Musical Fidelity M3x DAC

Overview
The M3x DAC brings Musical Fidelity quality to a wide range of enthusiasts. Its "entry level" price should not suggest compromises; the new M3x DAC should be considered very close to a high-end converter.
Thanks to the careful design of both the circuit layout, the power supply sections, and the build quality of the chassis, the new M3x DAC stands at the forefront of modern DAC converters.

Technology
The M3x DAC project was developed around the excellent Burr Brown SRC4392 up-sampling chip, responsible for re-clocking all PCM signals and then converting them to 24bit/192kHz. The up-sampling implemented in this sophisticated configuration allows for low distortion levels and maintains high digital reproduction quality. The PCM1795 DAC can effortlessly handle PCM streams up to 24bit/192kHz and native DSD and DoP up to DSD256. DSD files are not oversampled but reproduced in their original format. Both the unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs feature their own output buffer for optimal separation, audio quality, and low noise. Furthermore, the output voltage and current are higher, as is the bandwidth, with fast transients and exceptionally low distortion.

"Super Silent" Transformer
The study and search for the perfect "super silent" transformer are also found in the Musical Fidelity M3x DAC. Starting from the industrial-type power socket with EMI filter and DC block, which blocks interference and eliminates transformer hum. The transformer used is a toroidal type with low core saturation, ideal for audio applications and particularly for digital audio thanks to its extremely reduced electromagnetic radiation.

Perfect PCB Design and Layout
Digital-to-analog converters, compared to integrated amplifiers, for example, present their own design challenges. They work differently, have their own requirements, and must be treated accordingly. Power requirements are unique, and the design solutions of integrated amplifiers will not yield the same results when paired with digital circuits. Musical Fidelity has always believed that PCB design and layout should conform to the highest standards. The design and layout must be customized for each application, exhibit good measurements, and sound as intended. The listener, in their home environment, should be able to appreciate the spaciousness of the recording location and perfectly place the instruments in space.

The Sound of the Chassis
Musical Fidelity leaves nothing to chance, and even the mechanical construction of the chassis must meet numerous standards. Uncompromising rigidity and solidity. The front panel is made from an extruded aluminum profile, rigidly anchored to the steel chassis, to protect the DAC from external electromagnetic fields and, similarly, the rest of the HiFi system from electromagnetic fields generated by the M3x DAC.

Technical Specifications

DAC

• Texas Instruments PCM1795 DAC with SRC4392 up-sampling chip
• 2 PCM digital filters and 2 DSD analog filters
• PCM input up-sampled to 192kHz
• Total Jitter: < 48 picoseconds peak/peak
• Linearity: < 0.2dB down to -100dB
• Frequency Response: -0.2dB at 20Hz, 0.1dB at 20kHz; 1.5dB at 70kHz
• Channel Separation: < -115dB 10kHz @ 0dBFS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >107dB “A”-wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS

Digital Inputs

• 2 coaxial, up to 24bit/192kHz (stereo PCM)
• 2 optical, up to 24bit/192kHz (stereo PCM)
• 1 USB Audio Class 2.0, ‘USB B’; up to 32bit/192kHz (stereo PCM), DSD 256 (stereo DoP and native)

Analog Outputs

• 1 RCA fix/var @ 2V RMS at 0dBFS
• 1 XLR fix/var @ 4V RMS at 0dBFS
• Output Impedance: < 50 ohms

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 440x100x363mm
• Power Supply: 230V
• Max Power Consumption: 15W, <0.5W in standby
• Weight: 6.8kg