Musical Fidelity - M5xi Integrated Amplifier

Get Trickle-Down Flagship Topology and Engineering at a More Accessible Cost: 160Wpc Musical Fidelity M5xi Integrated Amplifier Offers Fully Discrete Power, Ultra-Low-Noise Operation, MM/MC Phonostage, and Modern Flexibility 

Get real. That could be the tagline of the Musical Fidelity M5xi integrated amplifier, which plays with degrees of emotionalism, presence, and dynamics normally associated with models that come with far higher price tags. And even many of those won't have the flexibility on offer here. Equipped with RS232 and an HDMI eARC input to allow for easy integration with TVs and home-theater systems all the while still serving as an outstanding stereo unit, M5xi is essentially a preamplifier and two independent monoblock power amps that happen to share the same casework. Providing 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts into 4 ohms, M5xi is the epitome of high-end value. 

Leveraging amplification topology originally devised for the company's flagship Titan model, the 33.1-pound M5xi offers excellent stability, authority, and control. It employs a low-distortion Darlington output stage that eliminates crossover artifacts while maintaining extremely low residual distortion, preserving detail and tonal accuracy across the entire frequency range. The carefully optimized PCB board minimizes circuit imbalances that would otherwise require corrective feedback, allowing the amplifier to operate naturally and transparently. During operation, all power supplies remain purely analog, reducing high-frequency noise and lessening EMC-related interference.

For the all-analog preamplifier stage, M5xi uses a low-noise circuit design that maintains exceptional purity across the entire dynamic range. Whether at quiet or loud listening levels, it preserves micro-detail and harmonic accuracy with remarkably low total harmonic distortion. A Burr-Brown stepped attenuator allows for precise channel matching outside the realm of conventional potentiometer-based designs. The advantages are immediately audible: balanced stereo imaging, stable soundstage placement, and consistent tonal accuracy.

Another benefit of M5xi? The carefully tuned main transformer and power-supply PCB are actually encapsulated within a metal enclosure to reduce electromagnetic interference. This layout benefits every circuit, particularly the newly refined MM/MC phonostage with improved shielding and circuit optimization. The upshot: low noise, low distortion, high transparency. Speaking of analog. M5xi further recognizes that digital and analog hardware need to be isolated from each other. On that note, the digital and ARC boards are physically separated on their own PCBs and have their own linear power supply.

When it comes to connectivity, M5xi delivers in spades. Four RCA inputs and a home-theater bypass input complement optical, coaxial, and HDMI eARC inputs, while the USB-C input supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. In addition, a 5V/2A USB-A power output allows the amplifier to power modern external streamers, simplifying setup and reducing the need for additional power supplies. This output has its own separate transformer winding and linear power-supply stage, effectively doubling as a power supply upgrade for your streamer. You also get dedicated pre-out connections in case you want to expand your setup in the future.

Housed in a robust chassis with extruded aluminum front panel, M5xi resists external vibration and electromagnetic interference. The case acts as a Faraday cage that protects the internals against outer electromagnetic fields and, in the same way, the rest of your gear against electromagnetic fields generated by M5xi.

Sold with a lightweight remote control and a two-year manufacturer warranty, M5xi will more than capably drive even difficult speakers to their extremes in small- and medium-sized rooms while giving you convenience that never goes out of style. To learn more, give us a call at 312-433-0200.