Test Musical Fidelity M6si
It's a bit like dejà Vu: I tested the Musical Fidelity M6si in 2015. The then Musical Fidelity boss Anthony Michaelson (he sold the company a few months ago to Heinz Lichtenegger from Pro-Ject) brought the good piece himself and not without pride and postulated that there would not be a better-integrated amplifier in the 2,500 class any time soon. Big words. Accordingly, we put the M6si through its paces - and in the end, had to take our hat off: there was no more amplifier for the money back then.
And now he's crossing my path again. Namely, as an integrated amplifier center in a chain (floor-standing speaker Triangle Esprit Australe EZ, CD player Musical Fidelity M6scd, DAC Musical Fidelity M6sdac), which caused a real sensation both at the North German HiFi Days 2018 and at the HIGH END 2018 and is now playing in the LowBeats listening room.
So, after four years of running (and there's no end in sight yet), we're reassessing the current position: where is this musical Fidelity M6si today?
It can be said that he is still very impressive in appearance. A heavy and large bolide with a centimeter-thick aluminum front and nasty (but tamely rounded) heat sink on the side - processed really solidly inside and out.
And it sells well - not only within the MF/Triangle chain. Over the past four years, the M6si has become something of a standard in its class, despite having perhaps the toughest competitor in its own family in the £1,000 cheaper M5si.
The M5si is two years younger and since its outstanding test with us (July 2016) it has been a permanent fixture on the LowBeats reference shelf. In any case, the big brother only just wins the equipment compared with the smaller M5si (1 x high-level input more, its phono stage can also do MC).
And the 2.0 kilos that it weighs more ( M5si = 14.6 kilos, M6si = 16.6 kilos) could also be due to the larger case.
The technology of the Musical Fidelity M6si
The M6si is designed as a “dual mono”, i.e. an amplifier whose left and right channels are completely separate.
It's true down to the transformer: Anthony Michaelson only gave the M6si one, but it simulates a second one with its two taps. This is easily cheated, because of course two separate transformers would be even better here. Still, the build is exceptional for the class.
The M6si gets its power of almost 300 watts sinus per channel at 4 ohms from two pairs of Sanken bipolar transistors STD03N (NPN) plus STD03P (PNP) - the same concept as with the smaller M5si.
Anthony Michaelson has also never made a secret of the fact that the two amplifiers are very similar in this respect. The bigger one generates the noticeably higher performance of the M6si of 70 watts from its higher power supply stability.
The features of the Musical Fidelity M6si…
...is by no means excessive. It is a solidly equipped integrated amplifier with an asynchronous 24-bit 96 kHz USB input - which most integrated amplifiers in the sub-1,000 euro class also have to offer.
The situation is different with the phono input, which operates with extremely low noise and a very convincing sound in both MM and MC mode.
I compared the phono input with various external phono stages between 300 and 400 euros. And although outsourcing the sensitive circuits usually has advantages in terms of sound, the phono input of the Musical Fidelity M6si was almost always able to assert itself with higher dynamics and liveliness. I think he's extremely good.
The home theater function of one AUX input is also worth mentioning: the HT mode bypasses the volume control of the M6si via a jumper on the rear.
In this way, you can easily integrate the integrated amplifier and the connected loudspeakers into a multi-channel system, in which the AV processor then takes over the volume control.
Speaking of which: the volume can of course be controlled remotely, like most of the functions. But not simply via a - possibly not so good - motor potentiometer, but via the well-reputed, very low-noise level controller PGA2320, which is only controlled via the motor potentiometer.
The Musical Fidelity M6si in practice…
...makes you satisfied. I didn't find a single speaker in the large LowBeats arsenal that this integrated amplifier could not handle. Its immense power and stability also enabled high levels with loudspeakers whose impedance drops to 2 ohms. And its sound character is so thoroughly neutral that in no constellation did the impression of a mismatch arise.
And yet, of course, there are good and better combinations. Reichmann Audio, the local MF distributor, has - as already indicated above - put together a chain of Triangle and Musical Fidelity. And indeed one has to say that this combination of M6si and Triangle Esprit Australe EZ is an extremely successful one.
The Triangle 's extremely lively gait goes really well with the M6si, which is also very lively but not unnecessarily bright and high-resolution. Expressiveness, bass depth and precision, a natural spaciousness and a high maximum level - almost everything is right here, which is why we mainly did the listening tests with the French speaker.
But of course not only. Also included in the listening test were the Dynaudio Contour 20, the Magnat Signature 1109 and the reference, the Wolf from Langa Chicago.
However, it did not shed one peculiarity on the French floorstanding speaker either: the M6si gets quite warm in the area of the mains transformer.
A stack of devices with, for example, the matching CD player Musical Fidelity M6scd on the integrated amplifier is only the second best idea; it should have enough air at the top.
The hearing test...
