Musical Fidelity M6x DAC

Description

Our M6x DAC represents a new milestone in the history of Musical Fidelity DACs. Its predecessor, the M6s DAC, was one of the first to utilize the critically acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture. With the M6sR DAC, we continued to enhance the firmware and introduced several user-friendly improvements. DSD usage became more straightforward, we added full Roon Support, and we updated the inputs and outputs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital audio landscape. Another significant change: the M6sR DAC is now manufactured in the EU!

Let’s delve into the technical aspects. With the M6x DAC, we pushed the boundaries even further. Drawing upon our knowledge and experience with Sabre ESS chips, we upgraded them to the newer ES9038Q2M and now employ two of them in dual differential mode for a pristine dual mono design. The inclusion of a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator results in exceptional SNR and THD+N performance with an incredibly detailed transient response. Additional advancements in the DAC section include upsampling and re-clocking, which can be independently activated or deactivated. The 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors ensure there’s always sufficient headroom for these operations, as well as for the new digital filters and MQA processing. The single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs each feature their own output buffer, offering superior audio quality with minimal noise, extensive output voltage swing, and high current drive. The impressive gain bandwidth and rapid slew rate contribute to remarkably low distortion.

Super Silent Power Transformers The M6x DAC showcases our ongoing development of Super Silent Power Transformers. Industrial-grade power sockets with EMI filters and DC blockers eliminate interference and transformer hum. The encapsulated toroidal transformer with low core saturation is ideal for audio applications, particularly digital audio, due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

Correct PCB Design & Layout Digital-to-analog converters, compared to analog amplifiers, present unique design challenges. They operate in different domains, possess distinct requirements, and need to be treated accordingly. Power requirements are unique, and solutions designed for amplifiers do not yield similar results when applied to digital circuitry. At Musical Fidelity, we have always upheld the highest standards in circuit board design and layout. We do not believe in flashy board designs solely for aesthetics. Design and layout must be tailored to each application, measure well, and sound as intended. Only then have we fulfilled our mission. At this point, we have provided the listener with a palpable sense of the recording venue, immersing performers in a real-time holographic space within their own homes.

Headphone Amplifier The integrated headphone amplifier, featuring current-feedback AB architecture, delivers a wide bandwidth, extremely low noise, and up to 128dB of dynamic range. Three key features make current-feedback amplifiers excel in audio applications. High slew rates prevent odd-order distortion anomalies. Current-on-demand at the output allows the amplifier to respond quickly and linearly. When large output power is suddenly needed, the amplifier can respond rapidly without raising the system’s noise floor or degrading the signal-to-noise ratio. Gain-independent frequency response enables the full bandwidth of the amplifier to be utilized across a wide range of volume settings.

Mechanically Sound By paying meticulous attention to every aspect of the M6x DAC, we achieve incredible technical parameters and effortless sound quality marked by grace and transparency. The mechanical construction adheres uncompromisingly to rigidity and solidity, following the tradition of Musical Fidelity. The front panel and side panels are milled from extruded aluminum profiles. This exterior not only looks clean, stunning, and indestructible, but it also shields the internals from external electromagnetic fields and protects the rest of your HiFi equipment from electromagnetic fields generated by the M6x DAC. The decision not to include a large display on the front panel enhances this effect, as the cutout required would complicate matters significantly.

Musical Fidelity for the Sake of Music Therefore, for musical purists seeking that hypnotic sense of communication between listener and artist, they will find it here. In addition to maximizing sound performance, the deliberate choice to forego a large display with flashy colors allows you to experience nothing but the music itself. Unpack the M6x DAC, carefully connect it, leave it at its default settings, and experience immediate musical immersion. The overall sound is sweet and clear, with grain-free and extended treble, and endless bass dynamics. As you reconnect with your music library, you may eventually want to explore what else is possible and hear it from different stages. It’s at this point that the customizability and settings transform the M6x DAC into a powerful tool for experts, elevating it to a league of its own. Explore the soundstage with or without upsampling, and see if it draws you in even further. Choose from seven different digital filters and complete oversampling bypass to disable those filters. Full MQA decoding is performed within the M6x DAC hardware. The USB Class 2.0 input supports PCM sample rates up to 768 kHz and 32-bit. DSD support extends to DSD256 via DoP and native DSD512. The S/PDIF inputs accept stereo PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz / 24-bit and include full MQA support!

• • DAC Circuit: 32 bit Hyperstream II
  • DAC Chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
  • 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors
  • USB: up to 32bit/768kHz
  • USB: DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)
  • SPDIF: up to 24bit/192kHHz
  • Advanced Reclocking on all inputs
  • Switchable Upsampling with Oversampling Bypass
  • Super Silent Power Transformer
  • Balanced and RCA output
  • Built-in Headphone Amplifier
  • Full Hardware MQA Decoding
  • Roon Tested

   

  Technical data

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  • DAC Circuit: 32 bit Hyperstream II
  • DAC Chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
  • Total correlated jitter: <12 picooseconds peak to peak
  • Linearity: <0.4dB down to -130dB
  • Frequency response: -0,1dB at 10Hz, 0dB at 1kHz, -0,4dB at 20kHz
  • Channel separation: >130dB at 10kHz @ 0dBFS
  • Signal to noise: >120dB “A”- wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
  • Total harmonic distortion: < 0,0005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS

  Digital Inputs

  • 1x Coax, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
  • 2x Optical, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
  • 1x AES/EBU, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
  • 1x USB Audio Class 2.0, ‘USB B’; up to 32 bit 768kHz (stereo PCM + MQA), DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)

  Analogue Outputs

  • 1 pair line level RCA fix/var @ 2V RMS at 0dBFS
  • 1 pair line level XLR fix/var @ 4V RMS at 0dBFS
  • Output impedance: < 10 ohms
  • 1 Headphone out 6.3mm jack variable

  Headphone Amp

  • Power: 1.5W / channel into 32 Ω
  • Output impedance: Min. recommended 16Ω headphones
  • THD: < 0,005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS
  • Signal/noise ratio: >115dB “A” wtd
  • Frequency response: +0.1, -0.4dB 20Hz to 20kHz

  General Information

  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 390mm
  • Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
  • Max. Consumption: 20W, <0.5W in standby
  • Weight: 6.9kg