Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier

Instructions for Use

Thank you for choosing the A1 integrated Class A amplifier. Used properly, it should provide many years of outstanding musical reproduction. The A1 is designed for high-definition performance, strongly biased into Class A for audible smoothness and clarity. For any questions regarding the audio system, please consult your dealer.

Heat Dissipation

The A1 is a traditional Class A amplifier, which dissipates power as heat. It is strongly biased into Class A, generating heat comparable to a 75-watt light bulb. The entire top surface of the A1 acts as a heat sink. To ensure full heat dissipation, do not place anything on top of the unit at any time. Average surface temperatures of the heat sink are around 55 degrees Celsius, and front panel controls may feel warm to the touch. The exact temperature depends on ambient room temperature and the amount of energy dissipated as sound.

CAUTION: Some parts of the product may become very hot and cause burns. Special care should be taken in the presence of children and vulnerable persons.

Keep the top of the A1 free of dust and grime. Dust regularly with a soft duster or soft brush. Avoid using cleaning or polishing agents, as they may harm the surface finish.

Safety Information

IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)

This unit is supplied in the U.K. with a mains lead fitted with a moulded 10 amp plug. If the plug needs to be removed, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of children. It must not be plugged into a mains outlet.

The wires in the mains lead are coloured according to the following code:

• Green and yellow: Earth
• Blue: Neutral
• Brown: Live

WARNING – This appliance MUST be earthed

If the wire colours in the mains lead do not correspond with the terminal markings in the plug, proceed as follows:

• Connect the green-and-yellow wire to the terminal marked 'E', green, or green-and-yellow, or the earth symbol [earth symbol].
• Connect the brown wire to the terminal marked 'L' or coloured red.
• Connect the blue wire to the terminal marked 'N' or coloured black.
• If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.

WARNING: Any modifications to this product not expressly approved by Musical Fidelity, the party responsible for standards compliance, could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

General Advice

Your new A1 is designed for trouble-free performance, but a few precautions are necessary. Please ensure you comply with these before connecting AC power. Retain this guide for future reference.

• Heed all warnings on the back of the amplifier.
• Connect the A1 only to a mains outlet with the same voltage as marked on the unit.
• Make all connections with the power OFF.
• Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are unlikely to be walked on or trapped.
• Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers or other objects on the A1 (e.g., flower vase, potted plants). If water spills inside, immediately pull the mains plug from the wall socket and inform your dealer. Liquid ingress is dangerous and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.
• Do not place the unit near direct heat sources (radiators, direct sunlight) or other equipment.
• Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.
• Do not remove covers or attempt internal access. There are no user-serviceable parts. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent. (Note: Unauthorized opening invalidates the warranty).
• Dust regularly with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid cleaning or polishing agents.
• Modern hi-fi electronics can be affected by lightning. For protection during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.
• For after-sales service, quote the serial number on the rear panel to help the dealer identify the A1.

Installation

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier. Musical Fidelity has paid great attention to reviving this classic amplifier for a new generation.

Cleaning

Before cleaning, switch off power at the mains and remove the mains plug. Allow the A1 to cool if necessary. Clean the cabinet and remote control with a moist cloth. Solvents, white spirit, or thinners are not advised as they may damage the surface finish.

Installation

Position the A1 on a stable, horizontal surface, away from risk of being knocked or subjected to vibration from loudspeakers.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The A1 is strongly biased into Class A, dissipating power as heat. Surface temperatures of 55-65 degrees C are average for the heat sink in a room at 20 degrees C ambient. Front panel controls may feel warm. Exact temperature depends on ambient room temperature and energy dissipated as sound.

THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 50MM OF CLEAR SPACE BEHIND, AND AT LEAST 250MM CLEAR SPACE ABOVE THE A1. THE WHOLE TOP OF THE A1 IS A HEAT SINK. TO ALLOW FULL HEAT DISSIPATION, NOTHING SHOULD BE PLACED ON IT AT ANY TIME.

Protect the A1 from humidity. If moved from a cold to a warm room, leave the unit for an hour for moisture to evaporate.

Power Connections

The A1 is supplied with a standard IEC mains cable, which plugs into the IEC socket at the back of the unit (see page 6).

Audio Connections

• Phono Input: Connect a turntable phono source to the PHONO RCA input. Use a good quality, fully connected (signal and ground) phono RCA cable. Connect the ground wire to the ground post. Position input leads carefully, ensuring they are shielded and kept away from mains and speaker leads. Set the MM/MC switch according to your turntable cartridge type.
• Line Level RCA Inputs: Connect all RCA single-ended line level sources to the relevant analogue inputs. Use good quality, fully connected (signal and ground) coaxial phono cables. Position leads carefully, ensuring they are shielded and kept away from mains and speaker leads.
• Speaker Outputs: Connect loudspeakers to the LEFT and RIGHT SPEAKER output terminals on the back panel. Refer to "WIRING" (page 9) for details.
• TAPE OUT: These output sockets allow loop-through of analogue signals to a recorder or monitor. They are also ideal for connecting headphone amplifiers (which will require their own volume control). This output reflects the currently selected source, but its level is not affected by the front panel volume control.
• PRE OUT: These output sockets provide analogue signals controlled by the volume, for connection to an external power amplifier. This is useful for bi-amping or connecting a subwoofer where volume needs to be controlled by the A1.

