Musical Fidelity B1 XCD CD Player

The Musical Fidelity B1 XCD CD player continues a long line of players that began in the late 1980s.

Among other things, it was designed to partner the excellent Musical Fidelity B1xi amp, but not only that...

Musical Fidelity B1 XCD: overview

This CD player is housed in a metal case of excellent quality. In the middle of the extruded aluminium front panel sits an LCD display. It shows information clearly, including the track title, the running time and the CD text (when available).

The various functions are accessible via the seven precision-machined buttons on the right-hand side of the panel. The other functions are accessible via the supplied remote control.

The rear panel houses the various connections. The Musical Fidelity B1xcd is fitted with stereo analogue RCA outputs. In addition, there are SPDIF coaxial digital outputs and Toslink optical outputs. These allow connection to an external digital-to-analogue converter (DAC).

A main On/Off switch sits above the IEC C13 mains socket.

Musical Fidelity B1 XCD: mechanism

Musical Fidelity has paid particular attention to the mechanical side of the B1 XCD. Inside the case, the mechanism is protected and shielded by a sturdy metal cover. The mechanism and the tray are optimised to limit vibrations, in order to considerably reduce read errors and interference noise. The mechanism is managed by a BlueTiger™ CD-88 servo system, which guarantees precise disc reading.

Musical Fidelity B1 XCD: technology

The Musical Fidelity B1xcd fully meets the specifications of the Philips Red Book.

The Red Book standard specifies the physical parameters and precise properties of audio compact discs (CD-DA). Unlike DVD or Blu-ray Disc players, dedicated CD players are often better at playing stereo CDs. The player is specifically optimised for Red Book CD-DA playback.

The B1 XCD uses cutting-edge technology to ensure excellent audio CD playback.

A CD player and its mechanism are only as good as the servo system that controls them. Without a capable brain, good musicality is impossible. The B1xcd uses the new BlueTiger™ CD-88 servo system. Developed by SUOS, it is the most capable available to date.

The CD-88 board embodies the latest advances and improvements in high-end CD playback. The subject is more complex than it seems, and the claim that "it is only 0s and 1s" is an oversimplification. Even digital signals can be distorted, to the point where a data bit that should be a "1" becomes a "0". Errors can occur at every stage: physical damage to the CD surface, misreads by the optical block, mechanical vibrations caused by poor chassis build quality, or the data link between the laser block and the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC).

Musical Fidelity chose the renowned, high-performance Sabre ESS9018Q2M chip as its D/A converter.

Musical Fidelity B1 XCD: sound reproduction

Like the B1xi integrated amplifier, the B1xcd CD player is designed in strict keeping with the Musical Fidelity philosophy found in the manufacturer's very high-end components.

From the very first bars, the sound is warm, natural and highly musical. Listening is very balanced and particularly fluid for a CD player in this price bracket.

Performance is clearly well above what the competition offers in this price range! Listening is immersive and seems to favour a sound signature that combines excellent resolution with a timbre close to analogue playback.

Our favourite!

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Musical Fidelity B1 XCD CD player

Can the B1 XCD be used as a transport with an external DAC?

Yes. Alongside its stereo analogue RCA outputs, it offers an SPDIF coaxial digital output and a Toslink optical output. These let you connect it to an external digital-to-analogue converter. Our page on Hi-Fi cables and their roles explains these digital links.

Which discs is this player designed to read?

It is specifically optimised for the Red Book CD-DA standard, which defines the physical parameters and properties of audio compact discs. Its LCD display shows the track title, running time and CD text when available.

Which amplifier and cables should it be paired with?

Among other things, it was designed to accompany the Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier, whose philosophy it shares, but it also works with other electronics through its analogue RCA output (2.1 V RMS nominal). For the connection, we recommend the Transparent Hardwired RCA interconnect cable, together with an AudioQuest NRG-X3 power cable.

How does the mechanism limit read errors?

The mechanism is protected and shielded by a sturdy metal cover, and the mechanism and tray assembly is optimised to limit vibrations. Reading is driven by the BlueTiger™ CD-88 servo system developed by SUOS. Since errors can occur at every stage, from the disc surface to the link between the laser block and the DAC, this board guarantees precise disc reading.