Musical Fidelity M6x DAC

Descending from the pioneer of D/A converters, the Musical Fidelity M6x DAC is a worthy successor to the Digilog model that started it all in 1988. Much is hidden inside its understated but finely crafted aluminum chassis, including a proprietary clock circuit and two of the latest ESS converters configured in dual mono, ensuring support for high-resolution formats up to 768 kHz/32 bit and DSD512. In action, it offers extraordinary introspection, spatiality, and detail, with the ability to tailor the sound to your preferences via eight different filters. The inputs, which include USB-B and AES/EBU, cover virtually all digital sources. Furthermore, the M6x DAC is not only an extraordinary component to include in a speaker system, but also a refined headphone amplifier.

The Technology
The M6x DAC uses one of the most highly regarded conversion chips on the market today, the latest evolution of the Sabre ESS, the ES9038Q2M, in a dual version and a dual differential configuration, for a truly dual mono circuit. It is accompanied by a proprietary circuit that eliminates jitter with an accuracy of within 12 picoseconds. This translates into superb performance in terms of SNR and THD+N with incredibly detailed transient response. In line with current trends, re-clocking (selectable up to 768 kHz) and upsampling (deactivatable) are available. Oversampling can be activated or deactivated independently.
The 16-core XMOS processors and CPLD MAX II Altera ensure adequate computing power for these functions, plus those of the 8 digital filters from which to choose and MQA (Master Quality Audio) decoding. The RCA and balanced XLR outputs each have their own output buffer. Both output stages offer superior audio quality, very low noise, wide output voltage extension, and high current. Excellent bandwidth and slew rate practically eliminate output distortion.

Super Silent Power Transformer
Another special feature of the new Musical Fidelity M6x DAC lies in its power supply, which employs a Super Silent power transformer. EMI filters and DC blocks prevent interference and eliminate transformer hum, while the encapsulated toroidal transformer with low core saturation is particularly suitable for use in a delicate component like a D/A converter, thanks to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

Optimization of Printed Circuit Boards and their Layout
According to Musical Fidelity, an essential point is the optimal arrangement and design of the printed circuit board, especially for D/A converters. For this reason, the Musical Fidelity M6x DAC was designed with this aspect in mind, in order to provide the best possible basis for the optimal operation of the respective functional groups.

Headphone Amplifier
The new M6x DAC features an integrated headphone amplifier, which can easily drive a wide range of headphones via the 6.3mm stereo jack on the front panel. The output provides 1.5 watts per channel into 32 ohms.

Connections and Features
The new Musical Fidelity M6x DAC offers a range of connection options. Not only are there a coaxial S/PDIF input and two optical Toslink inputs, but also an AES/EBU. These inputs can process linear PCM signals up to 24 bit and 192 kHz.
The most interesting input in this DAC is undoubtedly the USB connector, in the USB-B Audio Class 2.0 version, which can handle signals from a PC or Mac in linear PCM up to 32 bit and 768 KHz and DSD up to DSD256 via DoP or native DSD512. It can also process MQA lossy encoded signals.
As already mentioned, upsampling is optional, while re-clocking is always performed for more accurate processing of the input signal. The user can also choose between seven different signal conversion filters.
Analog signals exit the DAC through a pair of unbalanced RCA connectors or in a balanced manner via a pair of XLR connectors.

Mechanical Construction
The mechanical construction of the M6x DAC is rigid and solid, built without compromise, typically in line with Musical Fidelity tradition. The front panel and side panels are milled from extruded aluminum profiles. The external appearance is thus extremely rational and clean. Its dimensions are 440mm wide, 390mm deep, and 100mm high, for a total weight of 6.9kg.
Available in both Black and Silver finishes, last but not least, it is designed and built entirely in the European Union.

Technical Specifications

DAC

• DAC Circuit: 32 bit Hyperstream II
• DAC Chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
• Total correlated jitter: <12 picoseconds peak to peak
• Linearity: <0.4dB down to -130dB
• Frequency response: -0.1dB at 10Hz, 0dB at 1kHz, -0.4dB at 20kHz
• Channel separation: >130dB at 10kHz @ 0dBFS
• Signal to noise: >120dB “A”- wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS

Digital Inputs

• 1x Coax, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
• 2x Optical, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
• 1x AES/EBU, up to 24bit 192kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
• 1x USB Audio Class 2.0, ‘USB B’; up to 32 bit 768kHz (stereo PCM + MQA), DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)

Analog Outputs

• 1 pair line level RCA fix/var @ 2V RMS at 0dBFS
• 1 pair line level XLR fix/var @ 4V RMS at 0dBFS
• Output impedance: < 10 ohms
• 1 Headphone out 6.3mm jack variable

Headphone Amp

• Power: 1.5W / channel into 32 Ω
• Output impedance: Min. recommended 16Ω headphones
• THD: < 0.005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Signal/noise ratio: >115dB “A” wtd
• Frequency response: +0.1, -0.4dB 20Hz to 20kHz

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 390mm
• Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
• Max. Consumption: 20W, <0.5W in standby
• Weight: 6.9kg