Musical Fidelity Introduces The M5xi and M6xi Integrated Amps

All Image Credit: Musical Fidelity

Musical Fidelity has announced two new stereo integrated amplifiers, the M5xi and the M6xi. The M5xi can be considered to be an ‘M6 Lite’ with the same technology but lower power, the new M6xi expands on the M6si analog foundation but adds digital connectivity and a handful of system-integration features. Both models draw on the design of the TITAN power amplifier platform and are available in either a black or silver finish.

M5xi

Operating as two independent mono power amplifiers with a separate pre-amplifier stage, the M5xi uses Darlington configured output devices throughout. A Darlington pair is a configuration of two transistors where the first drives the base of the second, multiplying current gain and allowing the output stage to handle higher currents with greater stability. The output stages operate in Class AB providing 160wpc into 8 ohms (240wpc into 4 ohms).

The pre-amplifier stages are all analog and a Burr-Brown stepped attenuator handles volume levels, with an all analog power supply that is enclosed within a metal sub-enclosure to reduce electromagnetic interference.

There are no Bluetooth or network streaming modules but there is a DAC (unknown model) for digital sources and support for MM/MC phono cartridges. A 5V/2A USB-A output on the rear is provided for USB powered devices, like a streamer.

Rear panel analog connectivity includes; 4 x RCA line-level inputs, 1 x switchable MM/MC phono input, 1 x home theatre bypass, 1 x line-level and 1 x pre-amplifier outputs and 2 pairs of speaker binding posts, while digital connectivity is provided by; 1 x coaxial, 1 x TOSLINK, 1 x HDMI eARC and 1 x USB-C. System integration and control is available using the RS232 DB9 and 12VDC trigger I/O

M6xi

This Class AB power amplifier design is again based upon the TITAN platform using Darlington technology and delivers 230 wpc into 8 ohms and 390 wpc into 4 ohms.

Power Supply Screen Removed To Reveal Toroidal Transformer and PSU PCB

A Burr-Brown stepped attenuator is used for precise channel matched level control, and there is a phono input that supports both MM and MC cartridges. There is no mention of the DAC model that supports the digital inputs. A fully screened low-noise analog toroidal power supply supports all the power requirements.

Again no Bluetooth or network streaming modules, but added to the design are; 1 x TOSLINK, 1 x coaxial, 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x USB-C input, 1 x USB-A power and 1 x RS232. Other rear panel connections include; 1 x stereo XLR, 4 x RCA line-level inputs, 1 x switchable MM/MC phono input, 1 x home theatre bypass, 1 x line-level and 1 x pre-amplifier outputs, 12VDC trigger I/O and 2 pairs of speaker binding posts.

Features At A Glance:

M5xi:

• Amplifier:
  • High-end circuitry from our TITAN amplifier
  • NEW Entirely revised amplifier topology brings the new M5xi even closer to the TITAN design than before
  • NEW Low distortion Darlington output stage arranged in classic MF configuration for no crossover artefacts and little residual distortion
  • NEW PCB layout to reduce imbalances that would otherwise need correcting by feedback
  • NEW Power supplies are all analogue during operation to reduce high frequency noise and EMC issues
  • Drives power hungry speakers with ease and gracefully manages low impedance dips
  • NEW 160W per channel into 8 Ohms; 240W into 4 ohms
  • Extreme power reserves for proper peak power delivery and wide dynamic range
  • HT-input: bypassed preamp-stage allows connecting home-theater processors to use your M6si as ultimate L/R channel amp
  • NEW optical, coaxial & HDMI inputs
  • NEW USB C input with 24/192 max. resolution
  • NEW RS232 for custom integration
  • NEW Isolated linear 5V/2A USB A power output to power modern external streamers
  • NEW Standby (ON/OFF) & Mute function via remote
• Preamplifier:
  • NEW Low noise design for best THD and signal integrity at low as well as high levels
  • NEW High quality Burr-Brown stepped attenuator for better channel matching than conventional potentiometer designs
  • Pre Out for bi-amping or active subwoofer connection
  • NEW USB input with meticulously careful digital circuitry layout to minimize HF interference
  • NEW Phono input for turntables with MM and MC cartridges
• Mechanical Construction:
  • Uncompromising metal work in typical Musical Fidelity tradition
  • Heavy front panel milled from extruded aluminium profile
  • Metal case protects against electromagnetic interference

M6xi:

