{"product_id":"musical-fidelity-m8spre-fully-balanced-preamplifier","title":"Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Fully Balanced Preamplifier","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMusical Fidelity M8sPRE Fully Balanced Preamplifier\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFully balanced, class-A stereo preamplifier with MM\/MC phonostage, eight line-level inputs, home theater bypass, and balanced and single-ended outputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Musical Fidelity M8sPRE is a high-performance stereo preamplifier designed to be the control center of a serious audio system. With a genuinely fully balanced signal path, pure class-A circuitry, a substantial dual-mono power supply, and exceptionally low noise and distortion, the M8sPRE is engineered to preserve the integrity of the source signal while providing the drive capability to work with virtually any power amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts extensive connectivity accommodates both analog and digital source components, including a built-in moving magnet\/moving coil phonostage, two balanced XLR inputs, five single-ended RCA line inputs, and a dedicated tape loop. Home theater bypass is available through both balanced and single-ended connections, allowing the M8sPRE to serve as the foundation of a combined two-channel music and multichannel theater system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned to partner with Musical Fidelity's M8s-700m monoblock or M8s-500s stereo power amplifiers, the M8sPRE is equally capable of driving other high-performance amplifiers. Its high input impedance, low output impedance, and generous overload margins ensure compatibility with a wide range of components, including systems requiring long interconnect runs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eA Genuinely Fully Balanced Design\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike preamplifiers that simply provide balanced connections around an otherwise single-ended circuit, the M8sPRE employs a genuinely fully balanced architecture throughout its signal path. This approach helps minimize noise and interference while maintaining excellent channel separation and signal integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe M8sPRE also uses pure class-A circuitry, designed to deliver linear operation with extremely low distortion. Total harmonic distortion plus noise measures less than 0.005% through its single-ended connections and less than 0.004% through its balanced connections. A signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 118 dB (A-weighted) and a frequency response extending from 5 Hz to 100 kHz (+0, -1 dB) demonstrate the preamplifier's exceptionally wide bandwidth and low-noise performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eExceptional Power Supply and Drive Capability\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the M8sPRE is a substantial power supply featuring separate 350 VA mains transformers for the left and right channels. Individual regulation circuits for each stage help isolate sensitive audio circuitry and maintain consistent operating conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe low-impedance power supply works alongside an output stage designed for high current delivery. With an output impedance of just 47 ohms and maximum output voltages of 9.5 V RMS through RCA and 19 V RMS through XLR, the M8sPRE can comfortably drive demanding power amplifier inputs, even through unusually long interconnect cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe preamplifier's high input impedance and generous overload margins also allow it to accommodate sources with substantial output levels without easily overloading the input stages. The result is a design intended to reproduce musical transients and dynamic contrasts without introducing unnecessary compression or coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eBuilt-In MM\/MC Phonostage\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe M8sPRE includes a dedicated low-noise phonostage compatible with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. A rear-panel switch selects the appropriate operating mode, allowing turntables equipped with either cartridge type to connect directly to the preamplifier without requiring an external phonostage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with accurate RIAA\/IEC equalization, low distortion, and a generous 29 dB overload margin, the phono circuit is engineered to reproduce the delicate signals from a phono cartridge with clarity and dynamic headroom. Input sensitivities of 3.5 mV for moving magnet and 440 µV for moving coil provide compatibility with a broad range of cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eFlexible Connectivity and Home Theater Integration\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe M8sPRE provides two balanced XLR inputs and five RCA line-level inputs, along with the dedicated MM\/MC phono input. Its connections include provisions for CD players, tuners, DACs, streamers, tape decks, and other analog sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA complete tape loop provides dedicated recording and playback connections, including a fixed-level recording output. Separate variable-level RCA and balanced XLR outputs allow the M8sPRE to connect to a wide range of power amplifiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor systems combining music and home theater, the M8sPRE offers bypass functionality on one balanced XLR input and one single-ended RCA input. This allows a home theater processor or AV receiver to control the volume of the front channels during movie playback while retaining the M8sPRE's dedicated two-channel preamplifier operation for music listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSubstantial Construction\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing 37.5 lb., the M8sPRE reflects Musical Fidelity's emphasis on robust construction and carefully engineered internal circuitry. Its substantial chassis accommodates the large power supply, fully balanced audio architecture, and extensive connection options, while maintaining the restrained appearance of the M8 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its combination of class-A operation, low-noise circuitry, high current drive, and versatile analog connectivity, the M8sPRE is designed to provide long-term flexibility and performance in a high-end separates system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenuinely fully balanced signal architecture throughout the preamplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePure class-A audio circuitry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-mono power supply with separate 350 VA transformers for each channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndividually regulated power supply stages for improved circuit isolation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in low-noise MM\/MC phonostage with RIAA\/IEC equalization\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo balanced XLR line-level inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFive single-ended RCA line-level inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated MM\/MC phono input with rear-panel cartridge selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHome theater bypass available on both balanced and single-ended inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated tape loop with fixed-level recording output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced XLR and single-ended RCA variable-level preamplifier outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh input impedance and low output impedance for broad system compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e47-ohm output impedance for driving long interconnect cables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio exceeding 118 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtremely low distortion and wide frequency response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemote control operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 V trigger connections for system integration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstantial metal chassis construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded Accessories\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMusical Fidelity M8sPRE remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo AAA batteries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIEC power cord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully balanced, class-A stereo preamplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuit Architecture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully balanced, dual-mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 Hz–100 kHz (+0, -1 dB)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion + Noise (RCA):\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.005%, 20 Hz–20 kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion + Noise (XLR):\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.004%, 20 Hz–20 kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt;118 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt;96 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLine Input Sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 352 mV (for full output at maximum volume)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput Impedance (RCA):\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 kΩ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput Impedance (XLR):\u003c\/strong\u003e 150 kΩ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLine Input Overload Margin:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Output Voltage (RCA):\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.5 V RMS (26 V peak-to-peak)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Output Voltage (XLR):\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 V RMS (52 V peak-to-peak)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47 Ω\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhonostage Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moving magnet\/moving coil, switchable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Input Sensitivity (MM):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5 mV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Input Sensitivity (MC):\u003c\/strong\u003e 440 µV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Input Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47 kΩ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Equalization:\u003c\/strong\u003e RIAA\/IEC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Signal-to-Noise Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 81 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Overload Margin:\u003c\/strong\u003e 29 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 pairs XLR (1 with home theater bypass)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSingle-Ended Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 pairs RCA (1 with home theater bypass)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 pair RCA, switchable MM\/MC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 pair XLR, variable level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSingle-Ended Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 pair RCA, variable level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecording Outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 pair RCA, fixed level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControl Connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 V trigger input and output\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual-mono, 350 VA transformer per channel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 W\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 115\/230 V AC, 50\/60 Hz (factory preset)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W × H × D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 17.32 × 6.38 × 15.75 in. (440 × 162 × 400 mm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 37.5 lb. (17 kg)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Musical Fidelity","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":54264196333752,"sku":"M8SPRE-BLK","price":5299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":54264196366520,"sku":"M8SPRE-SIL","price":5299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1564\/1247\/files\/MF-M8S-PRE-black-front-cutout.png?v=1794333413","url":"https:\/\/upscaleaudio.pro\/products\/musical-fidelity-m8spre-fully-balanced-preamplifier","provider":"Upscale Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}