Amplifier Musical Fidelity M6 500i
Audio entry level of our English-speaking colleagues called Entry Level, as if hinting that it is designed for those who are making the first steps to a good sound. But Antony Michaelson, chief designer of the Musical Fidelity, on the other hand, is positioning its new amp M6 500i as Exit Product.
And not because the recently released integrated amplifier refers to premiumnyh segment from Musical Fidelity is the model and abruptly - Titan, for example, or AMS100. The point here is that, according to the creators M6 500i, this monster has all the qualities to finally solve the problem of the choice of the amplifier and be the last purchase.
To do this, first of all it was necessary to ensure the correct operation of any opportunity to voice acoustics and large rooms. Accordingly, the design was chosen "dual mono" with separate power transformers, rectifiers and smoothing filters for the left and right channels. A record output power - and at M6 500i is declared 2 x 500 watts into 8 ohms load - achieved through the use of each channel twelve composite transistors with a valid current collector 15 A. Scheme bridge output stages, so none of the speaker terminals must not be connected with "the earth". Efficient heat dissipation is provided due to the huge radiators, which are the side walls of the housing. The amplifier has a solid, reliable design, the front panel machined from aluminum plate 12 mm thick. Weight M6 500i is also solid - 28 kg, and take it out of the box had a couple.
The device is designed to connect up to five sources, including a balanced, through connectors XLR. Switch on the rear panel AUX socket can be overridden by input HT (Home Theatre), in this case, the volume control is carried out in an external device - CPU, AV-receiver, etc. Provided control recording Tape/Monitor and output from the preamplifier, which can be useful for system expansion, such as the organization of bi-amping.
Own volume control - multi-electron in 0.5 dB steps. Level change is very smooth, it is convenient to control the 7-segment LED display, the window which is directly over the large volume knob.
Adjust the volume, including and its reset mode Mute, as well as switching sources are available with remote control, the traditional components of the Musical Fidelity - wide, with large buttons conveniently located.
As you can see, the amplifier has only a minimal set of features. And if the lack of USB DAC or phono easily make up for external devices (the company produces them for every taste and budget), the 12-volt trigger for remote shutdown in an advanced home theater system would not be superfluous.
Like most high-power amplifiers, the new M6 500i is required to warm up at least a few hours. I used to run the disk Laibach "Antems", running it at full volume with periodic repetition. After this procedure, the noisy sound of missing paint in the middle range, upper case became a little clearer, and virtual sources in it became more clear outlines.
Collection of classic works from Reference Recording already know the minutest details, but this time managed to get a new experience. The soundstage was unusually broad and well-layered in depth. The orchestra was as if the line of speakers, and no tool was attached to them - even the triangle was there, where it should be in the background. On some tracks appeared strong bass component, which previously did not pay attention to themselves. She stressed the naturalness of sound and solidity, has become more precisely pick out the atmosphere of the room.
General Dynamics is gorgeous on the volume peaks of the orchestra sounds powerful, with rich tonal nuances and so openly and freely, without the slightest effort and signs of compression. However, there is a tendency and characteristic of many high power amplifiers - to increase the fine details, while maintaining the correct scale large. Because of this, the proportion of the overall picture, especially for low volume, is not always reliable. But it is inevitable cost of stunning dynamics and enormous energy potential.
Opposite in nature, but no less difficult for the kilowatt monster genre - chamber works, recorded with the utmost attention to the nuances of sound and the formation of. Surprisingly accurate invoice transmitted brass instruments, the sound is not monotonic bass, cymbals are bright, crisp, but do not cut the ear. Virtual images are embossed, and the vocals in general appears to be alive - so accurately transmitted and tone, and features of articulation. It is worth noting and neutrality (not to be confused with a cold) amplifier, the absence of even the slightest veil and attempt to hide any nuances. Yes, some of the images slightly enlarged, but the perception of music it does not prevent, on the contrary, the overall picture is read easier. Sure acoustic damping has a beneficial effect on the rhythmic structure of the sketch - instantly react adequately reproduce diffusers and drum beats and bass string attack. Ever wondered how engineers Musical Fidelity is possible to achieve optimum control when a clear shot, not smeared, but not too tight.
So M6 500i - really way out for demanding music lovers and fans of the movie as different thoroughbred high-Fine sound and explosive theatrical temperament.
