Musical Fidelity MX-STREAM – First Look
All Image Credit: Musical Fidelity
The MX-STREAM is a new universal streamer from Musical Fidelity and is their first stand-alone model. It is a network bridge, or transport, that combines local and internet based streaming features and is capable of transmitting any online or network service to an external DAC or integrated amplifier.
The decision to leave out the D/A converter and analog stage is both a money and energy saver as many enthusiasts already own their own DAC or an amplifier that has a USB input.
Custom designed digital audio circuitry, separately stabilized pcb power supplies from the incoming 18VDC, advanced re-clocking to reduce jitter on incoming digital signals and an optimized main CPU audiophile grade clock are all controlled by highly refined software. The tight integration of these features is said to deliver near-zero jitter resulting in a high-end sound signature.
Streaming connectivity is via its RJ45 Ethernet port, which also supports a NAS drive while being UPnP/DLNA capable, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/d/e/h/i) and Bluetooth (Bluetooth Classic + EDR v2.1, v3.0, v4.0 and Low Energy). Other rear panel connections include; a USB-A audio optimized output to an appropriate DAC, a USB-A port to support storage devices and Shareport/Airplay for iOS devices, while a Micro-USB port provides a bypass and “PC-Detox” feature which aims to improve the performance of the digital stream by reducing jitter and noise. The front panel supports one USB-A input plus the power and USB/PC input switches. Audio resolutions supported are up to 32bit/352.8kHz PCM and DSD256. A rear HDMI video connector is also provided for display connectivity.
The MX-STREAM offers full Roon-Ready certification for all lossless high-resolution streaming services including; TIDAL, Qobuz and Spotify and supports access to online radio stations. CD ripping is also supported using an external USB CD drive providing automated tagging and indexing. A small internal storage capacity of 16GB is available as a buffer for higher capacity external storage devices.
The design is claimed to be “future proof” as its architecture is “open” and capable of operating under the control of any open-source software. This should ensure that the MX-STREAM is not in danger of becoming obsolete in the foreseeable future.
Finally the MX-STREAM can be controlled using an iOS or Android app or by logging into its web-based user interface. It’s also possible to connect a touchscreen via its HDMI output enabling easy access and navigation of its settings and options.
Technical Specifications Summary:
- USB-A audio optimized output to DAC
- USB-A input x2
- USB-B Micro input (PC-detox)
- Ethernet – RJ45
- HDMI output (touchscreen control support)
- Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/d/e/h/i) – (antenna supplied)
- Network features: Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth (Bluetooth Classic + EDR v2.1, v3.0, v4.0 and Low Energy), DLNA, ROON Ready
- Streaming services: HighResAudio, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, TuneIn
- App Control: iOS & Android
- Audio decoding: AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, PCM signals up to 32 bits/384 kHz, DSD64/2.8 MHz, DSD128/5.6 MHz, DSD256/11.2 MHz, FLAC, MP3
- Sample rates: 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K, 352K, 384K
- Bit depths: 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit
- Internal storage 16GB
Requires an external DAC such as the Musical Fidelity MX-DAC or any other DAC with a USB input for its operation.
MSRP (TBC):
- USA: $1,099.00
- GB: £795.00
- EU: €899.00
For more information visit the Musical Fidelity web-site.
Click here for my review of the MX-VYNL.
I still wouldn’t give up my Pioneer N-70AE for this one 🙂
Hi Tomasz,
As far as I can see the Pioneer is far better built in all respects but uses older DACs, doesn’t support MQA and has a few less features. However, I am not in a position to make any judgments on any streamer as I do not stream music. I have tried several hi-res streaming services using my OPPO 205 as a USB DAC that has an ES9038PRO DAC that also supports MQA. While it is very convenient and offers a huge range of material, I have never been over impressed with the audio when compared to much of my vinyl or many of my DVDA and SACD discs.
Thanks for popping by and the comment.
Regards
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thank you for the nice post (as always)
To be perfectly honest Pioneer is my first and only network player, I am also the “old school” and prefer my physical media hence following your posts.
Having said that, I decided to give it a try and see how does the N-70AE stacks against both CD and Vinyl.
Just to clarify before going any further, the primary use of my N-70AE is to play my ripped CD collection either from HDD or NAS. (the idea was to replace my laptop as a playing media source)
I must say I was pleasantly surprised when switching back and forth between playing lossless files and comparing them against CD and Vinyl.
The was almost no difference in sound quality (in that regard it passed my ear test)
On a separate note, it’s a very nice-looking piece of equipment with a small LCD front display that shows file information along with an artwork cover.
I found this as a nice addition (not a replacement) to my hi-fi gear especially convenient when in the study room and not having to change physical media, just using the app on the phone from the comfort of my chair.
Cheers
Tomasz
Hi Tomasz,
As I have not ripped any physical media to a NAS, having only streamed it from several providers, I do not know if they do any processing when ripping the material, or its source, master tape/CD/SACD/DVDA. I do know that many of the Sheffield Lab tracks that I have streamed were “ripped’ from the original vinyl and a few from the CD releases. Either way, the digitized vinyl streams sounded dreadful.
Not to be too negative a lot of the other material I have streamed sounded very good and was terrific as background music and relaxed listening but NOT for critical listening.
As an addition to a music system I think streaming certainly has its place and it allows me (you) to listen to material before buying the physical media. I also love the vast selections, ease of use and the ability to just sit there and browse and listen to dozens of tracks without getting up every 10 minutes to change the album side and album!!
Good to hear that the N-70AE compares well to your vinyl and CD.
Unfortunately I haven’t purchased/reviewed any vinyl recently as I am waiting on a number of Mo-Fi Releases. I have had to return my last 4 vinyl albums three times each as the pressing quality/QC was so poor. So now I am a little”gun shy” of buying any vinyl except form high end sources. I do have dozens of CDs to review from independent labels but I got fed up with listening to the “sameness” of the recording quality, so have paused those reviews for a time.
Thank you for the follow.
Regards
Paul