Facilities & Connections

The rear panel features various input and output connections:

• 1 ON/OFF switch: Powers the unit on/off.
• 2 IR receiver: Receives signals from the remote control.
• 3 VOLUME control: Adjusts the listening volume.
• 4 NORMAL/DIRECT switch: Bypasses the preamp gain stage.
• 5 SOURCE selector: Selects the input source.
• 6 PHONO RCA input with ground post: For connecting turntables (MM or MC cartridges).
• 7 RCA line level input sockets: For connecting line-level sources (e.g., CD players, tuners).
• 8 TAPE OUT fixed output RCA sockets: Fixed level analogue output for recorders or other devices.
• 9 PRE OUT variable output RCA sockets: Variable level analogue output controlled by the volume knob.
• 10 LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS left and right: Terminals for connecting speakers.
• 11 IEC MAINS INPUT: Connection for the power cable.
• 12 MM/MC phono preamp switch: Selects the phono input stage for Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges.

The front panel diagram shows the ON/OFF switch, IR receiver, VOLUME control, NORMAL/DIRECT switch, and SOURCE selector.

The unit is designed in England by Musical Fidelity and built in Taiwan.

CAUTION: Mount unit on solid surface to allow free air circulation. Do not block ventilation holes. Do not remove screws or covers. No user serviceable components inside. Refer servicing to qualified engineer.

Remote Control

The universal remote control allows operation from a distance. Buttons on the remote correspond to front panel functions. Mute is only available via remote. ON/OFF, source selection, and normal/direct are not available via remote.

The handset uses an infra-red beam; point the front edge directly towards the receiver window on the front of the unit, without obstruction.

If range decreases, replace the battery with a new CR2032 battery. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations.

• VOL + increases amplifier volume.
• VOL - reduces amplifier volume.
• MUTE mutes speaker outputs until pressed again.

Operation

Starting

Before listening for the first time or after changing connections, follow this routine:

1. Check all inputs and outputs.
2. Turn the volume control to nil (minimum).
3. Switch on the unit using the ON/OFF switch. The ON/OFF, volume, and source selector LEDs will light up blue.
4. Carefully advance the volume to the desired level.

Fuses

There is one fuse inside the A1. If it blows, take the unit to your audio dealer. Do NOT attempt to replace the fuse yourself, as this will invalidate the warranty.

Volume

Adjust volume using the knob on the front panel or the VOL +/- buttons on the remote control.

Mute (Remote Control only)

Press the MUTE button on the remote to mute speaker outputs. The LED on the volume selector will turn off. Press MUTE again to resume listening.

Input Selection

Connect sources to the back panel inputs (pages 5 & 6). Select the desired input by rotating the source selector.

Phono

The unit accepts Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) cartridge inputs via the PHONO RCA sockets. The MM/MC switch sets the phono input parameters:

• MC: Switch in. Higher gain, lower input impedance for low to medium (<100µV to 800µV) output MC cartridges.
• MM: Switch out. High gain, higher input impedance for MM and high output (>800µV) MC cartridges.

Warning: The MM/MC switch operates early in the amplification chain. Operate it only when the volume is at minimum or another input is selected to prevent loud thumps in speakers.

Do NOT connect external phono preamplifiers to the PHONO RCA inputs; use LINE LEVEL RCA inputs instead.

*High output MC cartridges may sound best on either MM or MC setting.

Normal/Direct

The NORMAL/DIRECT switch bypasses the preamp gain stage:

• NORMAL: Switch out. Preamp gain stage active.
• DIRECT: Switch in. Preamp gain stage bypassed, resulting in -10dB gain.

Use this switch to fine-tune the volume control range based on your sources and speakers.

Wiring

Diagrams illustrate speaker lead wiring:

Simple speaker lead wiring

Connect speaker outputs (LEFT/RIGHT) to the corresponding speaker terminals. (Source and mains leads omitted for clarity).

Speaker lead wiring with bass/treble terminals

If speakers have separate bass and treble terminals, ensure bass/treble terminal links are in place on the speakers if required. Connect the amplifier's speaker outputs to the appropriate terminals. (Source and mains leads omitted for clarity).

Problems?

Basic troubleshooting for amplifiers:

If problems persist, contact your dealer or an authorised Musical Fidelity service agent. Never open the case, as this invalidates the guarantee.

