Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier Instructions

Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier

Product Information

• The A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier is a classic Musical Fidelity amplifier that has been revived and brought to a new generation. It features a heat sink on the top of the unit for efficient heat dissipation. The surface temperature of the heat sink can reach around 55 degrees Celsius on average, depending on the ambient temperature in your room and the energy dissipated as sound. The front panel control elements may feel warm to the touch.
• It is important to keep the top of the A1 free of dust and grime by regularly dusting it with a soft duster or brush. Avoid using cleaning or polishing agents as they may harm the surface finish.
• The A1 should be positioned on a stable and horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked or subjected to vibration from loudspeakers. There must be at least 50mm of clear space behind the A1 and at least 250mm of clear space above it.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Caution: Some parts of the product may become very hot and cause burns. Special care should be taken in the presence of children and vulnerable persons.
2. Before Use: Connect the A1 to a pair of loudspeakers before switching it on.
3. Cleaning: Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket. Leave the A1 enough time to cool down if necessary. Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Avoid using solvents, white spirit, or thinners as they could damage the surface finish.
4. Installation: Position the A1 on a stable, horizontal surface away from any risk of being knocked or subjected to vibration. Ensure there is at least 50mm of clear space behind the A1 and at least 250mm of clear space above it.

Instructions for use

• Thank you for choosing the A1 integrated class A amplifier. Used properly, it should give you many years of outstanding musical reproduction.
• The A1 is designed for high definition performance. It is strongly biased into Class A, for audible smoothness and clarity.
• If there are any questions about the audio system, please consult the dealer, who is there to help and advise.

HEAT DISSIPATION

• The A1 is a traditional Class A amp. A rarity in this day and age. Because the A1 is strongly biased into Class A, it dissipates power, as heat. Think of the heat that a 75 watt light bulb creates, and you’ve got an idea of the heat produced by the A1.
  CAUTION:

  • SOME PARTS OF THE PRODUCT MAY BECOME VERY HOT AND CAUSE BURNS. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN IN THE PRESENCE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS.
  • THE WHOLE TOP OF THE A1 IS A HEAT SINK. TO ALLOW FULL HEAT DISSIPATION, NOTHING SHOULD BE PLACED ON IT AT ANY TIME.
  • SURFACE TEMPERATURES OF ABOUT 55 DEGREES C ARE AVERAGE FOR THE HEAT SINK. FRONT PANEL CONTROL ELEMENTS CAN FEEL WARM TO THE TOUCH.

• The exact temperature depends on the ambient temperature in your room, and on how much energy is dissipated as sound.

• It is also important to keep the top of the A1 free of dust and grime. Dust it regularly with a soft duster or soft brush but do not use cleaning or polishing agents – they may harm the surface finish.

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)
This unit is supplied in the U.K. with mains lead fitted with a moulded 10 amp plug. If, for any reason, it is necessary to remove the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of children.

It must not be plugged into a mains outlet.
The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code:

• Green and yellow Earth
• Blue Neutral
• Brown Live

WARNING – This appliance MUST be earthed
As the colours of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in the plug, proceed as follows:

• The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or coloured green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth symbol:
• The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.
• The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.
• If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.
  WARNING:
  ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO IS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

GENERAL ADVICE

Installation, Precautions & User Information

• Your new Al is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance but it is necessary to observe a few precautions. Please ensure that you have complied with them before you connect any AC power to your amplifier.
• Retain this guide for future reference.
  • Heed all warnings on the back of the amplifier.
  • Only connect the A1 to a mains outlet having the same voltage as marked at the back of the unit.
  • All connections should be made with the power OFF.
  • Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by items placed on them.
  • Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers or any other containers or objects on the A1, for example, a flower vase, potted plants, or other audio equipment. If water does spill inside, immediately pull out the mains plug from the wall socket and inform your dealer, who should then check the unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the A1 is dangerous, and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.
  • Do not place the unit near direct heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or other equipment.
  • Only place it where there is room for adequate ventilation around it.
  • Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no internal adjustments or fuses you can replace yourself. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.
  • Note: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claim.
  • Dust regularly with a soft cloth or soft brush but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents – they may harm the surface finish.
• The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by lightning. For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.
• If after-sales service is required, to help the dealer identify the A1, please quote the serial number located on the rear panel of the unit.

