Musical Fidelity M6scd Compact Disc Player - Black

Five Digital Inputs and a Balanced Way Out

The M6scd sits at the top of Musical Fidelity's CD range, and it is the one that stops being a CD player. Five digital inputs feed its converter, and a balanced XLR output takes the result onward.

Those inputs are two coaxial taking 32 to 192kHz, two optical taking 32 to 96kHz, and an asynchronous USB-B to 24-bit and 96kHz. A television, two disc sources and a computer can all stay plugged in.

Conversion steps up too. The converter is a 32-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential design. It runs 8x oversampling with 192kHz upsampling. That is the main technical step up from the 24-bit models below it.

Why the XLR Output Matters

A balanced connection sends the signal twice, one copy inverted. The amplifier subtracts one from the other. Noise picked up along the cable lands on both copies, so it cancels. Over a long run, that is what you hear.

Distortion plus noise stays under 0.003% from 10Hz to 20kHz. Signal-to-noise is better than 117dB. Channel separation reaches 105dB. Jitter measures under 135 picoseconds peak to peak, which is the figure that matters most.

Alongside the XLR pair are RCA line outputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, and a trigger out. The case is 440mm wide, 385 deep and 125 tall, and weighs 11.2kg.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Audiodrom found it dependable in daily use: "In use the M6scd is a reliable player that reacts swiftly to the remote controller commands, reads the discs fast, and connects without any issues."

On the remote, the same review misses what most players dropped: functions "that I miss with other players nowadays, like track programming or A<>B repeat."

Who Is This CD Player Best For?

• You run a balanced system — XLR outputs keep the signal balanced from the player through to your amplifier, which is what keeps a long cable run as quiet as a short one.
• Everything in the room is digital — five inputs mean a television, two disc or streaming sources and a computer all share one good converter instead of four mediocre ones.
• You want the 32-bit converter — a 32-bit dual differential design with 192kHz upsampling is the step up from the 24-bit models below, and it is the reason this one costs more.
• You still use a remote properly — track programming and A-B repeat survive here, which most modern players quietly dropped along with the buttons.
• You are building around one source — the M6scd can be the only digital component in the system, with RCA and XLR out, digital outs, and a trigger to switch the amplifier. See our integrated amplifiers for the other half.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the balanced XLR outputs to your amplifier if it takes them, or the RCA pair if it is single-ended. Either way that one connection now carries every digital source in the room.

A television goes in on optical, disc players or streamers on the two coaxial inputs, and a computer on USB-B. The second optical input covers a games console or a second screen.

Pairs Well With

Building around the M6scd? Here are some great companions:

• Integrated Amplifier: Ideally one with balanced inputs — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Music Streamer: Feed one of the coaxial inputs — see our Music Streamers.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR keeps the path balanced — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Floorstanding Speakers: Finish the system — see our Floorstanding Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which digital inputs does it have?

Two coaxial at 32 to 192kHz, two optical at 32 to 96kHz, and one asynchronous USB-B up to 24-bit and 96kHz.

Does it have balanced outputs?

Yes. A balanced XLR line output sits alongside the RCA pair, plus coaxial and optical digital outputs and a trigger out.

How does it differ from the M3scd?

A 32-bit converter with 192kHz upsampling instead of 24-bit, five digital inputs instead of three, and the balanced XLR output.

Can it replace a separate DAC?

That is the design. Five inputs let every digital source in the system share the M6scd's converter and its outputs.

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 385 by 125mm and 11.2kg. 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 detailed introduction to the M6sCD, with English subtitles switched on:

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Learn More

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