Review! Musical Fidelity M6si Integrated amplifier!
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- čas přidán 26. 10. 2020
- Age is just a number.
Intro music by: West & Zander - Autumn Haze
Outro music by: Jobii - Rico
Product Page: www.musicalfidelity.com/produ...
Adorama (non-affiliate) Link: www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo...
Review sample was provided by the North American distributor for Musical Fidelity. The review itself was arranged by, but not sponsored by, Adorama Camera. - Věda a technologie
A quick shoutout goes to Adorama Camera for arranging this review. If you're interested in this piece (comes with a 30 day trial period), just get it here: www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=musical%20fidelity%20m6si&sel=Item-Condition_New-Items To be clear: This is not a sponsored video. I'm simply giving credit to the folks who made this review possible. Edit:: Dangit. I forgot to mention something in my evaluation:
In my experience, using XLR's yielded subtle sonic improvements. Take what I said in this review about the M6Si's sound, then imagine it with a slightly smoother top end along with tighter, better-controlled bass.
Also, some of you will be interested to know that I put hundreds of hours on this review sample. In that time, I noticed *zero* changes in its performance from when I first hooked it up to when I published the review.
The picture quality and the lighting was night and day compared to your other videos. To use an expression some Audiophile use to describe audio gear, it felt like a veil had been lifted :D
Thanks for this very interesting & informative video.
I purchased this Musical Fidelity Integrated Amplifier only yesterday. I sure hope (fingers crossed) that it pairs well either my Qln Prestige Three 2-way Short Floorstanding Speakers. I believe you did a video review of the Qln speaker model that I own.
I've just bought the Musical Fidelity M6s prx amplifier to replace my Parasound 2125v2 (I'll repurpose it to power my movies surround L/R and take that load off of my Arcam AVR5 receiver in a 7.4.4 setup). My weight requirement is < 50 lbs.
I was gonna get an integrated Musical Fidelity M6si (my requirement is a Home Theater bypass and L/R balance) but it didn't have a L/R balance; but my Parasound 2100 preamp does.
streaming source=Apple Music lossless
enjoyed the hell out of the chill and vibe. Thanks for the upload.
Been waiting for this review!..THANKS
Man your video production has improved so much. Keep up the good work.
Another great review, and I really enjoyed the track at the end.
Amazing, thorough, and effortless review. I listened to the MS6i today and you are spot-on. Very professional and to-the-point description and comparison. You make it look so easy, like you were born to explain audio. Excuse me but it's true!
Once again, a very nice review Sean. I have the M2si and I agree with what you said about the M6si except for how warm it runs. Then again, my rack is open on all sides and the components can breathe easily. I purchased the Triangle BR03 speakers shortly after your review (When they were available/back in stock) and I have been enjoying the pairing quite a bit. However, I did try the M2si with the Wjarfedale EVO 4.2 and that took my listening experience to a whole different level (One I cannot recommend highly enough). So, thank you again for your continuing reviews of gear that are relevant, detailed, and straight-forward. Much appreciated!
I have a question regarding ventilation - do you think it will work with no ventilation to the sides as long as there is 3.5 inches (9cm) clearance above and fully open in the front and back? Thanks
That outro music is soooo satisfying!
Great review as always Sean.. I'm a sucker for content that covers power amps, monoblocks, integrated, and DACS.
nice review ! the M6si is a testament to good design and engineering, that sure goes a long way keeping a product relevant ! and its nice to see that MF has no plans to stop producing it, it withstands the test of time!
Great review Sean, my first integrated was the A-3 loved it still own it, for now it's tucked away in it's box. As for the M6i I had the chance of listening to one last year, beautiful sounding amp.
I have the M6i, such an amazing amp, blew me away
Hi Sean! First off thank you for the hood look! Love that toroidal, and the modular design inside. That HT bypass totally rocks. Love the thickness of that front panel, and it's clean minimalist aesthetic design. You mentioned the plain plastic remote, just chuck that aside. Use that big beautiful knob! Have a great one.
Thanks. I almost bypassed that under-the-hood look. Usually that section invites more problems than its worth (from viewers, not from people within the industry). We'll see how it goes! Appreciate the positive vibes.
@@ZeroFidelity I for one love when the hood is lifted , good to see the product layout,
Bro, I must say that as someone who is a fan of your channel, few things are more enjoyable than watching you review a product you like. You wear your audiophile heart on your sleeve, and I can really appreciate that. Great review, you've definitely given me a great product to consider, and keep up the great work. Also, really dig the music at the end, nothing like a little Lofi or ChillHop.
