Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl
Fully discrete circuit MM/MC phono preamplifier, fitted with three independently adjustable cartridge inputs, for demanding vinyl systems.
Description
The M6x Vinyl is a phono preamplifier designed to amplify and equalise the signal from an MM or MC cartridge according to the RIAA curve, before sending it to an amplifier or line preamplifier. It stands out through its fully discrete circuit, meaning it is built from individual components (resistors, capacitors, transistors) rather than around integrated operational amplifiers, an architecture that is more complex to implement but sought after for its sonic qualities.
The unit offers three separate cartridge inputs, each independently adjustable for MM/MC mode, gain and loading impedance (from 25 Ω to 1.2 kΩ), with settings stored individually per input. Input capacitance is fixed at 470 pF. The frequency response follows the RIAA or RIAA/IEC curve to within ±0.25 dB, with total harmonic distortion below 0.02% at 1 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio above 90 dB. The 26 dB overload margin allows peak levels to be absorbed without clipping. Outputs are available as a pair of RCA (500 mV nominal, 10 V max) and a pair of balanced XLR (1 V nominal, 20 V max), for flexible integration depending on the connectivity of the associated amplifier.
This preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts with several turntables or tonearm setups, or those wishing to compare multiple cartridges without having to reset settings manually each time. The choice of cartridge type and loading is made directly via selector buttons on the front panel, making fine adjustments easy depending on the cartridge in use.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | RIAA or RIAA/IEC ±0.25 dB |
| Input sensitivity | 500 μV input for 500 mV output (at 1 kHz) |
| Input impedance | 25 Ω to 1.2 kΩ selectable |
| Input capacitance | 470 pF fixed |
| THD at 1 kHz | < 0.02% |
| Overload margin | 26 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio | > 90 dB |
| Connectivity | 1 pair RCA (500 mV nominal, 10 V max), 1 pair balanced XLR (1 V nominal, 20 V max) |
| Weight (unit only) | 5.5 kg |
| Weight (with packaging and accessories) | 11 kg |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 440 x 100 x 385 mm |
What to check before buying used
On a discrete-circuit phono preamplifier, the ageing of capacitors and drift in transistors can alter the RIAA equalisation or cause abnormal hiss: a comparative listen across the three MM/MC inputs is advisable. The gain and impedance switches, used each time the cartridge is changed, are the first contact points to test for crackling or a faulty connection. Also check for any hum on the XLR and RCA outputs, which could indicate a grounding fault or a fatigued solder joint.
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