Musical Fidelity M5xi Integrated Amplifier

Serious Power, Handed Down From the Flagship

An integrated amplifier is the heart of a stereo system. It takes the signal from your sources, then lifts it until your speakers can fill the room. One box holds the preamp and the power amp, so there is less to buy and less to wire.

What the M5xi Borrowed From TITAN

The M5xi is a fully discrete dual-mono design. Two separate power amp channels sit beside their own preamp stage in one case. The output stage traces back to the TITAN, Musical Fidelity's kilowatt power amplifier, and uses Darlington transistors for stability.

That gives 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 240 watts into 4 ohms, with peaks reaching 190 and 320. There is current in hand for speakers that dip low, which is what keeps a big pair from sounding flat when the music gets busy.

Plug In Your Turntable, Your TV and Your Streamer

Not many amplifiers at this price still fit a phono stage. The M5xi has one, switchable between moving magnet and moving coil, with extra shielding around it. A turntable connects straight to the back panel and nothing else is needed.

For digital, the M5xi takes HDMI eARC, which lets the television send its sound down one cable you already own. Coaxial, optical and USB-C inputs handle everything else at up to 24-bit and 192kHz.

A Wired Amplifier, Built Like One

A powered USB-A socket on the back supplies 5 volts at 2 amps, enough to run a small network streamer without its own wall wart. Inside, the transformer and power supply sit in a shielded metal box of their own, and the front panel is milled from solid aluminum.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You play records — the switchable MM/MC stage is already fitted and shielded, so a turntable plugs straight in with no extra box and no extra cable in the path.
• The television is part of the system — HDMI eARC carries its sound on one cable, so the main speakers replace a soundbar and you stop owning two sets of them.
• Your speakers ask for current — 160 watts into 8 ohms, 240 into 4, and peaks past 300 mean the amplifier stops being the thing that runs out first.
• You want a streamer without another power supply — the powered USB-A port runs a compact one off the amplifier, so a single plug feeds both.
• The M5xi is a wired amplifier — there is no Bluetooth on board, so a phone reaches it through a streamer or a cable rather than over the air. Add one from our music streamers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Four stereo RCA line inputs and one switchable MM/MC phono input take your analog sources. HDMI eARC, coaxial, optical and USB-C cover the digital side, and the powered USB-A port can run a compact streamer.

On the output side you get a fixed line output, a preamp output, a home theater bypass input, two pairs of speaker binding posts, and RS232 and trigger connections for a custom-install system.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions:

• Speakers: With 160 watts into 8 ohms this amp drives serious floorstanders — browse our Floorstanding Speakers or Bookshelf Speakers.
• Turntable: The built-in phono stage means one connects directly — see our Turntables.
• Cables: Good cable matters at this level — browse our Speaker Cables and Interconnects.
• Audio Rack: At 33 pounds the M5xi needs a sturdy home — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it deliver?

160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts into 4 ohms, with peaks of 190 and 320 watts.

Does it have a built-in phono stage?

Yes, a switchable MM/MC input that handles moving magnet and moving coil cartridges directly.

What is HDMI eARC for?

It carries your television's sound to the M5xi over one cable, so the amp and your main speakers become the TV sound system.

What is the USB-A port on the back for?

It supplies 5 volts at 2 amps, enough to power a compact network streamer without a separate adapter.

What resolution do the digital inputs handle?

Coaxial, optical and USB-C all accept audio up to 24-bit and 192kHz.

What finishes are available?

Black or silver, so it can match the rest of your components.

See It in Action

AV Atmos introduces the M5xi and where it sits in the range:

And Chiltern Audio has it on demo beside the bigger M6xi:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
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• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about integrated amplifiers, phono stages, or building a two-channel system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.