Great review, generally. I’ve wondered about musical fidelity.
great reviews as always
I absolutely agree on the speaker matching advice, spot on! I had this amp for 2 years and it was pretty harsh with forward speakers, it isn’t great if paired with a spicy tweeter. Tons of ooomph though!
Like horn tweeters?
Spot on Sean. I had one for years and it mated well w/dynaudio focus 160’s and Tannoy Revolution xt8f’s.. so powerful and visceral.. never went past 10 on volume dial.. takes no prisoners and kicks ass.. I sold to upgrade to Hegel H300 and miss it sometimes. Easy recommend for sure. Thanks
Do you kno see how this Musical Fidelity Integrated Amplifier might pair with my Qln Prestige Three 2-way mini tower speakers?
Thanks
My best memory of Musical Fidelity gear was when I listened B&W 802D2 paried with Nu-Vista CD player and Integrated Amplifier. What's an amazing soundstage listeing Bjorg!
Shaun, I've been a big fan of Musical Fidelity amplifiers since an ex gf of mine bought an X-A1 as a demo 20 years ago. Right now I have an M2si which I absolutely love. It's a great match with my Audiolab 600CDT, Musical Fidelity V90-DAC and my ESS RMII 6" speakers.
I would really like to see you review a pair of those. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, them.
P.S. I'm an actual person, not a bot.
Musical fidelity is one of the most under-rated brands out there! Always musical and powerful sound.
I remember a time a decade or so ago when Musical Fidelity was huge! They were hot shit, but then their star power just kinda faded away.
Musical sound?
Great review!
Had the chance to hear in my room the mx8 and was amazing!
Finally get to hear your spot on opinions once again ZF! I have the M5si and M2si with multiple choices of bookshelf's such as the Elac DBR, Klipsch RP-600M and KEF LS 50`S, PSB Alpha 5`s and REL subs and just love being an audiophile lunatic!
Buwahah It can be a lot of fun!
I’ve got the M2si and love it. It’s amazing how good it sounds for the money. I also use it as a preamp with a heavily modified Parasound power amp. The preamps in these integrateds are the star of the show that makes them sound so huge and detailed. I did upgrade the binding posts to posts like those on the M5si.
Does the m5si sound much better than the m2si with the LS50's, or does it just scale up? I currently have m2si with LS50 and looking to upgrade. Thank you,
@@AdamGeorgeLL I would be curious to know as well. I’m currently running the new Elac UB52’s right now. Also, did you see Andrew robinsons review of the M3si and the M8xi? He claimed he was shocked at how close the M3si came to the M8 so I would imagine there is not a huge yet likely appreciable difference between the M2si and M5si. And I know there isn’t a huge difference between the M2si and M3si.
@@AdamGeorgeLL I havent paired the LS50`s with the m5si yet because the ELAC DBR62`s require more power and current so they currently are paired with the m5si. Not sure it is worth the upgrade as the sound signature may not differ enough for you. I do know that the LS50`s love power and current and 150 wpc they would certainly sound terrific, for me anyway.
Have the m2si and couldn't be happier.
Nice amp, until you hear the M6si
Hi, I also own a m2si, very satisfied with the sound with the vintage speakers "RCL THE SMALL"; I fully share your opinion about it; I wanted to ask you, as I did not find an answer in the instruction manual: when the MUTE red LED, on the front panel, flashes occasionally when playing songs, does it mean the volume is too high and a speaker protector is activated? Thank you for a kind answer.
@@21mikeross
LOVED my M6si for a couple years. I only sold it to upgrade to MF separates. definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a powerful integrated that has great looks and sound.
Which separates did u upgrade to? I have the M6si and can’t decide whether to go to separates or the M6500i. My speakers are pretty power hungry due to impedance swings (focal Electra 1038be). Did you notice a good difference going to separates?
@@joshuabrain9751 Going with this video it sounds to me not a good pairing with Focal speakers?
@@danilozoff1411 meh I’m half hearted about my setup. I feel like tonal balance wise it’s pretty good, very rarely does a song sound too bright but I feel like there’s a high bass/lower mid bump that feels like it takes away a bit of transparency. Keeping in mind I don’t have the best acoustics and my DAC is topping D90 which doesn’t sound very 3D unfortunately. It could also be my transport which is an old MacBook Pro running tidal.
