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Streamers — Musical Fidelity MX-STREAM
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Musical Fidelity MX-STREAM
Image source — © Musical Fidelity
The MX-Stream is a network streaming transport from Musical Fidelity, announced as available on 26 September 2022 and designed and built in Europe. There is no DAC inside - Musical Fidelity describes it as a universal, transport-only device that brings online services and files from a home network to a DAC or to an integrated amplifier with a USB input. The US price is USD 1,149.
Key specs that matter
PCM playback reaches 32-bit and 352.8 kHz, and DSD is handled up to DSD256, with FLAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, AAC and MP3 among the file types. The audio leaves the box through one USB-A port optimised for audio, which requires a receiving device with a USB Class 2.0 Audio input. For network access there is Ethernet on RJ45 and Wi-Fi to 802.11 b/g/n with a supplied antenna, plus Bluetooth 4.0. Two further USB-A sockets accept external drives, and a micro USB-B port labelled PC-Detox is also fitted. Internal storage is 16 GB. Power comes from an external 18 V, 1 A DC adapter included in the box. The case measures 220 x 53 x 215 mm and weighs 1.75 kg, and buyers choose a black or silver finish.
Engineering and use context
Musical Fidelity built the digital audio circuitry from scratch rather than using an off-the-shelf streaming board, with dedicated power supply sections and voltage stabilisation for the circuits. The signal is cleaned from the input stage on, and a re-clocking stage driven by an audio-optimised CPU clock is used to cut jitter, which the maker claims falls close to zero. Supported services include Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and TuneIn, along with AirPlay and DLNA, and the unit is certified Roon Ready. Control runs through a mobile app or any web browser, and the HDMI port carries video only, so a monitor or touchscreen can be connected to browse the library directly on the unit. With an external USB optical drive attached, CDs can be ripped to storage, and auto-tagging indexes the resulting tracks. The software platform is open to future updates, and a two-year warranty applies.
Pairing
Because conversion happens elsewhere, the MX-Stream needs a partner fitted with a USB audio input - a standalone converter, a preamp with DAC board or an integrated amp whose digital section accepts USB. The high PCM and DSD ceilings mean the receiving DAC, not the streamer, will usually set the resolution limit.
Alternatives
Owners who only need phone playback can look at the V90-BLU5 HD, a Musical Fidelity Bluetooth receiver that includes its own DAC.
Key specs that matter
PCM playback reaches 32-bit and 352.8 kHz, and DSD is handled up to DSD256, with FLAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, AAC and MP3 among the file types. The audio leaves the box through one USB-A port optimised for audio, which requires a receiving device with a USB Class 2.0 Audio input. For network access there is Ethernet on RJ45 and Wi-Fi to 802.11 b/g/n with a supplied antenna, plus Bluetooth 4.0. Two further USB-A sockets accept external drives, and a micro USB-B port labelled PC-Detox is also fitted. Internal storage is 16 GB. Power comes from an external 18 V, 1 A DC adapter included in the box. The case measures 220 x 53 x 215 mm and weighs 1.75 kg, and buyers choose a black or silver finish.
Engineering and use context
Musical Fidelity built the digital audio circuitry from scratch rather than using an off-the-shelf streaming board, with dedicated power supply sections and voltage stabilisation for the circuits. The signal is cleaned from the input stage on, and a re-clocking stage driven by an audio-optimised CPU clock is used to cut jitter, which the maker claims falls close to zero. Supported services include Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz and TuneIn, along with AirPlay and DLNA, and the unit is certified Roon Ready. Control runs through a mobile app or any web browser, and the HDMI port carries video only, so a monitor or touchscreen can be connected to browse the library directly on the unit. With an external USB optical drive attached, CDs can be ripped to storage, and auto-tagging indexes the resulting tracks. The software platform is open to future updates, and a two-year warranty applies.
Pairing
Because conversion happens elsewhere, the MX-Stream needs a partner fitted with a USB audio input - a standalone converter, a preamp with DAC board or an integrated amp whose digital section accepts USB. The high PCM and DSD ceilings mean the receiving DAC, not the streamer, will usually set the resolution limit.
Alternatives
Owners who only need phone playback can look at the V90-BLU5 HD, a Musical Fidelity Bluetooth receiver that includes its own DAC.
Specifications
Model name
MX-STREAM
Has internal DAC
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 352.8 kHz and DSD256
DSP processing
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Analog outputs level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
220 x 56 x 215
Weight (kg)
1.91
Official link
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