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Musical Fidelity original cylindrical X-CANS Class A tube headphone amp (serial HY40815) with matching X-PSU upgrade power supply, 115V (serial ZY00836).
Fully tested and working. Both power LEDs come on when the pair is powered together.
Includes both units plus the power cables and linking cable shown. No separate wall-wart / wall adapter.
Asking $349 OBO.
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Condition is unspecified, so at US$349 this lands at the top end of the recent used market: above the US$249 median and right at the US$349 75th percentile. That makes it ambitious rather than a clear bargain, but not out of line if it’s genuinely clean, fully functional, and comes with the right power supply and any original packaging.
The X-CANS has a solid reputation as a smooth, engaging valve headphone amp with plenty of upgrade appeal, so buyers pay for the sound character as much as the hardware. At this price, the value hinges on cosmetic state, whether it’s been serviced, and whether the listing includes the PSU and cables; if those are all in order, it can still be a worthwhile buy for someone who specifically wants this flavor of presentation.
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.
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