Audio T Verdict
The Musical Fidelity M6sCD combines a dedicated Red Book CD player with a 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter for external digital sources.
Its two coaxial, two optical and asynchronous USB inputs make it a useful digital hub, while fixed RCA and balanced XLR outputs allow straightforward connection to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.
It is not an SACD player or network streamer, and its USB input is limited to 24-bit/96kHz PCM. For listeners who still use CD but also want to improve several digital sources through one component, the connection range is the main advantage.
Musical Fidelity M6sCD CD Player and DAC
The Musical Fidelity M6sCD is both a full-size CD player and a standalone DAC for compatible digital equipment.
Alongside conventional compact-disc playback, its internal conversion stage can accept sound from streamers, televisions, set-top boxes, computers, digital radios and other sources with suitable PCM outputs.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs are provided, together with coaxial and optical digital outputs for systems using a separate DAC.
Model-Name Styling
Musical Fidelity currently styles the model as M6scd on its website, while the manual and some retailer material use M6SCD. M6sCD is used here for readability and consistency with the wider M6s range.
Directly Supported
- Standard Red Book audio CDs
- Good-quality audio CD-R and CD-RW discs
- Stereo PCM sources through coaxial or optical S/PDIF
- Computer audio through asynchronous USB-B
- Amplifiers with RCA or balanced XLR line inputs
- External DACs through coaxial or optical digital output
Not Built In or Not Supported
- No SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray or data-disc playback
- No built-in streaming, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or internet radio
- No direct playback from USB memory sticks
- No DSD or multichannel Dolby and DTS decoding
- No variable volume control or headphone socket
- An amplifier or suitable active speakers are required
Red Book CD Playback
The transport is designed around the Philips and Sony Red Book CD Digital Audio standard. It supports commercially produced audio CDs and good-quality recordable CD-R and rewritable CD-RW audio discs.
It is not an SACD player and does not play DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Audio or computer data discs containing music files.
Disc compatibility can vary with non-standard pressings and the quality or condition of recordable media. Dirty, damaged or poorly finalised discs may not read reliably.
CD Text and Playback Functions
Compatible CD Text discs can display album, artist and track information on the front panel.
Playback functions include direct track selection, track search, repeat, shuffle, scan and programmed play. The display offers full brightness, reduced brightness and off settings through the remote control.
32-Bit Dual-Differential DAC
The internal converter uses a 32-bit Delta-Sigma dual-differential circuit with eight-times oversampling. Musical Fidelity describes the player as applying 192kHz upsampling to move conversion artefacts away from the audible frequency range.
The same conversion and filtering stage is available to the external coaxial, optical and USB inputs, allowing the M6sCD to operate as the central DAC for several digital sources.
Musical Fidelity specifies total correlated jitter below 135 picoseconds peak to peak, signal-to-noise ratio greater than 117dB and total harmonic distortion below 0.003 per cent from 10Hz to 20kHz.
Two Coaxial Digital Inputs
The two coaxial S/PDIF inputs accept stereo PCM signals from 32kHz to 192kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
These connections suit compatible streamers, CD transports and other sources where sample rates above the 96kHz optical-input limit may be required.
Specification Correction: kHz, Not kbps
The existing Audio T specification lists the coaxial and optical ranges in kbps. These figures are sampling frequencies and should be stated in kHz: up to 192kHz through coaxial and up to 96kHz through optical.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two optical Toslink inputs accept 16-bit or 24-bit stereo PCM signals from 32kHz to 96kHz.
Optical connection is particularly useful for televisions and set-top boxes because it provides electrical isolation between the source and hi-fi system.
Television and Set-Top Box Setup
The M6sCD accepts two-channel PCM. A connected television, disc player or set-top box must therefore have its digital audio output set to PCM or stereo rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or multichannel output.
Incorrect output formatting will normally result in no lock or no sound.
Asynchronous USB Computer Input
The rear USB type-B input accepts asynchronous stereo PCM from a compatible computer at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Playback software on the computer handles formats such as FLAC, WAV, ALAC or MP3 and sends PCM audio to the M6sCD. The player itself is not directly decoding those file formats.
The USB socket is a computer-audio input rather than a connection for memory sticks, phones or portable drives. A direct network or wireless streaming function is not included.
