Musical Fidelity M3X VINYL User manual

Instruction Manual
Deutsches Benutzerhandbuch verfügbar unter www.musicalfidelity.com
Manual de usuario alemán disponible en www.musicalfidelity.com
Manuel d'utilisation allemand disponible sur www.musicalfidelity.com
MM / MC

MM / MC
PHONO STAGE
x ViNYL
2
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................ 3
Safety Information ................................................................................. 4
Precautions & User Information ........................................................... 4
Installation.............................................................................................. 5
Facilities & Connections........................................................................ 6
Operation ................................................................................................ 7
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 8
Specifications......................................................................................... 9
Item Disposal Information for Europe ................................................10
*German, Spanish and French manuals can be found on the Musical Fidelity website. Please
navigate to the Downloads section of the M6x Vinyl product page to access them.

3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity M3x
ViNYL .
The M3x ViNYL is a very high performance, highly
accurate phono MM/MC cartridge amplifier in a
beautifully designed and executed casework .
It offers state-of-the art technical and sonic
performance at a very competitive price and is the
epitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.
The M3x ViNYL uses entirely discrete circuitry,
which results in better technical measurements
and better sound. It is equipped with one single-
ended inputs and one single-ended output.
But the important question is: what is so special
about discrete circuits?
A discrete circuit is composed of electronic
components which are disparate, individual
devices, also called discrete components. These
can be “passive” components, like resistors,
capacitors and inductors, as well as “active”
components, which in our case are transistors.
The opposite to this would be an integrated
circuit, which uses operational amplifiers (Op-
Amps) in the signal chain.
In our industry we employ specialised Op-Amps
built for audio applications, which can be
expensive but also allow us to produce very small
and efficient electronics, as well as saving the
time of design engineers. However, countless
hours of listening tests and years of experience
have shown us that even the very best Op-Amps
do not tend to be so neutral, natural, dynamic or
vivid –all of which are characteristics of the
Musical Fidelity “sound”. For that reason, we’re
rediscovering our passion for traditional, discrete
designs.
Where standard phono pre-amplifiers with
integrated circuits have a few tens or hundreds of
components, discrete designs will employ
hundreds or thousands of components by
comparison. That makes for an extended design
process, but in our opinion results in the best
sound for your money.
Selectable gain is provided to allow for different
cartridge sensitivities and to suit any equipment.
Cartridge type and loading is selected by front
selector buttons for optimum cartridge
performance .
Used carefully, it should give many years of
outstanding musical reproduction .
If there are any questions about the audio system,
please consult the dealer who is there to help and
advise .

MM / MC
PHONO STAGE
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4
Note: Unauthorized opening of the equipment
will invalidate any warranty claim.
Safety Information
This unit is supplied in the U.K . with a mains lead
fitted with a moulded 13-amp plug . If, for any
reason, it is necessary to remove the plug, please
remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug
safely, out of reach of children . It must not be
plugged into a mains outlet.
The wires in the mains lead supplied with this
appliance are coloured in accordance with the
following code
WARNING - This appliance MUST be earthed .
The colours of the wires of the mains lead of this
appliance, may not correspond with the coloured
markings identifying the terminals in the plug,
proceed as follows:
•The wire which is coloured green and yellow
must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter E or coloured
green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth
symbol:
•The wire which is coloured brown must be
connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter L or coloured red .
•The wire which is coloured blue must be
connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter N or coloured black .
•If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13-amp
fuse must be used .
Precautions & User Information
WARNING: Any modifications to this product,
not expressly approved by Musical Fidelity,
who is the party responsible for standards
compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
This new M3x ViNYL is designed and built to
provide trouble-free performance . As with all
electronic devices it is necessary to observe a few
precautions:
•Heed all warnings shown on the back of the
product .
•Only connect the M3x ViNYL to a mains outlet
having the same voltage as marked at the
back of the unit .
•Always ensure that when disconnecting
and reconnecting your audio equipment the
mains supply is switched off .
•Position the mains lead and signal
interconnects where they are not likely to
be walked on or trapped by items placed on
them .
•Do not use near water, or place water-filled
containers on the M3x ViNYL, for example, a
flower vase or potted plants . If water does
spill inside, immediately pull out the mains
plug from the wall socket and inform the
dealer, who should then check the unit before
further use. Entry of liquid into the M3x ViNYL
is dangerous and may cause electric shock or
fire hazard.
•Do not place the unit near direct heat sources
such as radiators, direct sunlight or other
equipment.
•Do not remove any covers or try to gain access
to the inside . There are no user adjustments
or fuses to change without qualification. Refer
all service work to an authorized Musical
Fidelity agent .
The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment are
complex and may, therefore, be adversely
affected or damaged by lightning . For
protection of the audio system during electrical
storms, remove the mains plugs . If after-sales
service is required, to help the dealer identify the
M3x ViNYL please quote the serial number
located on the rear panel of the unit .
Green and yellow.................................... Earth
Blue ...................................................... Neutral
Brown............................................................Live

