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MM / MCInstruction ManualDeutsches Benutzerhandbuch verfügbar unter www.musicalfidelity.comManual de usuario alemán disponible en www.musicalfidelity.comManuel d'utilisation allemand disponible sur www.musicalfidelity.com

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

IntroductionThank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity M3xViNYL.The M3x ViNYL is a very high performance, highlyaccurate phono MM/MC cartridge amplifier in abeautifully designed and executed casework.It offers state-of-the art technical and sonicperformance at a very competitive price and is theepitome of the true spirit of high-end audio.The M3x ViNYL uses entirely discrete circuitry,which results in better technical measurementsand better sound. It is equipped with one singleended inputs and one single-ended output.But the important question is: what is so specialabout discrete circuits?A discrete circuit is composed of electroniccomponents which are disparate, individualdevices, also called discrete components. Thesecan 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 integratedcircuit, which uses operational amplifiers (OpAmps) in the signal chain.In our industry we employ specialised Op-Ampsbuilt for audio applications, which can beexpensive but also allow us to produce very smalland efficient electronics, as well as saving thetime of design engineers. However, countlesshours of listening tests and years of experiencehave shown us that even the very best Op-Ampsdo not tend to be so neutral, natural, dynamic orvivid – all of which are characteristics of theMusical Fidelity “sound”. For that reason, we’rerediscovering our passion for traditional, discretedesigns.Where standard phono pre-amplifiers withintegrated circuits have a few tens or hundreds ofcomponents, discrete designs will employhundreds or thousands of components bycomparison. That makes for an extended designprocess, but in our opinion results in the bestsound for your money.Selectable gain is provided to allow for differentcartridge sensitivities and to suit any equipment.Cartridge type and loading is selected by frontselector buttons for optimum cartridgeperformance.Used carefully, it should give many years ofoutstanding musical reproduction.If there are any questions about the audio system,please consult the dealer who is there to help andadvise.3

MM / MCPHONO STAGEx ViNYLSafety InformationThis unit is supplied in the U.K. with a mains leadfitted with a moulded 13-amp plug. If, for anyreason, it is necessary to remove the plug, pleaseremove the fuse holder and dispose of the plugsafely, out of reach of children. It must not beplugged into a mains outlet.The wires in the mains lead supplied with thisappliance are coloured in accordance with thefollowing codeGreen and yellow . EarthBlue . NeutralBrown. LiveWARNING - This appliance MUST be earthed.The colours of the wires of the mains lead of thisappliance, may not correspond with the colouredmarkings identifying the terminals in the plug,proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured green and yellowmust be connected to the terminal in the plugwhich is marked with the letter E or colouredgreen or green-and-yellow, or by the earthsymbol: The wire which is coloured brown must beconnected to the terminal which is markedwith the letter L or coloured red. The wire which is coloured blue must beconnected to the terminal which is markedwith the letter N or coloured black. If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13-ampfuse must be used.Precautions & User InformationWARNING: Any modifications to this product,not expressly approved by Musical Fidelity,who is the party responsible for standardscompliance could void the user’s authority tooperate this equipment.4This new M3x ViNYL is designed and built toprovide trouble-free performance. As with allelectronic devices it is necessary to observe a fewprecautions: Heed all warnings shown on the back of theproduct. Only connect the M3x ViNYL to a mains outlethaving the same voltage as marked at theback of the unit. Always ensure that when disconnectingand reconnecting your audio equipment themains supply is switched off. Position the mains lead and signalinterconnects where they are not likely tobe walked on or trapped by items placed onthem. Do not use near water, or place water-filledcontainers on the M3x ViNYL, for example, aflower vase or potted plants. If water doesspill inside, immediately pull out the mainsplug from the wall socket and inform thedealer, who should then check the unit beforefurther use. Entry of liquid into the M3x ViNYLis dangerous and may cause electric shock orfire hazard. Do not place the unit near direct heat sourcessuch as radiators, direct sunlight or otherequipment. Do not remove any covers or try to gain accessto the inside. There are no user adjustmentsor fuses to change without qualification. Referall service work to an authorized MusicalFidelity agent.Note: Unauthorized opening of the equipmentwill invalidate any warranty claim.The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment arecomplex and may, therefore, be adverselyaffected or damaged by lightning. Forprotection of the audio system during electricalstorms, remove the mains plugs. If after-salesservice is required, to help the dealer identify theM3x ViNYL please quote the serial numberlocated on the rear panel of the unit.

