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Musical Fidelity 3A Pre Amplifier Regretful sale These units have been very well kept Prefer to sell as a complete set Pm for more information Condition: Perfect Payment Method: Cash Region/State: (NSW) New South Wales/Australia By Max123 0 Comments AUD $500 Date: June 17, 20241 yr
This is a fair ask, leaning a touch dear if the unit is unserviced and the condition is truly unknown. A similar 3A Pre has shown up sold/reported around A$960 equivalent for a fully reconditioned example, so A$500 lands at roughly the middle-to-lower half of the used market rather than a standout bargain.
That still makes it interesting, because the 3A is a well-liked, no-nonsense line stage with the sort of solid, weighty presentation Musical Fidelity was known for in that era. If it’s complete and quiet, it’s the kind of preamp that can still anchor a good system; the main thing to verify is age-related health — switch gear, pots, relay/noise issues, and whether it’s been serviced. At A$500, a clean, working unit is worth a serious look.
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.
