M6x Vinyl - Overview

"Phono Stage of the Year 2023: A full-width and fully versatile phono stage from Musical Fidelity, with three separate inputs (including a balanced option) each able to have different loadings applied. Discrete component circuits ensure a thrilling audio experience from these most delicate of musical signals."

Editors - What HiFi 05/23

"In balanced mode, the M6x sounded absolutely sublime. A sheer audio delight and well worth the price tag."

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Paul Rigby - The Audiophile Man 04/23

"A performance that under other brands would be considered superlative at well over 10 times the price."

Ashley Cox - Audio Appraisal 03/21

"This is an excellent phono stage"

David Price - stereonet 06/21

"The Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl delivers on its promises: dynamic and high-resolution sound with flexible compatibility with all standard phono systems."

Alex Röser - audio test 04/24

The M6x ViNYL is a very high performance, highly accurate phono MM/MC cartridge amplifier in a beautifully designed and executed casework. We set out to make a phono stage without any practical limits. It’s designed in such a way to ensure you cannot overload the input stage or encounter any practical limitations in the output driving capacity during regular use, whether running single-ended or balanced. It has three inputs, and each can be individually set for either MM/ MC and loading. Each input also then remembers its own settings. It offers state-of-the art technical and sonic performance at a very competitive price and is the epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.

Design Philosophy

While updating from the M6 ViNYL to the M6x ViNYL, we have switched to an entirely discrete circuitry, which results in better technical measurements and better sound. It is equipped with one balanced input and output as well as two single-ended inputs and one single-ended output to fit well into any vinyl hi-fi system. But the important question is: what is so special about discrete circuits

The Advantage of Discrete Circuits

A discrete circuit is composed of electronic components which are disparate, individual devices, also called discrete components. These can be “passive” components, like resistors, capacitors and inductors, as well as “active” components, which in our case are transistors. The opposite to this would be an integrated circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) in the signal chain. In our industry we employ specialised Op-Amps built for audio applications, which allow us to produce very small and efficient electronics, as well as saving the time of design engineers. However, countless hours of listening tests and years of experience have shown us that even the very best Op-Amps do not tend to be so neutral, natural, dynamic or vivid – all of which are characteristics of the Musical Fidelity “sound”. For that reason, we’re rediscovering our passion for traditional, discrete designs. Where standard phono pre-amplifiers with integrated circuits have a few tens or hundreds of components, discrete designs will employ hundreds or thousands of components by comparison. That makes for an extended design process, but in our opinion results in the best sound for your money. The unit features three separate, independently selectable cartridge inputs. This allows choice between three different turntables, or multiple tone arm configurations if required. Selectable gain is provided to allow for different cartridge sensitivities and ton suit any equipment. Cartridge type and loading is selected by front selector buttons for optimum cartridge performance.

Making Way For Pure Music

The true point of any electronic, actually any audio component, is that you don‘t know it is there. You completely forget its existance. By that criteria the M6x Vinyl is almost perfect. It has no practical audible noise, it doesn‘t really have distortion, you cannot overload its input or output, you can load your cartridge perfectly. It exists to serve the music. To bring the artists intent, emotions and passion to your ears and heart.

The M6 Vinyl In Brief

• Exact and preccise loading for MM and MC cartridges
• Balanced input & output
• Fully discrete circuit board design