You went from M6si to M6 PRX and PRE? If so, did you gain performance by doing so and what changed exactly? Thanks
How does it sound with your Totems Shaun? :) thanks so much for this review! I have been eyeing this amp for a looooong time!
Happy with my m2si and got great deal through uspcale audio when Kevin bought a large numbers of the m2si due to an overstocking issue by MF.
Couple months ago i scored a Musical Fidelity M8 Encore for $2500. I stole it. It has 2tb storage for cds and streaming built in. It allowed me to get rid of all my seperates.
I had audio research ref 75 amp.. Ref 5 preamp (still for sell)
denafrips pontus dac.... Sony hap s1 media player. Bluesound node 2i. The musical fidelity allowed me to sell it all. Its a great unit for what i paid for sure. Thanks for Andrew Robinsons review on musical fidelity it gave me the comfort of going to the super integrated.... Thanks for the review Sean. Ppl need to respect musical fidelity because ive seen hardly any reviews. The remote could use a update but it works great. I was wanting a nad m33 and when i saw the m8 encore and realized I could steal it for the price and from the few reviews that ive heard. The musical fidelity can hold its own against the best. Not as good looking as say mcintosh but performance wise it matches up just fine.
Thank you Sean! I really love your structured and objective reviews!! I have some klh model 5s on the way. Wondering if you, or anyone else watching, think the m6si might be a fun pairing or if it may be too good of a good thing. The yamaha 2100 would read as too much of a good thing but that matchup has been popular! I was hoping for something just a touch warmer and forgiving in the mids which id imagine the m6si could provide! Thanks again for your content
Cheers
James
Hi James. I’m waiting on this amp to drive my klh5 as well. Have you paired them. How do they sound. Thanks Zoran
@@zokistepanovski7287 that’s exciting! I went with the iotavx stack which is pretty killer. Quite transparent and plenty powerful. I also like the functionality. Not too many features I will never use and build quality is good. Using a bluenode sd dedicated streamer. Dac chip is working out nicely, but for a little more airiness I have an ares 2 on the way. I’ve heard tubes can be a tricky pairing with the klh but I will try a tube pre at some point.
Great Video Sean, I have been cross shopping in the M5si, the Yamaha AS2200 and the tube Luxman SQ-N150.. the comparison part gives me an idea of how the two perform, although it is the M5 not the M6, and the AS2200 not the 1200. I don't think you mentioned anything about the bass between the two, either way, thanks for the awesome video!
Thanks for great informative review. Had been looking at the mf5si as it seems like the best power for money. Would love to hear your take on Hegel or Ragnorak 2. For money they less power but pretty good reviews. I was wondering about pace. Does the slightly warm bass make the sound feel slow? The older Yamahas were lovely sounding to me but terribly slow.
Great review. I have the M6si with Dali speakers and really love the sound.
Is really good?i have Denon
I have the MF M6si too and I have a question to you please. Have you noticed any issue with the volume control from the remote controller? I have my M6si since less than a month and many times, not all the times, when I push the buttom for up or low the volume from the remote I can listen the mechanism inside working but the knob not move. You had have experience that too sometime? Kind regards.
I've got an MF A5 integrated, this product's predecessor from the early 2000s that I bought used a few years ago. I've paired it with Usher Audio Dancer Mini-Two and currently with Paradigm's Prestige 15b bookshelf speakers. The most useful feature (other than the power) is the HT passthrough. Since the A5 volume control has developed some static, the HT passthrough allows me to control the volume with my Yamaha HT receiver and avoid that problem. I do wish A5 had tone controls ala Luxman integrateds, but other than that, it's a nice sound.
Thank you for the review Sean, buy one after this review 😄.
What DAC a do you recommend to connect to a TV and blu ray 4K player?
Use the AirPlay on the Tv afect the Sound quality ( vs a dedicated streamer)?
Keep the good content Sean💪🏼
Made me smile ‘earth if you need it’ and below is the phono input. Well you need it for the phono with most if not all arm wiring.
Nice ! Pure Analog! Equals low noise !
Thanks Sean I feel like I got a good hear of the overall Sound Chacter hell yeah !
That was a dam good review and alot of work thanks Sean P.S. the Halo does have some K.A. features though!
Pure analog means no built in noise makers ! No digital dac or streamer built in or bluetooth !!
