Music First Audio Classic Passive Magnetic Preamplifier - copper version.Music First Audio Classic Passive Magnetic Preamplifier - copper version.
The Music First Audio Classic Preamplifier is designed to sit at the centre of a high end hi fi system. Connected between source components and power amplifiers, it controls level and source selection. Like all Music First Audio preamplifiers, it features an optional +6dB of passive gain to accommodate sources, which might otherwise require active boosting.
It is housed in a custom designed aluminium case measuring 88mm x 216mm x 200mm
The core component of the Classic Preamplifier is the TX102 attenuation transformer. This hand crafted transformer is the result of thirty plus years of high end transformer design. It features twenty three separate 'taps' for a total of twenty four (including mute) volume steps. For more information about Transformer Volume Control (TVC) please see the TECHNICAL section of the website.
Like all Music First Audio products, each unit is made by hand at their workshop on the south coast of the UK.
Specifications
- 6 inputs (4 x RCA unbalanced, 2 x XLR balanced).
- Balanced or unbalanced outputs.
- A +6db switch means the unit is passive with gain, so low gain amplifiers can be driven to their maximum efficiency by components that otherwise might require active boosting.
- All internal connections use 0.6mm silver coated solid core copper wire with PTFE insulation, point to point hand wired (Silver version features 99.99% pure silver winding an internal wiring).
- All components are of the highest quality; Neutrik XLR connectors and Swiss made ELMA silver contact rotary switches.
- Each unit is entirely hand constructed and rigorously tested, both mechanically and electrically.
- 3 way grounding switch allows any grounding issues to be addressed easily.
- Transformer isolates components, breaking ground loop problems and reducing noise.
- Transformer matches impedance between components.
- Transformer affords superior transfer of musical energy.
A good preamplifier is hard to find, because the process of adding gain to the small, line level signals from a CD player or a DAC is hard to do without undermining sound quality. Music First Audio takes a different approach. It does without the offending active line stages altogether, preferring instead to use a passive magnetic design. Passive preamps are not a new idea, but traditionally they suffered significant signal losses due to the lack of gain, not helped by using a series of resistors as volume attenuator. MFA instead uses extremely high-grade transformers in place of resistor arrays, and the signal losses have disappeared.
This is truly a reference-grade product for those seeking the ultimate in audio transparency. It has been compared against a variety of active pre amplifiers that cost several times as much and it has always shown up colourations in the alternatives, whether it be glare from a transistor pre or euphonic bloom from some valve designs. Even for the retail price of £1920 this is a real bargain, bringing unheard levels of transparency to almost every system. The transformers alone cost £1000 (+ VAT).
This is the original 'Classic' with version 1 transformers, which can be upgraded to version 2 here:
http://www.mfaudio.co.uk/mkii_tx_upgrade.htmCondition is near mint and works perfectly. A reluctant sale, as I was planning to use this in conjunction with a pair of Hypex NC400 power amps, which I imagine would be very hard to beat at any price, but I need the money to pay for new speakers instead.
Manufacturer's Web site here:
http://www.mfaudio.co.uk/classic_detailed.htmNote that the retail prices mentioned on the above website are excluding VAT (20%)
RRP is £1920. I'm asking £995.
Delivery will be via Royal Mail Special Delivery (insured up to £1000), or feel free to collect yourself. Alternatively, I can deliver within a 10 mile radius of Birmingham, UK.
'With it's tremendously open yet finessed sound, it's a veritable high-end audio bargain'
'The best Preamplifier ever made'
- David Price, Hi-Fi World
"...in terms of sonic purity this Music First preamp is king"
- What Hi Fi?
"...so good I swear it is surrounded by magic"
"...so utterly and persuasively correct , and beautiful like a sweet spring breeze that I was instantly won over"
"I cannot quite imagine how it could get better"
- Noel Keywood, Hi-Fi World March 2011
