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Problems with a new MF M5si

Hello,

Several months ago I bought a new Musical Fidelity M5si Integrated Amp, and after connecting it up to my system I was disappointed to hear that the audio sounds a bit distorted. I have tried different input connections on the unit, different interconnects and different sources (CD/Blu Ray Player and a Music Streamer).  When running the same sources through two other components (an NAD Integrated and a Marantz AVR) and using the same interconnects, I don't hear any of the distortion that I'm hearing when using the M5si.

I did send the unit to Musical Fidelity and they have told me that they can't find anything wrong with it.  So now I have it back, and with the same distortion issue. 

I am kind of stumped now, and was hoping that there might be some options available such as bringing it into a dealership near me and have them hook it up and check it out, or maybe bringing it over to another forum member's home where they could hook it up and audition it with their system, and see whether or not the distortion is still heard.

If anyone has suggestions or help, please let me know. I am in the Orange County area in Southern Calif.

Thank you,
Greg

rhythm5
hgeifman
2,274 posts
 

It is very frustrating that Musical Fidelity was not able to identify the issue. If the audio from your Musical Fidelity M5si sounds distorted, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected and of good quality. Loose or unsuitable cables can cause distortion.

Speaker Polarity: Verify that the speakers are connected with the correct polarity (+/-) at both ends.

I had a similar issue with a Magnum Dynalab tuner The factory said the unit was perfect. I checked everything and discovered my power cord was causing the issue. I replaced the power cord and everything was fine. Maybe also replace your interconnect cable.

Taking the unit to your retailer is a great suggestion. 

rhythm5 OP
14 posts
 

hgeifman, thank you for your reply.

I did confirm today that when MF tested my unit they used their own power cord, so the power cord that came with my unit could still be an issue. I think I have a spare at home so I'll try it tonight.   They are still communicating with me on this and making suggestions and asking questions, which is good.

The MF retailer near me is not where I purchased the unit, but hopefully I can still get some help there.  I'll give them a call if the power cord replacement doesn't help.


Greg

rhythm5 OP
14 posts
 

Oh well, I was hoping it was be an easy fix but using a different power cord didn't improve things.  I've run the same CD/Blu Ray player and interconnect cables to my AVR, with the AVR pre-outs going to the HT Bypass input in the M5si, and the sound is fine.  So I think my source component and RCA interconnects are OK, as well as the power amp in the M5si.  Hopefully this weekend I can get it checked out with a local dealership's setup.

rhythm5 OP
14 posts
 

Finally onto something - I was able to get the distortion go to away when I removed the connection to the LINE OUT jacks on the M5si.

The LINE OUT was going to an NAD integrated amp that I use for some in-wall speakers in another room.  The NAD was in 'standby' mode when I was doing my testing, but just having the M5's LINE OUT connected to the NAD was causing an issue.

I tried connecting the M5's LINE OUT to an input pair on my AVR (also just in 'standby') instead of the NAD, and had the same issue.  Also tried another pair of RCA interconnects and the problem remained.

So it seems that the M5 is somehow adversely affected when its LINE OUT is connected to an input on another component.  Thoughts?  Anything else I should check out next?

Thank you,
Greg

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