Given what we said above about using an iPod as a 'bit bucket', it's little surprise that performance with an iPod source, playing uncompressed material, is basically identical to CD. We felt the line input was a little loose and vague in the bass, but the digital inputs seemed much closer to CD and, as such, very listenable.

The only real let-down, to our ears, is the FM tuner section which is at best only so-so. We've yet to hear a DAB/ FM module which turns in more than basic FM performance and this one is muffled, rather inclined to graininess and distinctly coarse in the quality of its background noise. DAB performance is good, though.

Characterful Hi-Fi

We ended up with real affection and respect for the Myryad Mi. It is pleasingly different in makeup and operation from anything else we've come across and its sound also stands out.

It's probably entirely sensible that Myryad has not aimed at the highest standards of purity, because in the circumstances that would probably have failed.

Instead, a characterful but musically communicative performance nicely complements a distinctive package, making the Myryad Mi a fine choice for exactly the sort of application one would guess at – second systems, spare room, holiday home... anywhere you have a little room for indulgence!