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Musical Fidelity A3-24 DAC Very good condition Musical Fidelity A3-24 DAC. Hefty 10kg tank like build quality. Made in the UK. When new, this DAC retailed for about $2,500. As a sound processor and upscaler, it is great and significantly boosts its performance as a DAC. One can toggle between upscaling to 96 or 192KHz. The analog section of the DAC is well designed too (see internal pics). I've put it up against in an A/B comparison many newer similar priced DACs. Makes the newer light weight DACs sound thin and digital. Inside the unit, a generous sized torriodal transformer, big caps etc. A
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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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