Musical Fidelity M8xi

“It kicks hard when the music demands, but just as pleasingly delivers the notes with agility rather than droning on”

Integrated amplifier

₹7,45,000

Musical Fidelity’s M8xi is something of a monster. The integrated amplifier dwarfs most rivals when it comes to size, and weighs in at a vertebrae-crushing 46kg. Perhaps the most impressive number is that it has a huge claimed power output of 550 watts per channel at 8 ohms, which then rises to a dizzying 870 watts as the speaker impedance halves.

The M8xi is a poke in the eye for anyone who considers an integrated amplifier a compromised alternative to a pre/power combination. Inside the M8xi’s huge 16 x 44 x 40cm frame is a modular design with DAC, preamp and two monobloc power amps separated as much as possible from the casework.

PLENTY OF CONNECTIVITY

This Musical Fidelity is a solidly built unit that’s finished to a high standard. We love the simplicity of its major controls, though the display could be a little larger. Inside are two sizable toroidal mains transformers, and obvious care has been taken to avoid interactions between the various analogue and digital circuits within. It’s not as neatly arranged or visually appealing as the insides of high-end products can sometimes be, but that’s not an issue as long as it performs well and reliably. The M8xi runs warm, too, so ventilation becomes an issue if overheating isn’t to become a problem.