5
Installation
Introduction
This unit will deliver the ultimate performance
possible from any phono source .
Cleaning
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the
mains switch and remove the mains plug from the
wall socket . Clean the cabinet and remote-control
unit using a moist cloth . Using solvents, white
spirit or thinners is not advised, as they could
damage the surface finish.
Installation
Position the M3x ViNYL on a stable, horizontal
surface where there is no risk of it being
knocked or subjected to vibration such as from
loudspeakers .
Power Connections
The M3x ViNYL is supplied with a standard IEC
mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the
back of the unit .
Audio Output Connections
RCA audio output: Use good quality RCA phono
audio cables (fully connected signal and ground),
for optimum signal transfer .
Interconnects
If necessary, please refer to the dealer who can
advise on quality cables for any setup. Musical
Fidelity does not endorse any other
manufacturer’s cables .
Cartridge characteristics
For setting the various loading characteristics, the
cartridge manufacturer’s data sheets or setup
information should be consulted .
In a lot of cases the settings are not critical, and
may even be changed to suit personal preference,
if any audible differences are apparent.
No damage will occur to an “incorrectly” loaded
cartridge; at very worse a slightly impaired or
nonoptimal frequency response and/or slightly
increased distortion, both most likely to be
inaudible, may result .

MM / MC
PHONO STAGE
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Facilities & Connections
1 2 3 4 5 6
1Power/Standby/Mute button and LED’s
2MM/MC Selection
3MM Loading selection
4IEC (on/off)
5Gain +6db
6MC Loading selection
7 8 9 10
7Grounding post
8RCA Phono Input L/R
9RCA output L/R
10 Mains IEC socket

Operation
Once the M3x ViNYL unit is correctly wired up, and
plugged into mains, the orange STBY led should
be lit .
In this mode the M3x ViNYL is consuming a
minimal amount of power .
To switch the unit on, press the Power button (1)
on the front of the unit . The blue PWR indicator
will light along with the red MUTE indicator . After
a few seconds, when it has stabilised, the MUTE
function will switch off and the unit is ready for
use .
MM/MC selection
Press the MM/MC button (2) to switch between
MM/MC cartridges .
MM loading
Press the MM loading button (3) to cycle through
MM loading .
IEC
Press the IEC button (4) to reduce the subsonic
output of the phono amplifier caused by disk warp
and turntable rumble .
Gain
Press the +6db button (5) to increase the output
gain .
MC loading
Press the MC loading button (6) to cycle through
MC loading.
Note: A great deal of effort has gone into
making sure that the unit exhibits no loud
noises through the system during switching
options or on/off . However, once installed into
a hifi system, it is still a very high gain
(amplification) amplifier at the beginning of a
high amplification chain . Therefore,
increasing the main amplifier volume to
maximum and listening for clicks/thumps is
neither recommended nor sensible . It is strongly
recommended that the option buttons are only
pressed when the volume is turned down (or
muted), to avoid any accidental loud transients
getting through to the speakers . Once options are
set, the volume should then be turned back to
normal listening level .
Input
The M3x ViNYL has a one RCA (single ended) phono
input. Connect your turntable to this input.
The M3x ViNYL will remember the last settings
applied.
Output
On the rear of the unit there is one set of RCA
(single ended) outputs . Connect your M3x ViNYL
to your amplifier using this output.
7

