Musical Fidelity M3x DAC

A 32-bit/192 kHz upsampling DAC with PCM1795 conversion, SRC4392 sample-rate conversion, USB, coaxial and optical inputs, balanced XLR and RCA outputs, and DSD256 support

The Musical Fidelity M3x DAC is built as an affordable entry into serious high-end digital conversion, with a clean, purposeful design that focuses on low noise, low distortion, and flexible system integration.

At its core is a PCM1795 DAC supported by an SRC4392 sample-rate converter from Burr Brown. PCM signals are re-clocked and upsampled to 192 kHz, while DSD files are played in their native format, with USB support for DSD256 via DoP or native playback.

The M3x DAC includes USB, coaxial, and optical digital inputs, along with both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Each analog output stage has its own buffer, designed for low noise, high current drive, wide output swing, and very low distortion.

Careful Digital and Analog Design

Musical Fidelity treats DAC design as its own discipline, rather than simply borrowing solutions from amplifier design. The M3x DAC uses careful PCB layout, dedicated power-supply design, and separate analog output buffering to preserve the timing, resolution, and dynamic ease of the digital signal.

Super Silent Power Transformer

The M3x DAC uses Musical Fidelity’s Super Silent Power Transformer design, with an industrial-grade power socket, EMI filtering, a DC blocker, and a low-saturation toroidal transformer. The goal is to keep power-supply noise and electromagnetic interference away from the DAC circuitry.

Solid Mechanical Construction

The milled aluminum front panel and heavy steel chassis give the M3x DAC the solid feel expected from Musical Fidelity, while also helping shield the internal circuitry from outside electromagnetic fields.

Features

• PCM1795 DAC chip
• SRC4392 sample-rate converter
• PCM inputs upsampled to 192 kHz
• USB input supports up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM
• USB input supports DSD256 via stereo DoP and native playback
• Coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
• Two digital PCM filters and two analog DSD filters
• Single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs
• Separate output buffers for RCA and XLR outputs
• Super Silent Power Transformer
• Industrial-grade power socket with EMI filter and DC blocker
• Heavy aluminum front panel with steel chassis
• Made in the EU

Specifications

DAC

DAC Chip: PCM1795

Sample-Rate Converter: SRC4392

Total Correlated Jitter: <48 ps peak to peak

Digital Inputs

Coaxial Inputs: 2, up to 24-bit/192 kHz stereo PCM

Optical Inputs: 2, up to 24-bit/192 kHz stereo PCM

USB Input: 1 USB Audio Class 2.0 USB-B, up to 32-bit/192 kHz stereo PCM, DSD256 stereo DoP and native

Analog Outputs

RCA Output: 1 pair line level, fixed/variable, 2 V RMS at 0 dBFS

XLR Output: 1 pair line level, fixed/variable, 4 V RMS at 0 dBFS

Output Impedance: <50 ohms

General

Mains Voltages: 230 V/115 V internally set or 100 V optional

Power Consumption (Max, Standby): 15 W, <0.5 W

Dimensions (WHD): 17.3" × 3.9" × 14.3" (440 mm × 100 mm × 363 mm)

Weight: 15 lb. (6.8 kg)