Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Superb styling and build quality with a thick, satin-finished aluminum alloy fascia plate and metal buttons
- Versatile DAC functionality with multiple digital inputs: RCA coaxial, optical, and asynchronous USB
- Nicely judged, balanced sound, retaining the emotion of the music without being overly analytical
- Huge soundstage with sweet, and luscious highs
- Extremely low distortion levels, minimal jitter, and a superior channel separation for precise timing
Product Considerations
- The display uses a blocky, old-school font that some might not like
- One reviewer was not convinced with its function as an external DAC to other digital equipment
- At a premium price point, it may be feature-rich for those seeking just CD playback
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Apollo: It isn't quite as tonally warm, the Apollo gives the recording a smoother, softer and more sepia-tinged patina
- Vs Denon DCD-1600NE: It treads a nicely judged path right down the middle, while the Denon has a lean, clean and detailed personality that's not so emotionally communicative
Takeaway: The M3sCD CD Player offers a great combination of CD playback quality and versatile digital hub functionality. It is a well-built machine with balanced sound that will please serious music enthusiasts.
All
M3scd
reviews
Manufacturer details
Performance
- Jitter: <135 picoseconds peak to peak
- Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20 kHz -0.2dB max.
- Signal to Noise Ratio: >117dB
- THD(+ noise): <0.003% 10Hz to 20 kHz
- Linearity: <0.1dB down to -96dB
- Channel Separation: 105dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Hardware
- DAC:24 bit Delta-Sigma (bit stream) dual differential 8x over-sampling
Outputs
- 1x line level RCA
- 1x RCA coaxial connector (Digital SPDIF)
- 1x Toslink optical connector (Digital SPDIF)
- 1x Trigger output - 3.5mm (1/8”) mono jack +12V DC
Inputs
- 1x RCA coaxial connector SPDIF 32-192kHz
- (16-24 bit stereo PCM)
- 1x TOSLINK optical connector 32-96kHz
- (16-24 bit stereo PCM)
- 1x USB type ‘B’ connector -
- Asynchronous data stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Trigger in
General
- Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 100 x 380
- Weight (unpacked / packed): 6.05 kg / 9.9 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They place a significant emphasis on achieving a distinctive, energetic sound, even at the expense of absolute neutrality, leading to a more engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
- Musical Fidelity often integrates advanced features, like sophisticated equalization or balanced inputs/outputs, into their designs to enhance versatility and cater to audiophiles' evolving needs.
Select products
V90-BHA
- Positioning: The entry-level balanced headphone amplifier in Musical Fidelity's lineup.
- Description: Offers excellent sound quality with balanced audio technology. Features balanced XLR inputs and outputs, which minimize noise and interference, providing a cleaner sound. This makes it ideal for users with a limited budget who want to enhance their headphone listening experience.
M2si
- Positioning: An affordable integrated amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without extra features.
- Description: Delivers a pure and dynamic sound, drawing on technology from Musical Fidelity's premium models. Stands out with its fully discrete power amplifier and independent power supplies, offering a performance akin to a pre/power configuration in a single unit.
M8xi
- Positioning: A super integrated amplifier, positioned as a high-performance model in the M8 series.
- Description: Known for its powerful and articulate sound, featuring dual mono power amps and a high-quality DAC. It offers significant power output and low distortion. Provides extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs, catering to users with diverse system compatibility needs.
Nu-Vista 800.2
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier in the Nu-Vista series, representing the pinnacle of Musical Fidelity's offerings.
- Description: Combines the unique Nu-Vista tube technology with modern design, delivering an exceptionally smooth and powerful sound. Features dual mono power amps and a locally decoupled output stage, providing remarkable stability and control over any loudspeaker.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
Musical Fidelity (like other Audio Tuning brands) is structured in a pretty traditional way, whereby support and advice are best administered on a local level. Of course, they have a technical team positioned at HQ to help all their partners around the world, and in some more extreme cases you may need to be put straight through to this team. But it's the job of the distributor to support the territory in the best way it can.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
I can tell you this, as we've done this recently for others. These are personal choices:
Simon Quarry – the chief designer – selected these three.
