Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl
The Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl is a phono stage designed to fit into any modern system.
It is stylish in its layout and intuitive to use, while the inputs and outputs are designed to never be overloaded or limited, for absolute signal integrity.
It can be set for either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges and adjusted for the exact loading requirements of each, and the internal circuitry is optimised for sonic excellence.
The M3x Vinyl has drawn inspiration from the superior M6x Vinyl design and features an entirely discrete circuitry, which results in better technical measurements and better sound.
Discrete circuits use individual electrical devices, like transistors, throughout the electrical circuit (discrete components), as opposed to integrated circuits, which feature devices such op-amps.
This more traditional option of discrete circuitry perfectly suits the Musical Fidelity “sound”, as it typically results in a more neutral, natural and dynamic sonic signature.
The M3x Vinyl also employs split-passive equalisation in separate amplification stages for its RIAA curve.
This is more costly than the typical single EQ network in a feedback loop design chosen by many others, but it ensures the most accurate reproduction of the ideal EQ curve.
Split-passive equalisation also allows for better impedance matching, further optimising the electrical path the music flows through.
The special audio transformer with low core saturation utilised within the Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl decreases the level of electromagnetic radiation, which is essential for proper operation.
Internally, the M3x Vinyl affords space between the transformer and the amplification section inside the chassis, while also installing electromagnetic shielding for extra protection.
The result is an incredibly high signal-to-noise ratio, for absolute clarity in sound.
The M3x Vinyl is also the first to feature a new proprietary power solution that has zero standby power consumption, recognising the company’s awareness of growing interest in more environmentally friendly products within the hi-fi industry.
The M3x Vinyl is housed in a steel chassis with a thick, heavy aluminium fascia, which not only matches the whole M-Series aesthetic, but also brings rigidity to the product and isolation from outside interferences.
It is assembled with great care and wired fully by hand within the EU to meet the highest production standards.
Equipped with RCA inputs and outputs, adjustable impedance (MC) and capacitance (MM) settings and a +6dB gain boost to help particularly quiet cartridges, it is effortlessly easy to integrate anywhere.
Although the M3x Vinyl is the lowest-priced phono stage in the M-Series range, it still fully embodies Musical Fidelity’s hallmark values of uncoloured, stress-free sound, outstanding technical performance, and great value for money.
Key Features: Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl
- Straight forward connectivity
- Excellent technical and sonic performance
- Single-ended input and output
- Split passive EQ
- Excellent build quality
- Zero standby power consumption
- Fully discrete phono amp design
Specifications Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl
| Frequency response: |
MM: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0 .2dB
MC: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.3dB |
| Input Sensitivity: |
MM: 5mV in for 500mV out (at 1 kHz)
MC: 500μV in for 500mV out (at 1 kHz) |
| Input Impedance: |
MM: 47KΩ;
MC: 25Ω to 1,2KΩ selectable |
| Input Capacitance: |
MM: 50-400pF selectable |
| Gain: |
MM: 40 or 46dB with +6dB function
MC: 60 or 66dB with +6dB function |
| THD+N: |
MC: <0.28% |
| Signal to noise ration: |
MM: 71dB
MC: 59dB |
| Crosstalk : |
MM: better than 100dB
MC: better than 90dB |
| Output: |
1 pair RCA: left and right 500mV nom 10V max |
| Input |
1 pair RCA |
| Power Requirement: |
Mains voltages: 230V/115V; AC 50/60Hz
Consumption: 20 Watts maximum. 0W in standby) |
| Weight and Dimensions: |
Unit only, unboxed: 6.59 kg
W x H(incl. feet) x D(incl. terminals): 440 x 105 x390mm |
| Standard Accessories: |
Mains lead: 10 Amp IEC |
Brand
Musical Fidelity
Musical Fidelity has been designing and manufacturing Hi-Fi electronics for over thirty years and are proud to have become one of the best-known brands in the Hi-Fi industry.
They are driven by a passion for wonderful music and the challenge of world-class engineering.
They approached each new design by looking for the absolute best solution to a given challenge and embrace new technologies in our designs as well as developing more traditional methods for even greater performance.
1982
Their first product - The Preamp – launched to rave reviews. Followed by shoebox-style Dr Thomas power amp.
