Musical Fidelity M3SI, Integrated Amplifier with MM Phono-Stage black

Musical Fidelity M3SI, Integrated Amplifier with MM Phono-Stage

M3si – Overview

The MUSICAL FIDELITY is a comprehensive further development of the successful predecessor model M3i. Additional inputs, higher power and virtual monoblock power amplifiers, each with their own power supply, add up to a great integrated amplifier.

In addition to 4 high-level inputs, the M3si also offers a connection for a record player. A high-quality equalizer preamplifier prepares the sensitive signals from your pickup in the best possible way and forwards them to the high-level preamplifier via the shortest possible route. As if that weren't enough, the M3si also has a USB digital input that accepts signals from a PC, notebook or MAC. A digital/analog converter is integrated, which logs into the operating system as an external sound card and takes over the complete signal processing.

The M3si stands for extremely impressive high-end sound quality. Since its performance has been significantly increased and the filter capacity of the power supply has been almost doubled, it delivers a wider, more stable and deeper stereo sound image with enormous dynamics. On top of that, the M3si also offers flawless resolution.

M3si – Technical background

The M3si also benefits from MUSICAL FIDELITY's exclusive SMD board technology. This reduces the circuit space required on the motherboard and allows us much more flexibility in circuit design.

It was also important to us to provide more inputs and noticeably increase the power supply capacity of the power amplifier. This is done by a pair of large power supply capacitors per channel. The output power is a generous 90 watts per side at 8 ohms. The M3si now has a reassuring performance foundation.

As is usual with MUSICAL FIDELITY, the measured values ​​are not an end in themselves but are still impressive. The distortions are 0.007%. Even at 10 kHz they are only 0.010%. This is what makes MUSICAL FIDELITY's skilful circuit design. As frequency increases, the vast majority of amplifiers suffer from a huge increase in distortion.

At MUSICAL FIDELITY, we believe that distortion levels in the high frequency range should not be higher than those in the low frequency range (LF distortion). This is of great importance for the sound quality. The signal-to-noise ratio was improved by more than 3 dB. This is a significant step in allowing music to be transmitted with a greater dynamic range.

Thanks to the virtual mono power amplifier configuration with high capacity, it is able to celebrate bass with a lot of punch and depth. Or as the trade magazine Audio writes: “Excellently wide and deep playback perspectives for the price range.” And Stereo sums up: “With liveliness and joy of playing, it climbs the popularity ladder.”

A special feature that all MUSICAL FIDELITY amplifiers have is the AUX / HT input. With this input it is possible, coming from a multi-channel processor, to route the signal for the two front speakers directly to the power amplifiers of the M3si. This means that even the most demanding cinephiles can use the sound quality of their M3si without having to change the connection and without having to forego the extensive comfort features of their AV controller. The processor then takes over volume and bass management; at this point the M3si only acts as a power amplifier. This means that other configurations are also conceivable, such as bi-amping with a second M3si or setups with active crossovers.

The integrated phono stage is also outstanding. It has very precise RIAA equalization, which deviates just ± 0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. It retains its precision up to 50 kHz. The MM signal-to-noise ratio is an excellent 88 dB. The overall distortion of the phono stage is an excellent 0.3%. Note that distortions of an average of 1% are considered acceptable for speakers and 3% for pickups.

The asynchronous 24 bit / 96 kHz USB input connects to a PC, notebook or MAC and enables very high-quality playback of modern media with the shortest and optimally coordinated signal paths. Simply connect the USB cable to the computer and you can enjoy HD audio with videos, music and streaming. Jitter and noise are incredibly low and distortion is virtually non-existent. The M3si's USB input is capable of processing the finest details from the computer source.

Specitfications

• Output power: 85 watts/channel or 27 volts RMS at 8 ohms (76 V. max.)
• Current delivery capability: 25 amps
• Damping factor: 36
• Total distortion: less than 0.014% across the entire listening range
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 98 dB
• Inputs:
• 3x RCA/Cinch analog high level
• 1x RCA/Cinch analog switchable directly to the power amplifier
• 1x RCA/Cinch Phono MM
• Grounding: 4mm banana/cable lug/bare
• 1x USB type “B”
• Phono input:
• RIAA equalized, +/- 1dB 20hz – 20kHz,
• Sensitivity: 3mV (suitable for MM pickups
• 1.5mV output voltage or high output MC)
• USB input: up to 24bit, 96kHz AAC, FLAC, WAV, MP3
• Outputs:
• 1 pair of speaker terminals banana/cable lug/blank
• 1x RCA/Cinch fixed level (LINE OUT)
• 1x RCA/Cinch variable level (PRE OUT)
• TRIGGER IN / OUT: 3.5mm mono jack (IN: 4.5 to 15 V DC / OUT: 12 V DC)
• Power supply: 115/230 volts, 50 or 60hz
• Power consumption: < 0.5 watts in standby, 450 watts maximum
• Dimensions W x H x D (mm): 440 x 100 x 400
• Weight: 9.2kg (13kg gross)
• Finishes: Silver or Black