MUSICAL FIDELITY NU-VISTA M3 + POWER SUPPLY

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear. Comes with remote control, cables, and external power supply.

The Musical Fidelity M3 Nu-Vista is an integrated amplifier that encapsulates the essence of the English brand’s renowned Nu-Vista preamplifiers and power amplifiers in a single, surprisingly compact unit with a bold visual and structural character.

Build quality is evident not only on the outside, where the chassis appears solid and substantial, but also inside, where each component is arranged with almost architectural precision. The circuits are stacked like floors in a high-rise and connected internally via RCA cables, emphasizing the amplifier’s handcrafted nature. Despite its complexity, the M3’s compactness does not compromise the clarity of the internal layout, which remains clean and logical.

Volume and source selection can be controlled via the remote, while the only other control on the front panel is the tape monitor button. The power supply is housed in a separate unit to avoid interference between transformer magnetic fields and low-level signals. Though smaller than the Nu-Vista 300’s, the power supply remains robust and visually worthy of shelf space. It features the only power switch, and connects to the amplifier via three cables: one XLR for the preamp and two Neutrik connectors for the power section.

The M3 provides six selectable line-level inputs, one labeled “SACD,” and includes a built-in phono stage compatible with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. This phono section is a valuable addition given the M3’s price range, offering low noise and sufficient gain for even ultra-low-output MC cartridges, though the MM/MC switch is internal and should be set by a dealer.

The output stage of the M3 is essentially dual-mono, with each channel powered by its own transformer, dedicated PCB, output transistor array, and independent heatsink. At the heart of the amplifier are nuvistor tubes—tiny, sealed triodes—used in the preamp section. Though no longer in production, nuvistors have an estimated lifespan of 100,000 hours. Musical Fidelity has secured a set of replacement tubes for every one of the 500 units produced, highlighting the company's focus on product longevity.

Electronically, the original Nu-Vista circuits are retained with targeted improvements: slightly reduced negative feedback and optimized component layout contribute to lower distortion compared to the separate models. The use of choke-regulated power supply—mounted directly on the heatsinks—ensures more stable current delivery and reduced spurious RF emissions. According to Musical Fidelity, this design even leverages in-phase micro-vibrations for sonic enhancement.

In a world filled with indistinct black boxes, the M3 Nu-Vista stands out not only for its acoustic excellence but also for the tactile and visual pleasure it delivers. It is a product that conveys prestige, designed for discerning listeners who value sound quality as much as the joy of owning a distinctive high-end component.

Technical Specifications:

• Hybrid integrated amplifier with nuvistor/transistor technology
• Output power: 275 W per channel into 8 ohms (24.4 dBW)
• Amplifier dimensions: 49.5 cm (W) x 16.5 cm (H) x 47 cm (D)
• Weight: 29.5 kg
• Power supply dimensions: 35.5 cm (W) x 13.3 cm (H) x 25.4 cm (D)
• Weight: 13.6 kg