Musical Fidelity

Explore Musical Fidelity

Musical Fidelity sells high value high end electronics. They are know for their amps, integrated amps, DAC's & phono stages.
We carry their entire line and love the value equation of their line.


M6X DAC
$2499.00


Soundstage Reference Component of the month

M6x received a Reviewers’ Choice award when Phil’s review was published, and it’s receiving our Recommended Reference Component award this month. The M6x is a superb DAC.

Read the entire review: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reference-components/1835-recommended-reference-component-musical-fidelity-m6x-digital-to-analog-converter

The M6x DAC is a new milestone in the history of Musical Fidelity DACs. Its predecessor, the M6s DAC was one of the first to use the critically acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture. The M6sR DAC, we continued to improve the firmware and added a few other quality of life improvements. DSD was now easier to use, they added full Roon Support and in- & outputs were updated to keep up with the fast moving digital audio landscape. And the other big thing: the M6sR DAC was now being made in the EU!
 

The M6x DAC In Brief

  • DAC Circuit: 32 bit Hyperstream II
  • DAC Chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
  • 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors
  • USB: up to 32bit/768kHz
  • USB: DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)
  • SPDIF: up to 24bit/192kHHz
  • Advanced Reclocking on all inputs
  • Switchable Upsampling with Oversampling Bypass
  • Super Silent Power Transformer
  • Balanced and RCA output
  • Built-in Headphone Amplifier
  • Full Hardware MQA Decoding
  • Roon Tested

A-1 Class A Integrated amplifier
$1699.00
 
A current update to a Classic

The Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. First released back in 1985, it quickly made waves for being an absolute beast when it came down to driving some of the most difficult speakers of that time, even though it was actually a rather low powered integrated amplifier. But: it was all done in pure Class A with excellent and expertly laid out discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and using only highest quality components. The A1 showed people that there was more to amplifiers than just high power.
 

The A1 in Brief

  • 25W Pure Class A power @ 8 Ohm
  • Discrete symmetrical topology
  • Planar Audio transistors with 25A maximum output
  • Dynamic class A, slides (NOT switches) smoothly into Class B, allowing more current as needed
  • Therefore drives difficult speakers with no problems
  • Updated transformer to “dual mono split rail” windings
  • Fully independent left and right power supplies
  • Each power amplifier now has double supply capacity
  • Transformer noise and heat dissipation reduced
  • Filtered main supplies
  • Gain block before volume control totally bypassable using “direct” switch
  • High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer
  • Low noise TL071 JFET preamplifier circuitry
  • Discrete current-mode MM/MC phono input stage
  • Low noise current to voltage converter for further amplification and RIAA equalisation
  • Automatic input impedance matching (1K nominal) for MC along with increased gain
  • Original (1985) A1 appearance and circuits with modern improvements
  • Remote control added for volume
  • Modern updated low noise components
 

The A1 through time - Improvements to the original

  • Updated transformer to more efficient “dual mono split rail” windings
  • High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer as volume control
  • IR remote control added for volume
  • Gain block before volume control totally by passable using “direct” switch (-10dB)
  • All transistors including output devices are carefully selected modern equivalents
  • All capacitors in signal path are polypropylene (PP) type
  • Resistors are modern low noise metal film types
  • Care and attention made to not change any component specification from original but to update them to modern equivalent with long lifespan
  • Layout faithfully follows original within circuit sections on circuit board
  • Circuit sections better laid out, in particular the separate supplies and power amplifiers
  • Phono stage and preamplifier improved for less noise and hum



LS3/5A Classic monitor redesigned
$2599.00 pair
Perfect match to the A1 Class A integrated amp above
 
Over the years, the LS3/5A became an industry standard for music studios, especially for classical recordings. It also quickly gained interest in the audiophile sector. Due to the small size, the LS3/5A is the perfect fit for small living rooms. Do not get fooled by the size: The speaker surprises with a lot of low end information. Due to the closed type design, the bass is quick and perfectly defined, compared to a bass reflex speaker.

The LS3/5A was produced by several speaker manufacturers over many decades already. The Musical Fidelity A1 was always the perfect partner with its Class A amplification. The result was an astonishing clear, detailed and warm sound stage.

