Musical FidelityM3si (Black)

Writing a quick note since I don't see many reviews for this amplifier online, perhaps because it is relatively new, though its predecessor M3i seems to be quite well regarded. I just received it yesterday and have set it up with (the superlative) KEF LS50 mini-monitor speakers and an REL T-5 subwoofer, the DAC I'm using is the Oppo HA-1. The amplifier arrived well packed double boxed and the amplifier was enclosed in sturdy molded Styrofoam. Musical Fidelity covered the amplifier in a black velvet string bag which is a nice touch, they also include a pair of white gloves (and a microfiber wiping cloth) to handle it. The construction is pretty solid and it is a large enclosure (~400mm) with the width and the depth almost the same, take this into consideration if you already have a pre-determined location for the amplifier. The manufacturer specifies it at a healthy 90W per channel with total harmonic distortion rated at < 0.014% under typical use. The circuit according to MF is a class G (my understanding is that this means it is class AB with dynamic power down) and runs only slightly warm. The M3si usefully also includes an asynchronous USB-B port capable of 24-bit/96kHz input which I haven't used since I have a dedicated DAC. I'm using this for my desktop setup with aforementioned equipment and is probably overkill for it, but it provides sufficient headroom and drives the LS50 at comfortable listening volumes at about the 9 O'clock mark (zero position around 7 O'clock mark). I'm no audio expert but the system sounds amazing streaming CD quality music from Tidal. For example, the track "Like A Dog Chasing Cars" from The Dark Knight soundtrack has never sounded better to me, vocals also sound fantastic e.g., Adele's "Someone Like You." The amplification sounds very neutral to me and there is no noticeable distortion (to me at least) even at high volume, also there's zero hiss at full volume without music. The volume control and other buttons have a nice weighted feel to them that scream high quality. The speaker binding posts also share this property. The only let down is the plasticky remote control which I thankfully don't have to use since I've set it at arms length. Overall, I can't be happier with my purchase (though I've used it only for a short time) and I'll try to update the review after some time in case my evaluation changes with use.

Even though it has a lot of power, the sound of this unit is very unrefined and harsh. Especially if you are using the mediocre DAC that is built in.Looks wise, the unit is way too big and bulky. Super cheap looking materials and design. The LED’s on the front of the unit are super bright and there is no way to turn the brightness down. The included remote doesn't even have an obvious power or standby button.Im not sure what people see and hear when it comes to this unit. For this price, it is extremely overrated. Much better options are out there in this price range; and for even a third of what this unit costs.

VERY, VERY nice sounding amplifier. If you want to see what this amp can do you must surround it with great components and use quality cables. I use an NAD 546BEE cd player as my main source running through an ARCAM irDAC and feeding Monitor Audio BX5 speakers. Cables are Audioquest Cinnamon with Audioquest Rocket 44 speaker cables. Wow, what an improvement over my Yamaha integrated amp. This amp creates a full, smooth, punchy, yet very detailed sound. The soundstage is large and very stable with excellent instrument separation. I can't put my finger on it but this amp with my current setup just adds a but of magic to my music through it's unique british sound signature. Very highly recommended.

I have no idea why one reviewer would writer: "The sounds is harsh and unrefined". This is an excellent brand and excellent integrated amp. It one wants a perfect Amp and preamp it will cost $12,000. For $1500, this item is EXCELLENT!!! I first ordered a Denon for about $600. This is more expensive but MUCH BETTER. It's a fine instrument!!

Ok so I have owned this unit for 10years now. Not one problem in all that time. It has a huge soundstage and is so "British" sounding. I love that sound! Dont like that sound? Then dont buy it. LOL. Anyway the power is more than enough to handle any speaker. I have used 3 on this unit. It has a huge amount of analog inputs and even a pre out and a line out. So if you have a powered sub...well... look out. The phono stage on this unit is also excellent. Although I have purchased a separate unit..while I was using it...I felt it sounded great. Even with my Soundsmith cart. The Dac. Well. Its ok. Not fantastic but hardly bad. The build quality is amazing for the price. The blue led lights engulf the room in a beautiful blue. Not out of control mind you. Pleasant. Want it off...well I just put something in front of them...but this is probably never done. The remote is plastic. BUT over ten years of use it has never broken down or failed. IMO this is a fantastic integrated it is slightly addictive. Think about it ...10 years and not switched out.

Warm, deep and effortless sound. Great combination with KEF LS50s

First, I must state that I own the M2si, not the M3si. The M2si is very similar, though inferior, to the M3si. I humbly suggest that you consider adding a Bellari PA555 tube amp to your M3si or M2si--and roll the tube... put in a Genalex Gold Lion with gold tips ($50 or so). This is a WOW level transformation. Warmer, richer, deeper... the sound begins to approach my M6si.I love my M2si, especially with the upgraded Bellari PA555!

This integrated amp sounds, as beautiful as it looks. A very classy looking amp which was obviously built to high end standards despite its reasonable price. The one-star review here by someone is ridiculous. By every standard I can think of this amp is a gem.