, 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. But: it 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 and new versions over the years.

Now for 2023, for the first time since its initial release we have actually kept all specifications, the appearance and circuits of the 1985 rendition for those who missed out the first time. With an updated transformer, power supplies and modern low noise components we’ve revitalized the formula and are proud to reintroduce the fresh original – three decades later.

Technical Talk

The A1 is built around a completely discrete and symmetrical Class A topology. It‘s able to output 25W of pure Class A power @ 8 ohms load with 25A 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 being dynamic class A, and if Class A standing current is exceeded, it will automatically allow more. It therefore “slides” (NOT “switches”) smoothly into class B style operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw needed.

Power Supply

The new A1 has received an updated transformer from shared (1985 original) to 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.

 

 

Preamplifier

 

 

The low noise preamplifier circuitry is the same as the original 1985 design and, as we have highlighted above, greatly benefits from the improved, fully smoothed and regulated power supplies.

Among the discernible alterations, one that immediately catches the eye is the addition of a new „direct“ switch at the preamp stage. With this switch you can 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, enabling fine tuning the range of your volume potentiometer and accommodating sensitive loudspeakers.

Furthermore, 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.

 

 

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.

The return of a true Hi-Fi classic

The A1 has one secret. This secret is simple: it makes 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. A perfect example of form follows function. The oversized heatsinks define the A1‘s look, but they are essential for its operation. Truly unique, from the outside and 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, 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.

 

 

The A1 through time - Improvements to the original

  • Updated transformer to more efficient “dual mono split rail” windings
  • High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer as volume control
  • IR remote control added for volume
  • Gain block before volume control totally by passable using “direct” switch (-10dB)
  • All transistors including output devices are carefully selected modern equivalents
  • All capacitors in signal path are polypropylene (PP) type
  • Resistors are modern low noise metal film types
  • Care and attention made to not change any component specification from original but to update them to modern equivalent with long lifespan
  • Layout faithfully follows original within circuit sections on circuit board
  • Circuit sections better laid out, in particular the separate supplies and power amplifiers
  • Phono stage and preamplifier improved for less noise and hum

 

 

The A1 in Brief

  • 25W Pure Class A power @ 8 Ohm
  • Discrete symmetrical topology
  • Planar Audio transistors with 25A maximum output
  • Dynamic class A, slides (NOT switches) smoothly into Class B, allowing more current as needed
  • Therefore drives difficult speakers with no problems
  • Updated transformer to “dual mono split rail” windings
  • Fully independent left and right power supplies
  • Each power amplifier now has double supply capacity
  • Transformer noise and heat dissipation reduced
  • Filtered main supplies
  • Gain block before volume control totally bypassable using “direct” switch
  • High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer
  • Low noise TL071 JFET preamplifier circuitry
  • Discrete current-mode MM/MC phono input stage
  • Low noise current to voltage converter for further amplification and RIAA equalisation
  • Automatic input impedance matching (1K nominal) for MC along with increased gain
  • Original (1985) A1 appearance and circuits with modern improvements
  • Remote control added for volume
  • Modern updated low noise components

    A1 - Specifications

    Amplifier

    • Power: 25 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
    • Voltage: 42.5 Volts peak to peak
    • Current: 25 Amps peak to peak
    • Damping Factor: 150
    • Gain (volume max): 32dB (Direct Mode), 42dB (Normal Mode)
    • Output devices: 2 per channel
    • Signal / noise ratio: 82dB
    • Channel separation: 85dB
    • Frequency response: + 0, –1dB, 10Hz to 40 kHz
    • Line level sensitivity: 300mV rms nominal, 8V rms max
    • Line level inputs impedance: 25k Ohms
    • Tape Out impedance: 220 Ohms
    • Pre Out impedance: 100 Ohms

    Phono Preamp

    • Phono RIAA response: +/- 1dB
    • MM sensitivity: 5mV nominal
    • MM capacitance / impedance / gain: 100pF / 50k Ohms / 40dB
    • MM signal / noise ratio: 75dB
    • MC sensitivity: 450μV nominal
    • MC impedance / gain: 1k Ohm / 60dB
    • MC signal / noise ratio: 70dB

    Inputs

    • 1x phono RCA MM/MC, 5x line RCA

    Outputs

    • 1 x line level RCA fix TAPE OUT
    • 1 x line level RCA var PRE OUT
    • 1 x 4mm banana/binding posts SPEAKER OUT

    General Information

    • Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 68.3 x 283.3 mm
    • Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
    • Max. Consumption: 130W, 0W in standby (=Power Switch OFF)
    • Weight: 10.5kg

