
Musical Fidelity has unveiled its latest creation, the **M8x Vinyl** phono preamplifier, a flagship model designed to set a new standard in analog audio performance. Building on the success of the M6x Vinyl, the M8x takes the concept further, delivering enhanced precision, flexibility, and sonic purity.

#### Built for Performance and Elegance

Encased in a full-size aluminum chassis, the M8x Vinyl is crafted to pair perfectly with Musical Fidelity’s M8 amplifier series. Beyond its sleek and robust exterior lies a meticulously designed interior, featuring a fully balanced and discrete architecture. This advanced design incorporates separate amplifier stages for positive and negative signals, doubling the components compared to its predecessor. The result is an ultra-clean signal path and a larger circuit board to handle the complex design.

To minimize external interference, the preamp includes an encapsulated Super Silent Power Transformer, ensuring that the audio signal remains pristine. Every detail in the construction highlights the focus on performance and durability.

#### Precision and Flexibility

One of the standout features of the M8x Vinyl is its three-stage gain structure, which offers adjustable settings ranging from 40dB to 69dB. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of cartridges, both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). Audiophiles can fine-tune the settings to match their setup perfectly.

Additionally, the M8x Vinyl provides multiple equalization curves, including RIAA, DECCA, and COLUMBIA. This feature caters to listeners who appreciate the unique tonal characteristics of different recording eras. For further customization, the preamp includes a two-step subsonic filter to address low-frequency rumble and unwanted noise, enhancing playback clarity.

#### Connectivity Options for Audiophiles

The M8x Vinyl offers balanced XLR outputs alongside standard RCA connections, a feature that audiophiles will recognize as a significant upgrade. Balanced outputs reduce noise and deliver a cleaner, more dynamic sound, making this preamp an ideal choice for high-end setups.

#### Availability and Pricing

The M8x Vinyl is available in Europe starting November 2024 at a retail price of €3,999. In Australia, it is expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2025, priced at AUD 7,200. While positioned as a premium product, its advanced features and impeccable build quality make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts who demand the best from their vinyl collection.

#### Conclusion

Musical Fidelity’s M8x Vinyl is more than just a phono preamp—it is a testament to the enduring allure of analog audio. With its cutting-edge design, remarkable flexibility, and focus on delivering an immersive listening experience, the M8x Vinyl is poised to become a must-have for serious vinyl enthusiasts. For those seeking to elevate their analog playback, the M8x Vinyl represents a new pinnacle in high-fidelity audio.

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Musical Fidelity Unveils the M8x Vinyl Phono Preamplifier

Musical Fidelity is a brand that specializes in the production of audio equipment and HiFi systems.

Musical Fidelity

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Release – Advanced Phono Preamplifier with Balanced Design, RIAA and DECCA EQ, Adjustable Gain, Premium Build for Audiophiles

The Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl is a high-performance phono stage designed for vinyl enthusiasts, aiming to deliver an authentic sound experience. It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, providing versatility for different setups. The device incorporates advanced circuitry and components to minimize noise and distortion, ensuring a clean and engaging audio output. The M8x Vinyl is built with a robust chassis, offering durability alongside its aesthetic appeal. It features adjustable gain settings, allowing users to customize the output level based on their specific cartridges and preferences. Additionally, it includes a precise RIAA equalization curve and a low-frequency cutoff option to enhance playback quality. Connectivity options include RCA inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with various audio systems. The overall design emphasizes attention to detail and high-quality audio reproduction, making it suitable for audiophiles seeking a premium vinyl listening experience.

M8x Vinyl


**London, UK** - In a significant move that blends the old with the new, Musical Fidelity has announced the launch of its latest masterpiece, the Nu-Vista DAC. This flagship digital-to-analog converter harmoniously merges the revered Nuvistor tube technology with cutting-edge digital innovation, setting a new benchmark in the high-fidelity audio landscape.

### Embracing the Past, Enhancing the Future

At the heart of the Nu-Vista DAC is the ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture, revered for its precise audio processing capabilities. What truly sets it apart is the incorporation of Nuvistor 7586 triode tubes in each channel, a nod to the classic era of tube sound that audiophiles have long cherished. These tubes are part of a fully balanced Class A amplifier buffer, ensuring a warm and authentic audio reproduction.

### Expansive Connectivity for the Modern Audiophile

Understanding the diverse needs of today's listeners, Musical Fidelity has equipped the Nu-Vista DAC with an array of connectivity options. It features RCA and XLR outputs, multiple SPDIF inputs, USB and AES/EBU inputs, and an I2S input for future compatibility with a Nu-Vista CD-player. This array of inputs and outputs ensures the Nu-Vista DAC's versatility in various audio setups.

### The Technical Edge

Musical Fidelity doesn't stop at nostalgic tube technology. The Nu-Vista DAC uses two ES9038Q2M chips in a dual differential mode, a design choice that caters to pristine dual mono sound. It can handle high-resolution audio files up to 768 kHz in PCM and native DSD512 via USB, covering almost any digital file available for purchase or streaming today. Additionally, the improved SPDIF inputs now support MQA and DSD, further enhancing its capability.

