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Are you paying new-old-stock money for a classic, or just over the odds for a nice old amp? At £695, this is above the commonly cited used level for a good A100, which is often around £500 in the UK market, so I’d call it ambitious rather than a bargain. The original retail was £399, which also shows this has moved well beyond its launch price in real terms.
That said, the appeal is real: the A100 is well liked for its refined, class-A-leaning sound, and a clean one can be a very satisfying listen if you want warmth, texture, and proper musical flow over brute force. At this price, I’d want clear evidence of recent servicing, solid cosmetics, and all functions working properly, because age-related upkeep matters more than usual on these older Musical Fidelity amps.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Musical Fidelity, a British hi-fi icon, traces its roots to 1982 when clarinettist and audio enthusiast Antony Michaelson founded the company in London. Disillusioned with the sound quality of existing gear after his stint at predecessor Michaelson & Austin, he handcrafted his debut product—a minimalist preamplifier dubbed "The Preamp"—on his kitchen table. Paired with the quirky Dr. Thomas power amplifier, these designs disrupted the market with their bold aesthetics and sonic punch, establishing Michaelson’s experimental ethos from the outset.
The brand has long centered on amplifiers as its cornerstone, spanning integrated, power, phono, headphone, and preamp models renowned for Class-AB topology and innovative touches like Nuvistor tubes. It expanded into streaming players, DACs, CD players, Bluetooth receivers, all-in-one systems, and even headphones and turntables, always prioritizing musicality over convention. Unconventional industrial designs, from curved heatsinks to sculptural panels, became signatures, influencing competitors.
Positioned firmly in the high-end arena, Musical Fidelity commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its value-driven performance and soulful sound. Iconic models like the A1 and F-series endure as collector favorites, blending accessibility with premium engineering. Acquired by Austria’s Audio Tuning in 2018, it continues evolving under new stewardship while honoring its heritage as a boutique force in British hi-fi.
See all Musical Fidelity listings on RADAR.
