Musical Fidelity M3scd Compact Disc Player - Silver

The One That Also Takes Your Television

The M3scd plays discs like its smaller sibling, then adds the thing that changes what it is for. Three digital inputs on the back let other sources borrow its converter, so it becomes the digital hub of a system.

Those inputs are a coaxial taking 32 to 192kHz, an optical taking 32 to 96kHz, and an asynchronous USB-B running to 24-bit and 96kHz. A television, a set-top box and a computer all have somewhere to go.

Asynchronous is the word doing the work on that USB port. The M3scd clocks the data itself rather than following the computer, which keeps the computer's own timing out of the conversion entirely.

Same Engineering, More Sockets

Conversion is a 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential design with 8x oversampling. Distortion plus noise stays under 0.003% from 10Hz to 20kHz, and signal-to-noise measures better than 117dB. The architecture is shared across the range.

Frequency response holds 10Hz to 20kHz within 0.2dB. Linearity stays inside 0.1dB down to -96dB, channel separation reaches 105dB, and jitter measures under 135 picoseconds peak to peak. Jitter is the number that matters most on a disc player.

Outputs are line-level RCA, coaxial and optical digital, and a 12-volt trigger on a 3.5mm jack for switching a matching amplifier on with it. The case is 440 by 380 by 100mm and weighs 6.05kg.

Who Is This CD Player Best For?

• Your television sounds thin — run its optical output into the M3scd and the same converter that handles your discs handles broadcast and streaming sound as well.
• You keep music on a computer — the asynchronous USB-B input takes 24-bit files to 96kHz and clocks them itself, so the computer's timing never reaches the conversion.
• You have more sources than inputs — coaxial, optical and USB together mean a disc player, a set-top box and a laptop can all stay connected and switched from the remote.
• You want one converter for everything — instead of a different DAC quality per source, every digital thing in the room ends up sounding like the M3scd.
• You want the system to power up together — a 12-volt trigger output switches a matching amplifier on with the player, which is a small thing that stops feeling small after a week. Pair it with one of our integrated amplifiers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the line-level RCA outputs to your amplifier. That single connection now carries your discs and everything you plug into the three digital inputs behind it.

A television goes in on optical, a disc player or set-top box on coaxial, and a computer on USB-B. The trigger output can switch a matching amplifier on at the same time.

Pairs Well With

Building around the M3scd? Here are some great companions:

• Integrated Amplifier: The other half of the system — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Music Streamer: Feed the coaxial or USB input — see our Music Streamers.
• Interconnects: A clean run from the analog outputs — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Bookshelf Speakers: Finish the system — see our Bookshelf Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which digital inputs does it have?

Coaxial at 32 to 192kHz, optical at 32 to 96kHz, and asynchronous USB-B up to 24-bit and 96kHz.

What does asynchronous USB mean?

The M3scd controls the timing rather than the computer, so jitter from the computer's own clock stays out of the conversion.

How does it differ from the M2scd?

The three digital inputs and the trigger output. The M2scd plays discs only; the M3scd also converts for other sources.

Which converter does it use?

A 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential design with 8x oversampling, the same architecture used across the range.

What does it measure?

Under 0.003% distortion plus noise, better than 117dB signal-to-noise, 105dB channel separation, and jitter under 135 picoseconds.

How big is it, and what is the warranty?

440 by 380 by 100mm and 6.05kg. One year as standard, extended to two when you register with the US distributor within 30 days of purchase. It covers the original purchaser only.

See It in Action

A look at the M3sCD and its 24-bit/192kHz converter:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about using a CD player as a DAC, asynchronous USB, or improving television sound? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.