Musical Fidelity M3x DAC Now Available
Musical Fidelity's M3x DAC promises a new entry point to high-end DACs as it has been "heavily influenced" by the pricier M6x DAC, says the company.
The M3x DAC boasts an up-sampling design with Burr Brown's SRC4392 high-end sample rate converter employed to re-clock all PCM signals and convert them into 24-bit/192 kHz, which is welcomed by the PCM1795 DAC chip. We're told that this implementation helps the M3x achieve low distortion levels, with THD quoted as <0,005% at 1kHz @0dBFS and SNR >107dB "A" - wtd 1kHz @0bDFS.
Meanwhile, Musical Fidelity's M3x plays DSD files in their original format – no up-sampling here. Inputs include two Coax and two Optical handling up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM) and a USB Audio Class 2.0 'USB B' good for up to 32-bit 192kHz (stereo PCM), DSD 256 (stereo DoP and native).
Furthermore, the single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs each have their own output buffer, and both output stages promise superior audio quality, large output voltage swing and high current drive.
Electricity is fed to the unit via Musical Fidelity's Super Silent Power Transformers – industrial-grade power sockets with an EMI filter and DC blocker designed to stop interferences and eliminate transformer hum. With its low core saturation, this toroidal transformer should prove an excellent choice for digital audio due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.
As well as working on the specific circuit board requirements for the M3x DAC, Musical Fidelity has ensured that the component's mechanical construction is uncompromisingly rigid and solid. Featuring a milled extruded aluminium front plate and heavy steel 440x100x363mm (WxHxD) case, MF states it protects the internals from outer electromagnetic fields. Additionally, this design guards the rest of your hi-fi gear against electromagnetic fields generated by the M3x DAC.
The Musical Fidelity M3x DAC is available from July 2023, priced at €1,499.
Visit Musical Fidelity for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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