Musical Fidelity B1xi Integrated Amp Released

We previously met Musical Fidelity's B1xi partnered with its B1xcd stablemate at this year's Bristol Hi-Fi Show (below), and it will soon be available at retailers.

The B Series is designed to provide customers with the "true Musical Fidelity experience" at an attractive price. Following in the footsteps of the company's B1 amplifier from the 1990s, the B1xi is presented as an "open-sounding, fully-discrete transistor-driven Class A/B amplifier."

According to the press release, this new integrated amplifier features a premium amplifier design, utilising transistor amps in Class A/B to deliver a "highly engaging, tube-like sound" with a claimed 60W power output into 8 ohms (100W into 4 ohms / 140W into 2 ohms). This should mean it can drive a wide variety of speakers. Moreover, we are told that there's a decent degree of headroom on offer for proper peak power delivery and a wide dynamic range, meaning your listening experience is never strained. 

The pre-amplifier section of the B1xi features its own dedicated linear power supply, which should ensure ultra-low noise and excellent channel separation. This design effectively treats the integrated amplifier as electrically separate pre- and power-amp stages. Volume control is handled via a motor-driven analogue potentiometer for the purest signal control. Furthermore, lifting the lid reveals that the potentially interference-inducing digital boards are physically separated into their own PCBs, each with its own linear power supply.

Musical Fidelity claims that the B1xi boasts a THD+N figure of <0.02% Typical (20–20kHz) and a signal-to-noise ratio of >100dB (A-weighted). It also states that it delivers a 10Hz – 30kHz (+0,-3dB) frequency response.

The 90x430x324mm [HxWxD] B1xi features an array of input options, including a low-noise, high-gain MM phono stage. This is complemented by a trio of line-level RCA inputs, an optical input (supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz), a coaxial input (supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz), as well as an HDMI ARC (supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz) port. There is also a set of variable RCA outputs for use with subwoofers or a dedicated power amp alongside 4mm speaker cable binding posts. A Bluetooth receiver is also onboard.

Additionally, a 5V USB-C power output is available for running an external streamer while a front-mounted mini-jack line input and a headphone output make the B1xi perfect for private listening sessions.

Musical Fidelity tells us that not including Wi-Fi/Ethernet streaming smarts was a conscious decision as all-in-one streaming amplifiers "often have to compromise on quality – or they become very expensive." The company also states that "built-in streaming can also limit the amplifier's lifespan" due to obsolescence, adding that keeping such things separate means the "amplifier can play at the heart of your system for years to come."

The Musical Fidelity B1xi will start to appear on shelves this month with an SRP of £699 | €799 | US$879 | A$1,600 — with Australian stock expected to land in September.

For more information visit Musical Fidelity