Musical Fidelity MX-DAC DAC

MUSICAL FIDELITY MX-DAC: FRONT PANEL

The front panel, made of natural or black anodized aluminum, is of excellent quality and gives the product a very high-end appearance.

On the left, there is a small power key for the MX-DAC. Next to it, there are 6 LEDs, each indicating the sampling frequency of the incoming digital signal. Two other LEDs indicate the DSD signal value. On the other side, the same number of LEDs indicate the filter choice and the selected input.

MUSICAL FIDELITY MX-DAC: CONNECTIVITY

Despite its small size, the Musical Fidelity MX-DAC offers nearly all the connectivity options one would expect from a high-end DAC.

For inputs, there are 2 SPDIF coaxial, 2 Toslink optical, and 1 asynchronous USB B. The analog outputs include RCA and balanced XLR. Additionally, there is an external power connection of 5V/DC (provided).

MUSICAL FIDELITY MX-DAC: TECHNOLOGY

Technically, the Musical Fidelity MX-DAC relies on the proven BurrBrown 1795A converter. The analog output amplifiers operate in class A and are built with discrete components. Signal processing is also carried out entirely symmetrically. The MX-DAC handles all PCM data up to 24 bits / 192 kHz and DSD 64 and 128.

The MX-DAC features very low distortion, a very wide bandwidth, and low noise. The technical performance of the MX-DAC is comparable to that of any other DAC, regardless of price. Jitter is around 12pps, the signal-to-noise ratio is -116dB, stereo separation is -104dB at 1kHz, the frequency response is flat, and distortion is 0.00025% at 1kHz and 0.0003% at 20kHz.

These technical specifications are impressive for a product in this range.

MUSICAL FIDELITY MX-DAC: PERFORMANCE

We paired it with the Bluesound Node 2 using a coaxial cable and Qobuz.

From the first measures, we were surprised by its neutrality and transparency.

It offers a wide soundstage in both width and depth. In this aspect, it is quite demonstrative. The MX-DAC is also very musical and fits perfectly with all styles of music.

It also offers a relatively analog-like balance. It gives digital music "warmth" and a lot of character and presence. The music is reproduced in a lively and clear manner. You quickly forget the electronics and focus solely on the work. At the offered price, the Musical Fidelity MX-DAC is simply impressive!

Highly recommended!