Musical Fidelity Announces B1XCD CD Player

All Image Credit: Musical Fidelity

Musical Fidelity is continuing the revival of its B-Line with the new B1xcd CD player, a relatively affordable player that combines a dedicated Red Book transport and ESS DAC in a conventional CD player. It is designed to partner with the previously released B1xi integrated amplifier, introduced last year. Finished in black, the new player will sell for; £549.00, €599.00 or $799.00.

The B1xcd uses a tray-loading mechanism developed specifically for Red Book CD-DA playback. Musical Fidelity has paired the transport with a BlueTiger CD-88 servo system developed by SUOS. Unlike a universal disc mechanism designed to accommodate multiple formats, the B1xcd’s transport is optimized specifically for Red Book CD-DA playback at 16-bit/44.1kHz. The servo system manages the optical pickup and disc reading, with Musical Fidelity claiming improved accuracy, vibration management, and error correction.

Digital-to-analogue conversion is provided by an ESS ES9018Q2M SABRE DAC, allowing the player to connect directly to an amplifier through its stereo RCA analogue outputs. Both coaxial and optical outputs are also available allowing the player to act purely as a transport using an external DAC. Musical Fidelity quotes a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 112dB (A-weighted), channel separation greater than 96dB and total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.003% between 20Hz–20KHz.

PCB, toroidal transformer and transport mechanism are all contained within an all-metal chassis, an extruded aluminium front panel and machined aluminium controls. A centrally mounted LCD displays playback information, including artist and track details when CD-Text is available. Control is provided using the front panel transport buttons and supplied IR remote. Measuring 430mm wide, 90mm high and 298mm deep, the B1xcd is a traditional full-width hi-fi component and weighing in at a substantial 5.8Kg, making it a natural visual companion for the matching B1xi amplifier.

Rear panel signal connectivity includes; 1 x stereo RCA line level out, 1 x RCA coaxial and TOSLINK optical digital out.

• CD Player:
  • True Red Book CD-DA drive
  • Tray loader mechanism
  • Designed for proper Red Book Audio-CD readout
  • BlueTiger CD-88 Servosystem
  • High-quality ESS ES9018Q2M SABRE DAC
  • Excellent technical performance with low jitter
  • LCD screen displays time, tracks, text (if available)
• Input & Outputs:
  • 1x stereo RCA output
  • 1x coaxial & 1x optical outputs
• Mechanical Construction:
  • Uncompromising metal work in typical Musical Fidelity tradition
  • Heavy front panel milled from extruded aluminium profiles
  • Metal exterior protects against electromagnetic interference

Specifications:

• General:
  • Transport: Dedicated CD mechanism – Tray Loader
  • Servo: SUOS BlueTiger CD-88
  • DAC: ESS9018Q2M
  • Disc Format: Red Book CD-DA, 16-bit/44.1KHz
• Audio Performance:
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 KHz (-0.2 dB maximum)
  • Channel separation: >96 dB (20 Hz–20 KHz)
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: >112 dB (A-weighted)
  • Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.003% (20 Hz–20 KHz)
• RCA output impedance: 10 KΩ
• RCA output level: 2.1 Vrms nominal (0 dB digital level)
• Connectivity:
  • Digital outputs (S/PDIF):
  • Coaxial: 1 × RCA
  • Optical: 1 × TOSLINK
  • Analogue outputs: 1 × stereo RCA pair (left and right)
  • Service connection: USB Type-C
• Display: LCD with CD-Text support
•  Power:
  • Mains voltage: 115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz (factory preset)
  • Alternative mains voltage: 100 V AC, 50/60 Hz
  • Standby power consumption: <0.5 W
  • Maximum power consumption: 12 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 90 × 298 mm, Height includes feet, Depth includes terminals
• Net weight: 5.8 Kg

Pricing:

• UK: £549.00
• EU: €599.00
• US: $799.00

For more information visit the Musical Fidelity web site.

Related posts:

• Musical Fidelity’s New B1 Models – First Look
• For more Musical Fidelity product posts click here.
• For more CD player product posts click here