MUSICAL FIDELITY M8-700m - PAIR

The new M8s-700m monobloc power amp is fully balanced, and offers a staggering 700 watts per monobloc, with stellar sound quality and technical performance.

The M8s-700m has extremely low distortion, typically 0.001% at 1 kHz. At 20 kHz distortion is still below 0.005%. Distortion at 50 kHz (a ridiculous and unreasonable measurement, but revealing of the total amplifier performance nonetheless) is 0.02%. At 100 kHz, it is about 0.06%. These extraordinary measurements, and the extremely low high-frequency distortion, are highly significant sonically.

The noise ratio of the M8s-700m is extremely low at -120 dB A-weighted.

The M8s-700m has huge power reserves, producing 700 watts RMS into 8 ohms and just on 1300 watts into 4 ohms. It is an absolute powerhouse.

The power, low distortion and the extremely low noise contribute to its fabulous, effortless sound.

Sound quality and design

The M8s-700m is extremely powerful and dynamic. The sound is sweet, clear and uncoloured. Dynamics are massive and are delivered with instantaneous speed, both starting and stopping.

The M8s-700m sound stage is huge, wide and deep. It creates large amounts of air and space, and is holographic in its presentation.

Similar in size and design package to the M6s 500i, the M8s-700m offers a compelling combination of fully balanced circuitry, extraordinary technical performance, exquisite sound, intelligent packaging and value for money makes a compelling case.

M8s-700m In Brief

• Fully balanced, monster power 700W per monobloc
• Staggering technical performance
• Huge peak current delivery
• Incredible load driving ability, will drive any loudspeaker with any cable
• Excellent design, he-man build quality

Design + Build

When we launched our limited-edition Titan power amplifier in back in 2008, its massive power and unique design required very large dimensions and an equally hefty price tag.

Subsequent technical advances – plus immense customer interest – have inspired us to develop a more affordable, more conventional-looking successor of the Titan: the M8s-700m.

The M8s-700m is a fully balanced monobloc power amplifier, which – as its model number suggests – packs 700 watts of power in its sleek black casing. That's 700 watts RMS into 8ohms; and about 1300 watts into 4ohms.

That's approaching the powerhouse performance of the 1Kw Titan itself, and indeed measurements show that in action there's only about 1.25dB between them.

Like its Titan forbear, the M8s-700m is engineered for extremely low distortion – typically 0.001% at 1kHz; below 0.005% at 20kHz. Even at the ridiculous level of 50kHz, distortion is a mere 0.02%, creeping up to around 0.06% at 100kHz. They may be unreasonable figures, but they prove a point: the M8s-700m has significantly less distortion than rival measurements.

Again like the Titan, the M8s-700m is a low-noise power amplifier, with a minimal noise ratio of -120dB A-weighted.

The combination of the huge power reserves, low distortion and low noise contribute to the M8s-700m's extraordinary, effortless performance. It sounds almost undistinguishable from the Titan, displaying the same ability to deliver anything from massive dynamics to delicate detail with incredible speed and precision.

Whatever style of music you want to listen to, the M8s-700m serves it up in a spacious soundstage rivalled only by the Titan  - or a live musical performance.

Its power and balance means the M8s-700m can drive just about any speaker you choose, backed by flexible connectivity options. Twin sets of speaker terminals make bi-wiring simple, and the M8s-700m's outputs can be 'daisy chained' to bi-amp suitable speakers. It is, of course, the perfect partner – visually and sonically – for our M8 pre-amp.

Reception for the new M8s-700m has been highly enthusiastic. Many press reports have highlighted its more room and wallet-friendly form, while What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision dubbed it the "son of Titan".

Specifications

Performance

Power output: 700 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (28 dBW)

THD(+ noise): <0.005% typical

Signal to Noise Ratio: >120dB

Frequency Response: +0, –1dB, 10Hz to 80kHz

Inputs

2x RCA Phono Line Level

1x Line level XLR Balanced

1x Trigger input 3.5mm (1/8”) mono jack ±4.5 to ±15V DC

General

Dimensions - WxHxD (mm): 440 x 160 x 460

Weight (unpacked / packed): 30 kg / 35.5 kg