In an exciting development for audiophiles seeking cleaner, more reliable power delivery, Musical Fidelity has reintroduced its legendary X-Series with the all-new X-Power, a compact yet sophisticated line power conditioner. This marks the revival of the brand’s distinctive X-profile design, a hallmark of many beloved products from the company’s earlier eras.
The X-Power addresses a growing concern in modern audio systems: the declining quality of mains electricity. Factors such as switch-mode power supplies, energy-efficient lighting, and networked devices introduce noise, surges, and DC offsets that can degrade sound quality, introduce distortion, or even cause mechanical issues in sensitive components like transformers.
All-in-one solution
Musical Fidelity positions the X-Power as a rare all-in-one solution at its price point, combining three critical elements in a single unit:
- Surge and overvoltage protection to safeguard equipment from lightning strikes, grid fluctuations, or sudden load changes.
- Advanced EMI/RFI filtering to suppress electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.
- DC blocking to eliminate unwanted DC components on the AC line.
The EMI/RFI filter stands out particularly, employing a custom design with dual common-mode chokes and carefully selected capacitors. According to the manufacturer, it delivers exceptional attenuation: approaching -60dB at 100kHz, dropping below -70dB from 600kHz onward, and exceeding -80dB at 1MHz—performance described as “absolutely unique” in this market segment.
The DC blocker uses a precise network of diodes and electrolytic capacitors to block up to 2V of DC offset while allowing full AC passage, preventing transformer saturation, buzzing, and related distortion.
Housed in the classic one-piece aluminium extrusion chassis that defined the original X-Series—renowned for superior electromagnetic shielding—the X-Power features a brushed aluminium faceplate and high-quality sockets. It measures a compact 108 x 105 x 274 mm (WxHxD) and weighs 2.29 kg net, making it easy to integrate into any setup.
Connectivity includes an IEC C14 10A input and a single Schuko output (with variants available for US, UK, or Australian sockets). Rated for a maximum 10A load (approximately 2300W at 230V), the unit supports multiple source components such as CD players, DACs, streamers, phono stages, and preamps—often up to six or more lower-power devices when paired with a quality distribution strip. For power amplifiers, Musical Fidelity recommends one X-Power per amp, with headroom guidelines suggesting suitability for Class AB stereo amps up to around 700W, Class A designs up to 2 x 550W, or tube amplifiers up to 2 x 200W.
Revitalize X-Series lineup
The X-Power joins the newly revitalized X-Series lineup, which celebrates the brand’s heritage of innovative, compact audio electronics. While earlier X-Series components often focused on buffers, DACs, or amplification, this new entrant tackles foundational system performance by purifying the power supply chain.
Audiophiles who prioritize noise reduction, component longevity, and uncompromised signal purity will find the X-Power a compelling option. As mains quality continues to vary widely in homes and urban environments, devices like this become increasingly valuable for extracting the full potential from high-end audio investments.