The LS3/5A In Brief

  • Two way, closed back type
  • Nominal Impedance: 15 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 82.5dB/W/M
  • Manufactured according to the BBC R&D design 1976/29
  • For near/midfield listening distances
  • Extreme accuracy in midrange frequencies
  • Quick and perfectly defined bass due to closed back
  • Linear frequency response down to 100Hz
  • Truly extraordinary sound stage and imaging
  • Perfect combination with Class A amplifiers like the Musical Fidelity A1
  • Astonishingly clear, detailed and warm sound stage
 

THE VERDICT

To my ears, the new Musical Fidelity is one of the best-sounding LS3/5a variants that I have heard – and I have heard many. I feel it is up there with the aforementioned Falcon Acoustics version, which is high praise indeed. Incidentally, it's also head and shoulders above older, classic examples of the breed that I've heard – a high-quality, box-fresh version is always going to be better. And therein lies the strength of this incarnation – it is a superb iteration that you can buy new, and relatively inexpensively, from a wide range of dealers in this country and beyond. Oh, and as for Heinz Lichtenegger, he's not finished yet with loudspeakers, so he tells me. So maybe watch this space for more Musical Fidelity designs?

Read the entire review: https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/musical-fidelity-ls3-5a-loudspeaker-review




M5SI
150wpc remote integrated amp with DAC & phono stage

$2,199.00
 

Available in black or silver

 
The M5si is a real high end amplifier. At 150wpc, with high current delivery, it will drive virtually any loudspeaker easily. Internally the M5si is configured as two independent monoblocs with a separate preamp, but all mounted on one pcb. Its technical performance is about equal to the M6si. 

The M5si has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and an extremely flat frequency response.  Inputs; Moving Magnet phono (mm), 4 line, and USB ’B’ up to 24bit 96kHz.

The M5si produces an extraordinary sweet clear lucid sound. Significantly it was developed after the legendary Nu-Vista 800. Consequently some of the Nu-Vista 800’s subtle pcb layout solutions have found their way into the M5si.

When you hear it we are sure you will understand the relationship between the two. The M5si projects a deep and wide stereo image with very extended bass and a crystalline top end without a trace of harshness.

 

  • 150wpc
  • Excellent technical performance
  • Preamp output
  • Unconditional stability, will drive any loudspeaker
  • Wide range of useful inputs including asynchronous USB and MM phono
  • Excellent hunky build quality


M6SI
220wpc remote integrated amp with DAC & phono stage

$2,999.00

 
M6si Front Panel

Available in black or silver

M6si - Overview

The Musical Fidelity is a destination product. The M6si offers such excellent performance, facilities and power that unless you are seeking the most exotic high-end sound quality you would never need another amplifier. It's that good.

Internally, the M6si 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.

The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response. Its inputs are phono (MM/MC), 4 line level, 1 balanced XLR and 1 USB ‘B’ up to 24bit 96kHz asynchronous.

The M6 combination of high power, high current and extraordinary stability means that it can drive any loudspeaker with ease.

M6si In Brief

  • 220WPC @ 8 ohms
  • Excellent technical performance
  • Amazing load driving ability, unconditional stability will drive any loudspeaker
  • Wide range of useful inputs including asynchronous USB and switchable MM / MC Phono
  • Preamp output
  • Internally it is a separate preamp with two independent monobloc power amps; effectively a separates system in a box
  • Excellent, hunky build quality
  • Available in black or silver

M6Si/500  500wpc integrated amp
$4299.00
 
"Excellent sound, rock-like build and attractive styling"

Ed Selley - Avforums 03/19

The M6si500 is a very high performance, high powered super integrated amplifier. Twenty-five years ago, the Musical Fidelity A1000 started the complete super integrated amplifier genre. Over the last two and half decades we have continued to refine our original concept.

The M6si500 offers a comfortable 500 watts per channel, incredible load driving ability, outstanding technical performance and solidly engineered build quality. This remarkable integrated amp will drive any loudspeaker virtually perfectly and to its maximum potential.

