Musical Fidelity M3x DAC - Digital-Analogue Converter

The Musical Fidelity M3x DAC from Musical Fidelity is the latest in affordable high-end DACs. This DAC is above the rest with its technical prowess, excellent technical performance, carefully thought-out PCB design in Musical Fidelity tradition, meticulous power supply layout and superb build quality. The M3x DAC is truly an outstanding offering in modern high-end DAC designs.

Employing an upsampling DAC design with the SRC4392, a high-end sample rate converter from Burr Brown, tasked to re-clock all PCM signals and convert them into 24 bits and 192 kHz, the M3x DAC elevates your digital music playback tenfold by reaching the lowest distortion levels.

The PCM1795 DAC handles PCM rates of up to 24 bits / 192kHz and native DoP DSD of up to DSD256. DSD files are not up-sampled but played in their original format.

The single ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs have been given their own output buffers, and both output stages deliver outstanding audio quality, large output voltage swing and high current drive. Distortion is exceptionally low in this unit thanks to the excellent gain bandwidth and quick slew rate.

Completely Silent

The M3x DAC continues to amaze many by displaying continued development in Musical Fidelity’s super silent power transformers. The use of industrial graded power sockets with EMI filter and DC blocker stops any interferences and eliminates transformer hum. Additionally, the toroidal transformer with low core saturation is perfect for audio applications and especially ideal in digital audio due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

PCB Design and Layout

Design challenges are always presented when digital to analogue converters are involved. However, Musical Fidelity have always held circuit board design and layout up to the highest of standards. The boards created by them are custom-tailored to each and every individual application, overcoming the inherent design challenges associated with PCB design. Musical Fidelity will only ever call a job complete if a board measures well and sounds as envisioned.

Mechanically Sound

The M3x DAC is a tremendous performer. Close attention to detail has been paid to the mechanical construction. The front panel is milled from an extruded aluminium profile and the body is made from heavy steel, providing only the best protection for the internals against any outer electromagnetic fields, and in the same way, protect the rest of your HiFi gear against these electromagnetic fields.

Technical Specifications

DAC

• DAC Chip: PCM1795
• Sample rate converter: SRC4392
• Total correlated jitter: < 48 picoseconds peak to peak
• Linearity: < 0,2dB down to -100dB
• Frequency response: -0,2dB at 20Hz, 0,1dB at 20kHz; 1,5dB at 70kHz
• Channel separation: < -115dB 10kHz @ 0dBFS
• Signal to noise: >107dB “A”- wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0,005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS

Digital Inputs

• 2x Coax, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM)
• 2x Optical, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM)
• 1x USB Audio Class 2.0, ‘USB B’; up to 32 bit 192kHz (stereo PCM), DSD 256 (stereo DoP and native)

Analogue Outputs

• 1 pair line level RCA fix/var @ 2V RMS at 0dBFS
• 1 pair line level XLR fix/var @ 4V RMS at 0dBFS
• Output impedance: < 50 ohms

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 363mm
• Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
• Max. Consumption: 15W, <0.5W in standby
• Weight: 6.8kg

Further Information

Musical Fidelity M3x DAC - User Manual (PDF)