M3X VINYL – Overview
The M3x ViNYL is a phono preamplifier designed without any practical limits. Connectivity is simple. You have one input and one output. Neither can be overloaded at the input or limited in terms of output capability. It can be set for MM or MC and an exact load. It offers cutting-edge technical and sound performance, just like the M6x ViNYL, but at a more affordable entry level to embody the authentic spirit of high fidelity.
Design Philosophy
The M3x ViNYL has been switched, just like its big brother the M6x ViNYL, to a fully discrete design, resulting in better technical measurements and better sound. It is equipped with a single-ended input and output. But the important question is: what makes discrete circuits so special?
Though it’s the most affordable amplifier from Musical Fidelity, it embodies our core values of uncolored, stress-free sound, exceptional technical performance, and excellent value for money.
Advantage of Discrete Circuits
A discrete circuit consists of electronic components that are disparate, individual 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. In contrast lies an integrated circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) in the signal chain. In our industry, we use specialized Op-Amps designed for audio applications, allowing us to produce very small and efficient electronic devices, while saving design engineers 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 lively – all characteristics of the “Musical Fidelity sound”. For this reason, we are rediscovering our passion for traditional discrete designs. While standard phono preamplifiers with integrated circuits have a few tens or hundreds of components, discrete designs use hundreds or thousands in comparison. This requires a longer design process, but in our opinion, it provides the best sound for your money.
Toroidal Power Transformer
The special audio transformer with reduced core saturation decreases electromagnetic radiation levels, which is essential, otherwise no phono preamplifier will ever work properly. In conjunction with the distance between the transformer and the amplification section and protection against electromagnetic interference, we achieve an incredibly high signal-to-noise ratio. When dealing with the few hundred microvolts coming from a phono cartridge, every element plays its role; every decibel of signal-to-noise ratio is crucially important. For the first time, we have implemented our new exclusive power solution that has no standby power consumption. Absolutely zero! It’s a super eco-friendly product, and we’re confident there is no other product with an eco-friendly standby feature like this one.
Separate Passive Equalization
Many other phono preamplifiers use a single equalization network in a global feedback loop. Through an equalization network, the amplified signal from the phono preamplifier output is fed back to the phono preamplifier input. This is the aforementioned feedback loop, and the results, as you can imagine, do not meet Musical Fidelity’s high design philosophy standards. The M3x ViNYL uses separate passive equalization in distinct amplification stages without a 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. Separate passive equalization allows for better impedance matching and lower deviation from the ideal EQ curve.
