Dooleys HiFi have been associated with Musical Fidelity for over 30 years.
Formed in the late spring of 1982, by Anthony Michaelson, the founder of Musical Fidelity. The company has grown over 40 years of manufacturing, producing some of the most outstanding amplifiers, CD players and DAC’s.
When Anthony decided to retire some years ago, it looked like the Musical Fidelity name would disappear into the dust.
At the last minute the name, intellectual property and dealer list was aquired by Musical Fidelity’s long standing Austrian distributor – Heinz Lichtenegger the founder and owner of Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Heinz has been very keen for both brands to retain their independent identities.
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From the classic A1 amplifier to the current Nuvista 800 integrated amplifier, the designers at Musical Fidelity, have always strived to offer high end performance at a realistic price., combined with great build quality and reliability. At Dooleys HiFi, we represent the full range of Musical Fidelity amplifiers from the compact V90, all the way up to their Flagship Nuvista 800 integrated amplifier.
The Musical Fidelity range of amplifiers has a mix of both integrated amplifiers and pre-power amplifier combinations.
The M2si integrated Amplifier (along with the matching M2 CD player) is one of the first products to launch since Heinz took over Musical Fidelity. This new amplifier now brings the cost of ownership of a Musical Fidelity amplifier down to £699. The perfect partner for the M2si is the matching M2 cd player which is also priced at £699.
The biggest success so far under the new ownership is the Musical Fidelity M8xi Integrated amplifier, this Super Integrated Amplifier weighs in at 46Kg and delivers an impressive 550W per-channel into 8 ohms – it gained the companies first award under their new ownership – August 2020 EISA BEST PRODUCT – High End Integrated Amplifier
Dooleys-HiFi look forward to more stunning award winning products from Musical Fidelity
£799.00 in Black or Silver
The M2si integrated amplifier takes the Musical Fidelity peerless premium-amp experience and applies it to a more affordable price point. It boasts trickle-down technology from the legendary Titan flagship, plus other high-end touches such as solid metal controls. The M2si delivers 72 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 137 watts into 4 ohms. This means the M2si will drive a wide range of speakers, even power-hungry models.
Further flexibility is provided by the M2si's excellent connectivity, which includes six line-level inputs and switchable home-theatre throughput. It features a Class A preamp stage with its own, independent power supply, coupled with a discrete pair of power amps. In effect, this means the M2si offers the performance benefits of a pre/power configuration with the compact convenience of a one-box design.
Its performance is rock-solid, it's sonically well-rounded and it's comfortable with a wide array of speakers. And it's all served up in an elegant, no-nonsense package.
M2si - Specifications
Output
Power 72 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (18dBW)
Voltage 22 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping
62 Volts peak to peak
Current 25 Amps peak to peak
Damping factor 36
Output devices 1 pair per channel
Line input
THD+N < 0.014 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
Signal / noise ratio > 96dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance 40 k Ohms
Frequency response +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Connections
Line level inputs 6 pairs line level RCA connectors
Line level outputs 1 pair line level RCA connectors, constant level TAPE outputs
1 pair line level RCA connectors, preamp outputs for e.g. bi-amping
Speaker outputs 2 pairs 4mm banana plug/binding posts
Power requirement
Mains voltages 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set)
100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
Consumption 320 Watts maximum
Weight
Unit only, unboxed 9.2 kg (20¼ lbs)
In shipping carton 13 kg (30⅔ lbs)
Dimensions
Wide 440 mm (17⅓”)
Musical Fidelity M3si Integrated Amplifier
£1099.00 in Black or Silver
The M3si integrated amplifier produces high quality sound, has an extensive range of useful inputs and offers high reliability, compact size and a fair price. With its strong 85 watts per channel, the M3si will drive a huge variety of appropriate loudspeakers. It has inputs for phono (MM), 4 line inputs and USB ‘B’ up to 24bit 96 kHz.
The M3si’s sound is effortless, clear and sweet. It projects wide and deep images and has plenty of power to deliver excellent dynamic range.
The M3si is unconditionally stable and will drive any appropriate loudspeaker with ease. It embodies Musical Fidelity's hallmark values of uncoloured, stress-free sound, outstanding technical performance and great value for money.
M3si - Specifications
Amplifier
Power output: 85 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
THD(+ noise): <0.014 % typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >98dB ‘A’-weighted
Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Inputs
4x Line Level RCA / Phono
1x USB type ‘B’ connector - Asynchronous data stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz
1x MM Phono input
Phono Input
Sensitivity (nominal): 3mV (suitable for cartridges giving 1.5mV or more including high output MC types)
Signal / noise ratio: >70dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance: 50k Ohms
Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±1dB, 20Hz to 20 kHz
General
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 100 x 400
Weight (unpacked / packed): 9.2 kg/ 13 kg
Musical Fidelity M5si Integrated Amplifier
£1849.00 in Black or Silver
The M5si is a real high end amplifier. At 150 wpc, with high current delivery, it will drive virtually any loudspeaker easily.
