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Musical Fidelity M6-500i vs Kw - 500

Hello guys
I was browsing around the web today and stumbled across
the latest Super Integrated from Musical Fidelity .
This is a 500wpc into 8ohm beast similar in power to the limited edition Kw -500 , Some changes are evident between these models , The older Kw -500 has an external power supply and MM phono stage and single ended inputs only
along with 6112 milspec valves in the pre -amp section.
The Kw -500 was made in England.
The M6 - 500i has line level inputs only with 1 set of balanced inputs no valves appear to be in this unit making it solid state , The power supply of the M6-500 is onboard . The m6 -500i is made in Taiwan.
Has anyone else compared these two units ? Seems they each have advantages depending on your system setup.
I wonder if the new M6-500i would be much better ?
steam3642
fatboyriding
9 posts
 
I've owned a kW500 since MF first released the amp in 2004 and in May 2016 had it 'fine tuned' by MF. Considering that I've had 12 years of amazing performance, to spend 20% of the original price and have the amp overhauled would have been good, but the sound of the fine tune is superlative, and apart from Quad can't recall another manufacturer that offers anything similar at a reasonable price.

In terms of a vinyl sounding DAC - having had a TriVista 21 I would have to say that the kW25 transport and DAC combination are a very hard act to beat.

You can tell how highly this kit is regarded by the lack of units for sale, I for one wouldn't part with mine, and god knows over the past 40 years I've bought and sold more than I care to admit!

Get a good front end and a great pair of speakers and you're  made up! 
keithtexas
352 posts
 
Just a little to add since I own a MF Tri-Vista 300. Yes, it is very sweet and powerful. I upgraded the umbilical cord and the [neutrix/powercon] power cords going from the power supply to the main unit - both were improvements. And a good power cord from the wall to the power supply was a noticeable improvement as well. I have had mine for about 2 years and left it on 24/7 for about a year. Well, after that time, I did burn out one or two of the small signal tubes. Also, the RCA jacks on the back failed (I assume due to the constant heat). Both were fairly easy fixes, and I’m back in business (although my tech said that the RCA jacks were kinda difficult to solder because of how they connected to the board). Anyway.. yes, this unit has surprised me with its musicality and dimensionality. Very tube like with no glare until the volume is *really* high. Good stuff, and it has pretty lights and blue feet too. :D
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,593 posts
 

As above-


it is impressive to read about the MF M6- 500i mated w/ Thiel CS 3.7 loudspeakers!

fatboyriding
9 posts
 
Keith, what did you upgrade the power cords with?
keithtexas
352 posts
 

@fatboyriding - sorry about the delayed response.

I upgraded the power cords to Acrolink 7N-P2040 on the main power supply, and upgraded the umbilical cords to Acrolink 7N-P2030II. The stock cables were only 2 1/2 feet long, so it was difficult to put the main unit any distance away from the power supply. I also upgraded the umbilical from the power supply to the preamp section with a 7 pin Revelation Audio Labs cord. Finally, I upgraded the fuses in the power supply to HiFi Tuning. All made nice improvements. I think there are some interconnect(ions) inside the main unit-that if I remember are just the standard shielded factory variety.  May have another mod opportunity there. :)

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