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Musical Fidelity MX-DAC
MX-DAC - Overview
After years of patient research and development, we are proud to launch our MX-DAC with DSD. With its technical innovation, superb technical performance and excellent build quality, the new MX DAC offers truly outstanding value for money.
The MX-DAC is a tremendous performer. It has ultra low distortion, very wide bandwidth and low noise. The technical performance of the MX-DAC is on a par with any other DAC at any price. Jitter is about 12pps, s/n ratio is -116dB (‘A’ weighted), linearity is +0.2dB at -116dB, stereo separation is -104dB at 1kHz, frequency response is ruler flat and distortion is 0.00025% at 1kHz and 0.0003% at 20kHz. These technical figures are state-of-the-art and show that our implementation is almost perfect, to ensure completely neutral and accurate digital-to-analogue conversion of any digital input.
The MX DAC has inputs for: 2 x coax (up to 24bit 192 kHz PCM), 2 x optical (up to 24bit 192kHz PCM) and asynchronous USB up to 24bit 192 kHz PCM as well as DSD 64 and DSD 128.
Also, all inputs whether from coax, optical or USB, are processed in the DSD domain. This desirable feature gives a warmth and humanity to the sound that simple digital conversion doesn’t achieve.
The MX DAC has both single ended and balanced outputs.
The new MX range has beautiful aesthetics and wonderful build quality. The front panel and housing are both from exclusive custom-made extrusions using mil-spec aluminium.
- Superlative state of the art performance with ultra-flat frequency response
- Able to process DSD64 and DSD128 formats as well as PCM up to 192kHz / 24bit
- Multiple digital inputs – 2 x coax, 2 x optical, and asynchronous USB
- All inputs processed and converted in DSD domain
- Very low noise
- Extremely low distortion
- Outstanding linearity
- Outstanding channel separation
- Beautiful aesthetics and build quality
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
78/100
Value for Money
95/100
The MX-DAC brings silky, natural sound to compact digital systems, pairing a lightly warm tonal richness with clean detail, sibilance-free vocals and wide, precise imaging. StereoNET United Kingdom admired its open musicality and rhythmic poise, while The Ear highlighted its expansive stage. Balanced XLR outputs, DSD support and generous digital connectivity complete an unusually refined value proposition.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Smooth, natural and subtly warm presentation preserves tonal richness without sacrificing clarity.
Wide, precise stereo imaging with strong instrumental separation and convincing spatial scale.
Well-equipped compact chassis offers USB, dual coaxial and optical inputs, plus balanced XLR and RCA outputs.
Excellent fit and finish and performance reviewers consider exceptional for its price class.
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Cons
No volume control or remote, so it cannot drive a power amplifier directly.
No headphone output, analogue input or network streaming functionality.
Small, dim front-panel LEDs and the tiny input selector can be difficult to use.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
Reviewers describe a clean, open and notably natural presentation that combines transparency with a touch of warmth rather than sounding clinical. It is praised for convincing space and imaging, satisfying dynamics, and an easygoing character that works across a wide range of recordings and genres.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
93/100
StereoNET found the MX-DAC clean, open and musical, with transparency complemented by a subtle warmth that preserves tonal richness. Hi-Fi News called the sound satisfying, seductive and silky, highlighting ripe bass, satin-like treble and warm vocals; The Ear also praised its engaging tonal balance across the frequency range.
Resolution and Detail
89/100
StereoNET heard a clearly delineated recorded acoustic, good textural detail and vibrant vocals. The Ear noted rich piano notes with long decay and strong instrumental separation, while both Hi-Fi News and The Ear singled out expansive, precisely specified imaging.
Digital Performance
91/100
Hi-Fi News found the MX-DAC free of audible digital artifacts and sibilance, describing USB playback as deliciously clear, liquid and natural. StereoNET likewise found no obvious weaknesses in its presentation, and the reported low-jitter design supports the consistently smooth listening impressions.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Hi-Fi News was impressed by the matte finish, chamfered and fluted extruded casework, positive-feel power switch, crisp buttons and high-quality rear-panel hardware. The Ear also calls the casework and display attractive, though the reviews offer little discussion of internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
78/100
The compact DAC provides USB, two coaxial and two optical inputs, plus both RCA and balanced XLR outputs. USB accepts PCM to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64/128, while the front panel supplies input selection and two filter settings; there is no streaming, headphone output, volume control or remote functionality mentioned.
Value for Money
95/100
At a stated £629 RRP, StereoNET considered it hard to beat near its price, while Hi-Fi News described it as a no-brainer purchase for budget-conscious music lovers. Hi-Fi News also positioned it favourably between inexpensive USB DACs and roughly £1,200 alternatives such as the Mytek Liberty, praising its sound, inputs and finish.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Musical Fidelity MX-DAC
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
and 150 more verified dealers