Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl – State-of-the-Art Phono Preamplifier
When Musical Fidelity now presents the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl, a phono preamplifier in the Musical Fidelity M8 Series, there is no doubt that this is a very special solution, as the Musical Fidelity M8 Series is a product range that offers solutions for particularly demanding HiFi enthusiasts.
- The new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl from the Musical Fidelity M8 Series, with which Musical Fidelity is now targeting vinyl lovers, can be seen as a very special phono preamplifier.
Musical Fidelity has always been best known for its amplifier systems, and this naturally also includes the proven specialists for vinyl lovers, i.e. phono preamps. Musical Fidelity even prides itself on being one of the leading manufacturers in the field of phono preamps, always covering a very broad spectrum.
Musical Fidelity is now expanding its recognised premium segment with a new phono preamplifier, a solution that originates from the Musical Fidelity M8 Series. Accordingly, one can have high expectations for the presentation of the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl, especially as the manufacturer itself speaks of the new flagship in this product range.
Downright discreet…
At first glance, it is noticeable that the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl looks almost discreet compared to the other solutions in the Musical Fidelity M8 Series; in fact, due to its dimensions of 483 mm in width, 381 mm in depth and 102 mm in height, you might initially think that you are looking at a solution similar to the Musical Fidelity M6 Series.
In fact, however, every effort has been made to provide a mechanically extremely robust design that protects the sensitive electronics from external influences that could damage the sound. As a result, the phono preamp weighs in at 10,6 kg.
In addition, and as a detail on the range, the design of the rotary encoder, which is also used on the Musical Fidelity M8xi, was deliberately chosen to guarantee a uniform appearance with the components of the Musical Fidelity M8 Series.
Fully symmetrical, discrete design
According to Musical Fidelity, the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is a fully symmetrical, three-stage solution with a discrete design, a so-called double-mono design. This guarantees that optimum channel separation is achieved. In addition, a design with separate input and output stages is used so that several inputs and outputs can be connected simultaneously.
The signal path begins with discrete input current filtering and a DC block, followed by the actual Class A amplifier circuit in the form of a low-noise, balanced input amplifier with 20 or 40 dB gain, according to the manufacturer. This is followed by a balanced correction amplifier with 20 or 23 dB gain, and the final stage of the three-stage amplifier design is another balanced correction amplifier with 20 or 26 dB gain.
Equalisation is performed here by a completely passive circuit divided into two separate stages, while an optimised PCB layout and carefully selected components help to ensure that signal processing is carried out with the lowest possible noise and free of distortion.
Flexibly adaptable to many MM and MC systems
When it comes to optimally adapting the phono preamp to different MM and MC cartridges, the user really has all options open to them. For MM cartridge systems, for example, you can choose between 50 pF, 100 pF, 150 pF, 200 pF, 250 pF, 300 pF, 350 pF and 400 pF; for MC cartridge systems, the resistance can be set between 5 Ohm and 47 kOhm in nine stages. For MM pickup systems you can choose between 40 and 43 dB gain, and for MC pickup systems between 60 and 63 dB gain, with a 66 dB reserve in each case. Of course, there is also a subsonic filter, which offers two stages.
In addition to the RIAA curve, DECCA and Columbia are also available for equalisation, so that corresponding sound carriers from the 1950s and 1960s can also be optimally reproduced.
No display, numerous connections
It is striking that the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl deliberately dispenses with a display; all settings can be made using buttons and rotary encoders, with status LEDs indicating the corresponding selection. According to Musical Fidelity, a display should always be used with caution with such delicate electronics as a phono preamplifier, as it is all too easy for sound-damaging interference to occur.
The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl phono preamplifier not only has two pairs of RCA inputs, but also two pairs of XLR inputs for the balanced integration of turntables. Accordingly, not only one pair of RCA sockets is available as an unbalanced output, but also a balanced XLR output.
Prices and availability
The new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is now available from specialist retailers in black or silver. The recommended retail price is listed at € 3.999,-.
Getting to the point
According to Musical Fidelity, the new Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is a phono preamp from the Musical Fidelity M8 Series that should leave nothing to be desired in terms of flexibility when adapting to different cartridge systems and sound quality, even for ambitious vinyl lovers.
| PRODUCT | Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl |
|---|---|
| Price | € 3.999.- |
| Brand | MUSICAL FIDELITY |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Musical Fidelity |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Reichmann Audio Systeme |
| Distribution Switzerland | Marlex GmbH – Audiophile Produkte |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
