Musical Fidelity M5xi Integrated Amplifier

A fully discrete dual-mono, 160 Wpc integrated amp with DAC, HDMI eARC, USB-C, MM/MC phonostage, and streamer power output

The Musical Fidelity M5xi is a high-power integrated amplifier built around 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate preamp stage in a shared chassis. Its revised amplifier topology is drawn from Musical Fidelity’s TITAN power amplifier design, bringing the M5xi closer to the architecture used in the M6si and updated M6xi, but tuned for lower output power.

The M5xi delivers 160 W per channel into 8 ohms and 240 W per channel into 4 ohms, with 45 amps peak-to-peak current and enough headroom to drive demanding loudspeakers with control. Its low-distortion Darlington output stage is arranged in classic Musical Fidelity fashion, while the PCB layout is designed to reduce circuit imbalances that would otherwise require corrective feedback.

Connectivity has been substantially updated, with HDMI eARC, coaxial, optical, and USB-C digital inputs, plus 4 line-level RCA inputs and an upgraded MM/MC phonostage. A home-theater bypass input allows the M5xi to serve as the front left/right amplifier in a multichannel system, while fixed line outputs and variable preamp outputs support headphone amplifiers, bi-amping, or active subwoofer integration.

Fully Discrete Power Amplifier

The M5xi is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amplifiers with a separate preamp stage, effectively combining a preamp and 2 power amps in one chassis. The amplifier stage uses Musical Fidelity’s classic low-distortion output topology and incorporates technology from the company’s TITAN amplifier platform.

Power delivery is central to the design. The M5xi provides 160 Wpc into 8 ohms, 240 Wpc into 4 ohms, and 45 amps peak-to-peak current, giving it the headroom and control needed for difficult speaker loads and low-impedance dips.

Modern Inputs and System Integration

The M5xi adds HDMI eARC for TV and home-theater use, along with coaxial, optical, and USB-C digital inputs supporting up to 24 bit/192 kHz resolution. RS232 control allows integration into custom-installed systems, and a 5 V/2 A USB-A power output provides a clean power source for compatible external streamers.

The home-theater bypass input bypasses the preamp stage, allowing the M5xi to operate as a high-performance stereo power amplifier for the front left and right channels in a multichannel system. Fixed line outputs and variable preamp outputs provide additional flexibility for headphone amplifiers, external power amps, or active subwoofers.

Phonostage and Digital Separation

The built-in MM/MC phonostage has been redesigned from the M5si’s MM-only stage, adding moving-coil cartridge support along with improved circuit design, layout, isolation, and shielding. The transformer and power supply PCB are encapsulated in a metal enclosure to reduce electromagnetic interference throughout the amplifier, with particular benefit to the high-gain phonostage circuitry.

Digital and analog sections are physically separated on dedicated PCBs, with the digital and ARC boards using their own linear power supply. This separation is designed to reduce RF interference and protect the sensitive analog signal path.

Build Quality

The M5xi’s front panel is milled from a massive extruded aluminum profile, with a metal case designed to provide mechanical rigidity and electromagnetic shielding. The casework helps reduce the effects of vibration while also protecting the amplifier’s internal circuits from external electromagnetic interference.

Specifications

Power Output (8 ohm, 4 ohm): 160 W, 240 W

Continuous Power (8 ohm, 4 ohm, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.09% THD): 140 W, 210 W

Peak Power (8 ohm, 4 ohm): 190 W, 320 W

Output Voltage: 36 V RMS, 20 Hz–20 kHz at onset of clipping

Peak-to-Peak Voltage: 101 V

Peak-to-Peak Current: 45 A

Damping Factor: 47 into 8 ohms

Output Devices: 2 pairs per channel

Line Input THD+N: <0.009% typical, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105 dB, A-weighted

Line Input Impedance: 40 kΩ

Frequency Response: +0, –0.1 dB, 10 Hz–20 kHz

Analog Inputs: 4 x stereo RCA line-level, 1 x MM/MC phono

Digital Inputs: 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x coaxial, 1 x optical, 1 x USB-C, up to 24 bit/192 kHz

Analog Outputs: 1 x stereo RCA fixed line output, 1 x stereo RCA preamp output

Speaker Outputs: 2 pairs 4 mm banana plugs

Control: RS232 D-sub connector, trigger input and output

USB Power Output: 5 V/2 A USB-A

Phono Sensitivity (MM, MC): 3 mV, 0.4 mV

Phono Gain (MM, MC): 40 dB, 60 dB

Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >87 dB, A-weighted

Phono Input Capacitance: 220 pF

Phono Input Impedance (MM, MC): 50 kΩ, 1 kΩ

Phono Frequency Response: RIAA/IEC ±0.4 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Power Requirement: 115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz, factory pre-set

Power Consumption: 320 W maximum

Dimensions (WHD): 17.3" x 4.9" x 15.9" (440 x 125 x 405 mm)

Weight: 33.1 lb. (15 kg)