Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8

SOLD $649.00

One Only!!!

NEW STOCK!!!

R.R.P. $759.00

From my tests I have found this to be the best sounding phono stage under $1,000.00

Testing the Rega Fono series, I was less than impressed with the performance considering they are around the same price point and the quality of construction of the Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8 is also far superior. From my tests I have found the Rega phono stages were very harsh and thin sounding with a sever lack of body and depth. Majorly disappointing to say the least. I am glad to say I have found a worthy alternative in the Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8. Easily twice the performance for around the same price.

For those starting out with their first MC cartridge and getting into the Ortofon Rondo MC range I would match them with the Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8 phono stage. I have tested all the Rondo range with this unit and the results are spectacular. There is no need to spend any more on a phono stage unless you are prepared to drop some serious cash and are going to step-up to a VTL TP-2.5 valve phono stage and at the same time run a very serious MC cartridge to match it.

There is a big gap between the two units in price as well as performance as one would expect. There is no point saying there is not, but if you are not prepared to spend $3K on a VTL valve phono stage then look no further. Like I said, for the price point of this unit it delivers a lot and is designed with an external power supply to minimize noise in critical high gain phono circuits.

It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved in MC cartridge world with good honest performance that will not make you regret your purchase and go far in extracting all that a mid level MC cartridges can offer.

It is a very quite phono stage with very little noise observed from my testing. With both MM and MC functions this unit is very versatile and can be used with very low output MC cartridges.

The Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8 is a very listenable phono stage with smooth midrange performance and a wide soundstage. Detail is good in the treble and extended compared to cheaper units with more dynamics. Depending on your budget this is defiantly one unit to consider for your phono system.

For those of you who would like to know and understand more about this critical component please read the following article: 'What's The Most Neglected Component in a Phono System?'.

The circuitry in the X-LPSv8 is similar to that used in expensive electronics. The RIAA is very accurate, the noise ratio is excellent and overload margins are good. Generally, its technical performance on both MM and MC is equal to some highly expensive stand-alone phono stages. Subjectives are personal, but we think that the X-LPSv8 will stand comparison with the best. It doesn't have a high price tag so many will not even look or listen to this little marvel. Forget the price and listen to the music.

Separate dedicated MM and MC inputs.

Allows use of either cartridge type for the best possible results.

Wide overload margin.

Extended headroom allows effortless handling of transients and dynamics.

Sophisticated PCB layout, with very close attention given to optimising circuit layout, the result of 30 years' experience with phono.

Low noise, low distortion and accurate RIAA gives a dynamic crystalline sound.

Very low noise circuits.

Maximum available dynamic range and low level detail resolution.

MM Input:

Input Response

RIAA/IEC combined

Input Sensitivity

3mV for 350mV out

Input Impedance 47K Ohms

THD + N, 1 kHz, 350mV out <0.01% typical

Overload margin 28dB

Signal/noise ratio >100dB 'A'-weighted

MC Input:

Input Response

RIAA/IEC combined

Input Sensitivity

350µV for 350mV out

Input Impedance 100 Ohms

THD + N, 1 kHz, 350mV out <0.01% typical

Overload margin 28dB

Signal/noise ratio >100dB 'A'-weighted

Output:

Pre-out impedance

50 Ohms

RIAA accuracy ±0.25 dB 20Hz to 20KHz

Connections:

Moving magnet input

1 pair MM level RCA connectors

Moving coil input 1 pair MC level RCA connectors

Line level outputs 1 pair RCA line level fixed RIAA

Earth post 1 4mm banana plug/binding posts

Power requirement:

12-0-12V (24V total)
AC at 500mA Using mains adaptor (supplied)

Standard Accessories:

Power Supply Unit T48A-24-500-3
1 off

Dimensions:

Main unit 180mm, 7 inches wide
88mm, 3.5 inches high including feet
240mm, 9.5 inches deep including terminals

Weight:

Unboxed 1.554kg, 3 1/2 lbs

Boxed unit including power supply and all accessories 2.15kg, 4.3/4 lbs