Internally the M5si is configured as two independent monoblocs with a separate preamp, but all mounted on one pcb. Its technical performance is about equal to the M6si.
The M5si has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and an extremely flat frequency response. Inputs; phono (mm), 4 line, and USB ’B’ up to 24bit 96kHz.
The M5si produces an extraordinary sweet clear lucid sound. Significantly it was developed after the amazing legendary Nu-Vista 800. Consequently some of the Nu-Vista 800’s subtle pcb layout solutions have found their way into the M5si.
When you hear it we are sure you will understand the relationship between the two. The M5si projects a deep and wide stereo image with very extended bass and a crystalline top end without a trace of harshness.
M5si - Specifications
Amplifier
Power output: 150 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
THD (+ noise): <0.010 % typical 20Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >100dB ‘A’ - weighted
Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Inputs
4x Line Level RCA
1x USB type ‘B’ connector - asynchronous data stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz
1 x MM phono input
Trigger in
Phono Input
Sensitivity: 3mV nominal (MM)
Signal / noise ratio: >70dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance: 50k Ohms (MM)
Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz
Outputs
Trigger out
Fixed, line level output
Variable, preamp output
General
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 100 x 405
Weight (unpacked / packed): 14.6 kg/ 18.8 kg
Musical Fidelity M6si Integrated Amplifier
£2499.00 in Black or Silver
The M6si offers such excellent performance, facilities and power that unless you are seeking the most exotic high-end sound quality you would never need another amplifier. We believe it’s that good.
Internally, the M6si is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate pre amp. It is, in fact, a pre amp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework.
The M6si has 220 wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response. Its inputs are phono (MM/MC), 4 line level, 1 balanced XLR and 1 USB ‘B’ up to 24bit 96kHz asynchronous.
The M6 combination of high power, high current and extraordinary stability means that it can drive any loudspeaker with ease.
In use it is hard to hear any practical difference between the M6si and other much more expensive amplifiers. In proper blind listening comparisons, the M6si performs incredibly well. If we sound rather enthusiastic it’s because we are.
We love the M6si and hope that you do too.
M6si - Specifications
Amplifier
Power output: 220 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
THD (+ noise): <0.007 % typical 20Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >107dB ‘A’ - weighted
Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Inputs
4x Line Level RCA
1x Line Level XLR Balanced
1x USB type ‘B’ connector - asynchronous data stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz
1 x switchable phono input
Trigger in
Phono Input
Sensitivity: 3mV nominal (MM), 0.4mV nominal (MC)
Signal / noise ratio: >84dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance: 47k Ohms (MM and MC)
Frequency response: RIAA/IEC ±0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz
Outputs
Trigger out
Fixed, line level output
Variable, preamp output
General
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 125 x 400
Weight (unpacked / packed): 16.6 kg/ 21.3 kg
£4099.00
The M6si500 is a very high performance, high powered super integrated amplifier. Over twenty-five years ago, the Musical Fidelity A1000 started the complete super integrated amplifier genre. Over the last two and half decades MF have continued to refine the original concept.
The M6si500 offers a comfortable 500 watts per channel, incredible load driving ability, outstanding technical performance and solidly engineered build quality. This remarkable integrated amp will drive any loudspeaker virtually perfectly and to its maximum potential.
It has five inputs: 4 x line and 1 x balanced XLR.
Listening to the M6si500 is a sensuous experience. It produces an effortless, silky sound with huge dynamics. The sound stage is broad and deep. Even if you aren’t in the market for an amplifier at this level, you should listen to it to better understand why it is generating such enthusiasm.
M6si500 - Specifications
Amplifier
Power output: 500 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (27dBW)
THD(+ noise): <0.01% typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >100dB ‘A’-weighted
Frequency Response: +0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Inputs
4 x line level RCA / phono (1 with home theatre bypass)
Outputs
1 x RCA pre out
1 x RCA fixed out
General
Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 160 x 460
Weight (unpacked / packed): 30kg/ 35kg
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Musical Fidelity M8xi Super Integrated Amplifier
£6799.00 in Black or Silver
Back in 1990, Musical Fidelity made the first-ever Super Integrated amplifier: the A1000. lt received a rapturous welcome and, even today, second hand, is selling at high prices. The A1000 was the first of a long line of Super Integrated Amplifiers from Musical Fidelity. Its children: the NuVista M3, Tri Vista 300, kW500, M6/500i, NuVista 800 and NuVista 600 all were equally enthusiastically welcomed to the audiophile world. The M8xi is the latest and the best of the breed.
