Cambridge Audio unveiled a new top-shelf digital streaming device today, the Minx Xi. Touted as an all-in-one digital music system for the tech-savvy audiophile, the pint-size box is loaded with features including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth streaming with aptX, digital and analog inputs for connecting a wide array of components, and a class A/B amplifier for a maximum of 55-watts RMS power output.
Along with its versatile feature set, the unit is stocked with premium hi-fi components, most notably a Wolfson WM8728 digital to analog converter, the Rolls Royce of consumer DACs. With the Wolfson in tow, the Minx Xi is poised to handle lossless WAV and FLAC files of up to 24bit/96kHz resolution – along with any other lower res files you might throw its way – with crystal-clear precision. And with Ethernet and wireless network compatibility guided by an external clocking source, the unit promises accurate high-fidelity playback for all of your media.
Sound expensive? That depends on how you look at it. At around $900, the Minx Xi isn’t a casual purchase. But if you haven’t already invested in a hi-fi system, the price starts to look a lot more friendly. Without the need for purchase of a separate amplifier or receiver, the Minx Xi provides a sleek, semi-affordable way to save space and easily access all of your media from one source – just add speakers.
Full specs for the Minx Xi include two USB charging inputs, three analog inputs, Toslink and S/PDIF digital inputs, stereo and subwoofer outs, a wireless streaming app for Android and iOS, and onboard support for Pandora, Rhapsody, and BBC iPlayer Radio. And with easily updatable firmware, there are likely more apps to come.
We’re not sure how the system sounds but we’ve got one on the way, so we’ll let you know as soon as we get a chance to fire it up. As for now, all we know is we want one.
Cambridge Audio’s new Minx Xi Streaming Digital Music System is available today.
