MBL Announces C41 Network Player – Quick Look
All Image Credit: MBL
MBL, manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, has announced its new C41 network player/music streamer. Using a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter, their proprietary MBL True Peak technology and innovative MBL Core Volume Control technology, the C41 is said to ensure that your music is reproduced with “utmost fidelity and naturalness” and provides “unparalleled sound quality and a seamless music streaming experience”. The C41 is available in black/gold, black/silver, white/gold and white/silver finishes
The C41 is designed to work with a variety of streaming services, including ROON, UPNP/DLNA, Audirvāna, Airplay/Shairport, Tidal*, Spotify*, and Qobuz*, (*planned for future versions via live update). Its range of digital only inputs and analog and digital outputs ensures easy integration into existing hi-fi systems, making it a versatile addition to your audio setup. With its built-in volume control, the C41 can also act as the control center in hi-fi chains that use purely digital sources.
Overdriven recordings are not an issue for the C41 with its use of ‘True Peak’ technology which, provides a more natural, less distorted digital sound thanks to a system of sophisticated stop-gaps built into the unit’s digital filters that provide an additional 3dB of headroom above the signals peak. Additional anti-distortion efforts are also realized by controlling the audiophile DAC, filter and modulator as the core volume control rather than using a passive device. This technique guarantees that the full bit width always goes into the DAC chip and thus the full resolution of the music signal is also guaranteed.
The C41 features a ‘state-of-the-art’ DAC that supports high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64. It is designed to work with various streaming platforms over the network and is UPnP and DLNA compatible. It is Roon Ready and supports Apple AirPlay with updates in late 2024 for compatibility with Tidal, Spotify and Qobuz.
Rear panel connectivity includes; S/PDIF (RCA), optical, AES/EBU (XLR) and USB-B inputs, together with digital XLR, analogue balanced XLR and analogue RCA outputs.
Finally control is available using the front panel rotary volume knob and five small buttons or for seated operation the supplied remote, with the VDF display providing relevant title information.
Features At A Glance:
- High flexibility due to various inputs and outputs
- State-of-the-art DA-converter with MBL True Peak technology
- Resolution and sampling rates up to 24 bit / 192 kHz as well as DSD64
- Integrated volume control with rotary knob on the front of the housing
- Display of title information on VFD display
- Control of the streaming servers via smart keys on the front of the housing
- Wide range of usable streaming services: Roon, UPNP, Tidal*, Spotify*, Qobuz* (*Q4/2023)
- Streaming from smart phone via Airplay/Shairport
- Possibility to connect PC/Mac via USB audio input
- Easy expandability and updateability through online updates
- MBL SmartLink for simple and comprehensive system operation and integration
Specifications:
- Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.2 kHz, 192 kHz, DSD64
- Resolution: 16 / 24 bit
- Inputs: 1 x S/P-DIF (RCA), 1 x Toslink (Snap-In), 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x USB Audio (USB type B)
- Outputs: 1 x S/PDIF digital output (RCA), 1 x analog balanced output (XLR,) 1 x analog unbalanced output (RCA)
- Other Inputs/Outputs: Network (RJ45), MBL SmartLink 1.0, SD-Slot for updates
- Weight: 15,5 kg / 34.2 lbs
MSRP:
- US: $11,100.00
- UK: £7,820.00
- EU: €8,960.00
For more information visit the MBL web site.
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