It has five inputs: 4 x line and 1 x balanced XLR.

Listening to the M6si500 is a sensuous experience. It produces an effortless, silky sound with huge dynamics. The sound stage is broad and deep. Even if you aren’t in the market for an amplifier at this level, you should listen to it to better understand why it is generating such enthusiasm.

M6si500 In Brief

  • 500WPC
  • Fantastic technical performance
  • Amazing load driving ability, will drive any loudspeaker with ease
  • Five inputs - Balanced XLR, CD, Tuner, Aux / HT, Tape
  • Preamp and fixed line outputs
  • Home Theatre bypass
  • Internally it is a separate preamp with two independent monobloc power amps; effectively a separates system in a box
  • Excellent, he-man build quality

 

The M6si500 offers prodigious power – 500 Watts per channel into 8ohms – but there's so much more to it than muscle.

The M6si500 has a high-quality metal build that gives it both distinctive style and a solid performance platform. The front panel is a bespoke, fine-line extrusion of military-grade aluminium, while the heatsinks are also custom-made for outstanding dissipation plus a fine finish.


M2Si integrated amp
$1,099.00
 

Looking for a very good amp at under $1000.00? The M2si integrated amplifier takes from the Musical Fidelity premium-amp experience and applies it to a more affordable price point. It boasts trickle-down technology from their mighty and legendary Titan flagship, plus other high-end touches such as solid metal controls. The M2si delivers 72 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 137 watts into 4 ohms. This means the M2si will drive a wide range of speakers, even power-hungry models.

Further flexibility is provided by the M2si's excellent connectivity, which includes six line-level inputs and switchable home-theatre throughput. It features a Class A preamp stage with its own, independant power supply, coupled with a discrete pair of power amps. In effect, this means the M2si offers the performance benefits of a pre/power configuration with the compact convenience of a one-box design.

Its performance is rock-solid, it's sonically well-rounded and it's comfortable with a wide array of speakers. And it's all served up in an elegant, no-nonsense package.

Output
  • Power 72 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (18dBW)
  • Voltage 22 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping
  • 62 Volts peak to peak
  • Current 25 Amps peak to peak
  • Damping factor 36
  • Output devices 1 pair per channel
Line input
  • THD+N < 0.014 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
  • Signal / noise ratio > 96dB ‘A’-weighted
  • Input impedance 40 k Ohms
  • Frequency response +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Connections
  • Line level inputs 6 pairs line level RCA connectors
  • Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level TAPE outputs
  • 1 pair line level RCA connectors, preamp outputs for e.g. bi-amping
    • Speaker outputs 2 pairs 4mm banana plug/binding posts
    • Consumption 320 Watts maximum
Weight
  • Unit only, unboxed 20¼ lbs
  • In shipping carton 30⅔ lbs
Dimensions
  • Wide 440 mm (17⅓”)
  • High, including feet 100 mm (4”)
  • Deep (front to back) including terminals 400 mm (15¾”)

M3si
$1599.00
Available in black or silver

The M3Si is very similar to the 2i above with 85 watts per channel. It adds a USB DAC as well as a MM phono stage.

 

  • 85WPC @ 8 ohms
  • Excellent technical performance
  • Preamp output
  • Unconditional stability, will drive any loudspeaker
  • Wide range of useful inputs
  • including asynchronous USB and MM phono
  • Preamp out to run another amp or subwoofer
  • Fixed line output
  • Excellent build quality and convenient size


 

 
 


M2S CD
$1,099.00

Available in black or silver

Like the matching M2si integrated amplifier, the M2scd is designed as serious hi-fi available at a modest price. From the fine fit and finish of its metal casework to the unique technology sitting inside, the M2scd exceeds expectations. The M2scd builds on MF's years of engineering expertise, uniquely featuring both a mains choke filter and a high-tech digital stream noise filter. Such innovations enable the player to deliver technical performance; it boasts low distortion and a virtually flat frequency response, plus minimal noise and jitter.

The M2scd's DAC design also draws from its high-end siblings, using cutting-edge technology to ensure excellent data recovery from your discs. Simply put, that means you'll hear more from your music. Reviews say "a very mature and polished performer", which "sounds refined and elegant".