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 71542539009

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C. Critchfield
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Only protein shake I've found that doesn't cramp my stomach
Flavor Name: Chocolate, Size: 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
I've tried the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, and chocolate is by far the best. It's not too sweet (where as the vanilla and strawberry were). It doesn't have any extra whey concentrate or caseinate or soy or whatever added to it to boost protein. Brands that do that mess up my stomach, giving me bad stomach cramps. This is just highly filtered milk, and lactase enzyme that tackles the lactose sugar left behind after filtration. Maybe that's the secret. (I can drink normal milk and not get cramps. But, whey protein isolate and other things give me cramps.) This has become a go-to in a protein diet I'm on. I'll have one for breakfast with some coffee. That lasts me until lunch. If not, I'll simply have another 2 hours later. They're each less than 200 calories, so it's not too bad having another if it staves off hunger. I find I eat a smaller lunch. I might have another one for a mid-afternoon snack. Then I'll have a normal dinner. Basically I'm replacing bigger meals and a breakfast with 2-3 smaller calorie protein shakes. And the protein keeps me satisfied. (unlike something like slim fast that's just all sugar and ramps up your insulin). They're a bit pricey (almost $4/bottle). But, I'm cutting back on my grocery bill as well. So, it's balancing out. I figure I could be spending $12/day on fast food or some other garbage that makes me fat. Instead I'm drinking 2-3 of these a day, and am down 10lbs over a month. I'll stick with these.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026
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Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
No Chalky Aftertaste!
Flavor Name: Chocolate, Size: 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
I've tried many different kinds of protein drinks, and almost all of them have either an unpleasant consistency or aftertaste. This Core Power Chocolate Protein Shake is by far the best I have ever tasted. If you place your cold drink in the freezer for about an hour and a half before drinking, it becomes slushy like a real milkshake. It is delicious and high in protein. I drink one just about every day for a quick and easy lunch.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
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Andy A
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
still the best but a big price premium
Flavor Name: Chocolate, Size: 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Still the best tasting out there. drinking these is not a chore. easy open bottle. the price is the only thing, These are great for lunch replacement where you actually look forward to drinking it. every now and then my kids will get to them. it really is like a really good chocolate milk closer to a milkshake. but yea price is a touch excessive, but this protein level is the best price per gram after i ran the numbers compared to theor other products.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2026
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Brenda Lee Worden
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Great source of protein.
Flavor Name: Chocolate, Size: 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Great source of protein! It is not too sweet and the chocolate flavor is the best. There is not any nasty after taste, so they are easy to drink. My only complaint is how expensive they are.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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Casey
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Tasting and Already to GO!!
Flavor Name: Chocolate, Size: 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
As someone who’s into fitness, I was looking for a tasty protein shake that I could grab on the go, and the Core Power High Protein Milk Shakes have become my favorite. This is the chocolate flavor, 14 fl oz bottles, and they come in a case of 12. Each bottle packs 26g of protein which is perfect for recovery after a workout or even as a meal supplement if I’m in a rush. What sets Core Power apart for me is the taste and texture – the chocolate flavor is rich and creamy, not chalky or overly sweet like some other RTD shakes. It’s like drinking a chocolate milk, honestly. I also like that it’s made with real milk (ultra-filtered lowfat milk), so it contains natural high-quality protein (both whey and casein) and it also has a good amount of calcium. It’s not just a thin water-based shake; it feels more satisfying and indulgent. Despite the creaminess, it’s actually low fat and doesn’t sit heavy in my stomach. I usually chill them in the fridge and it’s a nice cold treat post-gym. They’re lactose-free (the ultra-filtering removes lactose, I believe), which is great because I’m a bit lactose sensitive and I’ve had zero issues digesting these. Each bottle also has around 170 calories and they are pretty low in added sugar compared to some other brands – plus the 26g of protein per bottle is a solid dose. I find it keeps me full for a decent amount of time. The convenience is top-notch; I keep a couple in my gym bag (they’re shelf-stable until opened) and a bunch in the fridge. The 12 pack usually lasts me a couple of weeks if I’m doing one a day after workouts. It’s also a lifesaver for those mornings I don’t have time for breakfast – I can just drink one of these and know I’ve gotten protein and some nutrients in. All in all, Core Power Chocolate is delicious and effective. It feels like a treat but is fueling my body with what it needs. I’ve tried many protein shakes and this one is by far the best tasting and easiest on the stomach. Highly recommend for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone wanting a protein boost with great taste.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2025

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