Musical Fidelity A1 experiences

Hmm I had an A1 for a few years, used with a pair of Spica's... I don't recall the amp as thin or fatiguing. More like warm lower mids and gentle highs. And this was using Monster cable of all things on the speaker cables. I replaced that amp with a Forte 1a which was a step up in several areas.

I use to sell them; I also thought that they had a "warm" sound which was quite good. I used them with Spendor and Musical Fidelity speakers. They should not sound thin or lack bass. Either it is not working properly or the ICs or speaker wires are a bad match. It should run quite hot; if it is not then have the bias checked.

It does heat up so no bias problems. For the speaker cable i'm currently using monster cable. I'm planning to keep this amp so I need to find a set of speakers that will match.. Did anyone have tried B&W's or any brit/italian brands?

I remember visiting a local NYC dealer years ago while helping a friend shop for speakers. I still remember being amazed at the sound that the A1 produced driving a pair of original Proactive Tablettes. It was beautiful, with electrostatic- like clarity and VERY sweet highs. Now, the Proacs could not produce much bass, but it was not the fault of the amp, and fatiguing in the highs it is not. PSB calling?

If I'm thinking of the right amp, it's the little 20wpc class A. I owned one for quite a while a number of years ago. Nice sweet sounding piece.

All the speakers you mention are not on the 'easy to drive' list. My guess is you are straining the little guy if the sound is thin and harsh.

You might look at some of the higher efficiency speakers, particularly those with higher impedance. I don't think class A SS likes 4 ohm loads.

And if you room is big, or you like to listen loud, that is definitely not the amp for you.