Musical Fidelity has introduced the M8x Vinyl, a phono preamplifier aimed at serious vinyl listeners who demand high-quality audio performance without venturing into ultra-premium pricing. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the M6x Vinyl, the M8x incorporates advanced features and design elements from the flagship Nu-Vista series, making it a notable addition to Musical Fidelity's M-Series lineup.

The M8x Vinyl employs a fully balanced, dual-mono circuit built exclusively from discrete components. This approach separates the positive and negative sides of the audio signal, enhancing sound purity and reducing distortion. Unlike integrated circuits (op-amps), the M8x’s discrete design promises minimal noise interference, ensuring a dynamic and detailed listening experience.

Its advanced design includes a three-part Class A gain stage capable of delivering up to 69dB of gain for moving coil (MC) cartridges and 49dB for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. This flexibility accommodates a wide range of phono cartridges, making the M8x Vinyl adaptable for diverse turntable setups.

The M8x Vinyl supports multiple input and output configurations with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA options. Users can connect two turntables simultaneously, with customizable settings for each input stored in memory for easy recall. Outputs can operate simultaneously as well, allowing integration into complex audio systems.

To cater to various record collections, the M8x Vinyl offers three equalization curves: RIAA, Decca, and Columbia. These settings help ensure accurate playback across different recording standards, a feature that appeals to collectors with diverse vinyl libraries.

Musical Fidelity has incorporated several features to minimize noise. The phono preamp includes a "Super Silent" power transformer, discrete input power filtering, and DC blocking circuitry. These elements work together to maintain an ultra-low noise floor, even at high gain levels. Subsonic filters and additional noise-blocking circuits further enhance clarity by preventing unwanted low-frequency interference.

The unit's extruded aluminium chassis provides robust protection for its internal components while offering electrical isolation from RF distortion and magnetic radiation. The design contributes to the M8x’s durability and acoustic performance.

Musical Fidelity’s signature design language is evident in the M8x Vinyl. Its 10.6kg aluminium chassis is available in black or silver finishes, matching the rest of the M8 series. While it lacks a front-panel display to avoid electromagnetic interference, the control layout is user-friendly, featuring aluminium dials and buttons for adjusting gain, capacitance, and impedance settings.

Technical Specifications:

MM Input:

• Gain at XLR outputs: 40dB, 43dB, 46dB, 49dB
• Frequency response: ±0.2dB
• Input sensitivity: 5mV IN for 500mV OUT (at 40dB, 1kHz)
• Intut impedance: 47kohm
• Input capacitance: 50-400pF selectable
• THD at 1 kHz: <0.005%
• Overload margin: 32dB
• Signal to noise ratio: >102dB „A“-wt. at 40dB

MC Input:

• Gain at XLR outputs: 60dB, 63dB, 66dB, 69dB
• Frequency response: ±0.2dB
• Input sensitivity: 500μV IN for 500mV OUT (at 60dB, 1kHz)
• Intut impedance: 5 ohm to 47kohm selectable
• Input capacitance: 400pF fixed
• THD at 1 kHz: <0.008%
• Overload margin: 32dB
• Signal to noise ratio: >90dB „A“-wt. at 60dB

In & Outputs:

• Inputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
• 1x RCA output: unbalanced, left and right 500mV nom, 5V max
• 1x XLR output: balanced, left and right 1V nom, 10V max

Power requirement:

• Mains voltages: 115/230VAC 50/60Hz (factory pre-set); 100VAC 50/60Hz (alternative)
• Consumption: 20 Watts maximum, <0.5 W in standby (orange LED ON)

General Information:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 483 x 102 x 381 mm
• Weight: 10.6 kg net / 14 kg in shipping box

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl will be available starting December 2024, with a retail price of $4,299 in the US, £3,599 in the UK, and €3,999 across Europe.