Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl - Phono Stage

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is a flagship phono stage for the core Musical Fidelity M-Series electronic range. Representing the best technology and build-quality available, it is a highly flexible device that produces a sound output that is true to the original recording. Featuring trickle-down technology from the superior Nu-Vista range, the M8x Vinyl delivers reference-class sound without the esoteric price tag.

Fully Discrete Circuits

The M8x Vinyl is both fully discrete and fully balanced, which means that there are no integrated circuit chips used in the audio signal path, and for all the selected components, double the amount are used to make it fully balanced. The result is a purer signal path, which results in a natural, dynamic musical performance free from noise.

Equalisation

The EQ stage is also impressive thanks to its split-passive design, which offers a truly accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve and better impedance matching. Another clever addition is the option to select from three different EQ options; the standard RIAA curve, the DECCA curve and the COLOMBIA curve. This feature makes the M8x Vinyl compatible with a wider range of record collections, but also allows listeners a level of customisation to suit their musical tastes.

Inputs and Outputs

Featuring both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA input and output options, the M8x Vinyl is also very flexible within complex system configurations. The input options make it easy to connect multiple tonearms or turntables, and the unit will store the last settings for each input, so you don't need to adjust them each time. On the output, both the RCA and XLR options have their own individual power stages, so can be used simultaneously during playback.

Discrete Power Stage

The M8x Vinyl's discrete power stage, featuring an encapsulated super silent power transformer, is designed with care to ensure it generates as little noise as possible. Further, industrial grade power sockets with EMI filters and DC blockers stop interferences and eliminate transformer hum. The preamplifier stage is powered by two high-quality symmetrical low-noise power supplies - one for each channel; which are both passively filtered and regulated.

Chassis Construction

The M8x Vinyl is housed in a sturdy chassis made from extruded aluminium panels, effectively protecting the sensitive internal circuitry from the wider environment. The front panel layout is also very clear, with aluminium buttons and dials allowing you to extensively customise each input for different gain, capacitance and impedance settings.

By most criteria, the M8x Vinyl is one of the most perfect phono stages Musical Fidelity has produced. It has practically no audible noise or distortion, even at the highest levels of amplification. You cannot overload its input or output, and you can load your cartridge perfectly.

Technical 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“-wt. 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 ohm to 47kohm selectable
• Input Capacitance: 400pF fixed
• THD at 1 kHz: <0.008%
• Overload Margin: 32dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB „A“-wt. at 60dB

Features

• EQ curves: RIAA, DECCA, COLUMBIA
• Subsonic filters: off, mild (IEC), standard (at 20Hz with 18dB/octave)

In & Outputs

• Inputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
• 1x RCA output: unbalanced, left and right 500mV nom, 5V max
• 1x XLR output: balanced, left and right 1V nom, 10V max

Power Requirement

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

General Information

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

Further Information

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl - User Manual (PDF)