Musical Fidelity M3x DAC – Quick Look

All Image Credit: Musical Fidelity

Musical Fidelity has just made available the M3x DAC, a new entry level high-end digital-to-analogue converter, that delivers almost the same performance as their M6x DAC.

This new design employs precise PCB design and power supply layout, with an up-sampling DAC design that features the Burr Brown SRC4392 sample rate converter, which re-clocks PCM signals to 24-bit/192 kHz, creating enhanced digital music playback with minimal distortion.

The M3x uses the 32bit stereo PCM1795 DAC and in this design supports PCM rates up to 24 bits/192 kHz and native/DoP DSD up to DSD256. DSD files are played back in their original format without up-sampling. The DAC’s output drives both the single ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs through their own output buffers, which according to Musical Fidelity; “deliver superior audio quality, exhibit very low noise, large output voltage swing and high current drive”.

The power supply employs their “Super Silent Power Transformer”, a toroidal transformer with low core saturation that has been specifically designed for audio applications to reduce electromagnetic radiation and interference, both of which contribute to reduced output noise. The supply receives its AC power through an industrial-grade power socket that comes with a DC blocker and EMI filter to further reduce RF interference and transformer hum.

Rear panel connectivity is supported by stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output connectors for analog audio, with one USB, two TOSLINK and two coaxial inputs for digital signals.

Control is available using the minimal front panel buttons or the included IR remote to select inputs and filters. DAC and signal status is shown using small front panel LED’s.

The M3x DAC features a sturdy and rigid case design available in either black or silver. The front panel is milled from an extruded aluminum profile, while the heavy steel case protects internal components from external electromagnetic interference.

Features At A Glance:

• PCM1795 DAC with SRC4392 Upsampling Chip
• 2 digital PCM filters & 2 analogue DSD filters
• PCM inputs upsampled to 192kHz
• USB: up to 32bit/192kHz
• USB: DSD 256 (stereo DoP and native)
• SPDIF: up to 24bit/192kHz
• 1x USB, 2x coaxial, 2x optical inputs
• 1x RCA, 1x balanced XLR output
• Affordable entry into high-end DACs
• Very low noise
• Extremely low distortion
• Outstanding linearity
• Outstanding channel separation
• Super Silent Power Transformer
• Balanced and RCA output
• Heavy aluminum front plate with steel chassis
• Minimal electromagnetic interference from power supply to DAC circuitry
• Roon Tested (*pending)
• Made in the EU

Specifications:

• DAC:
  • Chip: PCM1795
  • Sample rate converter: SRC4392
  • Total correlated jitter: < 48 picoseconds peak to peak
  • Linearity: < 0,2dB down to -100dB
  • Frequency response: -0,2dB at 20Hz, 0,1dB at 20kHz; 1,5dB at 70kHz
  • Channel separation: < -115dB 10kHz @ 0dBFS
  • Signal to noise: >107dB “A”- wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
  • Total harmonic distortion: < 0,005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Digital Inputs:
  • 2x Coax, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM)
  • 2x Optical, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM)
  • 1x USB Audio Class 2.0, ‘USB B’; up to 32 bit 192kHz (stereo PCM), DSD 256 (stereo DoP and 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: < 50 ohms
• General Information:
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 363mm
  • Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
  • Max. Consumption: 15W, <0.5W in standby
  • Weight: 6.8kg

MSRP:

• US: $1,499.00
• UK: £1,349.00
• EU: €1,499.00

For more information visit the Musical Fidelity web site.

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