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At £1,995, this sits well above the recent used cluster for the model: the median is £1,185, the 75th percentile £1,674, and this ask is comfortably into ambitious territory. It may still be justified by condition or extras, but on price alone it is a stretch versus the current market.
That said, this is a respected passive preamp with a strong reputation for transparency, control, and a natural, unforced presentation when paired well. For the right system it can be a very grown-up piece of kit, especially if the seller can document excellent condition, original packaging, and any custom options. I’d want strong evidence of provenance and completeness before paying this sort of premium.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Music First Audio traces its roots to 1963, when Stevens & Billington Limited was founded in the UK by Mr. Stevens and Mr. Billington as a specialist audio transformer winding business. Based in Rye, East Sussex, the company supplied custom wire-wound components to professional audio, broadcast, and hi-fi industries, including clients like Beyerdynamic, Quad, and Audio Note. After Stevens departed in 1971, Jonathan Billington—son of the remaining founder—took the helm, eventually rebranding and expanding into full hi-fi products under Music First Audio, leveraging decades of transformer expertise.
The brand specializes in handcrafted transformers at its core, powering a focused lineup of high-end passive preamplifiers, such as the renowned Classic and Mk.II models, which evolved from simple transformer volume controls to feature bi-amping and remote options. Their catalog emphasizes transformer-based amplifiers and related components, all handmade in their Rye Harbour workshop, prioritizing purity in signal path over active circuitry.
Positioned as a niche boutique in the high-end hi-fi market, Music First Audio commands respect among audiophiles for its transparent, detailed sound derived from proprietary transformers. While some critics note premium pricing, its cult following underscores a commitment to uncompromised analog performance, appealing to discerning buyers seeking transformer-driven elegance over mass-market alternatives.
See all Music First Audio listings on RADAR.