MM / MC
PHONO STAGE
x ViNYL
8
Troubleshooting
Problem
Probable Cause
Remedy
No power .
Power plug is not inserted into
socket correctly .
Plug in securely into unit’s IEC socket .
No sound .
Wrong connections between
input sources and the unit
Cartridge incorrectly wired .
Check audio input and output lead connections .
Check cartridge wiring .
Sound too quiet/loud.
Wrong MM/MC cartridge
selection .
Use MM setting for MM cartridges .
Use MC setting for MC cartridges .
Sound is not precise,
lacking in bass and
stereo image .
Cartridge incorrectly wired .
Input connector plugs not fully
pushed in .
Output connector plugs not fully
pushed in .
Check turntable tracking weight and cartridge setup .
Check plugs are inserted fully and securely .
Hum.
Turntable not earthed or needs
earthing.
Turntable already earthed and
earthing
further creates hum loop in
system .
Earth loops already in system
being amplified.
Audio connector plug not fully
pushed in
Cable fault .
Unsuitable Cable
(e .g . cable grounds not
connected) .
Check turntable earthing lead is connected to earthing post .
Disconnect earthing lead from earthing post .
Investigate for earth loops elsewhere in system .
Insert plug securely and check cable is connected at both ends .
N.B . some esoteric cables have internal wiring intentionally disconnected/
modified. For best results on all inputs AND outputs, please use good
quality screened coax; fully connected signal-to signal, screen-to-screen.
Pop or click heard in
speakers
when switching on or
off or
changing options .
High gain of M3x
ViNYL, amplifying
normal circuit
transients .
Not a fault. It is recommended that the volume level on amplifier is turned
down if switching the M3x ViNYL on or off; or pressing option switches
whilst connected .
Distorted sound .
Cartridge and/or tone arm not
aligned properly .
Cartridge fault or worn needle .
Dirt on record .
Carefully follow turntable instructions to correctly re-align tone arm and
cartridge .
Replace needle or cartridge .
Clean dust and dirt from record .
Distorted and loud
sound .
Line outputs of M3x ViNYL
plugged into PHONO amplifier
inputs of following amplifier.
Use LINE level inputs only, e.g. an AUX input.
If none of these actions affect a cure, please contact the dealer, or an authorised Musical Fidelity
service agent .
Remember; never open the case of the M3x ViNYL, as this will invalidate the warranty .

MM input
Frequency response
Input sensitivity
Input impedance
Input capacitance
THD at 1 kHz
Overload margin
Signal to noise ratio
RIAA or RIAA/IEC (selectable) ±0 .2dB
5mV in for 500mV out (at 1 kHz)
47KΩ
50-400pF selectable
<0.005
26dB
>95dB
MC input
Frequency response
Input sensitivity
Input impedance
Input capacitance
THD at 1 kHz
Overload margin
Signal to noise ratio
RIAA or RIAA/IEC (selectable) +0.25dB, -0.3dB
500μV in for 500mV out (at 1 kHz)
25Ω to 1,2KΩ selectable
50pF fixed
<0 .025%
26dB
>80dB
Outputs (RCA/XLR)
1 pair RCA
left and right 500mV nom 10V max
Power requirement
Mains voltages
Consumption
230V/115V Internally set or 100V optional. AC 50/60Hz
20 Watts maximum . <0 .5W in standby (orange LED on)
Weight
Unit only, unboxed
In shipping carton & incl . accessories
6.4 kg
11.9 kg
Unit dimensions
Wide
High, including feet
Deep (front to back)
440 mm
97 mm
385 mm
Standard accessories
Mains lead
10 Amp IEC
Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements which may result in specification or feature changes without notice.
9

