The company says that the M8x Vinyl builds upon the highly regarded M6x Vinyl and offers enhanced phono preamplifier performance and a host of improvements aimed at delivering a superior listening experience.

At the heart of the new M8x Vinyl is a fully balanced and discrete design. While the M6x Vinyl already boasted a discrete architecture, the M8x Vinyl ups the ante with separate amplifier stages for the + and - signals in each channel. This results in more than twice the number of discrete components and a PCB nearly three times larger than its predecessor.

Musical Fidelity has also reimagined the gain stage, which now features a three-stage design offering more gain, reduced noise, and lower distortion. The updated gain options—ranging from 40dB to 69dB—cater to a variety of cartridge sensitivities, ensuring flexibility and precision for vinyl enthusiasts.

The company says its further improvements include an enlarged power PCB with discrete input filtering and DC blocking circuitry, which delivers clean power to the highly sensitive phono stage. A now-encapsulated Super Silent Power Transformer minimises the risk of external electromagnetic interference.

For those looking for more versatility, the M8x Vinyl includes DECCA and COLUMBIA EQ curves alongside the standard RIAA equalisation. A dual split-passive EQ stage and a two-step subsonic filter further enhance its capabilities, while additional inputs and load settings allow for precise cartridge tuning.

Housed in full-size, all-aluminium casework, the M8x Vinyl exudes the iconic build quality Musical Fidelity is renowned for. Its aesthetics align perfectly with the existing M8 amplifier series, making it an ideal pairing.

True to the company’s philosophy, Musical Fidelity says, “M8x Vinyl is designed to eliminate any input overload or output limitations, allowing music to flow effortlessly from the artist’s intent to the listener’s ears”.

As the new flagship of the M-series, the M8x Vinyl certainly has some high expectations to meet. Still, one thing is evident from the specs - Musical Fidelity is looking to set a new standard in phono preamplifier performance with this addition to the line-up.

The M8x Vinyl will arrive at European dealers in November 2024 with an MSRP of £3,599/ €3,999.

For more information visit Musical Fidelity