Musical Fidelity M3X DAC
Musical Fidelity M3x digital-to-analogue converter, fitted with USB, coaxial and optical inputs as well as RCA and XLR outputs, for demanding fans of dematerialised music.
Description
The M3x is a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) from Musical Fidelity, designed to transform a digital signal from a computer, a network player or an SPDIF source into an analogue signal destined for an amplifier. It is positioned as a gateway to the brand's high-end DACs, with a build quality close to the standards used on its higher-end models.
The conversion core relies on the PCM1795 chip, capable of processing PCM streams up to 32-bit/192 kHz as well as native DSD and DoP files up to DSD256, the latter being played back without upsampling to preserve their original format. Upstream, an SRC4392 circuit resynchronises and upsamples all PCM signals to 192 kHz, a stage intended to reduce distortion before conversion. On the connectivity side, the unit offers one USB input, two coaxial inputs and two optical inputs, with USB accepting SPDIF up to 24-bit/192 kHz. On output, an unbalanced RCA socket and a balanced XLR output each have their own buffer, with each stage aiming for low noise and reduced distortion.
Particular care has been taken with the power supply, featuring a toroidal transformer with low core saturation, known for its limited electromagnetic radiation, complemented by mains sockets filtered against EMI interference and a DC blocker designed to limit transformer hum. The steel chassis paired with an aluminium fascia contributes to the mechanical rigidity of the unit.
This DAC is aimed at listeners wishing to improve the digital reproduction of an existing hi-fi system, by connecting a computer, a music server or an external digital source to an amplifier fitted with analogue inputs. The presence of a balanced XLR output also allows it to be integrated into a system where balanced cabling is preferred to limit interference over long distances.
Technical specifications
| USB | DSD 256 (stereo and native DoP) |
| SPDIF | up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
What to check before buying used
With this type of DAC, it is worth checking that both the optical and coaxial inputs work without crackling or unexpected dropouts, a frequent sign of worn connectors. A test in native DSD and in DoP via the USB input confirms that the SRC4392 circuit correctly resynchronises the streams without glitches. Listening to the RCA and XLR outputs separately also helps detect a channel imbalance or abnormal hiss that could indicate an ageing component in the output stages.
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