Musical Fidelity M3x ViNYL

Description

Connectivity is straight forward. You have an input and an output. Neither of them can be overloaded at the input or limited in the output driving capacity. It can be set for either MM or MC and exact loading. It offers state-of-the art technical and sonic performance just like the M6x ViNYL, but at a cheaper entry level to the epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.
 

Design Philosophy

The M3x ViNYL is a fully discrete circuit, which translates into better technical measurements and sound. It is equipped with an unbalanced input and output. It embodies Musical Fidelity's signature values of uncolored, stress-free sound, outstanding technical performance and excellent value.

The Discrete Circuit Advantage

A discrete circuit is composed of electronic components that are disparate, individual devices, also known as discrete components. These can be "passive" components, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, as well as "active" components, which in this case are transistors. The opposite would be an integrated circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) in the signal chain. In the industry, specialized operational amplifiers designed for audio applications are used, resulting in very small and efficient electronic components, as well as saving time for design engineers. However, countless hours of listening tests and years of experience have shown that even the best operational amplifiers do not tend to be as neutral, natural, dynamic or lively - all of which are characteristics of the Musical Fidelity "sound". That's why Musical Fidelity is rediscovering its passion for traditional, discrete designs. While standard integrated circuit phono preamplifiers have a few dozen or hundreds of components, discrete designs employ hundreds or thousands of components in comparison. This makes for a longer design process, which means you get the best sound for your money.

Toroidal Power Transformer

The special low core saturation audio transformer reduces the level of electromagnetic radiation, which is essential because otherwise any phono amplifier will never work properly. With the distance between the transformer and the amplifier section and the electromagnetic shielding, Musical Fidelity creates an incredibly high signal to noise ratio. If they are working with the few hundred microvolts of a phono cartridge, everything plays its part; every decibel of the signal-to-noise ratio is critically important. For the first time, they have implemented their new proprietary power supply solution with zero standby power consumption. This is a super green product - there is no other product with such an eco-friendly standby feature.

Split passive EQ

Many other phono stages use a single equalization network in a global feedback loop. Using an equalization network, the amplified signal from the output of the phono preamplifier is fed back to the input of the phono preamplifier. This is the feedback loop mentioned earlier, and the results do not meet the high standards of Musical Fidelity's design philosophy. The M3x ViNYL uses split passive equalization in separate amplifier stages with no overall negative feedback loop for its RIAA curve. This method is more expensive to design and implement, but it ensures the most accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve. Separate passive equalization provides better impedance matching and less deviation from the ideal RIAA curve.

High-tech mechanical and electrical engineering - Handcrafted in Europe

M3x ViNYL has a steel chassis and a thick, heavy aluminum faceplate, which provides exceptional rigidity to the entire system and, at the same time, splendid isolation from external interference. The huge distance between the power transformer and the amplifier section is a key factor in keeping the signal-to-noise ratios at the highest possible level. The quality of the exterior finish of the chassis, which is more than beautiful, as well as the electronics inside - everything is hand-wired - is maintained by the highest manufacturing standards that can be achieved by changing the production completely to be made in Europe!