Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl phono preamplifier

The Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl phono preamplifier is an evolution of the famous M6 Vinyl by Musical Fidelity.

It offers a very high-end solution in terms of ergonomics and connections, while being offered at a very competitive price.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6x VINYL: CHASSIS

The M6x Vinyl looks similar of the M6 Vinyl. The box looks more like an amplifier than a phono stage because of its generous and impressive dimensions.

It gives you confidence right away. The manufacture is careful and gives a very luxurious aspect to this Musical Fidelity device.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6x VINYL: FRONT PANEL

On the front panel, there are several switches giving access to the multiple settings of this phono preamplifier. On the left, there is a hurdle and mute switch, an equalization selector (IEC or RIAA) and a MM or MC selector.

There is also a gain selector (0/+6dB) and an input selector. Indeed, this phono preamplifier has 3 completely distinct phono inputs with, for each one, the possibility to choose between MC or MM.

Moreover, resistive or capacitive load settings can be assigned to each input and are stored in memory! The MC load offers an adjustment of 25, 50, 100, 400, 800, 1200 Ohms. As for the MM load, it offers 50, 100, 200, 300, 350, 400 pF.

The M6x Vinyl is designed to work with about every MM and MC phono cartridges on the market.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6x VINYL: BACK PANEL

At the back of the Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl, there are two stereo sets of outputs: one asymmetrical (RCA) and one symmetrical (XLR). There are 3 phono inputs: two RCA + ground and one female XLR symmetrical.

Note that its 24k gold-plated connections are of excellent quality and ensure perfect contact.

The IEC plug allows the addition of a quality power cable.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6x VINYL: SYSTEM

The internal architecture is very limpid and is divided into three distinct circuits. A double mono circuit provides RIAA correction and gain. Another manages the power supply, filtering and regulation of the circuit. The third circuit is placed after a mains filter and the front circuit (function and Stanby).

It is powered with a toroidal transformer of about 100 VA.

The RIAA circuit is made with direct components (transistors). It is quite complex and precise (± 0.1 dB). It processes correction up to 80 kHz with a low distortion level (<0.01%) and a noise level up to -90 dB.

MUSICAL FIDELITY M6x VINYL: TEST AND LISTENING

The M6x Vinyl phono preamplifier clearly highlights the differences between MM and MC cartridges, microphones, no matter what their range and price. 

The transparency and neutrality seem better than the former product (due to the direct components?!).

It favors neutrality and definition, while sublimating emotion and realism.

The tonal balance is a great success. Even though precise, the treble never lets a hardness go through. The mid-range is present with a beautiful "heat", but without excess.

Its restitution is outstanding regarding to its price. Its flexibility is fantastic.

The new Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl phono preamplifier allows you to access the musicality and comfort of some phono preamps worth twice the price, even triple.

A favorite product!