MBL Launches New C41 Network Player

The player can be an independent pre-amplifier in a digital system or paired with a conventional pre-amplifier in existing hi-fi systems. While the brand doesn't disclose which ESS Sabre DAC chip is used, opting instead to just call it a "state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue converter", we do know that the player supports sampling rates up to 24-bit /192kHz as well as DSD64.

There is a good variety of inputs, including S/PDIF coaxial, a TOSLINK snap-in, XLR and USB type-B. As for outputs, options range from balanced XLR to unbalanced RCA and S/PDIF digital coaxial ports.

The C41 comes with the brand's proprietary True Peak technology, which uses a converter design with stop-gaps built into the digital filters to create an additional modulation reserve of three decibels, resulting in the correction and elimination of sound-degrading overloads from CDs or music files, even at peak volume levels. Thanks to that, music encoded to the maximum level won't be distorted or "clipped".

As a network player, the C41 also supports streaming platforms such as Roon, UPnP/DLNA and ShairPort. Compatibility for Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Qobuz Connect will be added in a software update later in 2024.

Thanks to the built-in volume control, the C41 can also act as the control centre in a hi-fi chain that uses purely digital sources, which means no need for a separate pre-amplifier. MBL's Core Volume Control technology is also implemented in the player, allowing for volume adjustment without losing information in the music signal for a better listening experience.

The MBL C41 is now available priced at £7,820/ €8,960.

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