HiFi’s Best Kept SECRET! Musical Fidelity M3si/M8xi High End AMPLIFIER
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- Опубликовано: 12 авг 2020
- ✅ 🛒 M8xi: amzn.to/3aqqaKm, amzn.to/3GPu4s5
✅ 🛒 M3si: bit.ly/M3SiIA, bit.ly/3wAcZgx
✅ CLICK ❤️ THANKS above to highlight your questions & help support the channel!
✅👇 CLICK SHOW MORE👇 to see a full list of products shown
► SHOP MUSICAL FIDELITY M3si and M8xi INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
Musical Fidelity M3si: bit.ly/M3SiIA, bit.ly/3wAcZgx
Musical Fidelity M8xi: amzn.to/3aqqaKm, amzn.to/3GPu4s5
► TESTING THE MUSICAL FIDELITY INTEGRATED AMPS
SPEAKERS
Q Acoustics Concept 300 Bookshelf Speakers: bit.ly/3QBqOW2
Bowers & Wilkins 702 Sig: bit.ly/3N1BdHu
Klipsch Heresy IV: bit.ly/35GRnlQ
TURNTABLES
Andover SpinDeck: bit.ly/AvrDeck
Cambridge Audio Direct Drive Record Player: bit.ly/AlvaCA
U-Turn Orbit Special Turntable: bit.ly/UTOS0A
FURNITURE
Media Cabinet: bit.ly/BDIMEDIA
HiFi Storage Rack: bit.ly/ssvlrack
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
HDMI 2.0 to Analog Converter: bit.ly/HDMIsw
Arylic Media Streamer: bit.ly/s50proA
MUSIC
Chvrches, Love is Dead: bit.ly/CVLID
Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia: bit.ly/FutDL
Michael Jackson, Dangerous: bit.ly/MJdanger
Savage Garden, The Singles: amzn.to/2PI4oEb
► SHOP COMPARABLE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
Cambridge Audio CXA81: bit.ly/cxa81ca
Denon PMA-150H: bit.ly/PMA150H
Marantz PM7000N: bit.ly/pm7000n
Rotel 1592 MKII: bit.ly/3w3qYgE
► MORE FROM MUSICAL FIDELITY
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
M6si (silver): bit.ly/slM6si
M6si (black): bit.ly/M6siBlk
M5si (silver): bit.ly/M5si
M5si (black): bit.ly/MFbM5si
M3si: bit.ly/M3siBlk
M2si: amzn.to/3mvwsJw
POWER AMPLIFIERS
M8-500S Power Amp: bit.ly/M8500Ss
M8-700M Power Amp: bit.ly/M8700Ms
OTHER
Musical Fidelity M8PRE Fully Balanced Preamplifier: bit.ly/M8PreB
Musical Fidelity V90 DAC: bit.ly/V90DAC
Musical Fidelity CD Player: bit.ly/MFCD3
► MUSICAL FIDELITY M8XI REVIEW / M3SI REVIEW
HiFi’s Best Kept SECRET! Musical Fidelity M3si/M8xi High End AMPLIFIER
Choosing the best amplifier doesn’t have to mean spending the most money. We found HiFi’s best kept secret, Musical Fidelity M3si/M8xi high end amplifier. If you’re looking for a high end audio bargain and the best amplifier for your sound system, the affordable amplifier options from Musical Fidelity should be on your list. Integrated amplifier vs receiver - let's find out.
Putting together a HIFI system doesn’t always mean buying the most expensive amplifier from high end audio brands. The M3si, an affordable amplifier from Musical Fidelity is a great option. The Musical Fidelity M8xi amplifier will be one of the best amplifier hifi audio system choices.
► ANDREW ROBINSON REVIEWS
Musical Fidelity M5si Review: • Choosing the RIGHT Amp...
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Review: • VINTAGE Sound MODERN T...
Denon PMA-150H REview: • Denon PMA-150H Digital...
