Audio T Verdict
The Musical Fidelity M3sCD combines a tray-loading Red Book CD player with a standalone digital-to-analogue converter for televisions, streamers, computers and other compatible digital sources.
Its 24-bit dual-differential Delta-Sigma DAC upsamples incoming audio to 192kHz before feeding a fixed stereo RCA output. Coaxial, optical and asynchronous USB inputs make it more flexible than a conventional disc-only player.
It is not a network streamer or SACD player, and it accepts stereo PCM rather than multichannel cinema formats. Within those boundaries, it provides a practical CD source and digital hub for a conventional hi-fi system.
Musical Fidelity M3sCD CD Player and DAC
The Musical Fidelity M3sCD is a full-width CD player with an integrated DAC that can also process audio from external digital sources.
Its tray-loading mechanism plays Red Book CD-DA discs, while coaxial, optical and asynchronous USB inputs allow compatible televisions, set-top boxes, streamers and computers to use the same internal conversion circuitry.
A fixed stereo RCA output connects the player to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier. Coaxial and optical digital outputs also allow the CD transport to feed an external DAC.
CD Player and Standalone DAC
Unlike the disc-only M2sCD, the M3sCD has three selectable digital inputs: coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK and asynchronous USB Type B.
These inputs accept stereo PCM within their published bit-depth and sample-rate limits. Dolby Digital, DTS and other multichannel bitstreams are not supported.
Use It as a CD Player
- Load a standard Red Book audio CD in the front tray
- Select CD mode from the front panel or remote
- Use the RCA outputs with the internal DAC
- Use a digital output with an external DAC if preferred
Use It as a DAC
- Connect a digital source to coaxial, optical or USB
- Select the corresponding input on the player
- Set televisions and set-top boxes to stereo PCM
- Connect the fixed RCA output to an amplifier
Tray-Loading CD Mechanism
The M3sCD uses a conventional motorised disc tray rather than the slot-loading mechanism fitted to the M2sCD.
Press the front-panel eject button to open the tray, place the disc label side upwards and close it using eject or play. The player then reads the disc and shows the number of tracks and total playing time.
Front-panel controls provide CD mode selection, play and pause, stop, previous and next track, eject, display operation and direct access to each digital input.
Red Book CD-DA Playback
The mechanism is designed for conventional Red Book CD-DA audio discs and compatible audio-format CD-R and CD-RW media.
Musical Fidelity recommends recording home-created discs as CD-DA Audio CDs on good-quality media at a moderate writing speed. The disc mechanism does not play MP3, WAV or other encoded computer files from a data disc.
Computer audio files can still be played through suitable software and sent to the M3sCD's USB input as a compatible PCM audio stream. This is separate from the CD mechanism's disc-format support.
24-Bit DAC with 192kHz Upsampling
The internal converter uses a 24-bit Delta-Sigma bitstream DAC in a dual-differential arrangement with eight-times oversampling.
CD audio and signals from the digital inputs are upsampled to 192kHz before conversion. Upsampling does not add information to the source; it changes the internal processing rate so that conversion artefacts can be filtered further outside the audio band.
Musical Fidelity specifies total correlated jitter below 135 picoseconds peak to peak, total harmonic distortion below 0.003 per cent and an A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio above 117dB.
Coaxial Digital Input
The RCA coaxial S/PDIF input accepts 16-bit to 24-bit stereo PCM at sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz.
This is the most capable digital input for sources operating above 96kHz. A purpose-designed coaxial digital cable should be used rather than a conventional analogue interconnect where possible.
The existing Audio T page describes these rates as kilobits per second. The correct unit is kilohertz because the figures specify audio sampling frequency.
Optical Digital Input
The optical TOSLINK input accepts 16-bit to 24-bit stereo PCM at sample rates from 32kHz to 96kHz.
Optical connection provides electrical isolation between components and is often convenient for a television, set-top box or games console.
The connected source must be configured for compatible stereo PCM output. A multichannel Dolby Digital or DTS signal will not be decoded by the M3sCD.
Asynchronous USB Input
The rear USB Type B input accepts an asynchronous audio stream from a compatible computer at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
It is a computer-audio connection rather than a socket for USB memory sticks, portable drives or direct playback from a phone. Use a USB Type A to Type B cable no longer than 4.5 metres.
The original manual lists computer operating systems available when the product was introduced. Compatibility with a particular current computer, operating system and playback application should be confirmed before purchase.
Using a Television or Set-Top Box
A television, Blu-ray player or set-top box can connect through the coaxial or optical input when it provides a supported stereo PCM signal.
In the source device's audio menu, select PCM, two-channel PCM or stereo PCM instead of Bitstream, Auto, Dolby Digital or DTS.
