Focal MUFXTUBE Tube Output Buffer

Focal MUFXTUBE Tube Output BufferWe are proud to unveil the X Tube a revolutionary tube output buffer built with our newly reimagined X profile aluminum die cast chassis. This innovative design marks the return of the X profile configuration, a distinctive element in the revered Musical Fidelity X10D tube output buffer and promises to breathe new life into a wide range of future audio electronics products. From X10D to X Tube The X10D, as designed by Musical Fidelity founder Antony

We are proud to unveil the X-Tube – a revolutionary tube output buffer built with our newly reimagined X-profile aluminum die-cast chassis. This innovative design marks the return of the X-profile configuration, a distinctive element in the revered Musical Fidelity X10D tube output buffer and promises to breathe new life into a wide range of future audio electronics products.

From X10D to X-Tube

The X10D, as designed by Musical Fidelity founder Antony Michaelson, is an acronym 
- or if you want “a wordplay” - for eX-(10)ten-(D) ded. Extended. The internal circuitry design faithfully follows the original and just like it, the new X-Tube extends your signal chain and is connected between input source and amplifier. 

It serves as an intermediary stage and is designed to enhance audio signal quality and 
add tube-like tonal characteristics to your line sources. Connectivity is simple, featuring 
1x RCA input and 1x RCA output as well as an RCA bypass. The old external power supply has been reworked and moved into the chassis itself, allowing for a cleaner setup than before

Advantages of a Tube Output Buffer and its Impact on Sound

Tube preamplifiers or tube output buffers hold a special place in the hearts of many audiophiles offering a distinct sonic signature that is prized by many audio enthusiasts. The warmer, more natural sound, improved dynamics, and potentially reduced listening fatigue contribute to a unique and engaging listening experience. 

The X-Tube in Today’s Audio World

What is the place of the X-Tube in today’s audio world? We currently observe a surge in a new generation of affordable streaming devices and DACs. Even CD-players receive increased interest as people are holding on to their old collections.

These modern digital audio devices achieve great price points, but do this at the sacrifice of hardware. Software makes up most of their cost and there is no budget assigned to, amongst other things, proper output stages. Instead, cheaper integrated IC solutions are used that don’t have the power to properly drive line inputs in many amplifiers. 

The X-Tube has a clean, high impedance tube input, meaning it won’t put as much strain on the output drive capabilities of connected source devices. Regular line inputs on most amplifiers are usually more demanding and cheap output stages will struggle.

On the output side, the X-Tube’s clean, low impedance tube output buffer has plenty of 
drive and will not struggle with any low or high impedance amplifier input.

The X-Tube is designed to be the reliable core of your system, enhancing modern streamers and keeping pace as digital technology rapidly evolves.

While streamers excel at software and deliver great digital-to-analog conversion with the latest DAC technology, they often fall short when it comes to analogue output potential. And when their analogue drive is lacking, the X-Tube complements them perfectly

Technical Talk

The X-Tube configuration utilizes two E88CC (also known as 6922) triode tubes arranged in a unique, non-traditional way. Both valves process the entire signal in a single-ended manner. Single-ended designs can exhibit faster transient response, meaning they can handle rapid changes in volume within the audio signal with minimal distortion. Tube output stages provide a multitude of other technical advantages

Impedance Matching

Tubes naturally exhibit a higher input impedance than solid-state devices. This characteristic allows tube output buffers to provide better impedance matching, ensuring maximum power transfer and minimizing signal loss.

Isolation and Protection

Tube output buffers can provide a level of isolation between the amplification circuitry and the load, protecting the amplifier from reactive loads and minimizing the potential for instability or oscillation.

Tonal Character

Tube output buffers can introduce a nuanced amount of harmonic flavor that adds depth and richness to the audio signal.

Features

• Drastically enhances budget digital/streaming/CD sources that use all-in-one chip 
  designs and lack proper output stages
  
• Ultimate impedance matching if used 
  between preamplifier and amplifier
  
• Revival of iconic Musical Fidelity X-profile
  
• Main chassis consists of a one-piece aluminium extrusion for best shielding against 
  electro-magnetical interference
  
• Beautiful brushed aluminium face-plate
  
• Direct mains input, no external power supply allows for clean setup

Specifications

Tube Buffer

• Tubes: 2x 6922/E88CC triode tubes
  
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 80kHz + 0, - 0.3dB
  
• THD: < 0.003% 10Hz to 20kHz
  
• SNR: > 96dB unweighted ref. full output
  
• Crosstalk: > 95dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
  
• Gain: 1dB
  
• Input impedance: 470k Ohms
  
• Output impedance: < 33 Ohms

In & Outputs

• Inputs: 1x RCA
  
• Bypass: 1x RCA
  
• Output: 1x RCA

Power requirement

• Mains input: AC 100-230V 50/60Hz IEC C14 
  socket
  
• Consumption: <0.25 Watts in Standby

General Information

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 108 x 105 x 274 mm
  
• Weight: 2,29 kg net / 2,58 kg in shipping box