► SHOP MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM
LOUDSPEAKERS
Klipsch Heresy IV Speakers: bit.ly/heresyiv
Jamo C97ii Tower Speakers (best budget tower speaker): bit.ly/C97II
SPEAKER STANDS
Kanto Speaker Stands (budget): bit.ly/Kanto26
SolidSteel Speaker Stands (best): bit.ly/SolidAA
TURNTABLE
Cambridge Audio Direct Drive Turntable (best): bit.ly/AlvaCA
Fluance RT85 Turntable (better): bit.ly/RT85player
U-Turn Orbit Plus Record Player (value): bit.ly/uturnspec
RECORD PLAYER CARTRIDGE
Ortofon 2M Black: bit.ly/3yKz9i1
HEADPHONES
Sony WH-1000XM4: bit.ly/WH1000xm4
TOP SMART TVs
LG 8K TV: bit.ly/LG8K99TV
Hisense H9G: bit.ly/H9GTV
TCL 6 Series: amzn.to/35Vn9NO
BLUETOOTH / DESKTOP SPEAKERS
Naim Mu-so V2: amzn.to/33ASZxI
Klipsch The Fives: bit.ly/fivesUS
Kanto YU: bit.ly/YUdesk
► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
ARTICLE LEATHER CHAIR: bit.ly/NirvanaChr
ARTICLE SOFA: bit.ly/2HI6cMH
ART: bit.ly/howfaryt
TV / MEDIA CABINET: bit.ly/BDIMEDIA
EVERYTHING ELSE: bit.ly/ARdecor
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FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won't change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel.
#audio #amplifier #musicalfidelity 
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★ *QOTD: What would it take in a hifi component to get you to spend more?*
★ *REVIEWING **bit.ly/M3SiIA** and M8xi - **bit.ly/verM8xi** ★ *If it’s in the video, it’s IN THE DESCRIPTION above*
★ *COMMENT RULES:*
- No outside URLs or RUclips links.
- Keep it civil. Please be respectful to one another. Harassment and threats will not be tolerated.
for the QOTD, i believe for me, i go entry level to experiment and go end game so i dont need to ever upgrade. most of the people i personally know are the same, as much as collecting might be for some its not for me. also it seems that selling used hardware doesnt net a return high enough to equipment hop compared to saving up for the endgame gear.
Having owed Krell, Threshold, Apogee and other "high end" gear in the past and having settled on a system that makes me happy and sounds good to me, probably nothing. Maybe if there was a significant change in a digital format that forced me to upgrade my DAC, then maybe. I am in my 60's and my hearing sucks so, I just want to be able to enjoy the music and not think about the gear. I am after all a "Recovering Audiophile."
In these pandemic days and being of a certain vulnerable age, I decided to invest in my listening pleasure. I bought the M5si amp replacing a much older amp. I then couldn't really stop as the introduction of the M5si was such a (nice) shock, that I thought, what's stopping me going higher? Changed my speakers to the PMC Twenty5.23 which were reduced from £3400 to £2299 as they had brought out a new 'i' version of that speaker. I've now invested in the Chord Qutest dac with M-Scaler, and my goodness, what an amazing source!. So you see Andrew, all it takes to make us spend money on HiFi is a Pandemic which makes us stay at home! I'm enjoying being locked up now. So glad you are reviewing the Musical Fidelity amps as not many other respected reviewers do. They are definitely gems of amplifiers in their performance and build quality, if not their features (and their remote!) They deserve a lot more attention, thank you.
What would make me spend more? Being able to hear more and that's a dangerous sign because I really nerdout there. When I get my hands on a separated track recording, it's like being in an amusement park. For me, I'm almost a bigger fan of dissecting the recording process than I am of the artists -- though with good artists, those processes overlap. I love that increase of space between sounds to where they literally lift into their own 3 Dimensional space. There is so much information there and it really allows you to respect a recording as a masterpiece -- if it is one, because it also allows you to start to discover recordings you thought were great only to realize through better fidelity, were over-compressed and badly mixed/mastered. I'm constantly amazed at how through bad fidelity, the brain bridged a gap or made a connection that was not actually there and then when you go from having that blurry vision to putting the corrective lenses on, how these little elements all of a sudden come to life and you can hear the dynamics, you can here the subtle textures, notes, buried spoken words, what outboards may have been used, hard panned stereo guitar tracks, etc. etc.
QOTD.....
What would it take for me to want to spend more in an super high-end audio component as opposed to a more affordable everyday “run of the mill” high-end audio component (or system for that matter)?
I’m going to want to the “nth degree” of performance and sonic purity. I don’t know in words what that entails exactly. But what I hear in an expensive component or in a collection of expensive components is demonstratively more what I normally hear in a lesser equivalent and less expensive components. The performance will be the same overall, but I will know right away what is there now was not there before.
It has to be at reference scale level or pretty damn close to what it would sound like if I were to see this artist in person at a concert.
Ambiance, liveliness, amount of scale and height of scale.
That to me, demonstratively determines whether or not a very expensive component is worth the added expense, and up to the point as to whether or not I would be willing to pay accordingly for that said component.
It has to get closer and closer to 95% to 100% scale before I feel a component (or system) is worthy of such and expenditure.