InstallationIntroductionAudio Output ConnectionsThis unit will deliver the ultimate performancepossible from any phono source.RCA audio output: Use good quality RCA phonoaudio cables (fully connected signal and ground),for optimum signal transfer.CleaningInterconnectsBefore cleaning the unit, switch off power at the If necessary, please refer to the dealer who canmains switch and remove the mains plug from the advise on quality cables for any setup. Musicalwall socket. Clean the cabinet and remote-control Fidelity does not endorse any otherunit using a moist cloth. Using solvents, white manufacturer’s cables.spirit or thinners is not advised, as they coulddamage the surface finish.Cartridge characteristicsFor setting the various loading characteristics, theInstallationcartridge manufacturer’s data sheets or setupPosition the M3x ViNYL on a stable, horizontal information should be consulted.surface where there is no risk of it beingknocked or subjected to vibration such as from In a lot of cases the settings are not critical, andmay even be changed to suit personal preference,loudspeakers.if any audible differences are apparent.Power ConnectionsThe M3x ViNYL is supplied with a standard IECmains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at theback of the unit.No damage will occur to an “incorrectly” loadedcartridge; at very worse a slightly impaired ornonoptimal frequency response and/or slightlyincreased distortion, both most likely to beinaudible, may result.5

MM / MCPHONO STAGEx ViNYLFacilities & Connections112346354Power/Standby/Mute button and LED’sMM/MC SelectionMM Loading selectionIEC (on/off)77828Grounding postRCA Phono Input L/R566Gain 6dbMC Loading selection910910RCA output L/RMains IEC socket

OperationOnce the M3x ViNYL unit is correctly wired up, andplugged into mains, the orange STBY led shouldbe lit.In this mode the M3x ViNYL is consuming aminimal amount of power.To switch the unit on, press the Power button (1)on the front of the unit. The blue PWR indicatorwill light along with the red MUTE indicator. Aftera few seconds, when it has stabilised, the MUTEfunction will switch off and the unit is ready foruse.MM/MC selectionPress the MM/MC button (2) to switch betweenMM/MC cartridges.muted), to avoid any accidental loud transientsgetting through to the speakers. Once options areset, the volume should then be turned back tonormal listening level.InputThe M3x ViNYL has a one RCA (single ended) phonoinput. Connect your turntable to this input.The M3x ViNYL will remember the last settingsapplied.OutputOn the rear of the unit there is one set of RCA(single ended) outputs. Connect your M3x ViNYLto your amplifier using this output.MM loadingPress the MM loading button (3) to cycle throughMM loading.IECPress the IEC button (4) to reduce the subsonicoutput of the phono amplifier caused by disk warpand turntable rumble.GainPress the 6db button (5) to increase the outputgain.MC loadingPress the MC loading button (6) to cycle throughMC loading.Note: A great deal of effort has gone intomaking sure that the unit exhibits no loudnoises through the system during switchingoptions or on/off. However, once installed intoa hifi system, it is still a very high gain(amplification) amplifier at the beginning of ahighamplificationchain.Therefore,increasing the main amplifier volume tomaximum and listening for clicks/thumps isneither recommended nor sensible. It is stronglyrecommended that the option buttons are onlypressed when the volume is turned down (or7

MM / MCPHONO STAGEx ViNYLTroubleshootingProblemProbable CauseRemedyNo power.Power plug is not inserted intosocket correctly.Plug in securely into unit’s IEC socket.No sound.Wrong connections betweeninput sources and the unitCheck audio input and output lead connections.Cartridge incorrectly wired.Check cartridge wiring.Sound too quiet/loud.Wrong MM/MC cartridgeselection.Use MM setting for MM cartridges.Use MC setting for MC cartridges.Sound is not precise,lacking in bass andstereo image.Cartridge incorrectly wired.Check turntable tracking weight and cartridge setup.Input connector plugs not fullypushed in.Output connector plugs not fullypushed in.Check plugs are inserted fully and securely.Hum.Turntable not earthed or needsearthing.Check turntable earthing lead is connected to earthing post.Turntable already earthed andearthingfurther creates hum loop insystem.Disconnect earthing lead from earthing post.Earth loops already in systembeing amplified.Investigate for earth loops elsewhere in system.Audio connector plug not fullypushed inCable fault.Insert plug securely and check cable is connected at both ends.Unsuitable Cable(e .g . cable grounds notconnected).N .B . some esoteric cables have internal wiring intentionally disconnected/modified. For best results on all inputs AND outputs, please use goodquality screened coax; fully connected signal-to signal, screen-to-screen.Pop or click heard inspeakerswhen switching on oroff orchanging options.High gain of M3xViNYL, amplifyingnormal circuittransients.Not a fault. It is recommended that the volume level on amplifier is turneddown if switching the M3x ViNYL on or off; or pressing option switcheswhilst connected.Distorted sound.Cartridge and/or tone arm notaligned properly.Carefully follow turntable instructions to correctly re-align tone arm andcartridge.Cartridge fault or worn needle.Replace needle or cartridge.Dirt on record.Clean dust and dirt from record.Line outputs of M3x ViNYLplugged into PHONO amplifierinputs of following amplifier.Use LINE level inputs only, e.g. an AUX input.Distorted and loudsound.If none of these actions affect a cure, please contact the dealer, or an authorised Musical Fidelityservice agent.Remember; never open the case of the M3x ViNYL, as this will invalidate the warranty.8