Timely. I have one on the way that will be getting a/b tested to see what stays. Was curious about its life cycle as well, so this all around was super timely and helpful. Considering the wharfedale Elysian as a match for it once I can get my cfo on board with the purchase...
Great presentation.For me Yamaha A-S 1200.
A nice amp it was between this Hegel h160/190 and rotel ra1592. All great amps, But i am now in heaven with the Hegel h190
Thanks for your recommendation of the Parasound 275 v.2 What an excellent amp. It replaced a NAD c275 BEE
NAD went up in smoke with no warning (the company customer support is useless)
Parasound while not quite as detailed and powerful as the NAD is much more enjoyable to listen to. Love your reviews.
I had only good experiences with NAD service
I'm also thinking in buying this amplifier to replace my combo of NAD C162/C272 -instead of advancing to the C165/C275 BEEs.. Looking forward to more significant step-up, that is..
But I can't take out of my mind the idea of this outdated (useless to me) USB DAC..
Especially knowing that there is an option/possibility for a digital source implementation.. I won't go into comparisons with other products in the market out there
Great Outro Tune...gonna look it up. 👍🏼 Even sounds good from youtube! 🤔
Thanks for this video! Any knowledge about the sound signature and other sound aspects in this compared to the separates M6s PRE and M6 PRX?
Tnx man for your great review,
Does go well with KEF R900?
Excellent video thank you. I've been looking for an integrated amplifier for quite a while. I am also considering the anthem STR. Could I get your thoughts on how the Musical Fidelity IA would pair with Studio 60 V5 speakers from paradigm?
Ty again
Thank you for this excellent review as always.
I have the MF M6si and I have a question to you please. Have you noticed any issue with the volume control from the remote controller? I have my M6si since less than a month and many times, not all the times, when I push the buttom for up or low the volume from the remote I can listen the mechanism inside working but the knob not move. You had have experience that too sometime? Kind regards.
Great review! what are your thoughts with this amp and Magnepan’s (I own the 1.7i’s) or what other would you recommend for those…
13:58 ...Nice... that's my startup volume memory on my HINT6 as well
Just ordered the M5si to replace my XTZ Edge A2-300 and Schiit Saga+, as Quad Europe told me that my Quad Z2 speakers will sound better with a class AB amp. Might go for the soon to be updated Musical Paradise MP-D1 DAC to connect to my Bluesound Node 2i and that should complete my system for now (I hope). Keeping my XTZ to connect to my Pioneer VSX LX55 receiver to drive the center speaker and connect the Quad Z2s (front) to the M5si, that way my home theatre system gets an upgrade as well. Videos of Sean and Thomas (& Stereo) sure have revived my musical interest. Tried a bunch of stuff the last months and it has been fun (Triangle Borea BR03, Quad S2, IFI iTube2, Schiit Saga+, XTZ Edge, XTZ 99.25 LCR)
Such a great company. They have always offered insane value for $$$. Good on you.
I would love it if you reviewed some
New Rotel products Amps & CD players
Great review, as always! I'm a big fan of Musical Fidelity integrated amplifiers. I also agree that speaker pairing is key, but with good speaker pairing--wow, the results are fantastic. I have an M6si connected to Dynaudio Special 40s, and this is a great combination. I also have an M2si connected to Canton Vento Reference 9.2 DCs. Both setups sound fantastic, and a tube preamp is a great addition to both setups. However, switching the speakers isn't great in my opinion--the Cantons have a bit too much gooey thick soundstage for the M6si, and the Special 40s come off a tad light with the M2si. So, get the speakers right, and these are wonderful integrated amps.
Is dali opticon 6 or bowers 603 s2 good match with amp?
I’d Dali Oberon 3 good with this a preamplifier
I just purchased this integrated amp. I am hoping that it will pair well with my Qln Prestige Three 2-way, mini, floor standing speakers.
Do you have any thoughts about this?
Thanks!
Hi Sean, great review as always. I'm a Musical Fidelity obsessive and I chose it over Naim, which was even brighter sounding to my ears. I currently run an upgraded A308 integrated which does have dual transformers but no DAC, but that's okay as I'm into CDs on my main system. Sounds like the MF house sound hasn't changed much as your review could have been describing my system. For me upgrading now means improving components inside the boxes and I'm waiting for two pairs of Burson Audio Vivid opamps for my CD player.
