Henley Audio have announced the imminent availability of the new Musical Fidelity MX-Stream streaming music system. The new model is the company’s first high-end audio optimised streamer and network bridge. As such, says the distributor, it is the ideal solution to enhance any Hi-Fi system with an existing USB DAC.
The MX-Stream (SRP £859.00) has been designed in the same tradition as other Musical Fidelity products – with a focus on both high-fidelity audio and product longevity. Built around an optimised software and technically-correct hardware design, it’s able to support a variety of streaming providers and can be connected to any USB 2.0 compliant DAC. The result is described as a completely clean, near-zero jitter digital audio transport that enables the iconic Musical Fidelity sound signature to shine through.
MX-Stream in detail
The MX-Stream is a universal, transport-only network device that can deliver an online or network streaming service to a DAC, so long as it has a USB Class 2.0 audio input. Its technically correct design ensures only the musical information is transported, with almost no jitter or noise interference, for that iconic Musical Fidelity sound performance, says the maker.
The digital audio circuitry featured in the MX-Stream has been optimised and customised by Musical Fidelity engineers for a strong performance. For example, each PCB inside the unit has its own PSU and high-end voltage stabilisation components. Similarly, the CPU has been upgraded with an audio-optimised clock – as opposed to the standard type of clock built into most computers – to ensure this specialised computer remains entirely focused on bit-perfect audio performance. On top of this, every audio file is passed through a detox section to remove unwanted interference that can later become noise.
The MX-Stream is operated by a specialised software, which gives access to a wide variety of streaming solutions, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and internet radio. It’s also easy to access a NAS and attached USB drives, for a quick and effortless solution to play a local library of music. It’s even possible to rip and automatically tag a CD library when an external optical drive is attached to one of the USB inputs. The MX-Stream is also Roon Ready, for one-click integration into a Roon eco-system, as well as being UPNP/DLNA enabled and supporting Bluetooth.
The MX-Stream will support audio formats up-to 32-bit / 384kHz PCM and DSD256, and the onboard operating system and playback software are set to enable 1:1 bit-perfect digital audio transfers by default. For times when users don’t want to stream via the network, it’s also possible to connect a computer to the USB Type-B input on the rear panel and flick the front-panel USB/PC switch. In this configuration, all music played through the connected computer will benefit from the MX-Stream’s detox process, for improved audio performance.
It’s easy to control and operate the MX-Stream, via the supported app (available on Android and iOS), connect via web browser, or even control it directly by connecting a screen to the HDMI output and a mouse to one of the USB ports.
By acting as a network bridge, it sits externally from any amplifier and DAC, allowing other elements of the system to change as different technologies and tastes come and go. But thanks to Musical Fidelity’s know-how and technical experience, it is capable of delivering optimised bit-perfect digital audio to the system.
The MX-Stream can be paired with any DAC that features a USB Class 2.0 audio input, but it is ideally suited to the matching MX-DAC, or the superior Musical Fidelity M6x DAC. Ask your local Musical Fidelity retailer for more suggestions.
The Musical Fidelity MX-Stream will be available across the UK during Summer 2022. It is available with Black or Silver chassis.
MX-Stream features include:
✓ High-resolution network bridge that brings streaming services to any modern USB DAC
✓ Optimised technical design for bit-perfect audio
✓ Low-noise regulation throughout and sophisticated USB “detox” stage
✓ Optimised audiophile standard streaming software
✓ Support for Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO and TuneIn services
✓ Roon Ready certified
✓ Shairport, UPnP/DLNA and Bluetooth local streaming solutions
✓ Attach USB and NAS music storage for full library support and playback
✓ Controllable via smart devices and PC / Laptop
✓ HDMI output for attaching a screen
✓ MX chassis adds extra weight and is resistant to vibrations and interference
MX-Stream: £859.00 (SRP)