Musical Fidelity M3x DAC Digital

Flagship Design Trickled Down

The Musical Fidelity M3x DAC borrows heavily from the pricier M6x DAC above it. A PCM1795 DAC chip pairs with an SRC4392 upsampling chip to handle the conversion.

Total correlated jitter measures under 48 picoseconds, peak to peak. That's a genuinely tight number, and it matters because jitter can smear fine detail out of a digital signal before it ever reaches your ears.

Over USB, the M3x decodes PCM up to 32-bit/192kHz and native or DoP DSD256. Coaxial and optical inputs handle PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Two digital PCM filters and two analog DSD filters are selectable, so you can shape the sound to taste rather than accept one fixed setting.

Measurements That Back Up the Sound

Total harmonic distortion stays under 0.005% at 1kHz, measured at full digital scale. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 107dB, A-weighted.

Channel separation stays below -115dB at 10kHz. Linearity holds within 0.2dB all the way down to -100dB, a sign the DAC stays accurate even at very low signal levels.

Both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs are on hand, with output impedance under 50 ohms. At 15 pounds and built with a rigid chassis, the M3x feels substantial for its size.

Power consumption stays under 15 watts in use, and under 0.5 watts in standby. It's efficient enough to leave connected without worry.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Stefan Schickedanz reviewed the M3x DAC for 7Review on March 2, 2024. He wrote that it "has a lot of sonic charm and paints in rich, natural colors," adding that this "brings natural instruments or voices to life."

On its overall design, he noted that "even without eye-catching acrobatics, sound experts with the experience of Musical Fidelity can construct powerful-sounding components."

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• Anyone who wants M6x-level design at a lower price. The M3x shares much of its flagship sibling's engineering approach.
• Listeners building a system around a computer or streamer. USB, coaxial, and optical inputs cover nearly any digital source.
• Anyone running a balanced system. Balanced XLR outputs join standard RCA, so it fits either type of preamp or amplifier.
• DSD collectors and high-resolution listeners. Native DSD256 support goes well beyond what most digital sources actually offer.
• Not the right fit if you need a headphone amp or preamp built in. The M3x is a dedicated DAC, with no headphone jack or volume control on board.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a computer or streamer through USB for the widest format support, including native DSD256. Two coaxial and two optical inputs cover a CD player, TV, or older digital source.

Run the balanced XLR outputs into an amplifier or preamp with balanced inputs for the lowest-noise connection. The single-ended RCA output works just as well with unbalanced gear.

Since the M3x has no volume control, connect it to a preamp or an integrated amp's line-level input rather than directly to a power amp.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Musical Fidelity M3x DAC:

• Preamplifiers to control volume and route its output
• Integrated amplifiers with a line-level input for the M3x to feed
• Digital cables for a clean USB, coaxial, or optical connection
• Interconnect cables in balanced XLR or single-ended RCA
• Audio racks to give it a stable, permanent home

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the M3x compare to the M6x DAC?

The M3x shares much of the M6x's design approach at a lower price. It uses a different DAC chip than the flagship model, but carries over the same design philosophy.

Does it support DSD files?

Yes. Over USB, it decodes native DSD256 as well as DSD256 over PCM (DoP).

Does it have a volume control or headphone output?

No. It's a dedicated DAC without a headphone jack or volume knob, so it needs a preamp or integrated amp downstream to control level.

What's the difference between the filter settings?

Two digital PCM filters and two analog DSD filters are selectable. Each shapes the sound slightly differently, so you can pick the one that suits your system and taste.

What's the warranty?

Musical Fidelity covers the M3x DAC for two years against defects in materials and workmanship, through an authorized dealer.

See It in Action

AV Atmos introduces the M3x DAC and its M6x-inspired design:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about choosing a DAC, connecting it to your system, or getting the most from high-resolution files? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.