John rebuilt and upgraded my Original Musical Fidelity A1 ten years ago. A decade of flawless superior performance followed, from an amplifier I bought new in 1990 and NEVER tired of. You know that story. It still brings a smile to my face. I love it and I always will.
This is a tale of it’s sibling the Original Musical Fidelity B1. I purchased this 2nd hand on a whim. Some notion of Bi-amping with the A1 to do Mids-Tops and the B1 for Bass duty. Then I read the period reviews and owners testimonials. This immediately changed my plans and I contacted John and enquired about a full service and upgrade with ‘exotic’ capacitors……. John replied, “What you’re asking for will make this B1 very special.” This would be John’s first level 3 upgraded B1. He went on to say that the B1 would be a “Serious amplifier”. It’s fair to say that we were both quite excited with the prospect of raising the performance of the classic B1 amplifier. Without my having seen the B1 it was delivered by the seller straight to John’s workshop.
I switched it on and let it play and burn in the new components over a month to let everything settle and optimise before I put my critical listening hat on. Patience is something I had learned from the A1 rebuild a decade earlier. Let it cook and all will be revealed.
The speakers disappear, they’re 2.2m apart. The details roll out of an expansive wall of sound with effortless and solid Bass, fantastic Mid-range presence. Just listening to VERVE – A Storm In Heaven. Epic, Trippy and completely immersive soundscape. Really impressive. Hard to describe, but it is like they say about things coming into focus and locking, tight and clean details, it’s intimate! Miles Davis – Panthalassa – Bill Laswell Remixes….. Get Ready for a reality check! Never heard so much depth and detail. The scale and balance is Wonderful ! As I said, the speakers are not the focal point, you’re pulled through the space between them. Remarkable. Full-On Musical-Fidelity.
What makes sense? Buying a modern amplifier?…….. Or buying a proven design, highly regarded and well loved classic 2nd hand and taking it to the 3rd level? Well it turns out that what started on a whim, became an inspired decision once I had contacted John and in all honesty? It’s an absolute bargain for this performance !
I don’t need to repeat what has already been said about John and his credentials, his knowledge and expertise. His passion for the brand and the products he knows from the inside out. It’s been a pleasure to speak with John through this process, and with total confidence that what I was asking for would turn out to be something really very special. I hate to say it, but, It leaves me thinking the A1 is in need of a level 3 overhaul. Something for the future along with Bi-amping. For now, I’m thrilled with this B1. It really is something special. A highly recommended upgrade !