INSTALLATION

Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of the new A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier. Great attention has been paid to revive this classic Musical Fidelity amplifier and bring it to a new generation.

Cleaning
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket. Leave the A1 enough time so it can cool down if necessary. Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Using solvents, white spirit or thinners is not advised, as they could damage the surface finish.

Installation
Position the A1 on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to vibration such as from loudspeakers.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Because the Al is strongly biased into Class A, it dissipates power, as heat. A surface temperature of about 55 – 65 degrees C is average for the heat sink in a room where the ambient temperature is about 20 degrees C. Front panel control elements can feel warm to the touch. The exact temperature depends on the ambient temperature in your room, and on how much energy is dissipated as sound.
  • THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 50MM OF CLEAR SPACE BEHIND, AND AT LEAST 250MM CLEAR SPACE ABOVE THE A1.
  • THE WHOLE TOP OF THE A1 IS A HEAT SINK. TO ALLOW FULL HEAT DISSIPATION, NOTHING SHOULD BE PLACED ON IT AT ANY TIME.
• The A1 must be protected from humidity – if the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm room, leave the unit for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.

Power Connections
The A1 is supplied with a standard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the back of the unit (see page 6).

Audio Connections
Phono Input: Connect a turntable phono source to the PHONO RCA input and set the (see page 6 for more information). Use a good quality fully connected (signal and ground) phono RCA cable (even better is semisymmetrical and lowest possible capacitance). Connect the ground wire to the ground post. Take care with positioning all input leads, try to ensure that they are well shielded and kept as far away from mains and speaker leads as possible. Set the MM/MC switch depending on whether your turntable is equipped with an MM or MC cartridge.

• Line Level RCA Inputs: Connect all RCA single-ended line level sources to relevant analogue inputs (see page 6 for more information). Use good quality fully connected (signal and ground) coaxial phono cables for all RCA signal connections. Take care with positioning all input leads, try to ensure that they are well shielded and kept as far away from mains and speaker leads as possible.
• Speaker Outputs: Connect loudspeakers to the terminals on the back panel marked as LEFT and RIGHT SPEAKER outputs. See “WIRING” P.9 for more details.
• TAPE OUT output sockets allow loop through of analogue signals for example, to pass on to a recorder or monitor. It is also the ideal output to connect headphone amps into (headphone amplifier will require its own volume control to allow listening level adjustment). This output is the currently selected source but level is not changed by the front panel volume control.
• PRE OUT output sockets allow analogue signals controlled by the volume, to pass on to, for example, an external power amplifier. This is useful for bi-amping or active “subwoofer” connection where volume out needs to be controlled by the A1 front panel volume control.

FACILITIES & CONNECTIONS

1. ON/OFF switch
2. IR receiver
3. VOLUME control
4. NORMAL/DIRECT switch
5. SOURCE selector
6. PHONO RCA input with ground post
7. RCA line level input sockets
8. TAPE OUT fixed output RCA sockets
9. PRE OUT variable output RCA sockets
10. LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS left and right
11. IEC MAINS INPUT
12. MM/MC phono preamp switch

REMOTE CONTROL

• The universal remote control shown below enables functions from this and related units to be operated from a convenient distance.
• Equivalent buttons on the remote control have the same functions as those on the front panel of the unit. Mute is only available by remote control. ON/OFF, source selection and normal/direct are not available by remote control.
• As the handset uses an invisible infra-red light beam, the front edge must be pointed directly towards the receiver window at the front of the player, without visual obstruction between them.
• If the range of the remote control greatly decreases, replace the battery with a new one. Use a CR2032 battery only

Please dispose of used batteries in accordance to local regulations.

OPERATION

• Starting

  • Follow this routine before you listen for the first time, and each time you change any connections.
  • Check all inputs and outputs to the A1. Then check again. Turn the volume control to nil. Now you can switch on the unit, using the ON/OFF switch on the front panel. The ON/OFF, volume and source selector LEDs will light up blue. Carefully advance the volume to the level you want, if all is well, enjoy the music.

• Fuses
  There is one fuse inside the A1. In the unlikely event that it blows, take your A1 to your audio dealer. Do NOT try to replace the fuse yourself or you will invalidate the warranty.

• Volume

  • The volume should be adjusted for normal listening levels. This is done by turning the volume up/down knob on the front panel.
  • Adjusting the volume can also be achieved by pressing the volume +/- buttons on the remote control handset (see page 7).

