Musical Fidelity, a revered name in high-fidelity audio, has launched the B1xi Integrated Amplifier, marking the revival of its iconic B-Series. First showcased at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February 2025, the B1xi is now available globally, priced at £699 / €799 / $879 USD / A$1,600, with Australian stock expected in September. This amplifier, designed for purists, prioritizes analog performance and long-term reliability over trendy digital features, delivering a warm, tube-like sound at an accessible price point.
A Nod to Heritage with Modern Refinement
Drawing inspiration from the original B1 amplifier of the 1990s, the B1xi embodies Musical Fidelity’s philosophy of musical realism, warmth, and dynamic range. The fully discrete Class A/B design delivers 60W per channel into 8 ohms, 100W into 4 ohms, and peaks at 140W into 2 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers. Its robust toroidal transformer and carefully selected components prioritize sound quality and durability, housed in an all-metal chassis with a solid aluminum front panel.
The B1xi is about getting back to what matters: exceptional sound and build quality that lasts decades, said Heinz Lichtenegger, CEO of Pro-Ject, Musical Fidelity’s parent company. We’ve avoided Wi-Fi and displays to focus on audio performance and longevity.
Thoughtful Design for Pure Audio
The B1xi intentionally omits Wi-Fi, streaming, and digital displays to avoid obsolescence and maintain a focus on core audio components. Its preamplifier section features a dedicated linear power supply, a rarity at this price, ensuring ultra-low noise and excellent channel separation. Volume control is handled by a motor-driven analog potentiometer, preserving signal purity compared to digital alternatives that can compromise fidelity.
Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the high-gain, low-noise MM phono stage, tuned for musicality and detail, supporting moving magnet cartridges and high-output moving coils. The amplifier offers a versatile array of inputs: three RCA line-level, coaxial and optical digital (up to 24-bit/192kHz), HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.1, and a front-mounted mini-jack for private listening via headphones. Digital inputs are processed by an ESS9018 DAC chip on isolated circuit boards with separate linear power supplies to minimize RF interference with analog stages. A 5V USB-C output powers external streamers, offering flexibility without compromising the amplifier’s lifespan.
Musical Fidelity’s design team, led by Simon Quarry, spent a year optimizing the circuitry layout and component selection to ensure reliability and performance. The B1xi boasts a THD+N of less than 0.02% (20Hz–20kHz) and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 100dB (A-weighted), delivering a clean, dynamic sound reminiscent of tube amplifiers.
A Commitment to Longevity
By excluding built-in streaming, Musical Fidelity addresses concerns about the rapid obsolescence of digital technologies. “Streaming tech evolves quickly, often outpacing the lifespan of quality amplifiers,” Lichtenegger noted. “The B1xi is built to be the heart of your system for years, paired with your choice of external streamer.” A variable RCA pre-out supports subwoofers or bi-amping, enhancing system flexibility.
The amplifier’s robust construction and focus on high-quality components reflect Musical Fidelity’s legacy, with many of its products from decades past still in use today. Distributed in North America by Focal Naim America and in the UK by Henley Audio, the B1xi is available in a sleek black finish, blending seamlessly into any audio setup.
Industry Buzz and Availability
The B1xi has generated excitement among audiophiles, with posts on X praising its return to analog simplicity and high-end performance at a budget-friendly price. “No screen, no Wi-Fi, just core amp design,” noted one user, highlighting its 60W/8Ω output and versatile connectivity. The amplifier is shipping to UK dealers now, with global availability starting in August 2025.
For those seeking a cost-conscious yet uncompromising hi-fi experience, the B1xi is available at retailers like Len Wallis Audio, Unilet Sound & Vision, and Analogue Seduction. Visit MusicalFidelity.com or contact local dealers for more details.
