Anticipated integrated amplifier from Musical Fidelity guarantees superior audio quality at budget-friendly costs
News Article: Musical Fidelity's B1xi Integrated Amplifier Delivers Warm, Dynamic Sound
The Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier, now available for purchase, is making waves in the audio industry with its focus on analog sound quality and straightforward design. This modern reinterpretation of the original 1990s B1 model promises a warm and dynamic sound that claims to invoke the quality of a valve (or tube) amplifier, all while maintaining a relatively affordable price point.
At its heart, the B1xi boasts a Class A/B fully discrete transistor design, which ensures a rich, dynamic, and tube-like sound without digital signal manipulation or op-amps. This design preserves audio purity, a key praised feature of the B1xi. The amplifier also sports a low-noise, high-headroom preamplifier section with a motor-driven analog volume knob, ensuring smooth volume control and excellent channel balance across the volume range.
For vinyl enthusiasts, the B1xi offers a built-in MM phono stage supporting high-output moving coil cartridges, enabling direct vinyl playback without the need for external phono preamps. Digital connections are generously catered for, with HDMI ARC input, optical and coaxial available through the built-in DAC. The digital inputs are physically and electrically isolated on their own DAC board with separate linear power supplies to minimize interference and preserve clean analog performance.
The B1xi also features Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless streaming, but it eschews built-in streaming, Wi-Fi, touchscreen, and apps, prioritizing core audio components and avoiding potential obsolescence. This focus on pure hi-fi listening is seen as a strength by many reviewers, who appreciate the amplifier's robust build, with an all-metal chassis, metal controls, and an aluminum front panel, boosting durability and long-term reliability.
Reviewers have commended the B1xi for its excellent sound quality, analog-centric design, feature set geared toward pure hi-fi listening, and good value. It undercuts the five-star Arcam A5 and Rega Brio Mk7 in pricing, making it a compelling choice for those seeking high-end sonic quality without breaking the bank.
In summary, the B1xi is a modern amplifier that delivers a warm, dynamic sound reminiscent of valve amplifiers, all while maintaining a focus on analog sound quality and a straightforward design. It is particularly recommended for vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles who prefer straightforward, high-quality amplification without embedded streaming. The B1xi amplifier is available in a single black finish for its all-metal construction and is now available for purchase at retailers.
- For those interested in purchasing a new piece of technology, the Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier is now available, offering a warm, dynamic sound with a focus on analog audio quality.
- The B1xi features a Class A/B fully discrete transistor design, which ensures rich and tube-like sound without the use of digital signal manipulation or op-amps, preserving audio purity.
- Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the B1xi's built-in MM phono stage, allowing for direct vinyl playback without the need for external phono preamps.
- The amplifier also offers digital connections, including HDMI ARC input, optical, and coaxial through its built-in DAC, with digital inputs physically and electrically isolated for minimal interference and clean analog performance.
- Bluetooth 5.1 is included for wireless streaming, but the B1xi foregoes built-in streaming, Wi-Fi, touchscreen, and apps, focusing on core audio components and providing a pure hi-fi listening experience.
- Reviewers have praised the B1xi for its excellent sound quality, analog-centric design, and good value, making it a compelling choice that undercuts competitors like the Arcam A5 and Rega Brio Mk7 in pricing.
- if you're in the market for a high-end amplifier with a straightforward design and a focus on analog sound quality, the B1xi is available in a single black finish and can be purchased at retailers.
