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New, the modern B1xi costs around £699, while the original B1 sold for £229 in 1990; at £449, this example is ambitious, sitting well above your comparable market’s £160 median and £250 75th percentile. Unless it is an unusually pristine, serviced example with desirable provenance, there is little room for upside at this money.
The original B1 remains a genuinely appealing classic: compact, simple and lively, with a dynamic, open presentation and a useful built-in MM/MC phono stage. Its roughly 32 watts per channel can drive sensible speakers surprisingly well, and the amp has a strong enthusiast following for its musicality rather than feature count. At this asking price, insist on a proper demonstration, quiet controls, healthy phono operation and evidence of recent servicing; a figure nearer £160–£250 would look much more compelling.
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.