I did laugh when you said you could use this monster amp to drive a pair of LS3/5a speakers on your desk. 😅
Great review. Have you heard the M6si500? ? I was thinking of pairing it with the Gershman Grande Avant Garde. What do you think Sean ? Thanks.
Many of us make comments about price. Here’s the deal... If one gets enjoyment from watching reviews of items that are too expensive for us, or more than we would spend on such an item, great! It can be fun, like reading about a $100,000 electric sedan we’ll never buy. It’s all good. If not, stop watching. If I want to see objective reviews of “reasonable, budget” items I can go to Consumer Reports. And not everything seen on this channel costs thousands of dollars. Thank you Zero Fidelity for all your work.
I use MF mono amps. They don’t look fancy but man, their soundstage, bass control and overall sound is outstanding
I love my Musical Fidelity M8 700i monos!
Earlier this month I went to my favourite high store to demo 2 integrated amplifiers, to upgrade from the MF M3si to something better. The store didn’t have the M6si because they don’t sell enough of the MF stuff. I really like the M3si’s sound signature so I insisted that they got the M6si for me and they did - a great store 👌.
I heard the M6si and really liked it, similar to the M3si’s sound signature but better, tighter and a lot of power, enough for the PMC 25.26. Then I switched to the competitor - Naim Supernait 3 - an amp which is £900 more expensive than the M6si. And what a disappointment it was.......Didn’t like the sound signature but that was not it. It started clipping as soon as I hit the 9 o’clock position on the volume knob. The store told me never to go beyond 12 o’clock on the Naim amplifiers and I was like what??? What’s the point of making such a big knob then? Put a teeny tiny one and don’t raise expectations.
By that point I had made up my mind to buy the M6si. Just before I was about to leave the demo room the store owner asked me if I wanted to hear one more option. I said why not, I had taken the day off and driven for 2 hours one way so sure, let’s hear one more.
As soon as we switched to the 3rd one I almost got up from the sofa - the difference was so clear - more resolution, dynamics and slam. I got the sound signature that I had been seeking. I wanted an amp that would give me the same crunchy drums which my high end headphones give. And I got exactly that. I had no idea that Rega made such high quality amps as I was only familiar with their turntables and phono stage amps. Feel lucky that the store had put the Rega Aethos for demo for another customer and offered me an opportunity to hear it.
Don’t get me wrong - the M6si is a great amp and good value for money. Ideal for a relaxed, warm listening experience. That’s why I’ve decided not to sell my M3si and to keep it as part of my 2nd more relaxed system. The Rega Aethos rocks if you’re looking for a more energetic performance with a lot of slam.
Good review - MF products deserve a lot more attention as compared to other brands which are significantly more expensive, give terrible value for money, yet widely popular with high reviewers and magazines.
Rega costs double the MF
@@iperaghia Not exactly double. In the UK it's:
MF m6si - £2.5k
Rega Aethos - £3.9k
Quite a difference and I don't know how much of that is justifiable. But as it gave me the sound signature I was looking for I went for it, hoping that I won't be replacing it for many many years. The Rega Aethos comes with lifetime warranty (again, not sure how good Rega is when it comes to honoring their warranty commitments). I wish the prices were more consumer friendly, but unfortunately hifi is an expensive hobby.
@@petrolhead007 I wrote that it costs twice after doing a short search on ebay: 2195 € the MF, 4350€ the Rega...Hope you'll enjoy your Rega
Hey! New subscriber here.
Was thinking about this amp until you said it wasn’t linear around 9:16. Can you recommend an integrated out with similar power ratings and design that has balanced xlr ins that isn’t class D? Thanks
Beautious exit music.
Hi Sean, I love your work and you need to do more of it :-). I am finding it hard to decide between M6si and Kinki Studio, both of which you have reviewed. My speakers are Polk Audio R700 and I predominantly stream music via AppleTV with occasional CD playback. Your words will be final for me.
Looks very nice. I like the matt silver aluminum. Treble tilted a little bit up? I know the perfect treble slightly-tuned-down speaker to pair it with, ha.
Wow awesome
Any chance that you'll be reviewing the PS Audio Stellar Strata integrated amp in the near future? It's also in that $3,000 range.
I respect your expertise in hifi matters. I have the 6s prx and 6s pre combination. I am super pleased with this combination but have no benchmark. Any views on this system would be gratefully received.