General Description
The M8xi is a separate preamp with two monobloc power amps sharing a common chassis. Each has its own heat sink and separate transformer. Genuinely dual mono. The preamp has its own separate power supply and is mounted close to the input sockets. Consequently, PCB tracks are very short. This elegant idea ensures that both channels' signals are ultra-low impedance the instant they get into the amplifier. This is a significant detail. Each channel has twelve big bipolar transistors - 200 amps peak to peak is easily available. The metalwork is high quality. The front panel is a custom made fine line extrusion of mil-spec aluminium. The custom made heat sinks have outstanding dissipation characteristics and finish. The M8xi construction has a feeling of solidity and quality.
Builtin DAC:
The M8xi also features a 5 input DAC. DACs are increasingly common in integrated amplifier designs to add convenience when connecting a variety of digital sources, so the decision was taken to build-in a DAC that would perform to a high standard, independently of the amplifier. For added integrity, the DAC features its own power supply. Based around the Texas Instruments PCM5242 TI low-distortion and low-noise DAC chip, which is also employed in many other premium products in the hi-fi industry as well as in previous Musical Fidelity products, the M8xi has 2 x coaxial (S/PDIF), 2 x optical (S/PDIF) and 1 x asynchronous USB Type-B inputs. The coaxial and the USB inputs are capable of supporting hi-res audio streams up-to 24-bit / 192kHz, and the optical input is capable of supporting up-to 24-bit / 96kHz. For maximal performance, all data streams are up-sampled and re-clocked by an internal converter to reduce jitter and remove unwanted artifacts in the sound.
Technical Performance
The M8xi delivers 550 + 550 wpc into 8 ohms. It is extremely stable and very linear. The distortion is low too; lower than 0.005% in the audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The M8xi has remarkable linearity and consistency. lt is unconditionally stable and will drive any loudspeaker in existence easily with ample power reserve.
The M8xi has a precision volume control. This ensures perfect tracking right down to very low levels which is unattainable with standard potentiometers. This outstanding precision is achieved by laser-trimmed substrate resistors.
Sound Quality
The M8xi is effortless, fluid, and dynamic. lt doesn‘t sound ‚loud‘. lt just sounds right. The dynamics are handled with no drama or fuss. They come and they go. There is no distortion; just pure undiluted music. The M8xi sounds like a superb small Class A amplifier but with limitless headroom. Perfection!
M8xi - Specifications
Amplifier
Power Output (20Hz - 20kHz): 550 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (870W into 4 Ohms); Peak 1.6kW into 2 Ohms
Maximum output voltage: 67 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz; onset of clipping (190 Volts peak-to-peak)
THD+N: <0.004% typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz (XLR)
Signal/noise ratio: > 86dB ‚A‘-weighted (XLR)
Input impedance: 25KΩ (RCA), 50KΩ (XLR)
Frequency response: +0, –1dB, 10Hz to 100 kHz
Maximum peak output current: 105 Amps
Damping factor: 150
Output devices: 3+3 pairs (bridged arrangement) per channel
Inputs (analogue)
4 pairs line level RCA connectors
2 pairs line level XLR (balanced) connectors
Inputs (digital)
2x Coax S/PDIF up to 24 bit 192kHz
2x Optical S/PDIF up to 24 bit 96kHz
1x USB B Asynchronous USB up to 24 bit 192kHz
Outputs (analogue)
1 pair line level RCA fixed
1 pair pre-out RCA variable
1 pair line level XLR variable
Outputs (digital)
1x Coax S/PDIF up to 24 bit 192kHz
1x Optical S/PDIF up to 24 bit 96kHz
General
Dimensions (WxHxD): 485 x 185 x 510mm
Max. Consumption: 2000Watts
Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Amplifier £1499.00
In Hi-Fi, the Musical Fidelity A1 has become one of the most classic designs – inside and out. First released back in 1985, it quickly made waves for being an absolute beast when it came down to driving some of the most difficult speakers of that time, even though it was actually a rather low powered integrated amplifier. But: it was all done in pure Class A with excellent and expertly laid out discrete symmetrical circuitry topology and using only highest quality components. The A1 showed people that there was more to amplifiers than just high power.
Based on its huge success, the A1 has gone through multiple reissues and new versions over the years.
Now for 2023, for the first time since its initial release we have actually kept all specifications, the appearance and circuits of the 1985 rendition for those who missed out the first time. With an updated transformer, power supplies and modern low noise components we’ve revitalized the formula and are proud to reintroduce the fresh original – three decades later.
