Summary:
I my search to a high-end Integrated for my B&W 803 N
I filtered out brands such as Krell 500 i - Accuphase E 406 - NAD combo S200 + S100 - Marantz PM 14 - Gryphon Tabu and MF A 1001. It seems as if it was ment to be the last, but indeed MF was not the least al all ! Concerning several listening test during a few months I decided that my MF A 1001 is really the most revealing and especially price / quality worthy amplifier. It matches very well with my speakers, giving them a even more real true to live sound, expanded dynamics, glassclear mids (listen to Carmen Fantasies with Ann Sofie Mutter !) smooth treble and overall well controlled in (deep !) bass and mid-bass.
This is not an amp. that exclusivly serves for f.i. classical music nor for jazz or pop/rock, no, he does it all so very well and right you cannot find any kind of music he want feel good with.
High-End users think they really need XLR Balanced inputs, but in my opinion, the use of a proff. single ended cinch does all of the job, as long as you stick to normal distances (max. 2 m)
Only minor aspect might be that it is a heavy amplifier (in weight, in dimensions as well as in Watts) and that the upper side becomes quite warm (I measured temperatures of about 52° C) - So be careful to place the amp. on a rigid
chassis or stereo furniture an make sure there is enough
normal ventilation. Do not place anything on top of it.
One more minus maybe for vinylusers is the lack of a phono input, but MF has some very fine pre-amps into this purpose.
Again, as to its sound- and build quality, only few can beat
"The Beast" as he is called in the U.K.
Strongly recommended, but hurry, in september 2000 this great stuff will be discontinued at Musical Fidelity, If I am well informed ...
5 SUPERSTARS SUPER INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Strengths:
Super powerfull integrated with extremely nice design, ultra clean sound, very all-round for any music-style

Weaknesses:
It may get a little hot but this is of no concern, don't blame it (50 W Class A)

Similar Products Used:
Musical Fidelity CD E 624 CD-player + Tuner A 50 + B&W 803 Nautilus speakers (The ultimate combination ?)

Summary:
I was first introduced to MF sound by the A2 integrated. I liked it so much i decided to listen to its biggest brother, the A1001. That was a revelation. This amp is extremely clean and easy going. There is no urgency on the sound no matter what the music, the speakers and the volume. Its midrange is true, lifelike, without a hint of transistors turning on and off. The treble is controlled not recessed. The bass is articulated, round but detailed. This amp seems to idle even if it is turning out 100db of sound. I listened with a variety of speakers and preferred the Proac response 2.5s. the soundstage created even with lesser speakers is the best i ve ever heard from an integrated amp. With 200 into 8 ohms and 400 w into 4 ohms and such quality i doubt there is more anyone could need - except buying more Cds that is!