Magnat MC 400 Review
Imagine creating an all-in-one entertainment system for a modern living room: it would play nearly any type of media in high quality, stay within a reasonable budget, and bring style and charm to the space. Magnat has done just that with the MC 400.
by Tom Frantzen
When you hear terms like “all-in-one” or “CD receiver,” you might picture a compact, lightweight device. However, this Magnat model defies those expectations. It comes in a full 43 cm width, has solid construction right down to its connectors, and boasts a robust aluminum front panel. Materials and workmanship are both excellent.
TEST DEVICES
Turntable: Clearaudio Ovation
Speakers: Canton Ergo GS, DALI Epicon 6, Sonoro Orchestra Slim
Cables: Audioquest, Silent Wire
An unusually large display and antennas on the rear panel hint at its contemporary design. A slim slot on the front reveals the built-in CD drive, a professional slot-in mechanism that supports MP3 and CD text.
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1 Power supply first: A generously sized toroidal transformer with multiple windings and minimal stray field. 2 The multi-level input section accommodates a range of sources. 3 The power amplifier delivers the necessary punch.
WHAT WE USED FOR LISTENING
Styx: Cornerstone
Featuring “Boat On The River,” “Babe,” and more – a wonderful journey into the past.
Grobschnitt: Acoustic Album
Two seasoned founders, joined by a son on acoustic guitars – pure brilliance for fans!
The unit also comes with a classic FM tuner featuring RDS, plus DAB+ for clear digital radio. Since FM alone is no longer considered sufficient these days (even though I personally appreciate its reliability in challenging times), the MC 400 includes both.
We also noticed the HDMI port, which makes it easy to connect a TV and its audio output directly to the Magnat. It has analog inputs via mini-jack and two AUX inputs (RCA). On the front, there’s a convenient headphone output.
Digital
Among today’s perks is Bluetooth, letting you stream music from your phone or tablet without complications. The MC 400 supports aptX HD, offering high-quality wireless audio.
It also features a DAC (with coaxial and optical inputs) certified Hi-Res Audio by the Japan Audio Society, handling formats up to 24-bit, 192 kHz.
The front panel can read a USB stick or hard drive loaded with music, while its spacious 2.8-inch display can even show “cover art” for compatible sources. The MC 400 also supports “true streaming” via LAN or Wi-Fi. With the free Magnat app, you can access nearly all popular streaming services plus TuneIn, giving you thousands of internet radio stations. In fact, the Magnat offers three different radio options!
Multi-room functionality is also built in through the free app, so you can play the same music in multiple rooms.
If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can operate basic MC 400 features with the included remote.
If you own or want to buy a turntable, the MC 400 has an MM phono input for your convenience.
Given Magnat’s heritage, it’s no surprise they used quality components. The phono preamp is designed for low noise and minimal distortion, while the power amp stage is a discrete, bipolar transistor system. Its transistors are mounted on generous heat sinks.
A sizable toroidal transformer supplies all internal sections with ample power. At about seven kilograms, this single-box solution from Magnat easily covers most listening needs, even occasional parties.
The manufacturer claims 60 watts RMS and 100 watts peak. Our lab measured just above 40 watts at 8 ohms, a little over 60 watts at 4 ohms, and above 70 watts of peak power. For typical day-to-day use in small to mid-sized rooms, that’s plenty, matching most entry-level expectations.
Despite its moderate power, the MC 400 sounds surprisingly energetic and warm, while offering plenty of detail. Its balanced, inviting character blends fullness, tightness, and warmth, working well with most speakers of moderate efficiency.
It handles more complex pieces, such as those by Dvořák, Orff, or Strauss, with clarity and drive. Even larger speakers like DALI’s Epicon 6 are driven effectively.
Delicate voices, for instance Cara Dillon’s, fill the space with width and depth. It offers a slightly audiophile flair, which is a great asset for a system in this class.
Everything Included
Magnat’s MC 400 covers nearly all bases: phono, DAC, high-resolution streaming, Bluetooth, three kinds of radio, and TV audio. Function-wise, it lacks almost nothing. What’s more, the price is quite attractive!
It’s especially noteworthy that this do-it-all system not only sounds great but also shows a touch of audiophile refinement.
Phono MM, CD, DAC, LAN/Wi-Fi streaming, three (!) radios, plus a headphone jack and TV input – the Magnat MC 400 does it all.
SCEPTRE: While the app is convenient, the included remote control is also very handy
A solid all-in-one system at a fair price. It includes a phono stage, DAC, three radio options, streaming, and basic multi-room features, all while delivering great sound. It’s an ideal secondary system for a hobby space, vacation spot, or a youth room.
Measurement Results
Technical Specifications
Dimensions: 43 x 12 x 35 cm (W x H x D)
Warranty: 2 years
- Digital Noise Floor: 87 dB
- Distortion Factor at -9 dBFS: 0.006%
- Loading Time: 7.5 seconds
- Continuous Power Output (8 Ohm / 4 Ohm): 41 W / 63 W
- Peak Power Output (4 Ohm, 1kHz): 72 W
- Distortion (50mW / 5W / 1dB Pmax): 0.015% / 0.005% / 0.15%
- Intermodulation Distortion (50mW / 5W / 1dB Pmax): 0.01% / 0.003% / 0.8%
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (at 50mW / 5W): 65 dB / 68 dB
- Volume Tracking Error at -60 dB: 0.27 dB
Lab Commentary
- Power Output: 40W (8 Ohm) / 60W (4 Ohm) with some reserve
- Distortion Levels: Low
- Noise Levels: Slightly high but still satisfactory
- Overall Performance: Good measurement results
Features
- Remote control
- Mobile App
- Phono MM input
- Hi-Res DAC
- Streaming capabilities
- FM (UKW) and DAB+ radio
- Internet radio
- Supports Spotify and all major streaming services via app
Verdict
- Sound Quality: 8.5/10
- Price/Performance: Excellent (4/5 stars)
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Magnat MC 400 amplifier, streamer, radio, CD, Bluetooth all in one. Review, sound test
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