Specifications

Output

  • Output impedance: 50 ohms
  • Output, digital 0dB level: RCA output - 2.2V r.m.s. nominal

    DAC

    • DAC circuit: 24 bit Delta-Sigma (bit stream) dual differential 8x over-sampling
    • Total correlated jitter: <135 picoseconds peak to peak
    • Linearity: <0.1dB down to -96dB
    • Frequency response: 10Hz to 20 kHz -0.2dB max.
    • Channel separation: >105dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: >117dB “a”- wtd.
    • Total harmonic distortion: <0.003% 10Hz to 20 kHz
    •  
    • Connections
    • Line level outputs: 1 pair line level RCA connectors, left and right outputs
    • Dimensions- Wide 17⅓” Wide x 14¾” Deep including terminals x 4" high including feet
    • Weight  Unit only, unboxed 14⅔ lbs / In shipping carton 23 lbs
    • Consumption 20 Watts maximum
    • Digital outputs: 1 RCA coaxial connector SPDIF, 1 TOSLINK optical connector

MX-HPA
Balanced headphone amplifier

$749.00

 
Musical Fidelity MX-HPA Headphone Amplifier
 

Years of experience in making high-quality headphone amps have been distilled into the design of the MX-HPA. As a result, this fully-balanced headphone amp offers an awe-inspiring listening experience.

The MX-HPA’s technical performance is stunning. Typically, distortion from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is less than 0.005%. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 120dB (‘A’ weighted). Frequency response is ruler flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-0.1dB).

The MX-HPA is capable of a short-term peak of 10 watts (for one cycle) and has two gain positions: 18dB (8X) and 24dB (15X). Inputs are either balanced or single-ended. The MX-HPA will automatically convert single-ended inputs to balanced. The MX-HPA is genuinely fully balanced from beginning to end.

  • Fully balanced, studio design, purist headphone amplifier
  • Incredible technical performance
  • Will drive any headphone with ease
  • Wide bandwidth: 10Hz-40kHz at +0, -3dB
  • Very low noise
  • Very low distortion: < 0.003%, 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Outstanding channel separation
  • Powerful, muscular, output into 32 ohms
  • Beautiful aesthetics and build quality

 

Specifications

Power: 1.8 w per channel into 8 ohm (27 dBW)
Maximum output voltage: 19 V RMS, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Onset of clipping (54 Volts peak-to-peak) balanced
THD+N: >0.005 % typical, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal / noise ratio: >120 dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance: 50 k ohm
Frequency response: +0, –0.1 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Gain, LO position (volume max): 18 db (8x)
Gain, HI position (volume max): 24 dB (15x)
Line level inputs: 1 pair line level XLR (balanced) connectors, 1 pair line level RCA connectors
Headphone outputs: 1 pair 3-pin XLR/¼” stereo Jack combined sockets
Mains voltages: 90-250 VAC 50-60 Hz universal worldwide supply
Consumption: >0.25 Ws standby (Orange LED lit), 15 W maximum (Blue LED lit, full power output)
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 220 (82/3”) x 53 (2”) x 240 mm (9½”)
Weight (unpacked / packed): 2.2 kg (5 lb) / 3.7 kg (8¼ lb)

 

 

M3CD
$1,599.00
M3scd Front Panel
In the 2021 Stereo.net review they said:

"Yet still, the M3sCD more closely resembles a high-end CD player that's shrunk in the wash, than a cheap machine in an expensive suit. It sounds far better than it has a right to be at the price, with no obvious failings whatsoever. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that Musical Fidelity isn't especially renowned for Compact Disc, then. This is a great machine and to my ears the class-of-the-field at this price point right now."

The M3scd has been designed to give outstanding CD reproduction and to be a digital hub.

In addition to CD it has 3 digital inputs: coax, optical and asynchronous USB. This makes it particularly useful for set top boxes and/or TV sound improvement. The technical performance is excellent; it has very low distortion, extremely low jitter, excellent signal-to-noise ratio, extremely flat frequency response, exemplary linearity and excellent channel separation.

