RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Against 27 recent comparable listings, the median asking price is £282, with the middle half spanning £182–£454. At £325, this X PRE is therefore fairly priced, sitting modestly above the median but well below the upper quartile—not an obvious bargain, though certainly not ambitious.
The appeal is its compact Class A, single-ended-triode design: a characterful line-stage preamp using two ECC88 valves, with four line inputs and a reputation for a sweet, spacious presentation with convincing midband detail. It also makes a neat match for Musical Fidelity’s classic X-series power amplifiers. Since the listing gives no condition detail, confirm that the correct 12V AC supply is included, all inputs and the selector operate cleanly, and the valves are quiet; a tested, tidy example would justify £325, while an unverified unit should be negotiated lower.
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.
eBay UK
audio-markt.de
New
DE
eBay UK
eBay UK
GB
eBay UK
GB
audio-markt.de
Good
