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2022 Model with phonostage set for high output MC but can be internally adjusted to work with MM. Perfect condition. All original foam and box. This amp needs no introduction hand built by Dr Richard Bews. Entry level redefined by LFD. Selling as I'm upgrading to the NCSE III Can be brought to UK (Leeds) in June for pick up or sending on to UK address. New price £3700
Listed in excellent condition, this LFD Audio Mistral HR with phonostage at £2,000 feels ambitious against the typical used market. Recent comparable GBP listings peg the median at £1,795, with a tight range from £1,695 (25th percentile) to £1,899 (75th percentile)—putting this squarely 5-10% over the top end for pristine examples. It's not a rip-off given LFD's build quality holds value, but you'd want some negotiating room or proof of recent servicing to justify it.
Before biting, verify the phonostage is the MM/MC version and fully functional—early units can develop noisy gain stages. Check for the original power supply, manual, and any upgrade mods like the later HR tweaks; also probe the age and service history, as these power amps thrive on regular cap checks past 10 years. Solid buy if it stacks up.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
LFD Audio, a boutique British hi-fi manufacturer, traces its origins to 1987 in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, England. Founded by Dr. Richard Bews, a PhD student of Professor Hawksford—who pioneered influential audio research groups—the brand embodies a commitment to minimalist, low-distortion electronics. From its early days, LFD has prioritized hand-assembly by Bews himself, crafting components with painstaking selection of parts for sonic purity over aesthetic flair.
The company focuses primarily on solid-state amplifiers, including long-running integrated models like the LE, Zero Mk III LE, Mistral, and NCSE, alongside specialized gear such as the MCT preamplifier. LFD also produces high-end cables, interconnects, and phono leads, often refined in collaboration with dealers like Unique Audio, which has partnered with them for over 30 years. Their lineup eschews flashy features, turntables, speakers, DACs, or headphones, zeroing in on amplification and cabling as core strengths.
Positioned firmly in the high-end niche, LFD commands a cult following among discerning audiophiles for delivering some of the most natural-sounding solid-state amps available, despite their utilitarian, "butt ugly" appearance. As a low-profile, one-man operation far from mainstream fanfare, it appeals to buyers seeking uncompromised performance in a vintage-inspired, boutique package.
See all LFD Audio listings on RADAR.
