Musical Fidelity M6xDAC DA converter

EISA 2022-2023 BEST PRODUCT - DAC

The M6x DAC from Musical Fidelity, a true pioneer of DACs, is a worthy successor to the Digilog model that started it all – in 1988. The insides of the device’s modest but finely crafted aluminum chassis are impressive, including a custom-made clock solution and ESS’s latest DAC chips, which operate in dual mono and support high-resolution material up to 768 kHz and 32 bits and DSD512. In real life, the M6x DAC delivers amazing playback and soundstage with every detail, and there are eight filters available to fine-tune the device’s sound to your exact taste. The inputs, including USB-B and AES/EBU, cover almost all digital sources. And the M6x DAC is not only a great addition to a speaker-based standalone system, it also has a great headphone amplifier built in!

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M6x DAC – Overview

The new M6x DAC is a major milestone in Musical Fidelity’s DAC range. Its predecessor, the M6s DAC, was one of the first to utilize the critically acclaimed ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture. With the M6sR DAC, we’ve further improved the firmware and added other features to enhance user experience.

DSD became easier to use, full Roon support was introduced, and inputs and outputs were updated to meet the rapidly evolving demands of digital audio. Another big change was that the M6sR DAC was now manufactured in the EU!

Technical review

With the M6x DAC, we've gone even further. Leveraging our extensive experience with Sabre ESS chips, we've upgraded them to the newer ES9038Q2M model, now using two chips in dual-differential mode, enabling a pure dual mono design. Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology delivers excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and THD+N performance, along with incredibly accurate transient response.

Other advancements in the DAC section include upsampling and reclocking, with upsampling being enabled or disabled independently. The 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors provide sufficient computing power for these processes, new digital filters and MQA processing.

Both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs have their own output buffering. The XLR connections allow for a fully differential amplifier design, allowing for a truly balanced output signal. Both output stages offer top-notch sound quality, very low noise, a wide output voltage range and high current handling. Excellent gain bandwidth and very fast slew rate ensure exceptionally low distortion.

Super Silent current transformers

The M6x DAC represents our continued evolution of Super Silent power transformers. Industrial-grade power connectors with EMI filtering and DC blocking eliminate interference and transformer hum. The encapsulated toroidal transformer with low core magnetization is ideal for audio applications and especially perfect for digital audio due to its extremely low electromagnetic emissions.

Proper PCB design and layout

Digital-to-analog converters are different from analog amplifiers and present their own design challenges. They operate in different regions, have their own requirements, and must be addressed accordingly. The power requirements are unique, and solutions designed for amplifiers do not achieve the same results in digital circuits.

At Musical Fidelity, we have always set the highest standards for circuit board design and layout. We don’t believe in flashy design just for the sake of looks – the design and layout must be tailored to each application, they must measure well and they must sound exactly as intended. Only then have we succeeded. In this way, we can give the listener a true sense of the recording space and place performers in a lifelike holographic space in their own home.

Headphone amplifier

The built-in headphone amplifier uses a current-regenerative AB architecture that delivers wide bandwidth, very low noise, and up to 128 dB of dynamic range. Three key features make current-regenerative amplifiers excellent for audio applications: high slew rate prevents odd-order distortion problems, instantaneous availability of output power enables fast and linear response without increasing noise levels, and gain-independent frequency response ensures full bandwidth over a wide volume range.

Mechanical structure

The meticulously designed M6x DAC offers incredible technical features and effortless, clear and transparent sound reproduction. The mechanical construction is uncompromisingly solid and robust, in keeping with the traditional Musical Fidelity quality. The front panel and side panels are milled from extruded aluminium profiles. The stylish and durable exterior not only looks great, but also protects the internal components from external electromagnetic interference, while protecting your other HiFi equipment from any interference that the M6x DAC may produce. The omission of a large display on the front panel enhances this effect, as the cutout required by the display could significantly complicate shielding.

Musical Fidelity – for the sake of music

Music lovers looking for a pure and hypnotic connection between listener and artist will find it here. In addition to maximizing sound quality, the conscious decision to forgo a large and colorful display ensures that you can focus solely on the music. Unpack the M6x DAC, connect it carefully, and let it play at its default settings – the music immediately draws you in: the sound is clear and smooth, the highs are completely grainy and extended. The lows feel limitless, offering dynamic and tangible bass reproduction.

As you rediscover your music library, you may want to explore further and listen with different settings. At this point, the M6x DAC becomes a powerful tool for experts that puts it in a class of its own. Experiment with the depth of the soundstage with or without upsampling and choose between 7 different digital filters or skip them altogether. Full MQA decoding is done in the M6x DAC's hardware. The USB Class 2.0 input supports PCM sampling rates up to 768 kHz / 32-bit. DSD support extends to DSD256 via DoP and up to native DSD512. The S/PDIF inputs support stereo PCM sampling rates up to 192 kHz / 24-bit and include full MQA support!

M6x DAC in brief

• DAC circuit: 32-bit Hyperstream II

• DAC chip: 2x ES9038Q2M (dual differential)

• Processors: 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera

• USB support: up to 32bit/768kHz

• USB DSD support: DSD256 (stereo DoP), DSD512 (stereo native)

• SPDIF support: up to 24bit/192kHz

• Advanced reclocking on all inputs

• Switchable upsampling and oversampling bypass

• Super Silent current transformer

• Balanced and RCA output

• Built-in headphone amplifier

• Full hardware-based MQA decoding

• Roon Tested