Musical Fidelity M5xi Integrated Amplifier - Black

A More Accessible Take on Musical Fidelity's Dual-Mono Design

The M5xi is Musical Fidelity's update to the M5si, and the more affordable sibling to the M6xi. It keeps the same basic idea: a preamplifier and two independent monoblock power amplifiers sharing one chassis, rather than a single shared amp circuit for both channels, just at a lower power level and price than the M6xi.

The M5xi is built for listeners who want a genuine high-end integrated amplifier as the center of their system, with enough digital connectivity to also cover a TV, a computer, or a streamer, without needing to step up to the M6xi's higher power and price.

Meaningful Power From a TITAN-Derived Design

The amplifier section borrows circuit thinking from Musical Fidelity's TITAN power amplifier platform, using a low-distortion Darlington output stage. It's rated at 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts into 4 ohms (continuous), with peak surges to 190 watts and 320 watts respectively, giving it real headroom for dynamic music and less forgiving speaker loads.

Modern Digital Inputs Without the Complexity of Streaming

The M5xi includes a built-in DAC with USB-C (up to 24-bit/192kHz), optical TOSLINK, coaxial S/PDIF, and HDMI eARC for connecting a TV directly. There is no built-in network streaming or app; Musical Fidelity's focus here is on wired sources and sound quality rather than smart features that can become outdated.

A Genuinely New Phono Stage

Unlike the outgoing M5si, which only supported moving-magnet (MM) cartridges, the M5xi's phono stage is switchable between MM and moving-coil (MC) cartridges, with 40dB of gain in MM mode and 60dB in MC mode. Musical Fidelity redesigned the phono circuit board and shielding specifically for this update to lower noise and distortion.

Built to Fit Into a Larger System

A home theater bypass input lets the M5xi function as a dedicated two-channel power amp inside a multichannel system, taking a fixed-level feed from an AV receiver. A variable pre-out supports bi-amping or an active subwoofer, a fixed line-out can feed a headphone amplifier or recorder, an RS232 port allows integration with custom-install control systems, and a 5V/2A USB-A output can power an external streamer directly.

Is the Musical Fidelity M5xi Right for You?

• You want genuine high-end power at a more accessible price. 160 watts per channel with TITAN-derived circuitry gives real authority without the M6xi's higher cost.
• You want one box for turntable, TV, and digital sources. The built-in MM/MC phono stage, HDMI eARC, and USB-C DAC cover most sources without extra boxes.
• You're building or completing a multichannel system. The home theater bypass input lets the M5xi serve as a front L/R power amp alongside an AV receiver.
• You don't need a balanced XLR input. The M5xi's analog inputs are RCA only; if your source requires a balanced connection, the M6xi adds an XLR input.
• One honest limitation: at roughly 15 kg (33 lbs) and 17″ wide by 16″ deep, this is still a substantial component; confirm your rack or shelf has the space and support before ordering.

Setup, Compatibility & What's Included

The M5xi connects to speakers via 4mm banana-plug speaker terminals (bi-wire capable), and to sources through its RCA, phono, USB-C, optical, coaxial, or HDMI eARC inputs. A pre-out and home theater bypass input make it straightforward to integrate into either a pure two-channel system or a home theater setup led by a separate AV receiver. Included in the box: the M5xi amplifier, a remote control, a power cable, and a printed manual. A turntable, speakers, and speaker cable are sold separately.

Key Features

Dual-Mono Amplifier Architecture
A separate preamp and two independent monoblock power amps share one chassis, the same approach used across Musical Fidelity's M-Series.

TITAN-Derived Output Stage
A low-distortion Darlington output stage adapted from Musical Fidelity's flagship TITAN power amplifier platform.

Built-In DAC with HDMI eARC and USB-C
Handles USB-C, optical, coaxial, and HDMI eARC digital sources up to 24-bit/192kHz.

New Switchable MM/MC Phono Stage
A completely redesigned phono circuit supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, unlike the MM-only M5si.

Home Theater Bypass Input
Lets the M5xi act as a dedicated two-channel power amp inside a larger multichannel system.

USB-A Power Output and RS232
A 5V/2A USB-A port can power an external streamer, and an RS232 port supports custom-install control systems.

Specifications

• Type: dual-mono integrated amplifier (preamp + 2 monoblock power amps in one chassis)
• Power output: 160W per channel @ 8Ω, 240W @ 4Ω (continuous)
• Peak power: 190W @ 8Ω, 320W @ 4Ω
• Output stage: Darlington, derived from TITAN platform
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >105dB A-weighted (line-level)
• Frequency response: +0, -0.1dB, 10Hz-20kHz
• Digital inputs: USB-C (24-bit/192kHz), optical TOSLINK, coaxial S/PDIF, HDMI eARC
• Analog inputs: 4x RCA line-level (no balanced XLR input)
• Phono stage: switchable MM/MC, 40dB gain (MM) / 60dB gain (MC)
• Phono sensitivity: 3mV (MM) / 0.4mV (MC); phono SNR: >87dB A-weighted
• Phono RIAA/IEC response: ±0.4dB, 20Hz-20kHz
• Preamp volume control: Burr-Brown stepped attenuator
• Additional outputs: variable pre-out (bi-amp/subwoofer), fixed line-out (recorder/headphone amp)
• Speaker outputs: 2 pairs 4mm banana plug (bi-wire capable)
• System integration: home theater bypass input, RS232 port, USB-A 5V/2A power output, trigger in/out
• Control: included remote control; no display screen or app
• Chassis: rigid aluminum, extruded front panel, all-metal EMI shielding
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 440 × 100 × 405 mm (17.3″ × 3.9″ × 15.9″)
• Weight: approximately 15 kg (33 lbs), unpacked
• Finish: Black or Silver

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the M5xi include a phono stage?

Yes. It has a newly redesigned phono stage switchable between moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges, so most turntables can connect directly without a separate phono preamp. This is an upgrade over the outgoing M5si, which only supported MM cartridges.

Can I use the M5xi with my TV?

Yes. The M5xi has an HDMI eARC input, so you can connect it to a compatible TV and use it to power your TV's sound through your speakers.

How is the M5xi different from the M6xi?

The M6xi delivers more power (220W vs. 160W per channel into 8 ohms) and adds a balanced XLR input that the M5xi does not have. Both share the same TITAN-derived amplifier design, digital connectivity, and MM/MC phono stage.

Can the M5xi work as part of a home theater system?

Yes. Its home theater bypass input accepts a fixed-level feed from an AV receiver's front L/R pre-outs, letting the M5xi serve as a dedicated two-channel power amp within a larger multichannel setup.

Does it stream music or have an app?

No. The M5xi does not include built-in streaming or an app; it's a traditional integrated amplifier with digital inputs. If you want network streaming, you'll need a separate streamer connected to one of its digital inputs.

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