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Musical Fidelity M5si
M5si - Overview
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; 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 our amazing 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.
The M5si In Brief
- 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
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
95/100
The M5si brings authoritative dynamics, weighty bass texture and strikingly natural vocal presence to a traditional integrated-amplifier design. Andrew Robinson found its 150W output exceptionally composed and engaging, with revealing detail, realistic instrumental texture and a solid, long-term build. An MM phono stage and asynchronous USB add practical versatility to its muscular, organic sound.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Powerful, vivid dynamics with exceptional composure and headroom.
Natural, present vocals and organic midrange detail, supported by weighty, textured bass.
Tank-like construction and strong long-term value for its performance level.
Useful analogue-led connectivity, including an MM phono stage, USB input and preamp output.
&
Cons
Mild bass and midbass emphasis makes its presentation less strictly neutral.
Its revealing nature exposes compression artifacts, sibilance and other flaws in poor recordings.
Supplied remote is poorly laid out and unresponsive; digital connectivity is relatively limited.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
The M5si is described as an easy, organic and highly involving listen, combining especially convincing vocal tone with unusually forceful dynamics. Its presentation prioritises composure, presence and musical weight over strict tonal neutrality or artificially oversized spatial effects.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Andrew Robinson finds the sound detailed and composed, with vocals carrying a notably unfiltered, present quality. He also notes that the amplifier is not wholly transparent or colourless, indicating a deliberate sonic character rather than a purely analytical presentation.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The M5si is praised for an alluring, organic tonal character and exceptionally convincing reproduction of the human voice. There is a mild midbass and bass emphasis, so listeners seeking strict neutrality may hear a little extra warmth and weight.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics are a major strength: Robinson describes the amplifier's power as seemingly limitless and ranks its dynamic capability behind only Musical Fidelity's far more ambitious M8xi. Drum solos are reported as epic, vivid and realistic, with the 150W-per-channel output delivering commanding headroom.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Vocals are described as locked convincingly in space, with strong presence and stable image focus. The stage is not exaggeratedly wide or deep, but it expands with volume while retaining the amplifier's emphasis on detail and composure.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Robinson calls the M5si built like a tank, and its substantial 14.6kg chassis supports that impression of a serious full-size integrated amplifier. He also expresses confidence that its construction should support many years of ownership.
Features Connectivity
86/100
Connectivity is sensibly broad for a traditional analogue-led integrated, including four RCA line inputs, asynchronous USB audio, an MM phono stage, fixed and variable line outputs, and trigger connections. Home-theatre pass-through adds useful system flexibility, although it shares one of the analogue inputs.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $1,790-$1,849, Robinson characterises the M5si as downright cheap in context and a relative bargain in its market segment. He considers its muscular performance and tank-like construction persuasive reasons to view it as a long-term investment.
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Authorized dealers for Musical Fidelity M5si
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
and 150 more verified dealers