It’s been proven time and time again, that I can get 65% to 75%, or even 80% of the level and scale of a performance with a very good system that comprises of NAD, Pro-Ject, and maybe Marantz components and ELAC speakers, and I’ll be highly impressed and satisfied for a long time or eternity.
But now, if I get an expensive super high-end system that is comprised of exotic speakers like higher-end Martin Logan or Wilson Audio speakers, Krell, Mark Levinson, or PASS electronics and VPI or ClearAudio turntables with insanely expensive and delicate phono cartridges, and there are higher scales of differences right off the bat, I’ll know that THAT component is indeed worthy of such an outrageous expenditure.
Otherwise, I’ll be just be content with the 75% I’ll be getting from a NAD or even a Marantz system.
I’ll be close to being almost 80% there, but at a fraction of the money.
Now, I will honestly say that even stepping up a Musical Fidelity 3i would be a very nice step up from NAD C-316 for not a lot more money, and that will get me a lot closer to that gigantic Musical Fidelity 8i more so than a NAD C-316 will.
And NAD’s are not bad amplifiers at all.
NAD will remain my go to brand if I want something real and musical sounding, can drive real world speakers for not a lot of money.
-Charles-
After watching this review multiple times I just had to hear it for myself so I got an M8xi. I was nervous that it wouldn’t live up to my idea of the pinnacle of HiFi at the cost.
It truly cannot be put any more straight forward than what Andrew said. For residential 2 channel listening, This is the Apex of reasonably priced Hi Fi. The M8xi is the best thing I’ve heard to date under $10K
I've had mine a couple of years. its in a terrible room. open basement 2000ft. I was wondering if it's just me. Keep turning it up but it doesn't seem loud. Then try to talk to someone and nobody has a clue. This thing is amazing. I think it has more umph than my Mcintosh MC452 which I preamp with the M8xi
So few reviews out there on the Musical Fidelity products. Thank you.
Agreed. MF is under rated and under reviewed especially on RUclips. However, for the next level up in the MF line, wish the MF M8s 700i monos and M8s Pre gets a review.
After much research I bought a musical fidelity, and mehhhhhh. Decent but def not high end or hifi
@@MrGfunk215 INTERESTING....What did you buy?
I used to own Musical fidelity gear 20 years ago. I loved my x-series system, hooked up to some B&W cm2's it sounded stunning to me.
These days I'm using a musical fidelity Merlin amp with some B&W 606s2 as a bedroom system. I'm really happy with it and the little amp makes the speakers sing no probs.
When my kids grow up and stop drawing on furniture I'll move the system into the lounge and upgrade the amplifier, for now I'm content.
I have a Musical Fidelity B1 integrated amplifier that I got about 1993 and it still sounds as good today as it did then, I also use a pair of Ditton 15 passive radiatord .. Stunning sound still
I agree 100%. I bought this amp 2 years ago based on my needs and it performs flawlessly. Its quiet, crystal clear, fun, powerful and the depth of sound is undeniable. I love this amp. My speaker source are the Klipsch Heresy 3....soon to be the Heresy 4 model....only because I don't have the proper space for the Cornwall......
This is the Two-Channel-Andrew that I have found so valuable in the past. Thank you!
I experienced what you described as not going louder, but fuller and more layered and detailed in M8 case with my XTZ A100D3. Amazing how people still don't get it 😬
If i want it too loud i would go to nightclub, but for hi-fi i choose stated above.
Thank you for confirming my toughts and feelings.
Great review, Andrew. I purchased the M6si 3 years ago. I had Bryston separates previously. Best audio purchase I've ever made. Absolutely no cons whatsoever. It has 220 watts per channel, 2 separate mono power supplies. Great review from upscale audio. All my best to you and Chrissy. Jeff.
Brilliant, a clear and accessible review , no hat on back to front or jive talk but good reasons to support a good product, I love good music and an intelligent appraisal . Love your site and your approach.
Even more important than your content is your presentation. It is an absolute pleasure to listen to you.
1992 after auditioning several integrated amplifiers I was introduced to the MF Electra 100 this amp was the business with my Linn Keilidth awesome combination. Then that day when I carelessly fried the amp messing around with bi wireing. Three years later I discovered that the technician behind its creation had his own hifi repair business within 5 miles of where I lived. So this guy offered an upgrade service which I opted for and seriously the best system I've heard. Balance at any level clean dynamic power that have taken my listening experience to what my imagination always attain to as you described I would highly recommend their products.
Andrew,U R da man !!!!
I learned at least a half a dozen new things about Audio that I’ve never known before.
Keep up the great work❤
I wish you did more on the m8xi, I’ve look for an individual review, but couldn’t find one.