- Low Desert Punk – Brant Bjork
- Moon Love – Electric Moon
- Psychic Chasm – Ozric Tentacles
Heinz Lichtenegger – the brand owner – selected these two:
- Tosca – Puccini, Leontyne Price, Di Stefano, Taddei / Vienna Philharmonic with Herbert von Karajan (Decca, 1963)
- Don Juan – Richard Strauss, Tod und Verklaerung, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Vienna Philharmonic with Herbert von Karajan (Decca, 1960)
What other products pair best with yours?
This is a tough one! Partly because of the diverse range of products on offer from Musical Fidelity. For example, with the A1, we have a lot of success pairing this amp with Klipsch Heresy or Forte IV – but in smaller rooms, our own-brand LS3/5A are a wonderful choice. For Nu-Vista, we pair very nicely with Piega – which requires some deeper power reserves to really get going. So I would say it's very difficult to pair the sonic ID with one brand in particular. Musical Fidelity pairs pretty nicely with a wide range of products, giving customers a great degree of choice.
Used
Musical Fidelity
What if you spend more?
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a disc player, DAC, and streaming capabilities into one unit, serving as a versatile digital hub
- Excellent build quality and premium materials
- Delivers a controlled and clear sonic performance across all sources
- Supports a wide array of digital formats, including CD, SACD, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, DSF, and DFF
- Includes various connectivity options such as USB-A, USB-B, coaxial, optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect
Product Considerations
- The Technics app is described as clunky and underwhelming, and initial setup requires using Google Home
- The front panel display is a small monochrome display and can appear busy
- Requires careful system matching, and it may sound undemonstrative/edgy in wrong circumstances
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel Diamond Series DT-6000: The Technics offers streaming and SACD-playing capabilities, and the Technics build quality is also more robust
Takeaway: The SL-G700M2 offers a very versatile digital source and hub due to its ability to play many different media and file formats. The premium build quality and its excellent audio performance make it a great addition to any audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
In a world full of options for downloading music, sound formats, compression methods, and streaming services, putting on some music can feel overwhelming. What should be easy and enjoyable, suddenly becomes complex and stressful. Playing a CD on the Viking is not. It is only joy.
Viking is a true native 16/44.1 CD player developed from the ground up for optimal performance on standard (Redbook) CDs. It is designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible by optimizing its components to deliver a high-quality output that is true to the original recording.
We have called our CD player Viking because, much like our ancient Norse forefathers, we are improving on existing technology. When the Viking era began, boats had been around for thousands of years. What the Vikings did was perfect the design. Their longboats could not only sail near the coasts but also traverse the open oceans. The improvements they made took the Vikings to new shores and even new continents. The CD technology might be old, but we believe that when perfected, it is still the best digital medium available.
At first glance Viking might seem simple, but with simplicity comes excellence. Because Viking is focused solely on playing Redbook CDs it can reach unprecedented levels of fidelity. By doing only one thing there are no trade-offs. Viking consists only of high-quality components designed specifically for the task, and that makes this CD player sound truly astounding.
Viking uses a dedicated laser and CD drive to ensure optimal reading of the data. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art DAC that delivers high-quality digital-to-analog conversion with minimal distortion, making it possible to hear all the nuances and subtleties in the music. The Viking does not upsample or tamper with the signal in any way. Because by leaving the signal as it is on the disc, the already excellent DAC is optimized to perform at its absolute best.
The drive and the DAC are directly controlled by our unique Master clock system, ensuring perfect timing between the two. Using a quartz crystal with very low phase noise and our patented SoundEngine technology, the Hegel-designed discrete clock in the Viking reduces jitter to an absolute minimum.
The Viking CD player also features an OLED display that is specifically selected for its low noise, resulting in a clearer and more detailed sound. The analog stage in Viking is developed specifically for this model. It incorporates both our analog low pass filter and Line Driver technology, ensuring fully balanced and noise-free handling of the signal all the way to your amplifier.
One of the most notable features of the Viking CD player is its cabinet design. The sleek design of Viking matches the P30A and H30A for a modern and cohesive look. But the design choices are not only aesthetical. A very reliable slot in drive and a well-engineered and solid build means this player will last for years and years.
The Viking CD player has one pair of balanced XLR outputs, one pair of unbalanced RCA outputs, and one BNC digital true 75 Ohm output, making it easy to operate and integrate into any audio system. The player also has an auto-standby feature for greater convenience, and it comes with Hegel's solid aluminum RC8 remote that can also control all other Hegel products.
