Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl - Overview

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is the new flagship phono preamplifier in the acclaimed M series by Musical Fidelity. Compared to its "younger sibling," the M6x Vinyl, the M8x advances in almost every aspect.

What's New in the Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl?

• Fully balanced and fully discrete: The M6x Vinyl was already fully discrete, but not fully balanced. In the M8x Vinyl, the + and - signals of each channel have separate amplification stages, doubling the components in the phono stage.
• Improved gain stage design: Now, the gain stage consists of 3 levels, offering higher gain and operating with lower noise and distortion.
• More gain options: 40, 43, 46, 49, 60, 63, 66, 69dB.
• New discrete power input filtering and DC blocking: The power board is now 3x larger, delivering clean energy to the balanced phono stage.
• Super Silent encapsulated transformer to protect against external electromagnetic radiation.
• DECCA and COLUMBIA EQ, in addition to the RIAA standard.
• Passive EQ stage split into two parts.
• Two-step subsonic filter.
• More inputs and load settings for ultra-precise cartridge adjustment.

With a beautifully designed and executed solid aluminum build, the M8x Vinyl features the iconic heroic build quality of the M8 series. It perfectly matches the M8 amplifier series and is designed to ensure faithful transmission of the artist's intent directly to your ears and heart.

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Technical Features

The M8x Vinyl features fully balanced internal audio circuits. Each channel (+ and -) has its own phono stage with three gain stages powered by fully discrete Class A transistors. The EQ stage is completely passive and split into two parts, ensuring the most accurate representation of RIAA, DECCA, and COLUMBIA curves. The RCA and XLR outputs have individual stages, allowing simultaneous use.

Discrete Power Supply

The M8x Vinyl reflects the continuous development of Musical Fidelity's Super Silent Transformers. The encapsulated toroidal transformer is designed for delicate phono signals, with low core saturation and extremely low electromagnetic radiation. Each discrete stage has a DC servo to ensure optimal DC mode, powered by high-quality symmetrical power supplies.

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Summary

• Fully balanced and discrete design
• 3-part gain stage with Class A circuitry
• Split-passive RIAA, DECCA, and COLUMBIA equalization
• Two-step subsonic filter (Off, Mild, Standard)
• Compatible with MM (40dB) and MC (60dB) with +3/6/9dB options
• Separate output and input stages - connect multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously
• Super Silent Power Transformer
• Discrete power input filtering and DC blocking
• 2x RCA inputs
• 2x balanced XLR inputs
• 1x RCA output
• 1x balanced XLR output
• Uncompromisingly rigid mechanical construction
• Front/side/top panels made of extruded aluminum
• No display for better shielding against external electromagnetic fields
• Solid aluminum buttons and control wheels
• Load settings stored for each input

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Specifications

MM Input

• Gain at XLR outputs: 40dB, 43dB, 46dB, 49dB
• Frequency response: ±0.2dB
• Input sensitivity: 5mV IN for 500mV OUT (at 40dB, 1kHz)
• Input impedance: 47kohm
• Input capacitance: 50-400pF selectable
• THD at 1 kHz: <0.005%
• Overload margin: 32dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >102dB "A"-weighted at 40dB

MC Input

• Gain at XLR outputs: 60dB, 63dB, 66dB, 69dB
• Frequency response: ±0.2dB
• Input sensitivity: 500µV IN for 500mV OUT (at 60dB, 1kHz)
• Input impedance: 5 ohms to 47kohm selectable
• Input capacitance: 400pF fixed
• THD at 1 kHz: <0.008%
• Overload margin: 32dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >90dB "A"-weighted at 60dB

Features

• EQ curves: RIAA, DECCA, COLUMBIA
• Subsonic filters: Off, Mild (IEC), Standard (at 20Hz with 18dB/octave)

Inputs and Outputs

• Inputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
• RCA output: unbalanced, 500mV nominal, 5V max
• XLR output: balanced, 1V nominal, 10V max

Power Requirements

• Main voltages: 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set); 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
• Consumption: 20 Watts max, <0.5 W in standby

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 483 x 102 x 381 mm
• Weight: 10.6 kg net / 14 kg in shipping box

Internal Links

Discover other Musical Fidelity products at MestresDaMúsica.