{"product_id":"musical-fidelity-m8s-pre-fully-balanced-preamplifier","title":"Musical Fidelity M8s PRE Fully Balanced Preamplifier","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003ctitle\u003eMusical Fidelity M8sPRE Fully Balanced Preamplifier — Product Description\u003c\/title\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Preamplifier Built to Add Nothing to Your Music\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Musical Fidelity M8sPRE is a fully balanced Class A preamp, built as the top model for a serious two-channel system. Its design goal is simple: pass the signal through unchanged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA true balanced path runs the whole way from input to output, not just at the jacks. This keeps noise low, even over long cable runs. Class A means every stage stays \"on\" at a fixed level, which favors sound over efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMusical Fidelity built in a low-noise phono stage with switchable gain for MM and MC cartridges. Vinyl fans don't need a separate phono preamp. Reviewers found it stays quiet even with high-output cartridges, which is rare at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe M8sPRE comes in Black and Silver, both with a beveled front panel and a finely textured finish, so it can match the rest of an M8-series system or stand on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSerious Engineering Behind the Neutral Sound\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEach channel gets its own 350VA toroidal transformer, fully shielded, with its own separate regulation. That's a bigger, cleaner supply than many full power amps use, let alone preamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eVolume runs through a quad, laser-trimmed attenuator, working in fine 0.5dB steps. Both the volume control and input switching are solid-state. There's no mechanical noise or scratchiness as you adjust them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDistortion measures under 0.005% on the single-ended outputs. On the XLR outputs, it drops to under 0.004%. Noise stays low too, over 118dB below the signal. Its frequency range spans 5Hz to 100kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLow output impedance and high current give it the muscle to drive almost any power amp. The remote handles volume and input switching using the RC5 code standard. A large front knob gives a smooth, soft-detent feel by hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThere's no balance control, no tone control, and no built-in headphone amp. Fewer features means more care spent on the parts that matter most. It measures 440mm wide, 162mm tall, and 400mm deep, and weighs 17 kilograms — solid and heavy, like a flagship preamp should feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAshley Cox reviewed the M8sPRE for Audio Appraisal in December 2019. He tested it with a Musical Fidelity M6 PRX power amp and a pair of Hypex NC400 monoblocks. He called it \"a difficult component to review sonically because its sound is, for all intents and purposes, neutral.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHe summed up its character simply: \"Nothing is added, nothing is taken away. What goes in is what comes out, besides being attenuated by the volume control.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOn build quality, he called it \"beautifully made,\" with \"substantial connectors at the back\" and \"a unit of some considerable weight and bulk.\" He also praised the phono stage, calling it \"impressively quiet\" even with high-output cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eHis conclusion was direct: \"The M8sPRE is everything I wanted in a preamplifier,\" praising its \"audibly and measurably linear\" performance and its \"near-perfect volume control.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Preamplifier Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eListeners who want a preamp that stays out of the way.\u003c\/strong\u003e Reviewers praised its neutral, uncolored sound above almost everything else.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVinyl collectors who want a built-in phono stage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its switchable MM\/MC phono input removes the need for a separate outboard phono preamp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone building a fully balanced system.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its XLR inputs and outputs pair naturally with balanced amplifiers and sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShoppers who want proven, independently reviewed performance.\u003c\/strong\u003e An established reviewer confirmed its measured specs translate into real-world neutrality and quiet, confident build quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot the right fit for anyone who wants a headphone jack built in.\u003c\/strong\u003e The M8sPRE has no headphone amp on board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eConnect sources using the two XLR balanced inputs or five RCA line inputs. One of each includes a home theater bypass, so a receiver can drive your main speakers at a fixed level. A dedicated RCA phono input accepts MM or MC cartridges directly, with gain you switch to match your cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eRun the RCA or XLR pre outputs to your power amp, whichever it supports. A fixed RCA output feeds a recording device or tape loop, unaffected by the volume control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTrigger in and out jacks let it turn on and off with the rest of your system, with no extra step on your part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBuilding your system? Here are some great companions for the Musical Fidelity M8sPRE:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/amplifiers-preamplifiers\/integrated-amplifiers\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePower amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e to complete a fully balanced two-channel system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/turntables\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntables\u003c\/a\u003e that take advantage of its built-in phono stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/cables\/interconnect-cables\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e to wire its balanced and single-ended connections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/furniture\/audio-racks\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio racks\u003c\/a\u003e built to support a full-sized flagship component\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a built-in phono stage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. A low-noise phono input with switchable MM\/MC gain is built in, so most turntables can connect directly without a separate phono preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a headphone output?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eNo. The M8sPRE focuses on line-level and phono inputs feeding a power amplifier, without an onboard headphone amp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I use it with a home theater receiver?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. One XLR input and one RCA input include a home theater bypass, letting a receiver drive your main speakers at a fixed level alongside your two-channel setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat finishes are available?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBlack and Silver are both available, matching the rest of Musical Fidelity's M8 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the warranty?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMusical Fidelity covers the M8sPRE for two years against manufacturing defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about building a two-channel system, matching a preamplifier to your power amp, or getting the most from balanced connections? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Musical Fidelity","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":47166986354861,"sku":"NEW-MFM8SPRE-BLK","price":5299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ New","offer_id":47173654937773,"sku":"NEW-MFM8SPRE-SIL","price":5299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/MusicalFidelityM8sBlack-Front.jpg?v=1787245943","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/musical-fidelity-m8s-pre-fully-balanced-preamplifier","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}