1984
Launch of A1 integrated amp, ‘the most important development so far in the renaissance of the UK hi-fi scene’ (Hi-Fi Answers).
1986
New A370 Power Amp proclaimed ‘the best power amp I’ve ever heard’ (Hi-Fi Answers).
1987
World’s first high-end DAC- Digilog – makes debut
1988
Another world first: MVX preamp, combining tube circuit topology with transistors.
SA470 launched: 86Kg power amp running 99% in Class A
1992
A1000 integrated released, featuring pure Class A power amp section
1993
Classic valve-driven Tubalog DAC goes on sale
1995
X Series launches with X-10D Class A triode line stage: ‘the most dramatic sonic enhancement you’re likely to hear!’ (F1).
1997
Nu-Vista Preamp launched, using miniature, metal-cased nuvistor tubes. All 500 units sold within three months.
X Series expands with X-ACT DAC, praised for 'smooth, easy-going sound' (What Hi-Fi?)
1998
X-24K upsampling DAC released: ‘capable of getting sound to die for’ (Stereophile).
X-Ray CD player launched. Described as ‘the sort of object you just want to fondle’ (Hi-Fi News) ‘a thrilling, substantial and satisfying listen’ (What Hi-Fi?) and ‘Hi-Fi meets nuclear warhead’ (T3).
2000
Futuristic CD-PRE 24 arrives, combining a high-quality CD transport, DAC and preamp. On Hi-Fi says it ‘represents a combination of features, functional performance and affordability that seems an audiophile dream come true’.
Debut of Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista M3 pre/power amp, including discrete Nu-Vista power amp modules with choke regulation.
‘This is what hi-fi should be all about’ (Gramophone).
X-DAC V3 released, offering ‘stunningly good measured performance’ (Stereophile).
2002
World’s first audio application of trivistor tubes in new Tri-Vista series, including legendary Tri-Vista 21 ‘Super DAC’.
2003
Flagship kW pre-amp and kW power amp launched: ‘the very finest amps you can buy...the MFs redefine audio standards’ (What Hi-Fi?)
Next up: kW 500 super integrated amp with twin-triode tubes. Hi-Fi News said, ‘For one rare reviewing occasion I could not find a thing to fault about the musical presentation of an amp’.
Limited-edition M1 turntable released. Considered one of the best-engineered decks ever, it’s now a collector’s item, fetching above its original price.
2004
Supercharged X-DAC V8 introduced, with switchable tube buffer and extra-heavy-duty power supply. ‘For its superb performance as a detailed, sweet-sounding DAC, the X-DAC V8 stands on its own’ (Stereophile).
X-150 wins European Stereo Amplifier of the Year, EISA Awards 2004-2005.
2006
Debut of kW250S one-box wonder, packing in dual 250-watt monobloc amps, tube hybrid preamp, phono stage, 24-bit 192K upsampling CD player, FM/DAB tuner and iPod input.
2009
Meet the mighty TITAN: 1kW per channel dual monobloc design with external power supply. Hi-Fi News was ‘Smitten… The Titan is the best power amplifier I’ve used’.
Reference-standard Primo pre-amplifier released; pure Class A with 14 hand-picked ECC81
2011
New M1 CLiC unites analogue and digital sources under universal control. Wins European Network Music Player, EISA Awards 2011-2012.
2012
Line-up expands to meet every hi-fi need and budget. Highlights include the AMS CD/DAC – our finest digital product yet - and AMS100, the world’s most advanced pure Class A amp
Now owned and operated by Audio Tuning, an independent audio specialist company based in Austria, Musical Fidelity still retains its proud British heritage, with every product we design continuing to boast the natural, authentic sound that has made our name so respected across the world. Our unique ranges embrace both traditional and modern requirements. So whether you need a high-quality phono stage to improve your vinyl listening experience, require bit-perfect playback of your beloved CDs, or have chosen to embrace the increasingly popular world of wireless music streaming, we have something to offer. And for every source, we’re still proud to boast a wide range of powerful, state-of-the-art amplifiers that sound at home anywhere.
Whatever type of music you enjoy and however you want to hear it, we have something for you at Musical Fidelity.
