Musical Fidelity M6x DAC

Description

Musical Fidelity's M6x DAC, a latest generation DA converter, embodies technical precision and adaptability. Equipped with 32-bit Hyperstream II DAC circuitry and two ES9038Q2M chips in dual differential mode, it delivers exceptional audio quality. The 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II processors ensure smooth processing, while full hardware MQA decoding gives you a unique audio experience. With versatile inputs, including USB and SPDIF, the M6x DAC offers comprehensive compatibility and performance. In addition to balanced and RCA outputs, the device features an integrated headphone amplifier to cater for different listening preferences. The advanced reclocking function and the ability to switch upsampling further extend the flexibility by allowing seamless adjustments to your audio needs.

Features

• DAC circuit: 32 Bit Hyperstream II
• DAC chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (Dual Differential)
• 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors
• USB: up to 32 bit/768 kHz
  
• USB: DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)
• SPDIF: up to 24 bit/192 kHz
• Extended reclocking function for all inputs
• Switchable upsampling with oversampling bypass
• Super-quiet power transformer
• Balanced and RCA output
• Built-in headphone amplifier
• Full hardware MQA decoding
• Roon-tested

Technical data

DAC

• DAC circuit: 32-bit Hyperstream II DAC chip
• 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)
• Gesamtkorrelierter Jitter: <12 Pikosekunden Spitze-Spitze
• Linearität: <0,4 dB bis -130 dB
• Frequency response: -0.1 dB at 10 Hz, 0 dB at 1 kHz, -0.4 dB at 20 kHz
  
• Channel separation: >130 dB at 10 kHz at 0 dBFS
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >120 dB "A"-weighted 1 kHz at 0 dBFS
• Gesamte harmonische Verzerrung: < 0,0005 % bei 1 kHz bei 0 dBFS

Digital inputs

• 1x coaxial, up to 24 bit 192 kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
• 2x optical, up to 24 bit 192 kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
• 1x AES/EBU, up to 24 bit 192 kHz (stereo PCM + MQA)
  
• 1x USB Audio Class 2.0, "USB B"; up to 32 bit 768 kHz (stereo PCM + MQA), DSD 256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)

Analog outputs

• 1 pair of line-level RCA outputs fixed/variable at 2 V RMS at 0 dBFS
  
• 1 pair line-level XLR output fixed/variable at 4 V RMS at 0 dBFS
• Ausgangsimpedanz: < 10 Ohm
• 1 headphone output 6.3 mm jack socket variable

Headphone amplifier

• Power: 1.5 W/channel at 32 Ω
• Output impedance: Min. recommended 16 Ω headphones
• THD: < 0,005 % bei 1 kHz bei 0 dBFS
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >115dB "A" wtd
• Frequency response: +0.1, -0.4dB 20Hz to 20kHz

General information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 100 x 390 mm
• Mains voltage: 230 V/115 V internally set or 100 V optional
  
• Max. Verbrauch: 20 W, <0,5 W im Standby-Modus
• Weight: 6.9 kg

M6x DAC - Overview

Our M6x DAC is a new milestone in the history of Musical Fidelity DACs. Its predecessor, the M6s DAC, was one of the first to use the critically acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture. With the M6sR DAC, we further improved the firmware and added a few more enhancements. DSD was now easier to use, we had full Roon support, and the inputs and outputs were updated to keep up with the rapidly changing digital audio landscape. And the other big thing: the M6sR DAC was now made in the EU!

Technical details

With the M6x DAC, we've gone one step further. Building on our knowledge and experience with Sabre ESS chips, we have upgraded them to the newer ES9038Q2M and now use two of them in dual differential mode for a pristine dual-mono design. The integration of a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator results in excellent SNR and THD+N performance with an incredibly detailed transient response. Further advances in the DAC area are upsampling and re-clocking. Upsampling can be switched on or off independently. The 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors ensure that there is always enough headroom for these operations, the new digital filters and MQA processing. The unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs each have their own output buffer. Via the XLR connectors, you can enjoy a fully differential amplifier design that enables a fully balanced output. Both output stages deliver excellent audio quality, have very low noise, a large output voltage swing and high current drive capability. The excellent gain bandwidth and very fast slew rate ensure exceptionally low distortion.

Super Silent Power Transformers

The M6x DAC is an example of the continuous development of our Super Silent Power Transformers. Industrial grade power sockets with EMI filter and DC blocker prevent interference and eliminate transformer hum. The encapsulated toroidal transformer with low core saturation is ideal for audio applications and particularly suitable for digital audio applications due to its extremely low electromagnetic radiation.

Correct PCB design and layout

Digital-to-analog converters present their own design challenges compared to analog amplifiers. They operate in different domains, have their own requirements and must be treated as such. The power requirements are unique and solutions designed for amplifiers will not produce similar results when combined with digital circuits. At Musical Fidelity, we have always applied the highest standards to the design and layout of circuit boards. We don't believe in flashy PCB design just for the sake of it. Design and layout must be tailored to each application, measure well and sound as desired. Only then have we done our job. At this point, we have given the listener a tangible sense of the recording venue, transporting the performers into a holographic space in their own homes in real time.

Headphone amplifier

The current feedback AB architecture of the integrated headphone amplifier offers high bandwidth, extremely low noise and a dynamic range of up to 128 dB. Three key features make current feedback amplifiers excellent for audio applications. The high slew rate prevents odd-order distortion anomalies. The on-demand power supply at the output allows the amplifier to respond quickly and linearly. When large amounts of output power are suddenly required, the amplifier can respond extremely quickly without increasing the noise floor of the system and degrading the signal-to-noise ratio. The gain-independent frequency response allows the full bandwidth of the amplifier to be utilized over a wide range of volume settings.

Mechanically solid

By paying careful attention to every aspect of the M6x DAC, we achieve incredible technical parameters and effortless sound quality full of grace and transparency. The mechanical construction is uncompromisingly rigid and solid in the typical Musical Fidelity tradition. The front panel and side panels are milled from extruded aluminum profiles. The exterior not only looks clean, stunning and indestructible, but also protects the internal components from external electromagnetic fields and, in the same way, the rest of your hi-fi equipment from electromagnetic fields generated by the M6x DAC. Not having a large display on the front only enhances this effect, as the cut-out required for it would complicate things drastically.

Musical Fidelity in the service of music

Therefore, music purists who simply want to feel the hypnotic feeling of communication between listener and artist will find what they are looking for here. In addition to maximizing sound performance, the conscious decision against a large display with flashing colors allows you to experience the music and only the music. Unpack the M6x DAC, plug it in carefully, just leave it on its default settings and feel the immediate musical integration: the overall sound is sweet and clear; the highs are completely grain-free and extended. The bass range sounds endless with tactile bass dynamics. As you get used to your music library again, you may eventually want to find out what else is possible and listen to it from different stages. That's when the customizability and settings make the M6x DAC a powerful tool for experts, putting it in a league of its own. Explore the soundstage with or without upsampling and see if you can dive deeper into it. Choose between 7 different digital filters and a full oversampling bypass that disables these filters. Full MQA decoding is performed on the M6x DAC hardware. The class 2.0 USB input supports PCM sampling rates of up to 768 kHz and 32 bit. DSD support extends up to DSD256 via DoP and native DSD512. The S/PDIF inputs accept stereo PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz/24 bit and offer full MQA support!