Musical Fidelity's M8x DAC: Revolutionizing Digital-to-Analog Technology
By HiFi Editorial20 October 2025
Key Highlights
Features dual ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chips in a fully balanced setup for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.
Supports PCM rates up to 768kHz, native DSD512 via USB, and MQA compatibility for high-res streams.
Class A discrete analog amplification emphasizes purity, shielded by aluminum Faraday cage panels.
Musical Fidelity continues its legacy of excellence with the introduction of the M8x DAC, a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier. Building on decades of expertise since the early 1990s, the M8x integrates advanced processing techniques with a fully discrete, balanced analog circuitry design to deliver exceptional sound quality. Supporting all contemporary audio resolutions, this new addition is tailored for audiophiles seeking both precision and depth in their listening experience.
At the heart of the M8x DAC are two ESS Sabre Technologies ES9038Q2M DAC chips configured in a fully balanced, dual-differential setup. This configuration ensures ultra-low noise levels and an enhanced dynamic range, capable of handling PCM rates up to 768kHz and native DSD512 via USB. Additionally, the S/PDIF inputs are MQA-compatible up to 384kHz, providing flexibility for high-resolution streams. The sophisticated reclocking and upsampling technologies employed reduce jitter and distortion, while filter 8 offers an oversampling bypass mode for those who prefer minimal digital processing.
The analog domain of the M8x DAC is equally impressive, featuring a Class A discrete amplification stage that emphasizes sonic purity and natural sound signatures. The absence of an information display minimizes electromagnetic interference, with extruded aluminum panels acting as a Faraday cage to shield sensitive circuitry. Power is supplied by a toroidal transformer housed within an aluminum enclosure, ensuring consistent and noise-free operation. The fully balanced output stage, available through both RCA and XLR connections, provides excellent channel separation and remarkable clarity.
Complementing the DAC, the M8x includes a reference-grade headphone amplifier capable of delivering 3.9 watts continuously and brief peaks up to 10 watts into an eight-ohm load. This amplifier is designed to drive even the most demanding planar magnetostatic headphones effortlessly, maintaining low distortion and preserving the natural warmth of the music. Connectivity options include a balanced 4-pin XLR and an unbalanced 6.35mm headphone jack, catering to a wide range of headphone preferences.
Priced at just under $4,000 and available for delivery later this month, the Musical Fidelity M8x DAC sets a new standard for high-end audio equipment. By seamlessly integrating sophisticated digital processing with a meticulously crafted analog design, the M8x promises to transform digital signals into breathtaking analog sound, appealing to purists who demand the highest level of audio fidelity.