I was looking for possibly purchasing the Mac integrated amp.
When I saw your review of it and at the end you were comparing it to the M8XI, and you loved so much that ended up searching for it.
I hope you’ll review it by itself soon! Thanks Andrew
Finally Musical Fidelity gets the praise it deserves. You’re on point, the quality/price ratio is great. What I like the most is the lack of coloring allowing a clear signal
Some amazing praise for Musical Fidelity, they will definitely stay on my short list for amps.
Listening to this video through my Musical Fidelity MX-DAC. Love it.
Thinking about getting the M8xi this review really helps, well done.
Andrew,
Thanks for the review. I just purchased the M6si to pair with my Rega Planar 6, Sutherland vibe phono stage, and Focal 1038Be speakers. I wasn't going to get an integrated amp, but every audio dealer I spoke to (4 of them) recommended the M6si to be paired with the speakers and components given my budget. It didn't break the bank and works great for what I needed and wanted.
Thanks again for all of your reviews.
Good choice have mine paired with Kanta 2
thanks for putting the musical fidelity m3si on my radar. i like the look and your review on its performance. i don’t use a remote, so a bad remote doesn’t bother me. the only dealbreaker for me would be that i didn’t see a headphone jack in the front and i need that in my future integrated amp for late night turntable listening when people are sleeping. but i did put the product on my amazon wishlist to consider it down the line.
Just found your channel. I have the "Musical Fidelity KW500" (semi intergrated Valve Hybrid Amplifier, with matching external power supply unit) and matching "Musical Fidelity KW Phono mk2" (Phono pre amp) as well as the "Musical Fidelity A5 Dab/FM Tuner". still stuns me after all the years iv'e owned them (2006). Plus "Avid Volvere mk4" Turntable, "SME series 4" Tonearm, "Ortofon kontrapunkt C" MC Cartridge, and "Spendor S9E" floor standing loudspeakers. plus CD player, Reel to Reel, and Cassette deck. here in the UK.
Thanks for the review! I currently have the M3si and the CXA81 on my system to test both. The clarity and transparency of the M3si is absolute stunning. Ways better that the CXA81. They both resolve the same amount of detail, but the CXA81 is always more on a warm, more pleasant side.
In fact, the M3si can develop a cutting, almost harsh sound, especially when the internal DAC is used. The right speaker is here the key.
I also tested the sound of both and generally liked the Cambridge sound more.
For the warmth and relaxing of the CX81, I now plan to replace my AXR100 with the CX81.
Love what Kristi has done with the space. Hope all is well in your part of Texas! Stay safe, and thanks for the ever cool content y’all put out.
Hi Andrew, thank you for putting this review, finding Musical Fidelity review on RUclips is very rare, your review sums all the important aspects.
I am considering buying M3si for my Dali Oberon 7. Let me know your though. Thanks
I bought the M3SI based off this review. It's driven by a Node2i and in a few days I'll have a Schiit Bifrost DAC. Speakers are old B&W CM8 floor standing. I love the M3SI, a huge improvement on my previous amp, very very happy so thank you! Curious what speakers you'd suggest as mine are ollllld - still good. The Concept 500s review well but pretty pricey in NZ $8000..
Great review! Honestly, this review pushed me towards buying a Music Fidelity amp over other brands. Thanks!
Great video, with a fantastically accessible portrayal of the sonic character. Great job Andrew. Truly useable info on a great product! 👍😎
I have the "Musical Fidelity KW500 semi intergrated Valve hybrid" @ 500 wpc, and matching "Musical Fidelity KW Phono", phono stage. Had them since 2006, Love them and as the review here Loads of headroom and Dynamics due to high power and 3 massive transformers in seperate matching case, one for the valve Pre amp and one for each Monobloc Power amps.
I have a pair of Musical Fidelity pre and power amp combo. The preamp 2 ( upgrade from their debut model The preamp) and a Studio T power amp (again upgraded model from their Dr. Thomas power amp) bought them in 1986 and I am still using them for I can't find anything I like to replace them with (unless you are talking mega bucks). But back in those days not even Naim nor QUAD can beat it. Consider Musical Fidelity was a young company back then, they are just learning to walk, I consider they've done well to meet the oppositions head on and work their way up till today. And I am glad they still live up to their name and their customers satisfaction.
Am a great fan of musical fidelity. I have owned the A series amp and pre amp plus a recent addition of a MF 6 cd player. Love their reliability their styling and how they produce the sounds I love
Your review of the mx8 is spot on! Had it for a few days , amazing ! The dac is ok but not up to par with the rest. Listened to it with my martin logans request and my tyler PD-30 and had very good control in every situation, the music just presented it self, for a long time i enjoyed music more than my sound system :)
Good review. You've got me interested in the M3si. Bonus points for pronouncing timbre correctly!
