Musical Fidelity M5xi - Integrated Amplifier

Building on the outstanding success of its predecessor, the M5si, the M5xi is a major reinvention of the M5 formula. The preamp, poweramp, digital and phono sections are completely new and now much closer to the legendary TITAN power amp topology. In fact, the M5xi now commands the same topology as previously used in the M6si, including all the improvements for the newly released M6xi update, just tuned for less power output. This makes the TITAN formula accessible at a new price-point as Musical Fidelity pushes to make true high-end amplifiers as affordable as never before.

Modern systems demand modern connectivity. The M5xi now features HDMI eARC, allowing effortless integration with TVs and home theatre systems while delivering true high-end stereo performance. Alongside this, new coaxial and optical digital inputs expand connectivity for a wide range of digital sources, complementing the already established high-resolution USB input.

A completely new feature is the high-quality isolated USB power output. Designed as a dedicated, ultra-clean power supply, it allows you to power modern USB streamers directly from the amplifier. The result is simple system integration and a noticeable upgrade in performance for your favourite streaming source.

For professional installations and advanced system control, the M5xi now includes RS232 integration, making it ideal for custom installations and sophisticated home audio systems.

Fully Discrete Power Amplifier - Son of TITAN

The biggest change, when compared to the old M5si predecessor, is that the M5xi now uses a completely new amplifier topology. It is now even closer to our legendary TITAN power amp design. The same topology that has been used in the M6si previously, and has now received a whole range of improvements in the M6xi, is now found at the core of the M5xi as well, only tuned for less output power.

The M5xi is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate pre amp. It is, in fact, a pre amp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. It features technology trickled down from our legendary 1kW TITAN power amp.

Internally, refinements push performance even further. The main transformer and power supply PCB are now encapsulated within a metal enclosure, dramatically reducing electromagnetic interference inside the chassis. This improvement benefits every circuit in the amplifier, but especially the newly refined phono stage.

The upgraded MM/MC phono section features improved shielding and circuit optimization, delivering lower noise, lower distortion, and greater vinyl transparency than ever before.

Even the powerhouse amplifier stage has been slightly enhanced. With improved components and increased output capability, the M5xi delivers even greater authority and control over demanding loudspeakers, than its predecessor, while preserving the effortless musicality that defines the Musical Fidelity sound.

The result is an amplifier that combines classic Musical Fidelity high-end amplifier design with modern versatility. The M5xi delivers true high-end performance in the proud Musical Fidelity tradition and makes it more accessible than anything else in its class.

The M5si In Brief

Amplifier

• High-end circuitry from MF TITAN amplifier
• NEW Entireley 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 circtuitry layout to minimize HF interference
• NEW Phono input for turntables with MM and MC cartrdiges

Mechanical Construction

• Uncompromising metal work in typical Musical Fidelity tradtion
• Heavy front panel milled from extruded aluminium profile
• Metal case protects against electromagnetical interference

Technical Specifications

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 HDMI input
• 1x Coaxial input
• 1x Optical input
• 1x Phono MM/MC 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 (unpacked / packed): 15 kg/ 18.5 kg

Further Information

Musical Fidelity M5xi - User Manual (PDF)