Musical Fidelity (sold)

Made in England


In good working condition
Power output: 32 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
SOUND QUALITY

Auditioned via its CD input, the B1 offered a very starkly defined sound. Bass lines had convincing weight and well-rounded solidity, while percussion enjoyed a delicacy and airiness untainted by the merest hint of smearing. All felt it provided a very definite and purposeful sound, building a convincing musical performance within a broad and deep soundstage.

It was the B1's exceptionally deep and controlled bass that particularly caught our attention, contrasting with a slightly harder midrange. Overall the presentation was uncompromising, detailed, ruthlessly revealing and an able partner for MF's Reference loudspeakers.

Slightly more sedate though no less detailed, via MM vinyl disc the music was served by a solid and tactile bass that was nevertheless notably less extended than that via CD. More important, the sound was both measured and exceedingly well balanced. Yes, there was a slight cloudiness compared to the line input, yet it still managed to appear very consistent even as the music became complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the intrigue surrounding the evolution of the Musical Fidelity B1, current samples offer skin-of-the-teeth excitement without sounding either particularly muddled or overbearingly powerful.