Musical Fidelity B1 amplifier

If i can tell you the point in one sentence: it is so boring to look at and so exciting to listen to.

So, the story. Of course, we know the A1. Of course it can overheat. Of course the fixing invoice may be harsh - not much because of the dealer, but mostly of the damage done, the labour needed to sort out the soldering, the parts and so on.

This B1 is the brand answer, and they did it right, using again a Tim de Paravicini design. The top panel is more than enough showing you that now, it will let the main transistors breathe. So first the looks. A slim thing, black, minimal controls. The main switch was probably carefully casted among the dullest fridge control offer. The freezer imitation is so faithful that the light flashes a bit, that makes it even more looking cooking ware. Forget about the rest, no A/B speakers, tone control, nada. Wanna plug a headphone? Back panel, bro.

Ok, enough kidding. You do have lots of entries in fact. And a native MM/MC cartdridge capability. And gold plated RCA connectors, and a toroïdal transformer, and a super clean design. A modern classic in 1989.

And at some point, you listen to it, right?

Guys, it's another league. The output power… you don't care (ok, i plugged the super capable KLH to test). It's full , it's medium-warm but not dry, clinically defined, the space has the two axes: the stereo image horizontally and the instrument separation vertically is just brilliant. Transitions are super fast, the bass is defined and never lagging.

It challenges you to plug an other amp and compare tracks. Did i heard the cymbal trail or the saxo breath like i can here?

Let me read again that blue sticker… Musical Fidelity? Yes, in every corner. Buy it. Eyes closed.

And some British humor about the build quality. I was telling a sales representative of the brand not so long ago about the B1 quality, and that most owners can still enjoy it today without major expenses. Answer from the guy: "I know. This is the problem…".