Musical Fidelity M8X Vinyl Phono Stage

The M8x Vinyl is both fully discrete and fully balanced, which means that there are no integrated circuit chips used in the audio signal path, and for all the selected components, double the amount are used to make it fully balanced. The result is a purer signal path, which results in a natural, dynamic musical performance free from noise.

The EQ stage is also impressive thanks to its split-passive design, which offers a truly accurate representation of the ideal EQ curve and better impedance matching. Another clever addition is the option to select from three different EQ options; the standard RIAA curve, the DECCA curve and the COLOMBIA curve. This feature makes the M8x Vinyl compatible with a wider range of record collections, but also allows listeners a level of customisation to suit their musical tastes.

Featuring both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA input and output options, the M8x Vinyl is also very flexible within complex system configurations. The input options make it easy to connect multiple tonearms or turntables, and the unit will store the last settings for each input, so you don’t need to adjust them each time. On the output, both the RCA and XLR options have their own individual power stages, so can be used simultaneously during playback.

The M8x Vinyl’s discrete power stage, featuring an encapsulated super silent power transformer, is designed with care to ensure it generates as little noise as possible. Further, industrial grade power sockets with EMI filters and DC blockers stop interferences and eliminate transformer hum. The preamplifier stage is powered by two high-quality symmetrical low-noise power supplies – one for each channel; which are both passively filtered and regulated.

The M8x Vinyl is housed in a sturdy chassis made from extruded aluminium panels, effectively protecting the sensitive internal circuitry from the wider environment. The front panel layout is also very clear, with aluminium buttons and dials allowing you to extensively customise each input for different gain, capacitance and impedance settings.

By most criteria, the M8x Vinyl is one of the most perfect phono stages Musical Fidelity has produced. It has practically no audible noise or distortion, even at the highest levels of amplification. You cannot overload its input or output, and you can load your cartridge perfectly. It brings the artist’s intent, emotions and passion to your ears and heart, exactly as they intended.