Musical Fidelity recommends a USB cable no longer than 4.5 metres and advises against sharing the same USB bus or hub with other high-bandwidth devices where possible.
Balanced XLR and RCA Analogue Outputs
Fixed-level stereo outputs are provided through both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections.
Musical Fidelity specifies a nominal 4.4V RMS output through XLR and 2.2V RMS through RCA, with an output impedance of 50 ohms for either connection.
Use the connection appropriate for the partnering amplifier. The higher XLR level can produce a noticeable change in loudness when comparing the two outputs, so comparisons should be level matched.
These outputs are fixed rather than volume controlled. The M6sCD must therefore feed an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or active speaker system with its own volume control.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs
One coaxial and one optical S/PDIF output allow the player to be connected to a compatible external DAC, digital recorder or digital-equipped amplifier.
The published interface limits are up to 24-bit/192kHz through coaxial and 24-bit/96kHz through optical. Standard CD material originates as 16-bit/44.1kHz audio.
Trigger Connections
A 3.5mm trigger input and output allow compatible equipment to share power-control commands within an installed system.
The trigger input accepts the manufacturer-specified DC control range, while the output supplies a 12V trigger signal. Trigger connections are for control only and do not carry audio.
Remote Control
The supplied M6 remote provides disc transport, direct track access, repeat, shuffle, programme, scan, display and digital-input selection controls.
It also includes controls for compatible Musical Fidelity amplifiers, helping an M6-series source and amplifier share one handset.
Installation and Ventilation
Position the player on a stable, level support away from direct heat, moisture and strong loudspeaker vibration.
The ventilation openings above and below the chassis should remain clear. If the player is moved from a cold environment into a warm room, allow time for any condensation to evaporate before playing a disc.
Power consumption is specified at a maximum of 20W during operation and below 0.5W in standby.
Black or Silver Finish
The M6sCD is available with a black or silver fascia, subject to current stock and availability.
Both finishes use the same transport, DAC, connections and technical specification.
Key Features
- Red Book audio CD player
- Good-quality audio CD-R and CD-RW compatibility
- CD Text display support
- 32-bit Delta-Sigma dual-differential DAC
- Eight-times oversampling and 192kHz upsampling
- Two coaxial S/PDIF inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Two optical Toslink inputs up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Asynchronous USB-B input up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM
- Fixed balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs
- Trigger input and output
- Remote control with CD and digital-input functions
- Black or silver finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M6sCD play SACD?
No. It is a Red Book audio CD player and does not provide SACD, DVD-Audio or Blu-ray Audio playback.
Can it play CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes, the manufacturer supports good-quality recordable and rewritable audio CDs. Compatibility can depend on the disc, recording quality and whether it has been finalised correctly.
Can it play MP3 or FLAC files from a disc?
No. The disc mechanism is intended for audio CD rather than data discs. A computer can decode music files and send compatible PCM audio through the USB input.
Can the M6sCD be used as a DAC?
Yes. It provides two coaxial, two optical and one asynchronous USB input, all routed through its internal DAC and filtering stage.
Can I connect a television?
Yes, when the television has a compatible optical or coaxial digital output. Set the television to two-channel PCM or stereo output rather than Dolby Digital, DTS or bitstream.
Does it have built-in streaming?
No. A separate streamer can connect through coaxial, optical or a suitable USB computer connection.
Can I connect a USB memory stick?
No. The USB type-B socket is an asynchronous computer-audio input and is not a USB storage player.
Should I use RCA or XLR outputs?
Use the connection that best suits the partnering amplifier and system. XLR provides a balanced connection and a higher nominal output level, while RCA suits conventional unbalanced inputs.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Not safely in a conventional system because its analogue outputs are fixed level. Use an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or another device with suitable volume control.
Can it be used purely as a CD transport?
Yes. The coaxial and optical digital outputs can feed a compatible external DAC or digital-equipped amplifier.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- CD player and amplifier demonstrations through participating branches
- RCA and balanced XLR connection advice
- Streamer, television and set-top box setup guidance
- Help configuring two-channel PCM digital output
- External DAC and digital-output matching
- USB computer-audio setup advice
- System matching with Musical Fidelity amplification
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system setup and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration and confirm source, amplifier and connection compatibility before ordering.