Musical Fidelity M6 Si integrated amplifier

The Musical Fidelity M6 Si integrated amplifier marks a turning point in the manufacturer’s range. It fits between the M5 Si  and the muscular Musical Fidelity M6-500. It uses some of the same technology, but in a rather standard cabinet and therefore easier to fit.

Announced performances make it a very versatile integrated amplifier  which is not afraid to be paired with difficult Hi-Fi speakers.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6 SI: FRONT PANEL

Like on all Musical Fidelity (Discover all products from Musical Fidelity) devices, the front panel of the M6 Si is very sober. It is carved in thick and massive aluminium, and proposed in two finishes: black or natural. Its simplicity does not prevent it from offering the essentials.

There is a large rotary volume button associated with little push buttons on each side corresponding to the selection of the 7 sources.

Finally, there is the obvious power button on the far left.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6 SI: BACK PANEL

On the back, there are 4 high level inputs, a pre-out output (for a power amplifier) as well as a Line Out output (for a recorder or a headphone amplifier).

There is also a magnificent phono input associated with Switch enabling the selection between MM and MC. Therefore, it makes it compatible with the moving magnet cartridges  and the high output  or low output  moving coil cartridges.

There is also an audio USB-B input associated with an asynchronous D/A DAC compatible with digital signals up to 24 bits/96 kHz.

On each end of the housing, excellent WBT terminals compatible with banana and fork connectors are in charge of both speaker outputs.

It’s important to know that the “AUX1” input is switchable via a small Switch in By Pass.

The power supply is connected via the key IEC socket which will then allow to use a better-quality cable.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6 SI: CHARACTERISTICS

Musical Fidelity announces that the technology used is the same as the one developed on the manufacturer’s famous high-end Titan amplifier.

The M6 Si delivers 220 watts per channel at 8 ohms and can deliver more than 350 watts at 4 ohms. To do that, it is equipped per channel with a double Push Pull with Darlington Sanken transistors.

There is a large double winding toroidal transformer at the centre of the chassis. Each winding supplies each channel separately. This power reserve and its stability allow it to drive a lot of Hi-Fi speakers, even those considered difficult.

The preamplifier part fully operates in Class A. This choice allows an excellent transparency and offers a nice dynamic range.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6 SI: TESTING AND LISTENING

This Musical Fidelity M6 Si amplifier has a surprising reproduction which reminds us of higher-range electronics. Its current reserve and power handling allow it to be associated to a very good pair of speakers, even those difficult to operate.

The sound reproduction is very accurate and detailed, while providing substance to make the timbres rich and the instruments realistic.

The Musical Fidelity M6 Si doesn’t hide anything or highlight any particular part of the spectrum. The transparency is perfectly divided on the whole audio spectrum. The higher frequencies are soft and clear. It is associated with a magnificent punchy and dynamic mid-range.

The thrill seekers will be delighted by the deep, dynamic, articulated and remarkably readable bass. The soundstage and the stereo image are impressive while remaining accurate and very realistic. Even the most demanding Hi-Fi speakers show unusual energy and swing.

Furthermore, the USB input with a MacBook and the HD Qobuz app offered stunning results! The phono input is of excellent quality and can even be associated with a nice MC cartridge. We performed the test with an Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge.

The M6 Si integrated amplifier ensures a true high-end reproduction but yet at an affordable price.

The Musical Fidelity M6 Si integrated amplifier is certainly one of the best Hi-Fi amplifiers in this price range! It is very versatile and musical, and can be paired with almost everything. It symbolises what a true integrated amplifier should be like!

A reference!

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