Amicateur intégré Musical Fidelity M5 Si

The Musical Fidelity M5 Si integrated amplifier is the manufacturer's third integrated amplifier. It remains affordable while delivering the performance and musicality of a higher-range product.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M5 SI: front panel

The M5 Si's front panel is very understated but has a superb black or natural aluminium finish.

At the centre sits a large rotary volume knob. On either side of it are small push buttons for the sources.

Beyond that, there is only the classic on/off.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M5 SI: rear panel

The rear panel is similar to that of the Musical Fidelity M3 Si. You get 4 line-level inputs, a pre-out (for a power amplifier) as well as a Line Out (for a recorder or headphone amp).

Added to these are a superb MM and MC line-level phono input and a USB-B audio input, and therefore a D/A converter. This input processes the digital signal asynchronously up to 24 bits / 96 kHz.

The two speaker outputs use an excellent binding-post terminal compatible with banana and spade connectors.

Note that the "AUX1" input is switchable to bypass mode via a small switch.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M5 SI: features

Musical Fidelity states that the technology used is the same as in the famous high-end Titan amplifier.

The M5 Si amplifier delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and can deliver over 250 watts into 4 ohms. This lets it drive just about any Hi-Fi speaker on the market, from 1,500 to 3,500 euros a pair. The preamplifier section runs fully in Class A, ensuring perfect transparency and excellent dynamics.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M5 SI: testing and listening

The Musical Fidelity M2 Si and M3 Si integrated amplifiers had already greatly impressed us with their remarkable musicality and value for money.

We connected the Musical Fidelity M5 Si directly to a fine pair of speakers well above its range, in order to push it to its limits.

From the very first measurements, you are surprised by this amplifier's ease. It drives the speakers with disconcerting effortlessness. After a few minutes, you have completely forgotten you are dealing with electronics costing under 2,000 euros.

The sound is at once very lively, physical and precise. The bass is fabulous in its depth and realism. The current and power supplied by the M5 Si allow perfect control of the bass drivers, which offers perfect clarity in that register.

The M5 Si masks absolutely nothing and does not push any part of the spectrum forward. The response seems flat and surprisingly natural. The soundstage is impressive in its scale and openness. Transparency seems as spectacular in the bass as in the midrange/treble.

You also notice, compared with certain British competitors, that the M5 Si is more neutral and less flattering.

What's more, the USB input is no gimmick and delivers excellent results with a computer and a quality streaming service. The phono input is genuinely usable and delivers a quality that few integrated amplifiers offer in this price range.

The Musical Fidelity M5 Si amplifier reaches a remarkable level of quality and sound for a product at this price.

The Musical Fidelity M5 Si integrated amplifier is an undeniable success that will meet the needs of music lovers wanting a punchy, musical amplifier able to drive very high-quality Hi-Fi speakers without resorting to an overly complicated setup.

A benchmark.

AWARDS:
Stereoplay – Highlight
Hi-Fi News – Highly Recommended

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Musical Fidelity M5 Si integrated amplifier

What power does the M5 Si deliver and which speakers can it pair with?

The M5 Si delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and can exceed 250 watts into 4 ohms, which lets it drive almost any Hi-Fi speaker on the market, from 1500 to 3500 euros a pair. The preamplifier section runs fully in Class A, ensuring perfect transparency. Find it in our integrated amplifiers section.

Is its preamplifier section Class A?

Yes, the preamplifier section runs fully in Class A, ensuring perfect transparency and excellent dynamics.

What does the front panel look like and what is the build quality of the M5 Si?

The M5 Si's front panel is very understated but has a superb finish in black or natural aluminium, your choice. In the centre sits a large rotary volume knob, with small push-buttons on each side for the available sources, plus the classic on/off switch.

Does it have a phono input and a DAC?

Yes. It offers a genuinely usable MM and high-output MC phono input, plus a USB-B audio input (DAC handling the signal up to 24-bit / 96 kHz asynchronously).