Musical Fidelity M3x Vinyl is the first phono stage in the M3 family and the most budgetary of the firm’s phono stage.
At the same time, the manufacturer said that many of the new items were created using the solutions of the reference model M6x . The M3x Vinyl can be used with MC cartridges with impedance control and MM with capacitance control.
The fully discrete M3x Vinyl circuit works on the principle of split-passive equalization, whereby passive filters in separate amplification stages are responsible for correcting the RIAA curve.
This is more expensive than the common EQ feedback loop, but is more accurate and allows for improved impedance matching.
The M3x phono stage is housed in a minimalist, spacious package. Its size made it possible not only to shield, but also to separate individual parts of the circuit. So it was possible to reduce the harmful effect of the power supply on the amplifier stages. A toroidal transformer with a low core saturation serves the same purpose.
As a result, the M3x phono amplifier claims a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 70 dB for the MM input. In addition, the M3x Vinyl is the first device from the company to feature a patented zero power standby power design.
In the UK, Musical Fidelity’s M3x Vinyl phono stage with a black or silver faceplate will cost £ 1,200.
