Musical Fidelity MX-VNYL
£649
This is not the kind of product that makes any sense if your turntable isn’t spot-on. You simply won’t hear just how good this unit is without a suitably detailed and transparent source. The likes of VPI’S Prime record player (£4200) is a good starting point.
The MX-VYNL is beautifully made. It feels solid and features a smartly machined front panel with positivefeeling controls. As befits a product at this level, there is provision to alter
cartridge loading to optimise performance. There’s also added flexibility in the form of a gain switch that increases sensitivity for loweroutput cartridges (of either type), should you need it. This is about as convenient a phono stage as we have come across.
Wonderfully transparent
It doesn’t take more than a few seconds of Into My Arms by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds to recognise that this phono stage is a terrific performer. It’s wonderfully transparent and detailed, digging up low-level instrumental strands and sonic textures with ease. There’s an appealing fluidity to the MX’S sound that makes most of the competition sound a little mechanical in comparison.
We try Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and are pleased with the MX-VYNL’S ability to float an expansive and precise soundstage. The scale of the sound is impressive, as is the way the Musical Fidelity responds to large dynamic shifts. There’s plenty of control and composure here and it’s not bought at the expense of excitement or enthusiasm.
Tonally there’s a suggestion of richness in the bass and a general sweetening of the presentation, but none of it is taken to excess and mostly it just makes this phono stage forgiving of harsh or aggressive recording.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard a Musical Fidelity product as capable as this one. The MX-VYNL is superbly made, nice to use and sounds lovely. Provided the rest of your system is up to scratch, this is one you can buy with confidence.