The Hegel Viking is a top-of-the-line CD player designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible. With its mechanical design, advanced digital technology, our unique Master clock system, and superb analog stage, Viking is a must-have for any audiophile who wants to experience music in its purest form. Viking is a peak-performance machine. It is designed to do one thing and one thing only: To capture every single aspect of the music you are listening to. Hegel Viking is the best CD player we have ever made.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Very musical and pleasant to listen to, with an analog sound and no hard edges
- Offers a multi-layered soundstage with excellent separation between instruments and vocals
- Great timing, which enhances musicality and engagement
- New design is consistent with the new products and is a good change
Product Considerations
- The play button is in a strange spot and can be hard to figure out, the remote buttons are small
- Only plays standard Redbook CDs
- Has a BNC digital output, which may not be compatible with all DACs
- No standby button
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Viking does not sparkle as much on the top end as the Cambridge Audio, but moves the heart more
- The Viking has more resolution and texture in the mid-range than the Creek
- Esoteric is more detailed, while Viking is more musical
- The Viking has better dynamic contrast and potent bass reproduction than the Marantz and Primare
Takeaway: The Viking CD player is a great choice for those who want to enjoy their CD collection without the complexities of streaming. It delivers a high level of musicality and engagement, making it a worthwhile investment for CD enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The CDi XR was designed as a reference integrated CD player, building upon the legacy of the multi award winning CDi. Housed within our iconic half-width chassis, the CDi-XR sits above the existing CDi and CDt models, offering a substantive performance upgrade. What Hi-Fi rated the CDi-XR a 5 Star product, and uses the CDi-XR in their listening room, so don’t just take our word for it, book a demo with your local Cyrus dealer to hear your CDs like never before.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers excellent clarity and detail resolution, extracting a high level of information from CDs
- Offers strong dynamics and a powerful, articulate low-end performance
- Precise and controlled sound—described as fast, agile, and with good timing
- Designed to reduce noise through power supply design, DAC optimization and component choice
- Plays CDs with a full-bodied and sophisticated character
Product Considerations
- Front panel control buttons can be inconsistent in their responsiveness
- Some reviewers feel the design is too similar to older Cyrus models and not a significant departure for a new upmarket range
- The display is small and not particularly legible from a distance
- Tonal balance can lean to the leaner side and has the ability to sound like it has too much of an edge when matched with a bright sounding system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The CDi-XR delivers detail in a more dynamic fashion and left the OPPO standing
- It was also able to better differentiate harmonies than the OPPO
Takeaway: The Cyrus CDi-XR is a well-built CD player that pulls more data from CDs than any other and provides a great, energetic sound. This is a solid choice to make the most of a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Rega Saturn MkIII combines well-thought-out connectivity with special performance
- Sounds fantastic across both CD and digital inputs
- Well-made and easy to use
- Delivers the musical message dynamically, emotionally, and in terms of rhythm and pace
- Rega has an enviable track record for reliability and service
Product Considerations
- The top-loading mechanism requires more space than a tray-based CD player
- The DAC is limited to 192 kHz
- Does not play SACDs
- Some reviewers found the Solaris remote control to have too many buttons
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sounds the same as the Saturn R, with the exception of the front panel
- Compared to some Naim CD players, the Rega will sound more reserved, but it depends on the rest of the system and its tonal balance and presentation
Takeaway: The Rega Saturn MkIII is a well-built and reliable CD player/DAC that delivers a compelling and engaging musical experience from a CD collection. It is especially suitable for those who value musical timing and coherence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Acts as both a high-quality CD player and a high-resolution network audio playback source, offering flexibility for different digital music sources
- Offers a clear and detailed sound quality due to its ESS Sabre DAC and custom-designed Marantz Musical Digital Filters
- The design is sleek and classy, complementing the Marantz MODEL 50 amplifier
- Supports multiple streaming services via HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it easy to access music from various platforms
- Features extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs (Toslink, Coaxial, USB A & B), network access (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), and HDMI ARC for TV audio
Product Considerations
- HEOS platform is functional, but can feel clunky compared to other streaming platforms, and lacks support for Chromecast
