Musical Fidelity M6x ViNYL Phono Stage - Black

Three Turntables, One Fully Discrete Phono Stage

The Musical Fidelity M6x ViNYL is an MM/MC phono preamplifier built around a fully discrete circuit board. A chip-controlled input section handles switching.

It's a revision of the earlier M6 Vinyl. This version adds a balanced XLR input and the discrete circuit design.

Three separate turntable inputs are supported. Each one can be set for MM or MC use, with its own loading.

The unit remembers every input's settings. Switching between three tables on a shelf just means picking a source, not plugging and unplugging cables.

This is a step up from Musical Fidelity's smaller M3x Vinyl. That's a separate, more affordable phono stage in the same current lineup.

Each Input Set on Its Own

Each of the three inputs switches between MM and MC modes. MM mode sets a fixed 47 kOhm input impedance. Capacitance can be set from 50 to 400pF.

MC mode offers input impedance from 25 ohms to 1.2 kOhms. Capacitance is fixed at 470pF. RIAA accuracy is rated within ±0.2dB on MM and ±0.25dB on MC.

Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 101dB on MM and 90dB on MC. THD at 1kHz stays under 0.005% on MM and under 0.02% on MC. Both modes get a 26dB overload margin.

Outputs include both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR pairs. The unit weighs 5.5kg. It measures 440 by 100 by 385mm.

What Reviewers Are Saying

David Price reviewed the M6x ViNYL for StereoNET in June 2021. He found it had "a spry, light and detailed sound with lots of detail and a lovely spacious soundstage."

He singled out its "excellent detail retrieval and fine timbre." This phono stage, he added, "lets the music sashay along with a spring in its step."

Ashley Cox reviewed it for Audio Appraisal in March 2021. She noted "an appreciable reduction in its noise floor." Dynamics improved too, reaching what she called "infinitely expansive imaging."

She summed up the sound as "neither warm nor bright, neither coloured nor does it display any real character of its own." She closed with her "unreserved recommendation."

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• Anyone running more than one turntable. Three inputs, each with independent MM/MC settings, cover multiple tables without recabling.
• Owners of both MM and MC cartridges. Every input switches between the two, with adjustable loading for each.
• Anyone building a balanced XLR system. A balanced XLR input pairs with balanced XLR outputs, alongside standard RCA connections.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Two named reviewers at established publications praised its detail and low noise.
• Not the right fit for anyone who only needs a single, simple input. Musical Fidelity's smaller M3x Vinyl covers one turntable at a lower price.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run each turntable's cable into its own RCA or XLR input on the M6x ViNYL. Match the input to your tonearm's cable type.

Connect the RCA or XLR output to your amplifier or preamp the same way. Set each input's MM/MC mode and loading to match its cartridge.

The unit remembers those settings. You can switch sources later without resetting anything.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Musical Fidelity M6x ViNYL:

• Turntables, one or several, with a balanced or unbalanced tonearm output
• Phono cartridges, MM or MC, matched to its per-input settings
• Preamplifiers with balanced XLR inputs
• Interconnect cables, balanced or unbalanced, to connect its outputs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect more than one turntable at once?

Yes. Three inputs are provided, each independently configurable for MM or MC operation and loading, with settings remembered per input.

How is this different from the M3x Vinyl?

The M3x Vinyl is a smaller, single-input phono stage lower in Musical Fidelity's current lineup. The M6x ViNYL adds three independently configurable inputs and balanced connections.

Can I use balanced XLR connections with this preamp?

Yes. A balanced XLR input is included alongside two unbalanced RCA inputs, and both balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided.

What's the warranty?

Musical Fidelity covers the M6x ViNYL with a two-year warranty, managed through its local authorized distributor.

See It in Action

The Audiophile Man takes a close-up look, including single-ended and balanced tests:

German retailer WE LOVE HIFI shares its own hands-on impressions:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, balanced connections, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.