Love that intro music Andrew, nice and relaxing and great review as usual.
Great review Andrew-nice to see MF get some love. For sound, aesthetics, and build quality, it's hard to beat for the money. Have an older MF X-Ray integrated amp and matching CD player in my studio, and a M2si in my home (already have an outboard DAC and don't do vinyl, so I didn't need the those features in the M3si).
I guess I would have to madly in love with the sound it reproduces for me to spend enormous amount of money. However the reality there are too many variables to consider. Good review, you definitely brought reality to the table. I appreciate that.
Great vibe and style. As a newbie you are helping me a lot.
Thanks to your "advice" ive just ordered the Kanto YU6's!
Welcome aboard and we hope you enjoy the YUs!
Yes!!!!!! Yes yes yes. Nice review, Andrew, thanks! I have been waiting for someone to review an M series integrated for so long! I own the M2si ($1,000) which is the M3si minus the phono preamp and USB DAC, both of which I do not need, and have been stunned by it's performance. I've shouted it from the rooftops here and in forums but nobody seems interested in MF these days. Let it be known the M Series is killer! You nailed it with the M3si. Like the M3si, the M2si has amazing tone, sweet but extended highs, nuanced and textured bass, amazing soundstage clarity and imaging (I'm getting great width and depth in my treated room) and sounds crazy powerful. It's a steal!
APPRECIATE YOU SHARING! We're BIG fans of Musical Fidelity ourselves now! We'll join you in shouting from the rooftops about these beauties!
You make me want to buy everything you review.
I'm so glad I found this channel.
Another excellent review, really informative and enjoyable! I am learning so much, and I thank you!
Great to hear! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for that review! Last month I was looking for a new amp, and tried to decide between a Musical Fidelity M3si (which was not available at my hifi store), an Advance Acoustic X-i105, a Denon PM7000N (that sounded georgeous, but was too expensive) and a Yamaha RN-602. The Advance Acoustic had the worst bass and treble settings I‘ve ever encountered. The low bass just disappeared with that amp, regardless of the settings. The Musical Fidelity was not available, so I bought the Yamaha. Now I‘m regretting that I didn‘t listen to the Musical Fidelity first.
Anyways, enjoyed the review!
I have had the old m3i for 5 years now, bought it used.
Really pairs well with speakers that have a bit to much energy on the high frequency.
I almost sold my old first gen focal electra because they were fatiguing, especially paired with a Denon 1500R of the same vintage.
But pairing with M3i really tamed the Focal while keeping their character.
Didn't felt the need to upgrade since despite having much more means to do so.
Another great video. I've been pondering whether or not to get an M3si for some time. IMO it looks beautiful. Also, connectivity-wise it's excellent as it considers that some people (myself included) still like to have a line out for headphone amps or recording and the inclusion of HT Bypass adds to its flexibility. From a sound perspective I found the stereo separation to be excellent and in particular I feel the detail in the mid frequencies really jumps out. In recent demos I've also heard the Cambridge Audio CXA81 which, whilst being an accomplished sounding amp is exciting or... exciting. I felt I couldn't relax into listening with the CXA81 for long periods and so I struck that from my list. I've also listened to the Audiolab 6000a at almost half the price and was amazed by the warm, punchy, yet detailed sound it produces from its 50WPC. Whilst the build and stereo separation aren't quite up to the standard of the M3si I do feel it's considerably good value for money. It also includes an integrated DAC but has no line or digital outputs on it. When did deciding on a new integrated amp become so difficult?
Love how you calmly explain things
Thank you so much! We appreciate you watching.
I've used a MF A3 integrated amp w B&W N805s & Velodyne HGS 12 sub for 20 years now...love this combination. while I'm glad to see the M3SI retains many of the positive aspects of the A3, it's unfortunate that MF haven't stepped up to digital capability with this amp...
Andrew, another outstanding insightful component review...well done 🙂👍...and ALWAYS the gentleman... Something pretty rare these days and much appreciated.
Thank you kindly!!
great review thanks, How do you think M3Si will go/match with Wharfdale Lintons? cureently running the Lintons on Rotel A12 /Bluesound Node 2I and am looking for an amplifier upgrade
Yet again I’ve done my job, it’s OK but I see where RUclips is going which is sort of sad, none the less your opinion is respected MAN - I’m sure we would enjoy sitting down for a coffee some where, some how; but you are recovering ✌🏽🇦🇺
Great review as always. Hoping you review some of the more affordable Chinese hifi products coming quickly into the market. Sound Artist has some really interesting products. Also Wharfdale's EVO line looks up your alley for review. Thanks again for the reviews. I look forward to watching them whenever they come out.
