Musical Fidelity introduces M3x DAC as entry point to high-end DACs

Henley Audio has announced the UK launch of the M3x DAC, Musical Fidelity’s new entry point to high-end DACs. 

Musical Fidelity’s award-winning M6x DAC heavily influences the M3x, allowing users to experience near-M6 series performance at a more accessible entry point. 

The M3x employs an up-sampling DAC design with the SRC4392 – a high-end sample rate converter from Burr Brown – tasked to re-clock all PCM signals and convert them into 24-bits and 192 kHz. This sophisticated implementation helps the M3x achieve the lowest distortion levels and elevates digital music playback.

The M3x’s PCM1795 DAC handles PCM rates of up to 24 bits and 192kHz and native and DoP DSD of up to DSD256, and the new machine plays DSD files in their original format – no up-sampling is required.

The single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs each have their own output buffer, and both output stages deliver superior audio quality, large output voltage swing and high current drive, exhibiting very low noise. Meanwhile, the system’s efficient gain bandwidth and fast slew rate produce low distortion.

The M3x DAC utilises Musical Fidelity’s Super Silent Power Transformers, whereby industrial-grade power sockets with an EMI filter and DC blocker stop interferences and eliminate transformer hum. With its low core saturation, this toroidal transformer is ideal for audio applications and digital audio due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

Musical Fidelity believes that digital to analogue converters bring alternative design challenges compared to analogue amplifiers. DACs work in different domains and have specific needs: power requirements are unique, and amplifier solutions do not show similar results when paired with digital circuitry. 

The M3x DAC’s mechanical construction is rigid and solid, with a front panel made from an extruded aluminium profile, which, together with the heavy steel case, protects the internals from outer electromagnetic fields. In the same way, this design guards other hi-fi gear against electromagnetic fields generated by the M3x DAC.

The Musical Fidelity M3x DAC is available in the UK from July 2023, priced at £1,349.00 / €1,499. 

Henley Audio distributes Musical Fidelity in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.