• Mute (Remote Control only)

  • The sound from the speakers may be muted by use of the MUTE button on the remote (see page 7).
  • Press once to mute. No sound will be heard from the speakers. The LED on the volume selector will turn off to indicate the A1 is muted.
  • To return to listening; simply press the MUTE button again.

• Input Selection

  • Connect your sources to the relevant inputs on the back panel (see pages 5 and 6).
  • Select the desired input by rotating the source selector.

• Phono

  • The unit accepts moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridge inputs through the PHONO RCA input sockets. The MM/MC switch selects Phono input RCA socket parameters for cartridge type being used:

  • MC: switch in, higher gain and lower input impedance suitable for low to medium (<100µV to approximately 800µV) output MC cartridges.

  • MM: switch out, high gain, higher input impedance suitable for MM and high output (greater than approx. 800µV) MC cartridges*.
    Warning: While the best efforts have been made to keep switchover artefacts to a minimum, the MM/MC switch operates at the beginning of an amplification chain of more than 80dB (10,000 times). For this reason, it is recommended the MM/MC switch is only operated when volume is turned to minimum, or with any other input (not phono) selected to prevent loud thumps in speakers.

  • Do NOT connect any external phono preamplifiers to the PHONO RCA inputs. Excessive amplification and distortion will result. For external phono preamplifiers use one of the LINE LEVEL RCA inputs.

  • *High output MC cartridges may be used on either MM or MC setting – simply use the one that sounds the best.

• Normal/Direct

  • The NORMAL/DIRECT switch bypasses the preamp gain stage:
  • NORMAL: switch out, preamp gain stage active
  • DIRECT: switch in, preamp gain stage bypassed resulting in -10dB gain
  • Use this to fine tune the range of your volume control. Depending on whether you have modern digital sources or traditional analogue sources, sensitive or insensitive speakers you can find your sweet spot.

WIRING

Simple speaker lead wiring

Speaker lead wiring with bass/treble terminals

PROBLEMS

Basic problem-solving with an amplifier is similar to troubleshooting other electrical or electronic equipment. Always check the most obvious possible causes first, such as the following examples:

SPECIFICATIONS

• Output
  • Power 25 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
  • Voltage 42.5 Volts peak to peak
  • Current 25 Amps peak to peak
  • Damping factor 150
  • Gain (volume max) 32dB (Direct Mode), 42dB (Normal Mode)
  • Output devices 2 per channel
  • THD+N
  • < 0.05% typical
  • < 0.01% A-wtd.
  • Signal / noise ratio 82dB
  • Channel separation 85dB
  • Frequency response + 0, –1dB, 10Hz to 40 kHz
  • Line level sensitivity
  • 300mV rms nominal
  • 8V rms max
  • Line level inputs impedance 25k Ohms
  • Tape Out impedance 220 Ohms
  • Pre Out impedance 100 Ohms
  • Phono RIAA response +/- 1dB
  • MM sensitivity 5mV nominal
  • MM capacitance / impedance / gain 100pF / 50k Ohms / 40dB
  • MM signal / noise ratio 75dB
  • MC sensitivity 450µV nominal
  • MC impedance / gain 1k Ohm / 60dB
  • MC signal / noise ratio 70dB
• Connections
  • Phono input MM/MC 1 pair RCA connectors and ground post
  • Line level inputs 5 pairs line level RCA connectors
  • Line level outputs
  • 1 pair line level RCA connectors, TAPE OUT fixed level
  • 1 pair line level RCA connectors, PRE OUT variable level
  • Speaker outputs 2 pairs 4mm banana plug/binding posts
• Power requirement
  • Mains voltages
  • 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
  • 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
  • Consumption
  • 0W in standby (= Power Switch OFF)
  • 130W maximum
• Weight
  • Unit only, unboxed 10.5 kg
  • in shipping carton 12 kg
• Maximum Dimensions
  • Wide 440 mm
  • Height 68.3 mm
  • Deep (front to back) including terminals 283.3 mm
• Standard accessories
  • IEC type mains lead 10-Amp type
  • Remote control A1 remote
    Batteries CR2032

DISPOSAL INFORMATION

The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears on the back panel of the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact local government office or retailer for available collection facilities.

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