VSystem

In 1990, Musical Fidelity introduced the world's first Super Integrated amplifier, the A1000, which was met with great acclaim and continues to be highly valued in the second-hand market. This innovation began a series of Super Integrated Amplifiers, including the NuVista M3, Tri Vista 300, kW500, M6/500i, NuVista 800, and NuVista 600, all of which received enthusiastic reception from audiophiles. The M8xi is the latest and most advanced model in this prestigious lineage.

The M8xi features a separate preamp and two monobloc power amplifiers within a single chassis, each with its own heat sink and transformer, ensuring a genuine dual mono configuration. The preamp, positioned near the input sockets for ultra-short PCB tracks, boasts its own power supply, ensuring ultra-low impedance signals from the outset. Each channel is equipped with twelve large bipolar transistors, capable of delivering 200 amps peak-to-peak. The M8xi's construction is of high quality, with a milspec aluminum front panel and custom heat sinks for superior dissipation, exuding solidity and craftsmanship.

New Circuitry

Over the past five years, our power amp circuitry has reached a pinnacle of development. In our continuous pursuit of enhancing performance and value, we have maintained a low feedback configuration while improving efficiency and performance without compromising sound quality. Our innovative M8xi power amp design offers higher power, lower distortion, and improved sound quality. The output stage efficiency has increased, providing about 10% more power for similar supply voltage. Notably, the entire driver stage operates in pure Class A, significantly enhancing sound quality. This results in a wider sound stage and more impactful dynamics, particularly evident with well-recorded piano. The M8xi brings out the percussive nature of piano notes and offers detailed, dynamic vocal and large-scale music presentations, making it a versatile all-rounder with the sound of a small Class A amplifier but with immense power.

The DAC

The M8xi includes a 5-input DAC, enhancing convenience for connecting various digital sources. Featuring its own power supply, the DAC is built around the Texas Instruments PCM5242 TI chip, known for its low distortion and noise. The M8xi provides 2 coaxial (S/PDIF), 2 optical (S/PDIF), and 1 asynchronous USB Type-B input. The coaxial and USB inputs support hi-res audio up to 24-bit / 192kHz, while the optical input supports up to 24-bit / 96kHz. To ensure maximum performance, all data streams are up-sampled and re-clocked internally, reducing jitter and unwanted artifacts.

Technical Performance

The M8xi delivers an impressive 550 + 550 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It is extremely stable and linear, with distortion levels below 0.005% across the audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The M8xi's remarkable linearity and stability allow it to effortlessly drive any loudspeaker with ample power reserve.

Our Approach to Technical Measurements

We believe an amplifier should be completely neutral, acting as 'a straight wire with gain'. Achieving this requires complex design and meticulous validation of the total amplifier system. Our goal is to achieve complete neutrality, transparency, and excellent technical performance with low feedback circuit designs. The M8xi's technical performance is validated through its exceptional results, demonstrating very low distortion from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and beyond, and maintaining consistent performance up to 50 kHz.

Linearity

An amplifier must maintain its voltage virtually regardless of loading to ensure linearity. The M8xi excels in this, maintaining voltage across the spectrum to prevent nonlinear frequency response and distortion.

Distortion

While many manufacturers focus on 1 kHz distortion, we believe in assessing distortion across the full spectrum. The M8xi demonstrates outstanding performance with minimal distortion from 10 kHz to 50 kHz, validating its superior circuit design and PCB layout.

Noise Ratio

A quiet amplifier preserves low-level detail and dynamic range. The M8xi excels in maintaining a high dynamic range, ensuring the quietest and loudest sounds are accurately reproduced.

Precision Volume Control

The M8xi features a precision volume control with perfect tracking down to very low levels, achieved through laser-trimmed substrate resistors, ensuring superior accuracy compared to standard potentiometers.

Sound Quality

The M8xi delivers effortless, fluid, and dynamic sound. It doesn't just play loudly; it sounds right. Dynamics are managed seamlessly, with no distortion, just pure, undiluted music. It combines the refined sound of a small Class A amplifier with the limitless headroom of a powerful unit, achieving perfection.

What's in the box

• Musical Fidelity M8xi Amplifier
• Remote control

Technical information

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