The Musical Fidelity M8xTT turntable traces its lineage back to the M1, introduced over 20 years ago in 2002, and features a bespoke 10-inch tonearm and multi-layer base. The M1 was developed by Musical Fidelity owner Antony Michaelson in collaboration with Heinz Lichtenegger. The challenge was to create a high-end turntable that would match the aesthetic, technical and sonic characteristics of Musical Fidelity amplifiers.
As the current owner of Musical Fidelity, Heinz Lichtenegger returned to this project to revive the legendary model at a new level of quality, which is provided by modern technology and innovative materials.
The Musical Fidelity M8xTT vinyl record player is, first of all, striking in its appearance. Weighing 31.5 kg, it combines considerable mass and reliable insulation from external and internal vibrations. First, the M8xTT’s dual-layer base is made from non-resonant acrylic and sits on four height-adjustable magnetic supports with Teflon pads between the layers.
The platter bearing spindle is mounted in the top panel of the base, and the tonearm mount for complete isolation from the engine rests on the bottom panel, which is insulated from the top with “special foam” material. Musical Fidelity says this effectively eliminates the transmission of both external and internal resonances and vibrations.
A silicone belt connects the motor, equipped with electronic speed control, to a 10 kg TPE-damped platter. The disc also features a two-layer design with aluminum inserts between the layers. The manufacturer claims that this improves the flywheel effect when the disc begins to spin. The disc is mounted on an inverted bearing with a ceramic ball tip. According to the manufacturer, rotation stability falls within the range of ±0.11% (33) / ±0.10% (45), along with the declared Wow & Flutter value of ±0.05% (33) / ±0.04% (45) .
The 10″ Straight Tonearm is a new Musical Fidelity model designed specifically for the M8xTT turntable and features a tapered aluminum tube and clear acrylic bearing ring. The tonearm is adjustable for azimuth and VTA settings and features two counterweights with TPE damping, allowing it to accommodate cartridges weighing from 6 to 20 g. The effective tonearm length is 254 mm, the effective weight is 17 g and the reach is 16 mm.
The M8xTT player’s switching arsenal includes both unbalanced RCA Phono connectors and balanced XLR connectors. The package includes a leather mat and a heavy aluminum clamp. Also, if desired, the player can be ordered without a tonearm installed, which allows you to use a different tonearm.
The Musical Fidelity M8xTT turntable will be available in October 2023. In the UK, the new product is offered at a recommended retail price of £8,249
