Welcome to our Musical Fidelity M8x DAC Review, where we dive into the next frontier of high-end digital-to-analogue conversion. As the latest flagship converter from Musical Fidelity, the M8x DAC builds on decades of innovation to deliver pristine sound with unwavering musicality. This review explores its design, technical prowess and sonic performance, ensuring you’re informed before pre-ordering.

Design & Build

The M8x DAC exudes refinement from its extruded aluminium panels to its weighty feel, indicative of the toroidal transformers and extensive discrete circuitry within. By eschewing displays, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Musical Fidelity ensures zero RF noise and minimal electromagnetic interference, resulting in a purist signal path. Every button and control wheel is machined from solid aluminium, reflecting the build quality expected at this level.

Technical Deep Dive

At its core, the M8x DAC employs two ES9038Q2M Hyperstream II chips in a dual-differential, true dual-mono configuration. This approach yields an exceptionally low noise floor and impressive channel separation. The custom time-domain jitter eliminator and proprietary clock architecture maintain jitter below 100 femtoseconds, outperforming many dedicated audiophile clocks.

• Asynchronous USB input supports PCM up to 768kHz, DSD256 (DoP) and native DSD512
• SPDIF inputs (coaxial, optical, AES/EBU) with full hardware MQA decoding
• Switchable upsampling, reclocking and eight digital filters plus an oversampling bypass mode
• 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processors for ample headroom

Performance & Sound Character

In playback, the M8x DAC shines with a signature Musical Fidelity sound: organic, articulate and dynamically agile. The Class A discrete balanced analogue stage renders micro-details with poise, while the robust power supply drives demanding speakers and headphones with authority. Transparency is matched by a natural warmth—vocals bloom with presence, and transients snap with realism.

For headphone aficionados, the built-in discrete amplifier excels across impedances down to 8 Ω. With 3900 mW per channel into 8 Ω, it can drive studio and planar magnetic headphones effortlessly, maintaining class-A operation up to 30 Ω. Balanced headphone connections unlock the full potential of low-noise and high headroom listening.

Who Should Consider the M8x DAC?

If you’re an audiophile seeking a reference-grade DAC to pair with high-performance streamers, PCs or CD players, the M8x DAC is a perfect match. Studio engineers and critical listeners will appreciate the granular control over digital filters and the inherent upgradeability of discrete components. Its lack of wireless features may deter some, but for those prioritising purity, this is a conscious design choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exemplary Sound Quality: Dual ES9038Q2M chips in balanced mono deliver unparalleled clarity and depth.
• Robust Headphone Amplifier: Fully discrete design drives low-impedance headphones with ease.
• Ultra-Low Jitter: Proprietary clock and reclocking ensure immaculate timing and detail retrieval.
• Flexible Digital Architecture: Upsampling, MQA, hardware DSD decoding and multiple digital filters.
• Rugged Construction: Solid aluminium chassis, toroidal transformers and serviceable discrete circuitry.

Cons

• Premium price point—reflects flagship class but may stretch some budgets.

Elevate Your Audio System

The Musical Fidelity M8x DAC represents a bold step forward in DAC design. To discuss how it could integrate into your rig or to secure your pre-order, speak with our experts at The Audio Tailor on 1300 308 711 or email us. Our team is ready to tailor a solution that unlocks the M8x DAC’s full potential in your listening space.