Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl - Can this record player preamp get any better?

Text AVPlus Delivery Photos Manufacturer

Musical Fidelity has unveiled the new M8x Vinyl turntable preamp, which takes the expectations of analog audio enthusiasts to a new level.

This fully balanced and discreet preamp offers top-class performance, a wide range of features, and an aesthetically and technically impressive design.

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is available in silver and black, ensuring it is compatible with both modern and classic audio playback systems. The device’s massive aluminum casing not only provides technical protection but also elegance that complements its performance.

High-end technology for sound conditions

The M8x Vinyl is fully balanced and discrete, which sets it apart from its competitors. The fully balanced construction means that both the positive (+) and negative (-) sides of the signal are processed separately, which reduces noise and interference. This construction requires twice the number of components and significantly larger circuit board compared to Musical Fidelity’s previous models, such as the M6x Vinyl.

The three-band gain control provides an exceptionally wide gain range (40–69 dB), which is suitable for both MM and MC headphones. In addition, there are three different frequency correction curves – RIAA, DECCA and COLUMBIA – which enable more precise sound adjustment and the correct reproduction of historical music.

Excellent features for technically advanced users

Musical Fidelity has designed the M8x Vinyl to meet the expectations of even the most demanding users. Key features include:.

Subsonic filtering
The two-port filter reduces unwanted low-frequency interference.

Input and output connections
The device has two RCA and two XLR inputs that can be used simultaneously. The outputs also support both RCA and XLR formats.

Massive aluminum enclosure
The enclosure protects sensitive electronics from external interference and attenuates environmental vibrations, ensuring the stability of sound quality.

Special attention has also been paid to power management. The device’s Super Silent Power Transformer is encapsulated to prevent interference and enable more stable operation. All power circuits are equipped with separate filtering and protection components, ensuring signal purity.

Summary

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is a complete package offering uncompromising sound quality, cutting-edge technology, and elegant design. It is designed for those who want to maximize the enjoyment of analog music and appreciate extreme performance. This preamp not only reproduces the sound but also brings the artistic soul of the music to the listener.

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl
Confirmation (MM, XLR outputs)	40 dB, 43 dB, 46 dB, 49 dB
Amplification (MC, XLR outputs)	60 dB, 63 dB, 66 dB, 69 dB
Frequency Range	±0.2 dB
Sensitivity (MM)	5 mV in -> 500 mV out (40 dB, 1 kHz)
Sensitivity (MC)	500 μV in -> 500 mV out (60 dB, 1 kHz)
Impedance (MM)	47 kΩ
Impedance (MC)	5 Ω – 47 kΩ, selectable
Capacitance (MM)	50–400 pF, selectable
Capacitance (MC)	400 pF, fixed
Harmonic distortion of the overall amplification (MM)	<0,005 %
Harmonic distortion of the overall amplification (MC)	<0,008 %
Overload margin	32 dB
Signal noise ratio	MM: >102 dB ("A"-weighted); MC: >90 dB ("A"-weighted)
Frequency correction curves	RIAA, DECCA, COLUMBIA
Subsonic filters	Off on the off, mild (IEC), standard (20 Hz, 18 dB/octave)
Income	2 x RCA, 2 x XLR
Departures	1 x RCA (unbalanced: 500 mV nominal, 5 V max) 1 x XLR (balanced: 1 V nominal, 10 V max)
Power supply	115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (factory setting); 100 V AC, 50/60 Hz (option)
Power consumption	20 W max, <0.5 W in standby mode
Dimensions (L x W x H)	483 x 102 x 381 mm
Weight	10.6 kg