### Unparalleled Audio Experience

The Nu-Vista DAC's low-noise, low-dropout regulator, optimized for high-resolution audio, and the inclusion of a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, result in a superb signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion plus noise performance. The listeners are treated to an unbelievably detailed and smooth transient response, a quality often sought but rarely found in digital audio devices.

### Design and Build: A Testament to Durability and Elegance

Musical Fidelity's dedication to quality is evident in the build of the Nu-Vista DAC. The robust, vibration-resistant construction, featuring a massive aluminum case, acts as a Faraday cage, protecting the sensitive internals from electromagnetic interference. This solid construction not only ensures longevity but also enhances the audio performance by isolating it from environmental disturbances.

### The Nu-Vista Legacy

Musical Fidelity's journey with Nuvistor tubes began in the 1990s and continues to be a labor of love. The use of these tubes, known for their reliability and exceptional sound quality, in conjunction with modern digital technology, showcases Musical Fidelity's commitment to innovation while respecting the rich heritage of audio design.

### In Conclusion

The Nu-Vista DAC represents a bold step forward for Musical Fidelity, blending the best of vintage audio technology with the advancements of the digital age. It's more than just a DAC; it's a bridge between the warm, lush sound of the past and the crisp, detailed audio of the future. For the discerning audiophile, the Nu-Vista DAC is not just a piece of equipment but a gateway to an immersive, high-fidelity auditory experience.

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Dual ES9038Q2M Chips in Nu-Vista DAC: A New Era of Pristine Dual Mono Sound

Nu-Vista DAC: Experience the richness of fully balanced Class A output stage, delivering superior sound quality.


Just when we thought Schiit couldn't push the envelope any further, they unveil the Wotan—a dual-mono powerhouse that's already turning heads in the audiophile community. It's like they've been reading our wish lists and decided to check every box.

At its core, the Wotan boasts a true dual-mono design with two hefty 600VA transformers. This means each channel operates independently, minimizing crosstalk and giving us that pristine channel separation we've been chasing. It's like having two mono amps in one chassis, working in perfect harmony.

But here's where things get really interesting: the Nexus™ differential topology with switchable feedback. Schiit's Nexus™ design allows the Wotan to operate inherently balanced, but the real game-changer is the ability to toggle feedback modes. Whether you're after the raw, unadulterated sound with no feedback or a tighter, more controlled output with feedback engaged, the choice is literally at your fingertips. This level of customization is something we've been itching to see in a high-power amp.

Now, let's talk about keeping things cool—both literally and figuratively. The Wotan features intelligent temperature management with internal sensors monitoring current, temperature, and DC levels. A 32-bit microprocessor oversees everything, ensuring the amp runs optimally without us having to worry about overheating. The dual fans are smart too; they stay off during normal listening sessions and only kick in when absolutely necessary, so our music remains the focus, not the hum of cooling fans.

And then there's Forkbeard™. No, it's not a Viking metal band—though the name does conjure some epic imagery. Forkbeard™ is the Wotan's integrated control interface, offering real-time power output readings and system health stats. It also provides remote control over input selection, feedback modes, and standby functions. It's like having a command center for your amplifier, adding a layer of convenience we didn't know we needed.

On the technical front, the Wotan doesn't disappoint:

-   **Power Output**:
    -   200W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
    -   400W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
-   **Frequency Response**: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.03dB
-   **Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)**: <0.002% at 200W RMS into 8 ohms
-   **Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)**: >132dB, A-weighted
-   **Damping Factor**:
    -   No feedback: >40 into 8 ohms
    -   With feedback: >100 into 8 ohms
-   **Gain**: 26dB
-   **Inputs**: Switchable between single-ended RCA and balanced XLR
-   **Dimensions**: 16” x 13” x 3.875”
-   **Weight**: 54 lbs

All this is wrapped up in a solidly built chassis that screams quality without being ostentatious. And true to form, Schiit has designed and built the Wotan in the USA, reinforcing their commitment to domestic manufacturing. They back it up with a 5-year limited warranty and a 15-day satisfaction guarantee, giving us peace of mind with our investment.

What’s really fueling the excitement is how the Wotan seems to marry brute strength with finesse. The ability to switch feedback modes offers a level of adaptability that's rare in amplifiers of this caliber. It’s like having two amps in one—each suited to different listening preferences or even different genres of music.

For those of us outside the States, Schiit Europe is making the Wotan accessible without compromising on specs or features. It's clear that Schiit wants this amp to be a global contender.

In a nutshell, the Schiit Wotan isn't just another amplifier; it's a statement. It challenges the notion that we have to choose between power and precision, offering both in a thoughtfully designed package. It's got us thinking that maybe, just maybe, we can have our cake and eat it too.

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Schiit's 200W Dual-Mono Amplifier with Nexus Differential Topology

Schiit is a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters, and other accessories aimed at audio enthusiasts. They focus on affordability while maintaining high quality and performance in their products.

Schiit

Schiit Wotan Amplifier Launch - Intelligent Cooling and Forkbeard Control Integration

Musical Fidelity Unveils the M8x Vinyl Phono Preamplifier

Built for Performance and Elegance

Precision and Flexibility

Connectivity Options for Audiophiles

Availability and Pricing

Conclusion

Discussion

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