All in all the M3scd gives excellent CD replay and can act as a versatile digital hub at the same time.

Reviews

Read the full Hi-Fi Choice 5-star review here: https://www.musicalfidelity.com/uploads/reviews/hi-fi_choice_3scd-3si.pdf

M3scd In Brief

  • CD player and digital hub
  • Excellent technical performance
  • Very good CD readability
  • Multiple digital inputs - coax, optical and asynchronous USB
  • Very low jitter
  • Excellent build quality and convenient size
 

M3scd - Specifications

Performance

  • Jitter: <135 picoseconds peak to peak
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20 kHz -0.2dB max.
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: >117dB
  • THD(+ noise): <0.003% 10Hz to 20 kHz
  • Linearity: <0.1dB down to -96dB
  • Channel Separation: 105dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Hardware

  • DAC:24 bit Delta-Sigma (bit stream) dual differential 8x over-sampling

Outputs

  • 1x line level RCA
  • 1x RCA coaxial connector (Digital SPDIF)
  • 1x Toslink optical connector (Digital SPDIF)
  • 1x Trigger output - 3.5mm (1/8”) mono jack +12V DC

Inputs

  • 1x RCA coaxial connector SPDIF 32-192 kbps
  • (16-24 bit stereo PCM)
  • 1x TOSLINK optical connector 32-96 kbps
  • (16-24 bit stereo PCM)
  • 1x USB type ‘B’ connector - cv
  • Trigger in

General

  • Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 100 x 380
  • Weight (unpacked / packed): 6.05 kg / 9.9 kg

M3X Vinyl
$1,599.00
 

The M3x ViNYL is a phono stage, designed to be without any practical limits. Connectivity is straight forward. You have an input and an output.

The M3x Vinyl also uses a completely new power supply design, which was customed designed for the exact needs of a phono stage. Phono stages perform better the less electromagnetic radiation there is in the immediate surroundings of the phono stage circuitry. Huge transformers are required for big power amps, but not for the micro volt levels in a phono stage! The custom designed low core saturation toroidal transformer together with the huge distance from the PSU to the phono stage amplification circuitry, which was achieved by ways of the big chassis design of the M3x Vinyl, allowed MF to build a phono stage that is out of competition in this price range.

Neither input < MM or MC, can be over-loaded at the input or limited in the output driving capacity. It can be set for either MM or MC and exact loading. It offers state-of-the art technical and sonic performance just like the M6x ViNYL, but at a cheaper entry level to the epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.
 

  • MM and MC input
  • Split Passive RIAA and DECA EQ
  • Fully discrete circuit board design
  • Special low core saturation toroidal transformer
  • Minimal electromagnetic interference
  • Made in the EU
  • Black finish
 
 
MX-DAC
Balanced DAC
$749.00

 
 
 
                                              
 

The MX-DAC is a tremendous performer. All inputs whether from coax, optical or USB, are processed in the DSD domain. It has ultra low distortion, very wide bandwidth and low noise. The technical performance of the MX-DAC is on a par with any other DAC at any price. Jitter is about 12pps, s/n ratio is -116dB (‘A’ weighted), linearity is +0.2dB at -116dB, stereo separation is -104dB at 1kHz, frequency response is ruler flat and distortion is 0.00025% at 1kHz and 0.0003% at 20kHz. These technical figures are state-of-the-art and show that our implementation is almost perfect, to ensure completely neutral and accurate digital-to-analogue conversion of any digital input.

The MX DAC has inputs for: 2 x coax (up to 24bit 192 kHz PCM), 2 x optical (up to 24bit 192kHz PCM) and asynchronous USB up to 24bit 192 kHz PCM as well as DSD 64 and DSD 128.

 
  • Superlative state of the art performance with ultra-flat frequency response
  • Able to process DSD64 and DSD128 formats as well as PCM up to 192kHz / 24bit
  • Multiple digital inputs – 2 x coax, 2 x optical, and asynchronous USB
  • All inputs processed and converted in DSD domain
  • Very low noise
  • Extremely low distortion
  • Outstanding linearity
  • Outstanding channel separation