Specifications

Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements which may result in specification or feature changes without notice.

Manual History & Disposal Information

Manual History

• Release: A1
• Date: 19th September 2023
• Changes: 4th issue, Direct/Normal corrected

Disposal Information

The crossed-out wheeled bin label on the product indicates it must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent harm to the environment, separate this product from other waste for environmentally safe recycling. Contact your local government office or retailer for collection facilities.

French: La poubelle sur roulettes barrées X, qui apparaît en logo sur le panneau arrière du produit, indique que celui-ci ne doit pas être traité comme un déchet domestique commun. Afin de protéger l'environnement, ce produit électronique devra être géré séparément et donc recyclé selon les nouvelles normes Européennes Rohs concernant les déchets d'appareils électroniques. Prière de contacter les services concernés gouvernementaux ou votre point de vente pour l'élimination et l'enlèvement de déchets électroniques équipés de composants électroniques.

Spanish: La etiqueta cruzada hacia fuera del compartimiento que aparece en el panel trasero del producto indica que el producto no se debe reciclarse como basura normal de la casa. Para prevenir daños posible al ambiente separe por favor el producto de otra basura para asegurarse de que puede ser reciclada de una manera ambientalmente segura. Entre en contacto por favor a su oficina gubernamental local o a su minorista para las instalaciones disponibles de la colección.

Italian: L'etichetta del cassonetto barrato riportato sul retro dell'apparecchio indica che il prodotto non deve essere smaltito tramite la procedura normale di smaltimento dei rifiuti domestici. Per evitare eventuali danni all'ambiente, separare questo prodotto da altri rifiuti domestici in modo che possa venire riciclato in base alle procedure di rispetto ambientale. Per maggiori dettagli sulle aree di raccolta disponibili, contattate l'ufficio govenativo locale od il rivenditore del prodotto.

German: Das auf der Geräterückseite angebrachte Label deutet darauf hin, dass das Produkt nicht mit konventionellem Hauskehricht entsorgt werden darf. Um Schäden und Verschmutzungen an Umwelt und Mensch zu vermeiden, muss das Produkt fachgerecht entsorgt und von anderem Abfall getrennt werden. Wenden Sie sich bei Fragen hierzu an Ihren Fachhändler oder an eine öffentliche Informationsstelle.

Dutch: Het label op de achterzijde van dit apparaat, een afvalbak op wielen met een kruis doorgehaald, geeft aan dat dit apparaat niet samen met gewoon huishoudafval mag worden weggegooid. Om mogelijke schade aan onze leefomgeving te voorkomen dient dit apparaat, gescheiden van gewoon huishoudelijk afval, te worden afgevoerd zodat het op een milieuvriendelijke manier kan worden gerecycled. Neem voor beschikbare inzamelplaatsen contact op met uw gemeentelijke reinigingsdienst of met uw elektronica leverancier.

Finnish: Yliruksattua jäteastiaa kuvaava tarra tuotteen takalevyssä kertoo, että tuotetta ei saa käsitellä normaalina talousjätteenä. Ympäristön suojelemiseksi on tuote pidettävä erillään muusta jätteestä ja se on kierrätettävä ekologisesti kestävällä tavalla. Ota yhteyttä laitteen myyjään tai Pirkanmaan Ympäristökeskukseen lähimmän kierrätyskeskuksen löytämiseksi.

Danish: Logoet med en skraldespand med kryds over på bagsiden af apparatet indikerer at dette produkt ikke må kasseres som normal husholdningsaffald. For at forebygge mulig skade på miljøet, bedes De separere dette produkt fra andet affald, og sikre at det bliver genbrugt på en miljørigtig måde. Kontakt venligst de lokale myndigheder eller din forhandler for oplysning om nærmeste tilgængelige opsamlingssted for elektronikaffald.

Greek: ΤΟ ΣΗΜΑ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΔΙΑΓΕΓΡΑΜΜΕΝΟ ΤΡΟΧΗΛΑΤΟ ΚΑΔΟ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΨΗΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΙΣΩ ΟΨΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΥΤΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΘΕΙ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΝΗΘΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΟΙΚΙΑΚΟ ΑΠΟΒΛΗΤΟ. ΠΡΟΣ ΑΠΟΦΥΓΗ ΕΝΔΕΧΟΜΕΝΗΣ ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΝΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΟΣ, ΞΕΧΩΡΙΣΤΕ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΑ ΩΣΤΕ ΝΑ ΕΞΑΣΦΑΛΙΣΘΕΙ Η ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΠΡΕΠΟΝΤΑ ΤΡΟΠΟ. ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΕΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΤΟΠΙΚΗ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΑ ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗΣ Η ΜΕ ΤΟ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΗΜΑ ΑΓΟΡΑΣ ΓΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΛΕΠΤΟΜΕΡΕΙΕΣ.