Wow Sean, really awesome review!! And man, this musical fidelity integrated has got a hold on me and thinking love at first sight, haha!! Sounds like a fun unit to listen to. So happy you did a comparison with the Parasound Hint 6 as really was interested on how they compared. Was all set to go for the Hint 6 but now you got me wanting to ditch my love with the Hint 6 and say hello to the MF M6si. Love that last section of the video, "Chill and Vibe", was that the Musical Fidelity playing?
One question, totally understand on maybe not wanting to pair the MF M6si with a forward sounding speaker, I'll be purchasing the B&W 603 anniversary edition tower speakers, which are known to be a little forward with amazing midrange, and will have a sub hooked up as well. Do you think these B&W 603s is doubling down too much on the treble/forwardness and instead go for the Hint 6 or do you think the MF and B&Ws will pair up fine. Thanks and love the videos and channel!
With B&W, I'd say the MF m6si will make for the more impressive sounding experience out of the box, but the Hint 6 will likely make you more satisfied over the long run.
I was considering the M6si for my B&W 703 S2 but then thought to myself I may as well spend a bit more since I'm already spending a decent chunk of money. I ended up buying Parasound A21+ and PS Stellar GCD preamp/DAC, so far I'm loving it!
I think they are more on the warm side of neutral or neutral which makes a good pairing with B&W speakers, however that being said my local dealer does pair MF with B&W speakers through out both ranges of products.
At the end of the day its really up to your personal taste and preferences, play it safer by going with Parasound or for a more 'exciting' sound M6si
Hi Sean, not sure if you’re checking these older videos. Am wondering what your thoughts are wrt to the m6si vs the Kinki Studio exm1.
Awesome Sean! I bought this used about 8 months ago for 1500$ it was the best purchase I ever made. MF is awesome. They are musical! And clean and dynamic! Your not sitting there trying to nick pick the music your just sitting and enjoying the music!! Moving up to the M8xi.
If it's been around for a while, that's gotta be a good thing, especially from a classic British brand like MF.
I've just bought the Musical Fidelity M6s prx amplifier to replace my Parasound 2125v2 (I'll repurpose it to power my movies surround L/R and take that load off of my Arcam AVR5 receiver in a 7.4.4 setup). My weight requirement is < 50 lbs.
I was gonna get an integrated Musical Fidelity M6si (my requirement is a Home Theater bypass and L/R balance) but it didn't have a L/R balance; but my Parasound 2100 preamp does.
streaming source=Apple Music lossless
Thanks! I’ve been looking at MF for a while now. Would love to see how it compares to the M5si.....
Hi @Matther Young , I got the M5si. Its just amazing tbh. I don't use the internal DAC, I run the Hegel HD30. So I cant speak much of the internal DAC and I use a pie(ropieee) to stream music to the HD30 over USB. M5si dose not have XLR input but overall its just amazing and I couldn't hear a difference when comparing them. Except u cant get it as loud... But again, more than 50% on the M5si and you will blow your brains out. Only thing that´s not great is the remote. It just soo plastic and doesn't feel like it belong next to the AMP. I do use a Logitech remote instead to control it(cant stand the remote). All this to make the Triangle Signature Theta to sing like a pure goddess :) If you want XLR, go for the M6, if you don't need it(I don't) go for the M5 and save a few $$$. Hope it helps :)
PS. Zero Fidelity thanks for another amazing review :D
I really like your review, their are very detailed and help us to decide which amp to buy online when is not possible to go to an audio store to listen to them. Any chance that you would be able to review the new 110 years anniversary Denon PMA-110 or the PMA-1600NE?
The Denon should be headed here any day now.
Awesome!!
@@ZeroFidelity That is great news. I always felt that Denon, and the Marantz PM7000N deserved more attention from reviewers.
@@FarHagh From what I can tell, just about every major reviewer will soon be chatting about the Denon Anniversary gear. Which is weird considering how limited the production will be. Still, I look forward to it!
i have m6si and now i sell it and i change with denon pma 2020ae.i dont know but i just love denon sound more than mf. maybe its about the taste. also build quality way way better
If it’s helpful to anyone considering an MF integrated, I’ve owned one for a few years. Sean is spot on with his assessment. There are some magical moments w it. But often, paired with my metal dome B&W 804, it was very unforgiving and could get steely and glaring with (especially) digital sources. The high current design drives my .7 Maggie’s pretty well. Currently looking for something with a bit more body, class A biased.