- Does not support SACD playback
- The BT connection only supports the SBC codec, even though not stated on the panel
- Is a little lighter than expected tonally, and has a fraction less bass response
- It is occasionally slow to respond to commands
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Marantz SACD 30n: Lacks SACD playback and has simpler internal technology, but is more affordable and includes HDMI ARC, the sound quality between them is only slightly different
- Vs. Primare CD15 Prisma: Primare relies on Chromecast or AirPlay 2 for streaming, lacks USB-B
Takeaway: The Marantz CD 50n is a versatile and great-sounding player that offers a combination of CD playback and modern streaming features, fitting nicely into a modern hifi setup. It can be a great choice for those who still enjoy CDs, but also want the convenience of network streaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Direct, revealing sound signature
- Well-engineered, with a silent, spring-floating CD mechanism and quality parts
- Versatile, handling up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 audio via USB-B and S/PDIF inputs
- Precisely constructed
- Premium ESS Sabre 8-Channel ES9028PRO DAC produces a high-quality sound, expansive soundstage with detail retrieval and noise reduction
Product Considerations
- No digital output
- A CD-only player, it does not play SACD discs
- Lacks network streaming capabilities
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DAC section is preferred over the RA-6000's, offering more clarity, image depth, dynamics, and life to the music
- The sound reminds the reviewer of Michi X3 integrated
Takeaway: It's a great CD player and DAC transport, it can bring out the best in your CD collection or act as a high quality DAC for computer based audio. It's a great way to add high-fidelity digital playback to a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality CD transport that is nice to use
- Offers a USB hub function with two USB inputs and USB output, allowing connection of multiple digital devices
- Can improve the sound of DACs, especially those without galvanic isolation, by cleaning up the USB signal from the source
Product Considerations
- The combined stop/eject button can be difficult to use and takes getting used to
- There have been some quirks with the unit, such as it freezing up sometimes when turning it off and on, and it is more responsive to leave it powered on instead
- The track number displayed doesn't update until the CD transport starts reading the new track
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The URD has a smaller footprint, more USB connectivity (two inputs and a USB output), and a higher bit rate than the Audiolab 7000 CDT
- CD transport in the URD provides better sound quality than streaming
- There is a virtually insignificant difference between playing a CD on the URD and playing a securely ripped local copy of the same CD on a computer
Takeaway: The Schiit Urd offers great sound and also acts as a USB hub for connecting other digital sources, making it a CD transport with unique features. It is a versatile device that can enhance one's listening experience with CDs and digital files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced reproduction
- Great CD transport
- Sturdy build quality
- Dynamic sound with plenty of punch and detail
- Excels in the bass range, providing a powerful, extended, and dynamic low-end
Product Considerations
- The remote control is a 'button fest'
- The design is rather plain
- Harmonic richness of instruments like cymbals and horns can be somewhat lacking
- The soundstage isn't very large, and the contours aren't sharp
- The manufacturing, finish, and cabinet are of poor quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Atoll CD100 has nothing to share sonically with the Technics, because the French player's sound is better
- The CD100 makes things that the Rega Saturn does for the money
- The Naim CD 555 is better, but the Atoll CD100 provides a similar feel
Takeaway: The Atoll CD100 Evolution is a solid CD player that delivers a potent sound and offers a balanced audio experience. It's built to last and is a great way to enjoy a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Warm and smooth tonal character with a rich bass
- Visceral, immediate nature, rhythmically engaging, making music enjoyable
- Intricate detail retrieval, revealing nuances in recordings
- Power supplies are taken seriously, with custom power supply and multiple stages of regulation
- Simple, workmanlike, no-nonsense design
Product Considerations
- Older technology is used, including a Sony transport (KSS-213C) and Burr-Brown PCM1704 DAC from the late 90s
- Lacks modern features like digital inputs, streaming capabilities, or a motorized CD drawer
- The top-loading mechanism can feel 'agricultural' and may not appeal to those seeking a luxurious user experience
- Track search is very fast because it's a Sony mech
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 3510 CD player is considered better than the Atoll 200
Takeaway:
The Exposure 3510 CD player is a well-made, old-school CD spinner that focuses on delivering a fun and engaging listening experience. If one appreciates a warm sound signature, rhythmic accuracy, and a simple design, this player could be a great choice for a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
CD Players
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
.png)
