Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier

The new Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier heralds a new product line from the manufacturer. It is the first in the range and therefore the most affordable, yet it offers all the comforts of a "modern" amp. And despite its very affordable price, this amplifier offers surprising sound reproduction and features that make it a must-have product.

Musical Fidelity B1xi : façade

The B1xi's face is very understated but of excellent quality, in black or natural aluminum. It offers the essentials, that is to say, everything!

In the center sits a large rotating volume knob, dear to the brand.

On each side of it there are small push buttons corresponding to the sources. In addition to this, there is only the classic on/off button. The B1 X1 also offers a 6.35mm stereo headphone output.

Musical Fidelity B1xi: Rear Panel

On the rear, there are 3 high-level inputs, a pre-out (for a power amp) and an MM phono input.

The stereo speaker output is on an excellent terminal block compatible with banana plugs.

In addition, there are digital inputs, one coaxial, one optical Toslink and one HDMI ARC and a Bluetooth connection.

A 5V USB-C output provides convenient, high-quality power for an external media player.

Musical Fidelity B1xi: Features

The B1xi integrated amplifier incorporates Musical Fidelity's renowned amplification expertise. It is inspired by the design principles of the manufacturer's flagship models. The B1xi delivers 100W per channel into 4 ohms and 2 x 60W into 8 ohms thanks to a high-performance Class A/B circuit. This allows it to drive a wide range of Hi-Fi speakers, even some difficult models.

The preamplifier operates entirely in Class A, ensuring transparency and dynamics.

The Musical Fidelity B1 XI is equipped with an excellent MM phono input. Its high sensitivity (from 1.5mV) makes it perfectly compatible with high-end MC cartridges.

The brand has equipped this amplifier with a DAC N/A from Sabre and particularly the ESS9018 chip. This input processes the digital signal asynchronously up to 24bits/192 Khz. The coaxial and optical digital inputs accept high-resolution sampling rates up to 24bits and 192 kHz, and the HDMI ARC input allows for the integration of an efficient and inexpensive home cinema.

The digital and ARC boards are physically separated on their own PCBs and have their own linear power supplies so as not to disturb the analog stages.

The B1xi uses a carefully optimized DAC design incorporating the superb ESS9018 chip.

Musical Fidelity B1xi : Phono

The phono preamp section has its own dedicated linear power supply, which is quite rare in this product range. This separation ensures ultra-low noise and excellent channel separation, rivaling some separate phono preamps.

Vinyl lovers will appreciate the B1xi's high-gain (42dB) and exceptionally low-noise phono stage. It brings out the best in your MM (or high-output MC) cartridges without adding coloration or distortion.

Musical Fidelity B1xi: test and listening

Musical Fidelity deliberately left out streaming features from this amplifier, rightly justifying that all-in-one amplifiers with streaming capabilities are more expensive, less powerful, and less durable. The B1xi therefore does not include any features that are prone to rapid aging.

This Musical Fidelity B1 XI amplifier is surprising for its reproduction, which seems to be well above its price. It conveys the charm and emotion of the work. The Musical Fidelity B1 XI offers the sensation of a more powerful amplifier thanks to its current reserve and dynamics. The B1xi perfectly controls the low frequencies and does not project the high end at all.

It's a pleasant amplifier to listen to and in some parameters its balance resembles a tube device. Moreover, the accuracy of the timbre and its balance are its strong points. It also offers beautiful clarity, an excellent sense of rhythm and exceptional dynamism. The soundstage is not neglected either, it is quite wide and remains very precise.

The Musical Fidelity B1 XI is clearly a superb amplifier, very versatile and easy to combine. It fully meets the current demands of music lovers and audiophiles who do not have a stretch budget.

Definitely one of the best integrated amplifiers available for under 1000 euros!

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier

Can I connect a turntable to the B1xi?

Yes. The B1xi has an excellent MM phono input with its own dedicated linear power supply, which is rare in this range. Its high sensitivity (from 1.5 mV) also makes it compatible with high-output MC cartridges. The phono stage offers high gain (42 dB) and very low noise, revealing the best of your cartridges without added colouration.

Which digital sources can be connected?

The B1xi has an ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC handling signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It offers a coaxial input, a Toslink optical, an HDMI ARC to connect a television, plus Bluetooth. The digital and ARC boards sit on separate circuits with their own linear supply so they do not disturb the analogue stages.

How much power does the amplifier deliver, and for which speakers?

The B1xi delivers 100 W per channel into 4 ohms and 2 x 60 W into 8 ohms via a class A/B circuit, with the preamplifier running in class A. This reserve lets it drive a wide range of speakers, including some regarded as difficult. In a medium room, around 20 to 30 m², it plays with ease; a larger room would call for more power.

Does the B1xi offer network streaming?

No, network streaming was deliberately left out. The maker considers all-in-one streaming amplifiers to be pricier, less capable and quicker to date. The B1xi thus avoids features prone to fast obsolescence. It does keep a Bluetooth connection and a 5 V USB-C output to power an external media player, along with a pre-out and a 6.35 mm headphone output.