I tried Dynaudio 6000a : super detailed, spacious midrange, no body, weak bass. Arcam: has body, but mids and treble are veiled. Rotel a11 : enough detail and spaciousness, and body -when tone is boosted. Pronounces sibilance on harsh recordings. Not perfect, but very good with my Dynaudio Emit 10s.
@@gokhanersan8561 I just purchased this integrated amp. I am hoping it will pair well with my Qln Prestige Three 2-way, mini, floor standing speakers.
Do you have any thoughts about this?
Thanks
@@davidstein9129 I have only tried entry level class A’s priced around $800-50-60watts per channel. Haven’t tried anything above. This one has 220watts per channel. It must sound magical…but waaay beyond my budget.
I am a very happy owner of the M6si now having had it as my main two channel unit for five years. I am currently running it with Klipsch Forte speakers. I owned this and the Simaudio Moon 340i at the same time and after many A/B comparison tests decided the M6si suited my tastes best. Don't get me wrong, the Moon is a nice amp but I found it to be a little to clinical for my ears. Both amps were tested at the time with Devore Fidelity Gibbon 3xl speakers.
Hi Sean, I have a question.
When you clarify that the M6si needs space to breathe, do you mean primarily above it or do you hold that it is absolutely essential to have space to its sides as well?
I am asking because my cabinet is fully open in the front and in the back and has about 21cm (8.25 inches) clearance above, leaving 3,5 inches of free space above the amplifier. BUT! There is literally only 0.2 inches to each side of the amplifier, it is very snug in there.
Do you think this will pose a problem or do you think, because hot air rises, that it will suffice as described?
Thanks!
any chance you could review some old audio research pre-amps?
I do like MF design , they always seem to look bomb proof yet sophisticated. So are you gonna keep this for the harbeths? I sensed genuine enthusiasm.
Sean I admire that you stick by your guns by not feeding into the streaming "thing". I am still shopping around for speakers and gear and sales people are constantly trying to push the streamers/network players on me. I am easily swayed, but I think of you and the few other reviewers who just "do their own thing" and not pay any mind to following the crowd. I love your CD player. I won't mind using CDs either, or LPs and the good ol' FM tuner. Aside from getting music from these three sources, how else can I get music? If I buy single songs or albums from say Discogs, where do I save those songs onto? I don't want to use my PC for music files so where do I put them, moreover, how do I access/play them? My dream system is: Klipsch Forte or Cornwalls with vintage gear...with a little sprinkle of modern "CDs". BTW, I liked this review. Have you ever heard of Yamaha NS F 901 Soavo speakers? They look beautiful. Stay Healthy
Detailed review. Nice amp, but wonder what is it worth for 3000 USD. Especially inside the hood nothing close the price..
i still have my eye on this beast
Hello Shawn, on an unrelated issue, it would be great if you could leave your live videos up for at least 12 hours so us in Europe have a chance to watch them in our morning without staying up all night, thanks
I'd have expected the toroidal to be larger considering the numbers, but hey, if the numbers into 8/4 oms of legit, all good.
I hear you. All the same, in the real world, it seems fully capable of delivering the goods.
It’s truly an easy amplifier to listen to.
I'm looking for a two-channel stereo amplifier to add to my AVR so I can get louder music.
What affordable 2-channel amp would you recommend?
Vtv?
.....
This amplifier has a wide soundstage and that's probably all I can praise about it. It has a very recessed midrange and in songs where many instruments play at the same time, the sounds merge and are very tiring, e.g. Queen Innuedno.
I have M5si and use it in combination with Cambridge Audio streamer. Good thing is that by some coincidence CA's remote can control volume on MF amplifier, so original remote hides deep in the box and less stuff is needed on the table :D
Tiesiog veikia, ar reikalingas kažkoks suprogramavimas? Koks tikslus streamerio pavadinimas?
@@mantasdapkus1198 Tiesiog veikia. Cambridge Audio cxn v2
I have a Harbeth 30.1 speaker. It is phenomenal, but I can feel that my Willsenton R8 amp just isn't on the same level as it is. I need a nice beefy Musical Fidelity!