... of the Musical Fidelity M6si began with a comparison to the smaller, but technically very similar M5si . That's why we were quite astonished at how the older M6si won this comparison in the LowBeats listening room .
The incredibly dynamic "Crying" from James Blood Ulmer's album Live At Bayerischer Hof Munich sounded even more authentic, lively, and, above all, more rousing with the M6si. This amp doesn't really do a lot of shine, but it does almost everything right.
It hits the tone, keeps the bass very well under control, and has a very convincing basic tone. The balance between impressive dynamics and well-balanced naturalness is undoubtedly better than that of its little brother, the M5si. It is difficult to imagine that this difference is solely due to the higher performance.
With the M5si, the combination with the Triangle no longer sounded so natural and enchanting. Somehow the kick was missing a bit. With the other loudspeakers - with the exception of the Chicago - the livelier, more powerful, and more natural way of playing was no longer that important, because ultimately the M5si is a great, very natural-sounding amplifier.
But the Chicago (which costs almost 40,000 euros), which, thanks to electromagnets in the low and mid-range and an open dipole housing, produces by far the most precise bass of all the loudspeakers tested at LowBeats so far, showed greater impulsiveness and greater naturalness in the playback of drums understand very well.
And of course, it's really fun to unleash such a powerhouse as the Musical Fidelity M6si on a dynamic machine like the Von Langa Chicago. You're always close to full-volume deflection...
Even the Exposure 3010 S2D, a superb, down-to-earth amplifier with a lot of energy and grip, didn't have much to oppose the M6si's unexcited liveliness.
The exposure on the Dynaudio was particularly good, but the M6si didn't do badly with the Danish two-way box either, because it celebrated the voices so beautifully with it.
However, the M6si did not clear an amplifier hurdle: Our editorial favorite, the Atoll IN 300, did not let itself be overtaken by the Englishman as quickly as the other two class references.
The atoll mastered the powerful Cajon hits on Carlos Caceres Murga Argentina even faster, more springily, more "real" and even added a shovel of energy to James Blood Ulmer's "Crying".
The IN 300 tends to be minimally light and is therefore not necessarily the top partner for the Triangle. But on the Magnat or the Chicago, he made it sparkle a little more.
Pros and cons on Musical Fidelity M6si
Pros:
Sound Quality: The Musical Fidelity M6si is known for its exceptional sound quality, offering high fidelity and clarity across the entire frequency range. It delivers detailed and precise audio reproduction, making it suitable for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Powerful Amplification: With a robust amplifier section, the M6si provides ample power to drive a wide range of speakers, including those with demanding impedance levels. This ensures clean and dynamic audio output even at higher volumes.
Versatile Connectivity: It features a variety of connectivity options, including multiple analog inputs (balanced and unbalanced), digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical), and a phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. This versatility allows users to connect various audio sources without any hassle.
Build Quality: The M6si is well-built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and longevity. Its sturdy chassis helps minimize vibrations and interference, further enhancing the overall audio performance.
User-Friendly Design: It boasts a user-friendly design with intuitive controls and a clear display panel, making it easy to operate and navigate through different settings. Additionally, it comes with a remote control for convenient access to functions from a distance.
Cons:
Price: The M6si is relatively expensive compared to some other integrated amplifiers in its class. This might put it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers or those looking for more affordable options.
Size and Weight: It's quite large and heavy, which could be a drawback for users with limited space or those who frequently need to move their audio equipment. Its substantial weight may also pose challenges during installation or setup.
Heat Dissipation: Like many high-powered amplifiers, the M6si can generate significant heat during operation. While adequate ventilation is provided, users need to ensure proper airflow to prevent overheating, especially when used in confined spaces or enclosed cabinets.
Limited Digital Features: While it offers digital inputs, some users may find the digital features of the M6si to be somewhat limited compared to dedicated digital audio components or streaming amplifiers. This might be a drawback for those seeking more advanced digital capabilities or network connectivity.
No Built-in Wireless Connectivity: Unlike some modern amplifiers, the M6si does not come with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. Users interested in wireless streaming would need to use external devices or accessories, adding to the overall cost and complexity of the setup.
Specification
Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 3mV nominal (MM), 0.4mV nominal (MC)
Input impedance: 47k Ohms (MM and MC)
Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 125 x 400
Weight : 16.6 kg/ 21.3 kg
Conclusion
"One for all" used to be the motto of the three musketeers. And so it is with the M6si, which appears as the symbol of an integrated amplifier.
Its equipment is solid, the workmanship is beyond any doubt, it sounds awesome and it has an abundance of power, so that it harmonizes well with almost every speaker.
And with one - this tip must be mentioned here - in particular: with the Triangle Esprit Australe EZ he makes a dream pair.
It may be four years old, but in classic (analog) amplifier construction, four years is little. It was then and still is today: something like a benchmark in the class between $2100 and $31000.
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