Musical Fidelity M8sPRE stereo preamp MM - MC silver

The M8s is a preamplifier without limits. From its performance to its connectivity, through to the quality of fit and finish, the M8s is a superlative centerpiece for almost any system.

The M8s features a wide range of inputs, including a low noise MM/MC phono stage, 2 balanced inputs (1 with home theater bypass option), 3 line inputs (one with home theater bypass option) and a fully configured tape in/out loop.

The M8s preamplifier has very high input overload margins. This means it has a completely stress-free sound. The outputs are ultra-low impedance and high current, so they can drive virtually any existing power amplifier over any cable length (balanced or single ended).

The technical measurements are proof of the M8s' exceptional engineering: from extremely low distortion to virtually perfect frequency response to extremely low noise.

The M8s will drive any power amplifier over any cable length. Although, of course, the perfect partner is a pair of M8s-700m monoblock amplifiers.

Listening to the M8s Pre with the M8s-700m monoblock is a unique experience. Music is reproduced stress-free, color-free and with a sense of relaxation and transparency that is music to the ears and balm to the soul.

M8s Preamplifier at a glance

Fully balanced preamplifier

Eight versatile inputs: 1 balanced XLR, switchable MM/MC Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux 1, Aux 2, Tape

Single ended and balanced outputs, as well as a fixed output for recording to tape

Home theater bypass available with both single ended and balanced inputs

Exceptional cutting-edge performance

Incredible load driving ability, will easily drive any power amplifier with almost any cable length

Excellent design, killer build quality

Design + Construction

The first exceptional element of the M8s preamplifier is its truly fully balanced design. Most rival preamps making similar claims are actually single-ended designs with balanced input and output; this is not the same as being fully balanced throughout, which the M8s offers.

The quality continues with the M8s preamp's pure Class A circuitry, implemented in subtle and refined configurations.

The M8s is designed with very high input overload margins. The high input impedance plus low output impedance puts the M8s in a position to be easy to drive, while still having the ability to drive any power amplifier.

Let's look at these input options in more detail. The phono stage is a low-noise MM/MC design, with highly accurate RIAA, low distortion and ample overload margin, making the M8s a great partner for turntables.

Two fully balanced inputs, three line inputs and a fully configured tape loop (in and out) provide ample flexibility for additional sources, both traditional and modern.

Home theater bypass options are available on a set of balanced and line inputs, making it easy to integrate the M8s into a complete music and movie system.

The high-tech design of the M8s results in outstanding performance that can be scientifically measured. Technical analysis shows that the M8s has minuscule distortion levels (less than 0.003%), extremely low noise (-117dbA), wide bandwidth (-3dB 75kHz) and a remarkable frequency response, flat as a ruler within the audio band. Stereo separation is 96dB at 1KHz.

Finally, the M8s preamplifier also features an exceptional power supply. Each channel has a 350VA, silent-drive mains transformer, with each stage of each channel featuring its own regulation circuit for optimised performance and isolation. Current delivery is maximised thanks to the ultra-low impedance design of the power supply.

FEATURES

Pre-Amplifier

THD (+noise) – single ended: <0.005%

THD (+noise) – XLR balanced: <0.004%

Signal to noise ratio:> 118dB “A” weighted

Frequency response: +0, -1dB, 5Hz to 100kHz

Inputs

Inputs 2 x XLR balanced line level (1 with home theater bypass)

5 x RCA / phono line level (1 with home theater bypass)

Trigger in

Outputs

1 x RCA pre out

1 x XLR balanced pre out

1 x RCA resolved

Trigger out

General

Dimensions – WxHxD (mm): 440 x 162 x 400

Weight (unpacked / packed): 17kg / 23kg