VSystem

The M3x DAC is Musical Fidelity's new entry into the realm of affordable high-end DACs. Combining technical prowess, superb performance, careful PCB design, meticulous power supply layout, and excellent build quality, the M3x DAC offers a truly outstanding modern high-end DAC experience.

Technical Talk

The M3x DAC employs an upsampling DAC design using the SRC4392, a high-end sample rate converter from Burr Brown. This converter re-clocks all PCM signals and converts them to 192 kHz, achieving the lowest distortion levels and enhancing digital music playback. The PCM1795 DAC supports PCM rates up to 32 bits and 192kHz, as well as native and DoP DSD up to DSD256. DSD files are played in their original format without upsampling.

The single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs each have their own output buffer, delivering superior audio quality with very low noise, large output voltage swing, and high current drive. The excellent gain bandwidth and fast slew rate ensure exceptionally low distortion.

Super Silent Power Transformer

The M3x DAC continues the development of Musical Fidelity's Super Silent Power Transformers. Industrial-grade power sockets with EMI filters and DC blockers eliminate interference and transformer hum. The toroidal transformer with low core saturation is ideal for audio applications, particularly digital audio, due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

Correct PCB Design & Layout

Digital-to-analog converters present unique design challenges compared to analog amplifiers. At Musical Fidelity, we hold circuit board design and layout to the highest standards. Our designs are custom-tailored to each application, ensuring they measure well and sound as envisioned. This approach gives listeners a palpable sense of the recording venue, placing performers in a real-time holographic space within their own homes.

Mechanically Sound

The M3x DAC features uncompromisingly rigid and solid mechanical construction in the typical Musical Fidelity tradition. The front panel is milled from an extruded aluminum profile, and the heavy steel case protects the internals from external electromagnetic fields while shielding other HiFi gear from electromagnetic fields generated by the M3x DAC.

Features

• PCM1795 DAC with SRC4392 Upsampling Chip
• 2 digital PCM filters & 2 analog DSD filters
• PCM inputs upsampled to 192kHz
• USB: up to 32bit/192kHz
• USB: DSD 256 (stereo DoP and native)
• SPDIF: up to 24bit/192kHz
• 1x USB, 2x coaxial, 2x optical inputs
• 1x RCA, 1x balanced XLR output
• Affordable entry into high-end DACs
• Very low noise
• Extremely low distortion
• Outstanding linearity
• Outstanding channel separation
• Super Silent Power Transformer
• Balanced and RCA output
• Heavy aluminum front plate with steel chassis
• Minimal electromagnetic interference from power supply to DAC circuitry
• Roon Tested (*pending)
• Made in the EU

Technical information

DAC

• DAC Chip: PCM1795
• Sample rate converter: SRC4392
• Total correlated jitter: < 48 picoseconds peak to 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: >107dB “A”- wtd 1kHz @ 0dBFS
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0,005% at 1kHz @ 0dBFS

Digital Inputs

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

Analogue 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: < 50 ohms

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 363mm
• Main voltages: 230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional
• Max. Consumption: 15W, <0.5W in standby
• Weight: 6.8kg