Musical Fidelity M2sCD review

An agile and refined-sounding CD player Tested at £699

Musical Fidelity M2sCD review
(Image: © Future)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Musical Fidelity's CD player sounds expansive, detailed and delicately layered - a resoundingly listenable proposition

Pros

  • +

    Clear, elegant vocals

  • +

    Layered and expansive soundscape

  • +

    Refined and musical across frequencies

Cons

  • -

    Plays a little safe

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Musical Fidelity’s M2sCD player is a natural partner for the M2si stereo amplifier – the two-part M2 series marking the brand’s first release since being acquired by Pro-Ject Audio Systems.

The M2sCD is the firm’s most affordable CD player, sitting below the M3 and M6 models. The latter, which is positioned as a digital hub rather than just a CD player, will set you back well over three times the asking price of the M2sCD. Although initially launched at £799, most retailers are now offering the player for a hundred pounds less.

Build

Musical Fidelity M2sCD build

(Image credit: Future)

Musical Fidelity has opted for a sleek, fuss-free design, with a small silver M2sCD insignia plate the only real flourish in terms of bodywork.

Combined with the player’s dimensions, it reminds us of the opening mechanism of a quality black briefcase, albeit in brushed aluminium rather than leather.

Musical Fidelity M2sCD tech specs

(Image credit: Future)

Output impedance 50 ohms

Frequency response 10Hz to 20kHz

Maximum power 20W

Dimensions (hwd) 10 x 44 x 37.5cm

Weight 6.65kg

There are six small, silver, circular control buttons located in a line below the digital screen. This row is split by a centrally positioned IR receiver. 

It's right in the middle of the action and does get in the way somewhat, but the buttons feel precise and are pleasing to push. Otherwise, there’s little to dislike here in terms of the aesthetic.

The display is a bright blue colour but, viewing angles could be better. Unless you’re almost directly in front of it, the magnolia digital track information text fades away into the abyss. It can be turned off entirely, and Musical Fidelity claims this will also help minimise noise.

Features

Musical Fidelity M2sCD features

(Image credit: Future)

The M2sCD boasts a mains choke filter alongside its more hi-tech digital stream noise filter. While the former is perhaps a less fashionable approach, Musical Fidelity has used it for some time to help clean up the power supply and give you a better sound.

There’s a 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential DAC onboard, and in terms of connections, there are coaxial and optical digital outs as well as anlogue RCA. There are no digital inputs: this is a sleek-looking CD player with an integrated DAC, nothing more, nothing less.

Sound

Musical Fidelity M2sCD sound

(Image credit: Future)

We slip Prince and the New Power Generation’s 1991 classic Diamonds And Pearls into the M2sCD. It’s the same CD we’ve heard many times before, but this is something of a levelled up performance compared to players at around the £350 mark, such as the Marantz CD6006 UK.

The separation and transparency of the vocal chorus at the start of Thunder is startling, accompanied by an agile, smooth bassline as the rhythm and guitar reverb kick in. This is Prince’s music as it should be heard: rhythmic, clear throughout the frequencies and musical, with each melodic strand and vocal lick competently held in check, yet given ample space to riff. The overall effect is impressive.

The album continues to Daddy Pop and dynamically, it’s clear that we’re being treated to a fine rendition. The pensive, ambient sounds at the start of the title track are rounded and sparkling, perceptible right up until they give way to the bass, cymbal and keys. Prince’s vocal is central within a cohesive mix.

We dig out more challenging material to see what the Musical Fidelity is capable of and settle upon the digitally remastered version of Weather Report’s 1977 jazz/rock fusion masterpiece, Heavy Weather

The M2sCD doesn’t disappoint here; it seems to find an extra ounce of detail and flick of musical flair at every turn, even as the instrumental layers build to a cacophony at the end of Birdland. If you can listen to this player and not tap your toes, you’ve more reserve than us.

The soaring saxophone solo in A Remark You Made is both three-dimensional and emotive. It’s as sombre as the musician doubtless intended but never gets muddied by its electric bass counterpart, even when both instruments play the same melody.

Musical Fidelity M2sCD sound

(Image credit: Future)

We listen to Radiohead’s OK Computer and the M2sCD continues to provide a refined, musical listen. But here, the jagged bassline at the start of Airbag feels marginally smoother and less disconcerting than it should do. Indeed, the track could also have a slightly harder edge through the guitar.

We load the CD into the Cyrus CDi and we hear that extra bite – although the comparison player involves a steep hike in price, it’s a small mark against the Musical Fidelity.

Verdict

The M2sCD presents a refined, enjoyable listen. For those who like a smooth, musical, elegant and highly listenable sound, it’s a fine proposition – easily beating less expensive models for both breadth and clarity.

This player is cleverly positioned between fine budget performers such as Marantz’s CD6006 UK and more premium offerings, including the Cyrus CDi and Quad Artera Play+. There’s little competition at the price, and that makes it an excellent buy if it matches your budget.

SCORES

  • Sound 5
  • Features 3
  • Build 4

MORE:

Best CD players 2020

Read our Marantz CD6006 UK review

Read our Cyrus CDi review

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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  • Earsome
    Just bought the M2scd and find it disappointing. So disappointing in fact that I have made a resolve to replace most of my CD collection with vinyl originals wherever possible. Listening to Louis Andriessen's 'Death of a Composer' is a mixed bag. Yes, there is very good separation and detail but this is aggressive music, the brass punches and the sax is insistant but the M2 doesn't know what to do with it. 'Smooth' and 'refined' should not be applied to any mechanism that reproduces music. I would much rather see the terms 'flat' or 'accurate'. The player that this replaces was a Denon professional DN-C630, which couldn't find that kind of detail but it was more enjoyable. Tricky's 'Maxinquaye' is presented with no idea of nastyness and the balance seems wrong with too much being pushed into the background. Mahavishnu Orchestra is now heard also out of balance - the top end of guitar passages smothering everything. I cut between the CD and the record and yes there is a massive expansion of frequency range from the M2, but Cobham's drums, while detailed, don't sound like they're actually being hit. More top, more bass on the M2 and perhaps there is the problem. My turntable is an old Luxman with Dynavector MC cartridge. Drum heaven.
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