MUSICAL FIDELITY X-CAN V2

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows minor signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The Musical Fidelity X-Can V2 is a tube headphone amplifier that, thanks to its use of two ECC88 valves (equivalent to 6DJ8), manages to combine tonal warmth and technical precision in a compact, sturdy form. Even when left on day and night, the unit never becomes hot to the touch—proof of an efficient design that uses the black anodized ribbed chassis as a heat sink. This uniquely designed cylindrical device rests on two rods with rubber inserts that act both as vibration dampers and non-slip supports. Despite its simple, almost minimalist aesthetic, the X-Can V2 conceals a refined soul and a completely redesigned circuit, a direct descendant of the acclaimed Nu-Vista preamplifier, from which it inherits much of its sonic character.

The result is a full, detailed sound with surprising resolution and a clarity that brings out every nuance. Even with headphones that are difficult to drive, the X-Can V2 demonstrates a silent strength and dynamic headroom that reveals every detail without apparent effort. The tonal balance is precise yet natural, never fatiguing, with a wide soundstage and realistic depth, where instrument and vocal separation is sharp and well defined in space. When needed, it remains delicate and controlled, yet when called upon, it delivers fast, punchy bass capable of transmitting emotion and rhythm with unexpected intensity.

Its minimalist interface includes only a power LED, a standard headphone jack, and a small volume knob. On the rear are RCA inputs for the audio signal and pass-through line outputs, allowing easy integration into a larger audio system. It has no on/off switch and remains powered unless disconnected from its external power adapter—an intentional design choice aimed at minimizing electromagnetic interference with delicate audio signals.

When paired with reference headphones such as the Sennheiser HD-600 or models from Grado, it offers an immersive experience that draws the listener closer to the music in a direct and engaging way, revealing levels of detail often lost in traditional systems. Even for movie watching, dialogue and explosive effects coexist with remarkable balance and clarity—so much so that many may prefer this headphone setup over a classic surround system.

Technical specifications:

• Output power: typically 1W
• Input impedance: 47kOhm
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.015% (20Hz–20kHz, unweighted); <0.005% (20Hz–20kHz, A-weighted)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): >96dB (unweighted, ref. full output); >108dB (A-weighted, ref. full output)
• Frequency response: 30Hz to 75kHz, ±1.0dB
• Power requirements: 12V AC, 500mA (via supplied wall adapter)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 11 x 21 x 11 cm
• Weight: 2 kg