I have a MF M2si paired with some KEF R500's. Very nice combination considering the price of the amp. I also like that it does not come with a DAC or phono stage. I will probably get an upgrade at some point, but this is keeping me smiling.....
Really incredible review, many thanks indeed. Could I ask how you feel the m3si shapes up against the Roksan K3 intergrated amp? Any info is much appreciated.
I still have my A300 integrated and A3 CD player. Great pieces.
How would the M8xi pair with the Klipsch Cornwall IV? Would this amount of power be overkill for such easily driven horn speakers (sensitivity i think is 102db)? Do you use the internal DAC (I've read the DAC is the weak point in this integrated) in the M8xi, or can you run an external DAC like a Chord Qutest if you wanted? Great review.. like the channel.
I own a SUGDEN A21SE Signature Pure Class A. It’s a marvelous integrated amplifier. I’m an audiophile and high end audio businessman with more than thirty years of experience from Tehran Iran. I’ve tested many audio gears ⚙️ but from the early years I had a taste for integrated amplifiers. I like Accuphase E800, Trilogy 925, ModWright KWH225i which it’s first 25 watts is pure Class A and of course Pass Labs INT25 pure Class A and I truly admire the Canadian heaven 11 audio.
Very fond of MF range of amps...currently still enjoy the A5 Amp and CD player...cooking with a pair of Q Acoustics concept 40 speakers....work wonderful together
Going through your excellent reviews all week as I shop for and integrated amplifier, I'm at a loss in terms of sound quality in choosing between Rotel, Audiolab, and Musical Fidelity (lesser models: A11 tribute / 6000A / M2si all similar price in my area). Any thoughts of what differentiates these 3 in terms of sound character?
I’ve heard the m8xi with q acoustics concept 500 and to be honest I thought this Chanel is only here to make money.
But after hearing the products I’ll say this it’s an amazing amp and amazing speakers!
The remote does look the same as the one that came with my Musical Fidelity A5. It may be cheap but it continues to work after at least 15 years.
No doubt but if the amp looks like a stylish high-end pieces of art/tech, so should the remote. As it stands, it looks like a cheap piece of crap from the 80s.
I’m looking for one for so long thanks for the video
I have MF A308CRs (Pre and 2 powers). Awesome amps. Fine, sweet detail and big power when needed.
Hey andrew i just scored a musical fidelity m8 encore 500. Your review gave me confort since ill be going from audio research seperates to the musical fidelity integrated. I found it for $2500. I can sell my denafrips dac and sony haps1 and almost pay for the musical fidelity. Thanks for the review as there isnt much reviews on the musical fidelity brand. I wanted the m8xi but theres no used market for those yet but i remember you saying the m3xi sounds very similar to the big brother. Not the best looking integrateds but as long as its a beast and sounds good. Ill be alright with a small downgrade. Thanks again Andrew
I’m so glad I came across your channel! Keep up the great work. Do you know how the M8xi would compare with hHegel’s H390 and H590? Thanks for your guidance
Give up… seems like everyone hates to compare them… already looking for weeks for a decent review
Thanks for a very informative review.
I purchased the Musical Fidelity M2si to power my new Bowers and Wilkins AM-1 indoor/outdoor/wall mounted surround sound speakers.
IYO, do you think this will be a good pairing? I do like a lively, rich & detailed sound.
Thanks!
I do
Thanks@
Having used MF since the 80s the A1 class A amp and other amp and cd players by MF. I've always been impressed with the value for money and performance of said items.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for the review. I have a SF Sonetto V matched with an ECI 6 DX MKII. I love my current sound but I think that I can make it sound very similar with a cheaper amplifier. I wonder whether you think downgrading to something like the M3SI would be something too noticeable. I'd really appreciate your answer. Best!!!
These amps are GORGEOUS. Awesome review, you guys.
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!
I own and thoroughly enjoy the M2si, an M3si w/out the DAC and phonostage. Big fan of MF products as well!
Thanks for the review. I was about to pull the trigger on either the M3si or M2si to add its own phone stage and DAC but noticed no headphone out on either? Might have been a bit a deal breaker for me.
I have the M5si and it is fantastic. Superb engineering and sound, drive my PMC twenty5.23 beautifully.
So glad to hear that! We were curious about the M5 ourselves. Thanks for watching!
your voice is so soothing. great reviews
I had a musical fidelity B 1 years ago.