MM / MC
PHONO STAGE
x ViNYL
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Item Disposal Information for Europe
DISPOSAL
The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears on the
back panel of the product indicates that the product must
notbedisposedofasnormalhouseholdwaste.Topreventpossible
harm to the environment please separate the product from other
waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe
manner. Please contact your local government office or your
retailer for available collectionfacilities.
DISPOSITION
La poubelle sur roulettes barrées X, qui apparaît en logo
surlepanneauarrièredu produit,indiquequecelui-cinedoit
pas être traité comme un déchet domestique commun. Afin de
protéger l’environnement, ce produit électronique devra être géré
séparémentetdonc recycléselonlesnouvellesnormesEuropéennes
Rohs concernant les déchets d’appareils électroniques. Prière de
contacter les services concernés gouvernementaux ou votrepointde
vente pour l’élimination et l’enlèvement de déchets électroniques
équipés de composantsélectroniques.
DISPOSAL
La etiqueta cruzada hacia fuera del compartimientoque
aparece en el panel trasero del producto indica que el
productono sedebereciclarsecomobasuranormaldelacasa.Para
prevenir daños posible al ambiente separe por favor el producto de
otras basura para asegurarse de que puede ser reciclada de una
manera ambientalmente segura. Entre en contacto por favor a su
oficina gubernamental local o a su minorista para las instalaciones
disponibles de lacolección.
RIFIUTI
L’etichetta del cassonetto barrato riportato sul retro
dell’apparecchio indica che il prodotto non deve essere
smaltito tramite la procedura normale di smaltimento dei rifiuti
domestici. Per evitare eventuali danni all’ambiente, separare
questo prodotto da altri rifiuti domestici in modo che possa venire
riciclato in base alle procedure di rispetto ambientale. Per
maggiori dettagli sulle aree di raccolta disponibili, contattate
l’ufficio govenativo locale od il rivenditore del prodotto.
FACHGERECHTE ENTSORGUNG:
Das auf der Geräterückseite angebrachte Label deutet
darauf hin, dass das Produkt nicht mit konventionellem
Hauskehricht entsorgt werden darf. Um Schäden und
Verschmutzungen an Umwelt und Mensch zu vermeiden, muss
dasProduktfachgerechtentsorgtundvonanderemAbfallgetrennt
werden. Wenden Sie sichbei Fragen hierzu anIhren Fachhändler
oder an eine öffentlicheInformationsstelle.
AFVAL
Het label op de achterzijde van dit apparaat, een
afvalbak op wielen met eenkruis doorgehaald, geeft aan
dat dit apparaat niet samen met gewoon huishoudafval mag
worden weggegooid. Om mogelijke schade aan onze
leefomgeving te voorkomen dient dit apparaat, gescheiden van
gewoon huishoudelijk afval, te worden afgevoerd zodat het op
een milieuvriendelijke manier kan worden gerecycled. Neem voor
beschikbare inzamelplaatsen contact op met uw gemeentelijke
reinigingsdienst of met uw elektronica leverancier.
HÄVITTÄMINEN
Yliruksattua jäteastiaa kuvaava tarra tuotteen
takalevyssä kertoo, että tuotetta ei saa käsitellä
normaalina talousjätteenä. Ympäristön suojelemiseksi on tuote
pidettävä erillään muusta jätteestä ja se on kierrätettävä
ekologisesti kestävällä tavalla. Ota yhteyttä laitteen myyjään tai
PirkanmaanYmpäristökeskukseenlähimmänkierrätyskeskuksen
löytämiseksi.
AFSKAFNING
Logoet med en skraldespand med kryds over på
bagsiden af apparatet indikerer at dette produkt ikke må
kasseres som normal husholdningsaffald. For at forebygge mulig
skade på miljøet, bedes De separere dette produkt fra andet
affald, og sikre at det bliver genbrugt på en miljørigtig måde.
Kontakt venligst de lokale myndigheder eller din forhandler for
oplysning om nærmeste tilgængelige opsamlingssted for
elektronikaffald.
ΔΙΑΔΙΚΑΣΙΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΨΗΣ
ΤΟ ΣΗΜΑ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΔΙΑΓΕΓΡΑΜΜΕΝΟ ΤΡΟΧΗΛΑΤΟ
ΚΑΔΟ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΙΣΩ ΟΨΗ ΤΟΥ
ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΟΣΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝΑΥΤΟΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ
ΝΑ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΘΕΙ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΝΗΘΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΟΙΚΙΑΚΟ ΑΠΟΒΛΗΤΟ.
ΠΡΟΣ ΑΠΟΦΥΓΗ ΕΝΔΕΧΟΜΕΝΗΣ ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΝΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ
ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΟΣ, ΞΕΧΩΡΙΣΤΕ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΑ
ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΑ ΩΣΤΕ ΝΑ ΕΞΑΣΦΑΛΙΣΘΕΙ ΗΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ
ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΠΡΕΠΟΝΤΑ ΤΡΟΠΟ.
ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΕΤΕ ΜΕ
ΤΗΝ ΤΟΠΙΚΗ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΑΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗΣ ΗΜΕ
ΤΟ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΗΜΑΑΓΟΡΑΣ ΓΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ
ΛΕΠΤΟΜΕΡΕΙΕΣ.
a Division of Audio Tuning
Vertriebs GmbH
Margaretenstrasse 98
A-1050 Vienna
AUSTRIA
[phone]
http://www.musicalfidelity.com