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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. 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. 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 good clean power supply, makes for a better sounding DAC. Many new
The Musical Fidelity A3-24 DAC/processor, a hefty UK-built unit from the early 2000s, typically trades used in the AUD $400-600 range depending on condition and accessories—I've seen clean examples with remotes hit AUD $500 locally, while rougher ones dip under AUD $400. At AUD $490 for unknown condition, it's fairly priced if it's a solid 8/10 or better with no service history needed, but ambitious if it's untested or cosmetically worn; recent comps like a similar A3-series piece at AUD $400 suggest room to negotiate.
Buyers should verify the upscaler toggles (96/192kHz) work smoothly, as the analog section can develop capacitor issues after 20+ years—insist on a full demo with your source and speakers. Confirm the original remote and power cord are included, and check serial number for any recall history; without pics or service records, walk unless you can audition it first.
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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