Great little amp
This M8xi appears impressive. I feel your enthusiasm. That said, I have little experience with this line and hope to audition soon. I have taken note of this integrated wave and have listened to Krell and Hegel. The Hegel H590 peaked my interest as a replacement for my 1990's Bryston 4B driving Martin Logan gen 2. Have you had any thoughts comparing M8xi and Hegel H590?? Thank you for providing a laid back, straightforward approach to reviewing! Keep it up... Best regards, Chris
Based on "your" and others reviews, I've purchased the m8xi today, hoping it will drive my new Maggie 3.7i's to perfection or as near for my ears, saving me thousands over McIntosh or ML equipment. Thanks, to you and your wife for having a nonbiased channel here keep up the great work.
I bet that will be a great match. Circle back and let us know!
I have the 1.7i's so going down a similar path as you.. Looking at hegel h190/390, anthem STR integrated, Luxman 509, Naim, routes.. Also considering going the separates route of tube pre + benchmark abh2 .
Nice! I always remember the MF A1 Class A long time ago, looking (and feeling) like a heater but superb sounding! Even more curious about the M6 Encore 225 ;)
I have the Musical Fidelity M3si amp that i purchased on a Corona virus sale.It's paired to my Klipsch RP-600M
Hey Andrew, I have been watching your videos for a couple of weeks now, and all of your videos are so informative. Thanks for that.
I have a question, though.
I am trying to put together a stereo setup primarily for listening to music.
Audio source: Spotify and local FLAC files through a decent hi-fi usb DAC connected to laptop.
Speakers: Could you please suggest a decent bookself that could go well with the source of audio? Also I have polk or yamaha powered subwoofer in mind for that low end effect.
Amplifier: I am looking for a bare power amplifier without any Bluetooth or wifi or any streaming or anything except just amplify the music source. Which topology should I go with for the source from which I would be listening? Class A or AB or D? Which amplifier would suit my requirement without breaking the bank?
Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙏
Andrew has the best video production in the hifi category. Polished and professional.
Thank you so much, Kirk Calma! We appreciate you watching.
The M3si sounds remarkably like some of the best Sansui mid power integrated amplifiers from back in the day. Really nice.
When you get the M8xi plugged in, you forget all about the remote. It's not bad, anyway, lightweight, and won't cost a fortune if it needs replacing. M8xi presents stunning clarity, at any volume, across the spectrum. Notable is bass, and the DAC is no limitation. I'd recommend the What HiFi review for measurements...I got the beast at a discount but it's worth it even at list. My Pass X250.5 was no match for speed, bass, or clarity esp. at high volume. You are surely right, it just gets clearer...measurements bear it out. I'm listening thru Focal Aria 936 K2s, and system really sounded better after a couple weeks of overnight pink noise....
i bought M3si because this review and i'm happy with it!
I really enjoy listening to Andrew! I think he’s one of the best at whats his doing!
Hello Andrew very nice review thank you. One point, there are two MF products between these much more closely priced to the 3si and they are of course the 5si (150w/ch) at $2000 and 6si (220w/ch fully balanced) at $3000. Everything I have seen says the 6si is a "final destination product" with exactly the same adjectives used to describe as you have used with the 8xi.
This is relevant to me because I recently replaced my 37 year old Denon PMA750. With much consternation, two of my finalists were the Naim Nait XS3 and MF 6si. When looking at power it would seem a no brainier but Naim is not about power ratings. In the end I bought the Naim mostly because I was able to hear it whereas there were no MF dealers in my area. Also, I liked the dealer I was working with very much. Yes I would have liked to get the Super Nait but could not get it approved by the capital committee chair person in the house. Now I am looking at your B&W speakers...
Awesome video love my m6si on my focal kanta 2
Great review Andrew. Glad to see you cover Musical Fidelity. Too little about them in the community.
Love their bet on simplicity. Can't believe that piece of s#@t of remote though! I have their universal music controller M1Clic and it's got pretty much the same remote! Nice piece of gear though!
Andrew, any chance of reviewing CODA or Jeff Rowland integrated amps in the future? A recent article in Sound Stage Hifi had the Purifi based M33 edging out the M8xi. Thanks for the great videos!
I have had both, currently have the M8xi... Great powerful unit, it will run anything with ease... Grit, power, great bass, excellent control. One Int. Amp I would choose over the MF M3Si would be, David Belles Aria Int. or his Aria Reference Int. Both excellent and I would rate the Aria above the M3si in sonic performance.