Interesting to see little reviewed products from stalwart companies like MF who never seem 'flavour of the month' but still provide viable alternatives. There are a few such companies who just don't seem to do the rounds; you can understand LInn and Audio Note wanting to retain their brand of insular mystique though a bit of a 'loner' is perhaps Roksan - part time flirting with Linn's 'K' obsession, through the heady Vinyl days of 70s with an 'XX'ellent LP12 rival - though despite bringing out current high end product seem to be a step closer to being stacked next to audio visual - next stop washing machines.
Hey Sean, I honestly find your reviews informative and unbiassed, so I'd like to know how you see this MF amp matched with a pair of Martin Logan 35XTi, as I have no local dealer near me to test this amp. Thanks in advance.
Personal taste matters the most. I was sold on m5si and Rotel RA 1572 mk2 until I listened to Yamaha AS1200. What a difference! Both sounded different but Yamaha was a winner to my taste, sometimes by a mile. Yamaha is indeed costlier too. Do audition as most of us are not audiophiles and what you like is what matters.
As1200? What speakers do u have? This has a lot less power
Here (Denmark) all three integrated you mention, are almost exactly the same price!
I have the M2si and find it on the overly bright side. It works great with speakers that are a bit rolled off at the top end. It also works better with speakers at or preferably below 8 ohms. Sounds very good with my 6 ohm Linn Nexus. I recently picked up a pair of 12 ohm Zu Omen DW speakers and the M2si could not handle them at all. Very weak, anemic sound with brittle highs. I hooked up the DWs to a couple different tube amps and the difference was night and day. Not knocking MF, they are good products, but as Sean pointed out, they need to be matched with the right speaker.
Which brand speakers are good match with m2si or musical fidelity generaly?
@@mw12387 Really enjoying the sound of Triangle speakers with the M2si these days.
@@TwangThang57 which triangle you have?
@@mw12387 I have the Titus due to the small room they are in. I would go with the Comete in a heartbeat in a different situation.
Hi, I also own a m2si, very satisfied with the sound with the vintage speakers "RCL THE SMALL"; I fully share your opinion about it; I wanted to ask you, as I did not find an answer in the instruction manual: when the MUTE red LED, on the front panel, flashes occasionally when playing songs, does it mean the volume is too high and a speaker protector is activated? Thank you for a kind answer.
Heya do you prefer the Kinki studio ex-m1 or the m6si and why? I have the m6si but want to upgrade and thinking of the kinki. Thank you!
👍 excellent. Yamaha and M6 clearly spot on . Yamaha instruments scale is little larger .
@plaubel28 :) I felt same . 3 small boards and empty space . But if we see heat sinks part of side panels so they are not in side.
Would you choose this integrated over the new technics GU 700 integrated?
Hey
Any chance you can review SoundArtist SA-200IA Stereo Amplifier
It's cheap and has good power I wonder how it actually sounds
FWIW to anyone looking at the m6si, I did pick this over other class a/b and d options I looked into - most notable being the peachtree nova150. I also learned that I’ll likely never be anything other than a klipsch guy. If that’s you as well, and you’re on the fence about the match; I’m quite happy with how the m6si plays with my rfvii-2 setup and hope to put those back in the movie room whenever I can stomach buying the fortes or maybe cornwalls. None of those need this power, but I didn’t want to close my options for future speakers that might. Cheers
Killer B roll
Thank you for your review. I must have watched it 3 times, already. The reasons being that it's the fullest review over this specific model, in all over YT, but most importantly, for me, because i keep finding myself returning to thoughts of buying it in the coming period.
The problem that no-one seems to want to touch (and whoever does it, makes it quick and light) is the totally outdated addition of the USB DAC. In 2023, if you want to implement any Digital source module in your amplifier, this USB 2.0 can't be a logical choice, by any standatds. The fact that they mean to continue this amp's production, makes me really question my or MF's criteria -and i'm a really stereo, analog guy..
(I'm honestly thinking to share this thought with the MF team.. for any relevant feedback from their side.)
Sean, what speakers are you using on your desktop system ?
hi, thanks for the review. what abouto of coupling it with elac vela fs407 ?
I owned the MF M6si, it broke twice while under warranty, it was time to get rid of it.
The sound was ok for it's price.
I have the MF M6si too and I have a question to you please. Have you noticed any issue with the volume control from the remote controller? I have my M6si since less than a month and many times, not all the times, when I push the buttom for up or low the volume from the remote I can listen the mechanism inside working but the knob not move. You had have experience that too sometime? Kind regards.
Hi Sean,
Would this pair well with Buchardts S400 MKII?