M8x DAC

M8x DAC

The M8x DAC is a world-class digital-to-analogue converter that upholds Musical Fidelity’s legacy of audio excellence. Designed for purists, it transforms digital signals into breathtaking analogue sound using class-leading discrete amplification, ultra-low jitter technology, and a fully balanced architecture. Free from unnecessary displays, wireless interference, or compromises in build quality, the M8x DAC is engineered for those who demand the purest, most dynamic listening experience - whether through speakers or high-end headphones.

Technical Excellence 

The M8x DAC features dual ES9038Q2M chips in differential mode, creating a pristine dual-mono design. This enables support for PCM files up to 768kHz, DSD256 via DoP, and native DSD512 via USB. SPDIF inputs are also upgraded, now supporting MQA (up to 384kHz) and DSD (DoP 64), ensuring compatibility with a vast range of digital files.

Advanced Digital Architecture 

The M8x DAC utilises an ultra-low-noise regulator optimised for high-resolution audio. A Time Domain Jitter Eliminator ensures superior signal-to-noise ratio and minimal distortion, delivering exceptional transient response. With the proprietary clock design, jitter is reduced to an unrivalled level - below 100 femtoseconds - outperforming many renowned audiophile clock generators. Other advancements include optional upsampling, reclocking, and an oversampling bypass mode, all powered by a 16-core XMOS and CPLD MAX II Altera processor, ensuring smooth digital filter and MQA processing. Unlike the M6x DAC, MQA processing is now available on both USB and SPDIF inputs.

Upsampling, Reclocking & Digital Filters 

The CPLD MAX II processor, paired with the XMOS microcontroller, brings high-quality processing to PCM, DSD, and MQA signals. Users can toggle upsampling and reclocking for PCM, while DSD and MQA use their respective format-specific settings and filters. The M8x DAC also offers eight selectable digital filters for PCM signals, allowing listeners to tailor their sound.

Oversampling Bypass Mode 

For ultra-high-resolution playback, our oversampling bypass mode disables the DAC’s oversampling FIR filters, allowing source data to be upsampled to 352.8kHz or 384kHz. Higher sample rates of 705.6kHz and 768kHz bypass all filtering entirely, reducing on-chip power supply noise and enhancing audio purity.

Discrete and Fully Balanced Output 

The M8x DAC features a massively improved discrete output stage, immediately recognisable by its extensive PCB space. Unlike the M6x DAC, which used integrated circuits, the M8x DAC is fully discrete and balanced from input to output. This design enhances sound quality, longevity, and sustainability, as discrete components remain serviceable even when chips become obsolete.

The Advantages of Discrete Circuits 

Unlike IC-based designs, which integrate multiple components into a single chip, discrete circuits use individual components—resistors, capacitors, transistors—allowing precise tuning for a more natural, dynamic, and vivid sound. While ICs enable compact and cost-effective designs, years of listening tests confirm that discrete designs consistently outperform even the best IC-based op-amps. They also offer long-term serviceability, ensuring the M8x DAC remains a reliable investment.

High-Power Balanced & Discrete Headphone Amplifier 

The M8x DAC’s headphone amplifier rivals many standalone designs. Unlike typical chip-based solutions, it uses a fully discrete, DC-coupled design with transistor-based power amplifiers. It includes a 6.3mm jack for unbalanced headphones and a 4-pin XLR output for balanced headphones. The fully differential balanced amplifier significantly boosts performance, delivering 3900mW into 8 ohms (compared to 2000mW unbalanced) with peak outputs exceeding 10W.

Class A operation is maintained up to full power for headphones with 30-ohm impedance or higher. Even low-impedance headphones (down to 8 ohms) benefit from the amp’s high-current capabilities, ensuring a powerful, distortion-free listening experience. Whether using balanced or unbalanced connections, the M8x DAC delivers a breathtaking soundstage.

Fully Balanced Design 

The M8x DAC employs a true fully balanced architecture throughout. Dual ES9038Q2M DAC chips operate in differential mode, feeding both the balanced output stage and headphone amplifier. This design extracts the most musical detail while minimising noise and interference. Unlike pseudo-balanced designs, which sum signals before processing, the M8x DAC keeps the left and right channels fully independent, doubling amplifier sections for superior noise rejection and dynamic range.

Precision Power Supply 

The M8x DAC benefits from our Super Silent Power Transformers and a dedicated power filtering PCB to minimise noise. High-quality EMI filters and DC blockers eliminate interference and transformer hum. A low-saturation toroidal transformer, custom-designed for digital and headphone applications, ensures ultra-low electromagnetic radiation and ample headroom to power the sensitive discrete output and headphone stages. The power supply for digital and analogue circuitry is carefully isolated to prevent high-frequency interference.

Heroic Build Quality 

As with all Musical Fidelity products, the M8x DAC is built to last. Its front, side, and top panels are crafted from thick extruded aluminium, ensuring exceptional rigidity and resistance to vibrations. The chassis acts as a Faraday cage, shielding internal components from electromagnetic interference. By deliberately omitting a large display, we further enhance this protection—prioritising pure audio performance over unnecessary visual elements.

Every design choice in the M8x DAC serves a single purpose: delivering the most uncompromised, immersive musical experience possible.