Hi James, I'm thinking of purchasing the m5si. But I'm not sure as I can't find anywhere if it has a direct mode option to hook up an external dac in case I want to upgrade in the future, as the internal dac is quite old already. No digital inputs, same as the m3si. Is there a way of bypassing the internal dac. Thanks!!
@@alex-cd9jc I use a Ladder Array Dac by Aqua, even though many Int. Amps are including DACs these days you can still bypass them by using an external Dac to Source, then Dac to Analog inputs on the M8xi. The M8xi also has 2 Coax and 2 Optical, 1 USB. It also has 1 Opt output, and 1Coax output. Typically the way to bypass a internal Dac is run the source to the External Dac, then the Analog outs RCA/Balanced out to the back of the Int. Amplifier.
I bought the M6sCD/DAC in April as my digital solution. It's excellent. Made in Taiwan, though. Virtually the same remote, too. 8-)
Hi Andrew, thank you for the great review. I’m new to your channel. May I know how does the M3si compare to the Billie Amp as you have previously reviewed? Thank you.
Hi Andrew, thanks for posting this video. Do you have any recommendation which phono stage would go well with M8xi? Also, did you experience any heating issue with the amp?
Hey krish i have a musical fidelity m8 encore. Had for couple months now. It's an amzaing integrated that i straight up stole somehow. It gets somewhat warm but coming from audio research tube gear... It doesn't produce no heat at all lol. The large heat sinks soak up the heat if there is any. Ive yet to notice it getting hot tho. Good luck with your musical endeavors!
I regret selling my A3 and A3 CD. Only fault was that the power on/off button would stick sometimes but I guess these newer models have been rectified. Had the Monitor Audio 20se and wow, but stupidly sold them too! I hear their DAC is quality too.
Andrew I like your podcast, but I have a question for you, if you compare the quality of sound of this components , with some older amplifiers like a Sansui AUD 11 or a Kenwood Power Amplifier, which one offer more Fidelity and real quality of sound?
As a retired Audio Engineer and lifelong music lover, I strongly suggest you take a listen to the ATC SIA2-150 Integrated amp and give us your thoughts.
Good video, keep it up. Really nice to see someone comparing supper hi-end against middle level
Hey, thanks!
Great review Andrew. You have everything listed in the review below except those silver speaker stands. Your room is decorated very well, simplicity is divinity. Manufacturers are getting so good at what they do now that as you said, you are getting 75 to eighty percent there without the price tag. I listen to an Arcam SA-20 with their matching sacs player/streamer and I was very impressed. Have you tried some of Rotel’s stuff like their RA-1592 integrated, which is 200 watts RMS and yes it has the kitchen sink thrown in as far as features at 3 grand.
Also Rotel has their hi-end line, the Michi, which I would love to see you review their mono blocks/stereo amp and preamp. I’m currently using their slightly older but still available RA-1572 integrated in a separate room with some older Bowers and Wilkins CM5 and it’s not bad at all. Those silver stands that the Q Acoustics Concept 300 are sitting on would go well with my CM5’s, so please list them.
The Built in Dac is very good. I do lose out on some analog rec out for my tape deck, which I’m not happy about, but a lot of modern integrated amps are going this direction. I’m finding out that the Bluetooth standard with AptX is getting better and better to the point of being musical. To spend the extra money for that last 10 percent the product, I would have to have that emotional connection with, the stirring of the soul. Great video as always.
Those stands are custom for the Q-acoustics
@@Academicidiot , Thanks for the info.
It would be awesome if you could get a Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 for review. Would be very interested to hear you do a comparison to the M3si. Same price but it has a tube preamp section and class D power section.
I purchased the M6Si, love the sound and deep deep power , like “Telegraph road”…, even 1/4 volume👍👍 BUT that remote…🤯 piece of 💩
Still love the sound….
By the way the DAC is very noisy… & not really any better that the DAC in Bluesound Node 2 …
Cheers Andrew, you help me find n buy my Amp🙏🙏
Another fantastic review. M3si or rotel a11?
Primaluna, great, affordable tube gear and wonderful remotes! Great overview of the MF gear....as always!
Dear Andrew Do you know whether the MF MS3i can manage comfortably to the ATC SXM7s ? My current amplifier is the Rega Elex-r, which quite frankly struggles. Thanks a lot
John
I have explored the commercial grade power amps and discovered the Behringer A500 reference amp. It is an AB class with a lovely response profile. -102db s/n. I pair this with the highly lauded Douk Audio P2 tube preamp with DAC, price $99. All this hooked to refurbed and updated Klipsh Belles. Total price for everything included Klipsch subs ...under 6K and it easily outperforms 50K systems.
Lol 😂
If you think a $99 tube pre can outperform high end gear, your probably wrong.