Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl Phono Stage MM/MC silver

The M6x ViNYL is a very high performance, high precision MM/MC phono cartridge amplifier in a beautifully designed and engineered case. We set out to make a phono stage with no practical limitations. It is designed in such a way as to ensure that you cannot overload the input stage or encounter any practical limitations in the output drive capability in regular use, whether running single-ended or balanced. It has three inputs and each can be set individually for MM/MC and loading. Each input also remembers its own settings. It offers cutting edge technical and sonic performance at a very competitive price and is the epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.

Design Philosophy

When upgrading from the M6 ViNYL to the M6x ViNYL, we moved to a fully discrete circuit, which results in better technical measurements and better sound. It features a balanced input and output, as well as two single-ended inputs and a single-ended output to fit well into any vinyl hi-fi system. But the big question is: what's so special about discrete circuits?

The Advantage of Discrete Circuits

A discrete circuit is made up of electronic components that are individual, disparate devices, also called discrete components. These can be "passive" components, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, as well as "active" components, which in our case are transistors. The opposite of this would be an integrated circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) in the signal chain. In our industry we use specialized Op-Amps built for audio applications, which allow us to produce very small and efficient electronics, as well as saving designers time. However, countless hours of listening tests and years of experience have shown us that even the best Op-Amps tend not to be as neutral, natural, dynamic or vivid, all hallmarks of the Musical Fidelity “sound”. For this reason, we are rediscovering our passion for traditional, discrete designs. Where standard phono preamps with integrated circuits have a few dozen or hundreds of components, discrete designs will employ hundreds or thousands of components by comparison. This involves an extensive design process, but in our opinion results in the best sound for your money. The unit features three separate, independently selectable cartridge inputs. This allows you to choose between three different turntable or tonearm configurations if required. Selectable gain is available to allow for different cartridge sensitivities to suit any equipment. Cartridge type and loading are selected via front selection buttons for optimum cartridge performance.

Leaving room for pure music

The whole point of any electronic component, really any audio component, is that you don't know it's there. You completely forget it's there. By this measure, the M6x Vinyl is nearly perfect. It has no practical audible noise, it has no distortion at all, you can't overload its input or output, you can load your cartridge perfectly. It exists to serve the music. To bring the intent, emotion and passion of the artists to your ears and heart.

The M6 Vinyl at a Glance

Exact and precise loading for MM and MC cartridges

Balanced input and output

Fully discrete circuit design

FEATURES

MM input

Frequency response: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.2 dB

Input sensitivity: 5 mV in by 500 mV out (at 1 kHz)

Input impedance: 47KΩ

Input capacitance: selectable 50-400pF

THD at 1 kHz: <0.005%

Overload margin: 26 dB

Signal to noise ratio: >101 dB

MC input

Frequency response: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.25 dB

Input sensitivity: 500μV in to 500mV out (at 1kHz)

Input impedance: Selectable from 25Ω to 1.2KΩ

Input capacitance: 470pF fixed

THD at 1kHz: <0.02%

Overload margin: 26 dB

Signal to noise ratio: >90dB

Outputs (RCA/XLR)

1 RCA pair: left and right 500mV nom 10V max

1 XLR pair (balanced): left and right 1V nom 20V max

Power requirements

Mains voltages: 230V/115V set internally or 100V optional. AC 50/60Hz

Power consumption: 20 Watts maximum. <0.5W standby (orange LED on)

Weight and dimensions

Unit only, without box: 5.5 kg

In shipping box and included accessories: 11 kg

W x H (incl. feet) x D (incl. terminals): 440 x 100 x 385 mm

Standard accessories

Power cord: 10 Amp IEC