Technical Talk
The A1 is built around a completely discrete and symmetrical Class A topology. It‘s able to output 25W of pure Class A power @ 8 ohms load with 25A of maximum output. While the numbers here might seem rather low, the ability for the output stage to drive difficult speakers is a small miracle in itself. The amp design being dynamic class A, and if Class A standing current is exceeded, it will automatically allow more. It therefore “slides” (NOT “switches”) smoothly into class B style operation, temporarily allowing the further current draw needed.
Power Supply
The new A1 has received an updated transformer from shared (1985 original) to more efficient “dual mono split rail” windings. The amp stages are supplied by fully independent left and right power supplies for better power handling and stereo imaging and each power amplifier now has double supply capacity resulting in reduced ripple and noise.
The transformer‘s noise and heat dissipation are reduced due to better efficiency and updated components. The main supplies are filtered for better regulation and reduced switch on surge.
Preamplifier
The low noise preamplifier circuitry is the same as the original 1985 design and, as we have highlighted above, greatly benefits from the improved, fully smoothed and regulated power supplies.
Among the discernible alterations, one that immediately catches the eye is the addition of a new „direct“ switch at the preamp stage. With this switch you can totally bypass the gain block before the volume control, resulting in roughly 10dB less gain. This feature proves particularly advantageous when working with modern or high-output digital sources, enabling fine tuning the range of your volume potentiometer and accommodating sensitive loudspeakers.
Furthermore, a notable upgrade has been made to the volume potentiometer itself, now replaced by a premium ALPS RK series potentiometer. This high-quality component ensures superior performance and enhanced precision. Additionally, the potentiometer is now motorized, granting you the convenience of adjusting the volume from the comfort of your couch, courtesy of the new included remote control.
Phono Stage
The A1 employs a discrete current-mode input stage for lowest noise amplification of MC and MM cartridges. A low noise current to voltage conversion stage is used for further amplification and RIAA equalization. Automatic input impedance matching for the selected MC input, along with increased gain increases the versatility of the A1‘s phono stage.
The return of a true Hi-Fi classic
The A1 has one secret. This secret is simple: it makes music. It sounds sweet and fluid and creates a beautiful atmosphere around natural instruments. Especially in small to mid-sized rooms, carefully set up with a pair of great two-way speakers. It is not a powerhouse, but music lovers will cherish its abilities.
It‘s also not a product that you‘ll want to hide. A perfect example of form follows function. The oversized heatsinks define the A1‘s look, but they are essential for its operation. Truly unique, from the outside and inside.
The A1 has a sweet, warm, full and exciting sound. No harshness. No grain. Just pure music. It doesn‘t get muddy, and despite its lower power, drives difficult speakers with ease. It remains clean right up to its power limit. To hear what the A1 does is to hear what Hi-Fi is supposed to do: it makes music, pure and simple.
The A1 through time - Improvements to the original
Updated transformer to more efficient “dual mono split rail” windings
High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer as volume control
IR remote control added for volume
Gain block before volume control totally by passable using “direct” switch (-10dB)
All transistors including output devices are carefully selected modern equivalents
All capacitors in signal path are polypropylene (PP) type
Resistors are modern low noise metal film types
Care and attention made to not change any component specification from original but to update them to modern equivalent with long lifespan
Layout faithfully follows original within circuit sections on circuit board
Circuit sections better laid out, in particular the separate supplies and power amplifiers
Phono stage and preamplifier improved for less noise and hum
The A1 in Brief
25W Pure Class A power @ 8 Ohm
Discrete symmetrical topology
Planar Audio transistors with 25A maximum output
Dynamic class A, slides (NOT switches) smoothly into Class B, allowing more current as needed
Therefore drives difficult speakers with no problems
Updated transformer to “dual mono split rail” windings
Fully independent left and right power supplies
Each power amplifier now has double supply capacity
Transformer noise and heat dissipation reduced
Filtered main supplies
Gain block before volume control totally bypassable using “direct” switch
High quality and updated ALPS RK series potentiometer
Low noise TL071 JFET preamplifier circuitry
Discrete current-mode MM/MC phono input stage
Low noise current to voltage converter for further amplification and RIAA equalisation
Automatic input impedance matching (1K nominal) for MC along with increased gain
Original (1985) A1 appearance and circuits with modern improvements
Remote control added for volume
Modern updated low noise components
"The new A1 enchanted with an incredibly coherent, colorful and natural sound of high cohesion for the money, reminiscent of good tube amplifiers."
STEREOPLAY 07/2023
CONTACT US
Tel: 01625264666
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