If the M3sCD display reports that the input is not locked, check the source format, cable and selected input before assuming that either component is faulty.
Fixed Stereo RCA Output
One pair of RCA sockets carries the converted analogue signal from CD playback or the selected digital input to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.
The output is fixed at a nominal 2.2V RMS for a digital 0dB signal and has a specified impedance of 50 ohms. Connect it to a normal line-level input such as CD, AUX or Line.
Listening volume must be controlled by the connected amplifier. The M3sCD does not provide a variable pre-amplifier output or headphone socket.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs
The M3sCD can also operate as a CD transport through its coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs.
The coaxial output supports up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the optical output supports up to 24-bit/96kHz. These outputs can feed an external DAC or a suitable digital input on an amplifier.
The digital outputs and digital inputs perform different jobs: the outputs send a signal from the player, while the inputs allow an external source to use the M3sCD's internal DAC.
Trigger Input and Output
A 3.5mm trigger input allows a compatible system controller or amplifier to bring the M3sCD out of standby.
The trigger output passes a 12V DC control signal to another compatible component, allowing several Musical Fidelity products to switch together.
Trigger sockets carry control voltage rather than audio and must only be connected using suitable mono trigger cables.
Front-Panel and Remote Operation
The supplied M3s system remote controls CD playback and provides direct track selection, search, repeat, shuffle, introduction scan and programmed playback for up to 30 tracks.
Dedicated CD, coaxial S/PDIF, optical and USB buttons select the required source. The display can be reduced through several brightness levels or switched off.
The handset also includes amplifier volume, mute and source controls for compatible Musical Fidelity equipment. These buttons do not make the player's fixed RCA output variable.
Designed to Match the M3si
The M3sCD is designed to partner the Musical Fidelity M3si integrated amplifier and shares its full-width casework and fascia styling.
It can also be used with another integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier that provides a suitable line-level input.
Black and silver finishes are available, subject to current stock and availability. Both versions have the same internal electronics and connection layout.
Installation and Ventilation
Place the player on a stable, level surface away from loudspeaker vibration, direct heat and moisture.
The top and bottom ventilation openings must remain clear. Musical Fidelity does not recommend enclosing the player where airflow is restricted.
If the M3sCD has been moved from a cold environment into a warm room, allow approximately one hour for internal condensation to clear before using the disc mechanism.
Key Features
- Tray-loading Red Book CD-DA player
- Standalone digital-to-analogue converter
- 24-bit dual-differential Delta-Sigma DAC
- Eight-times oversampling
- Internal upsampling to 192kHz
- Coaxial S/PDIF input up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Optical TOSLINK input up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Asynchronous USB Type B input up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Fixed stereo RCA analogue output
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs
- Stereo PCM digital-signal support
- 12V system trigger input and output
- M3s system remote control supplied
- Black or silver finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M3sCD also a standalone DAC?
Yes. Its coaxial, optical and asynchronous USB inputs allow compatible external digital sources to use the player's internal DAC and fixed RCA output.
Does it play SACDs?
No. The disc mechanism is designed for Red Book CD-DA audio discs and does not decode the high-resolution SACD layer.
Can it play MP3 or WAV files from a CD?
No. The disc mechanism does not read MP3, WAV or other encoded data discs. Computer audio software can play those files and send a compatible PCM stream through the USB input.
Can I connect a television?
Yes, through the coaxial or optical input. Set the television's digital output to stereo PCM rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, Bitstream or Auto.
What is the maximum resolution of each digital input?
Coaxial accepts up to 24-bit/192kHz, while optical and asynchronous USB accept up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Can I plug a USB memory stick into it?
No. The USB Type B socket is an asynchronous computer-audio input, not a media-player connection for memory sticks or portable drives.
Can it be used as a CD transport?
Yes. The coaxial and optical digital outputs can send the CD signal to an external DAC or compatible digital amplifier.
Does it have a variable output or headphone socket?
No. The stereo RCA output is fixed, and there is no headphone connection. Listening volume must be controlled by the connected amplifier.
What do the trigger connections do?
They allow compatible components to switch between standby and operation together. The trigger sockets carry control voltage and are not audio connections.
What is supplied with the player?
The manufacturer lists an IEC mains lead, M3s system remote and two AAA batteries as standard accessories.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice on CD players, DACs and complete hi-fi systems
- Help configuring television and streamer PCM output
- Computer USB-audio compatibility guidance
- Amplifier, source and cable matching assistance
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Home demonstration support where available
- Ongoing system setup and servicing advice
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss availability, arrange a demonstration and confirm compatibility with your amplifier and digital sources.