Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl phono stage MM - MC silver

The M3x ViNYL is a phono stage, designed to be without practical limitations. Connectivity is simple. You have one input and one output. Neither can be overloaded at the input or limited in the output drive capacity. It can be set for MM or MC and exact loading. It offers cutting edge technical and sonic performance just like the M6x ViNYL, but at a more affordable entry level for the epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.

Design Philosophy

The M3x ViNYL has been switched, just like its bigger brother M6x ViNYL, to a fully discrete circuit, which results in better technical measurements and better sound. It features a single-ended input and output. But the important question is: what is so special about discrete circuits?

Although it is Musical Fidelity's most affordable phono preamplifier in the esteemed M range, it embodies our core values: pure, stress-free sound, outstanding technical performance and great value for money.

The Discrete Advantage

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 specialist Op-Amps built for audio applications, which enable us to produce very small, 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 characteristics 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 in comparison. This requires a longer design process, but in our opinion the result is the best value for money.

Toroidal Power Transformer

The special audio transformer with low core saturation reduces the level of electromagnetic radiation, which is essential because otherwise no phono amplifier will ever be able to function properly. Together with the distance between the transformer and the amplifier section and the electromagnetic shielding, we are creating an incredibly high signal-to-noise ratio. When we work with the few hundred microvolts of a phono cartridge, everything is doing its job; every decibel of signal-to-noise ratio is of the utmost importance. For the first time, we have implemented our new proprietary power solution which has zero standby power consumption. Absolutely zero! It is a super green product and we are confident that there is no other product with such a green standby feature as this.

Split Semi-Passive EQ

Many other phono stages use a single equalisation network in a global feedback loop. Using an EQ network, the amplified signal from the output of the phono preamp is fed back to the input of the phono preamp. This is the feedback loop mentioned previously and the results, as you might imagine, are not in keeping with the high standards of the Musical Fidelity design philosophy. The M3x ViNYL uses semi-passive EQ divided into separate amplifier stages with no global negative feedback loop for its RIAA curve. This is more expensive to design and implement, but ensures the most accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve. The semi-passive EQ divided allows for better impedance matching and lower deviation from the ideal RIAA curve.

High-tech mechanical and electrical engineering - Handcrafted in the EU

The M3x ViNYL has a steel chassis and a thick, heavy aluminum front plate, which gives exceptional rigidity to the entire system while providing superb isolation from external interference. The key factor in keeping signal-to-noise ratios at the highest possible level is the huge distance between the power transformer and the amplifier section. The quality of the outer chassis finish, which is beyond beautiful, as well as the internal electronics, all hand-wired, is maintained by the highest manufacturing standards that we now achieve by completely converting production to Made in EU!

M3si in brief

MM and MC input

Exact loading options for any cartridge

Fully discrete circuit design

Special low core saturation toroidal transformer custom-designed for the requirements of the phono stage

Environmentally friendly: absolutely zero standby power consumption

Split semi-passive EQ

Heavy duty aluminum front with steel chassis

Minimal electromagnetic interference from the power supply to the phono preamp

Large chassis design allows for enormous distance between the power transformer and amplifier section

Made in EU

FEATURES

MM input

Frequency response: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.2 dB

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

Input impedance: 47KΩ

Input capacitance: selectable 50-400pF

Gain: 40 or 46 dB with +6 dB function

THD+N: <0.028%

Signal to noise ratio: 95 dB

Crosstalk: Better than 100 dB

MC input

Frequency Response: RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.3 dB

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

Input Impedance: Selectable from 25Ω to 1.2KΩ

Gain: 60 or 66 dB with +6 dB function

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.28%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB

Crosstalk: Better than 90 dB

Output

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

Input

1 RCA pair

Power Requirements

Mains voltages: 230V/115V; AC 50/60Hz

Power consumption: 20 Watts maximum. 0W standby)

Weight and dimensions

Unit only, without box: 6.59 kg

In shipping box and included accessories: 10.15 kg

W x H (incl. feet) x D (incl. terminals): 440 x 105 x 390 mm

Standard accessories

Power cord: 10 Amp IEC