• Amplifier:
  • High-end circuitry from our TITAN amplifier
  • NEW 220Watts per channel into 8 Ohms; 320W into 4 ohms
  • Fully analogue amplifier design
  • Fully discrete 2x monobloc power amps
  • Classic low distortion MF output stage for no crossover artefacts
  • NEW PCB layout for reduced imbalances to avoid correcting by feedback
  • All analogue PSUs during operation to reduce high frequency noise and EMC
  • Drives power hungry speakers and gracefully manages low impedance dips
  • NEW Oversized encapsulated toroidal transformer
  • Extreme power reserves for proper peak power delivery and wide dynamic range
• Preamplifier:
  • Low noise design for best THD and signal integrity at low and high volume levels
  • High quality stepped volume attenuator for better channel matching than conventional potentiometer designs
  • Pre Out for bi-amping with M6sPRX or active subwoofer connection
  • Separate digital PCBs with meticulously careful digital circuitry layout to minimize HF interference
• Connectivity:
  • Balanced XLR input
  • NEW optical, coaxial & HDMI inputs
  • NEW USB C input with 24/192 max. resolution
  • NEW RS232 for custom integration
  • NEW Isolated linear 5V/2A USB A power output to power modern external streamers
  • HT-input: bypasses preamp-stage for home-theater use as ultimate front L/R amp
  • NEW MM & MC phono stage, improved PCB design and layout with better isolation and shielding for less noise & distortion
• Mechanical Construction:
  • Uncompromising metal work in typical Musical Fidelity tradition
  • Heavy front and side panels milled from extruded aluminium profiles
  • Clean, stunning and indestructible metal exterior protects against electromagnetic interference

Specifications:

• M5xi
  • Output:
    • Continuous Power, both channels driven @ 1% THD, 1kHz:
    • 160W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 240W per channel into 4 ohms
    • Continuous Power, both channels driven @ 0.09% THD, 20Hz to 20 kHz:
    • 140W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 210W per channel into 4 ohms
    • Peak Power, both channels driven @ 1% THD, 1kHz:
    • 190W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 320W per channel into 4 ohms
    • 36 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping
    • 101 Volts peak to peak
    • Current 45 Amps peak to peak
    • Damping factor 47 (8 Ohms)
    • Output devices 2 pairs per channel
  • Line input:
    • THD+N < 0.009 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
    • Signal / noise ratio > 105dB ‘A’-weighted
    • Input impedance 40 k Ohms
    • Frequency response +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
  • Connections:
    • 4x Line level RCA inputs
    • 1x Phono MM/MC input
    • 1x HDMI input
    • 1x Coaxial input
    • 1x Optical input
    • 1x USB type ‘C’ connector – up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level TAPE outputs
    • 1 pair line level RCA connectors, preamp outputs
    • Speaker out: 2 pairs 4mm banana plug
    • 1x USB A 5V/2A power output
    • 1x RS232 D-sub connector
    • Trigger In & Out
    • Phono Input:
      • Sensitivity (nominal): 3mV MM / 0.4mV MC (for 300mV nominal)
      • Gain MM/MC: 40dB / 60dB
      • Signal / noise ratio: >87dB ‘A’-weighted
      • Input capacitance: 220pF
      • Input impedance: 50k Ohms MM / 1k Ohm MC
      • Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±0.4dB, 20Hz – 20 kHz
  • Power requirement:
    • Mains 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
    • 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
    • Consumption 320 Watts maximum
  • General:
    • Dimensions – WxHxD (mm): 440 x 125 x 405
    • Weight: 15 Kg
• M6xi
  • Output:
    • Continuous Power, both channels driven @ 1% THD, 1kHz:
    • 220W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 320W per channel into 4 Ohms
    • Continuous Power, both channels driven @ 0.09% THD, 20Hz to 20 kHz:
    • 210W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 300W per channel into 4 ohms
    • Peak Power, both channels driven @ 1% THD, 1kHz:
    • 280W per channel into 8 Ohms;
    • 450W per channel into 4 Ohms
    • 43 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping
    • 121 Volts peak to peak
    • Current 45 Amps peak to peak
    • Damping factor 49 (8 Ohms)
    • Output devices 2 pairs per channel
  • Line input:
    • THD+N < 0.007 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
    • Signal / noise ratio > 107dB ‘A’-weighted
    • Input impedance 40 k Ohms
    • Frequency response +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
  • Connections:
    • 4x Line level RCA inputs
    • 1x Line level balanced XLR inputs
    • 1x Phono MM/MC input
    • 1x HDMI eARC input
    • 1x Coaxial input
    • 1x Optical input
    • 1x USB type ‘C’ connector – 24-bit/192kHz
    • Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level TAPE outputs
    • 1 pair line level RCA connectors, preamp outputs
    • Speaker out 2 pairs 4mm banana/binding posts
    • 1x USB A 5V/2A power output
    • 1x RS232 D-sub connector
    • Phono Input:
      • Sensitivity (nominal): 3mV MM / 0.4mV MC (for 300mV nominal)
      • Gain MM/MC: 40dB / 60dB
      • Signal / noise ratio: >87dB ‘A’-weighted
      • Input capacitance: 220pF
      • Input impedance: 50k Ohms MM / 1k Ohm MC
      • Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±0.4dB, 20Hz – 20 kHz
  • Power requirement:
    • Mains 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
    • 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
    • Consumption 680 Watts maximum
  • General:
    • Dimensions – WxHxD (mm): 440 x 125 x 400
    • Weight: 18.5 Kg

Pricing (UK/US/EU)

• M5xi: £2,099/$2,690/€2,290
• M6xi: £2,699/$3,799/€2,990

For more information visit the Musical Fidelity web site.

• M5xi
• M6xi

Related posts:

• For more Musical Fidelity product posts click here.