Musical Fidelity
B1xcd
Musical Fidelity expands B-Line with B1xcd CD player
The B1xcd is the second member of the revived B-Line, which began with the B1xi integrated amplifier in 2025. The CD player is designed to partner that amplifier.
Georg S. Kuklick
•
Musical Fidelity is adding a CD player to its component range. The Musical Fidelity B1xcd combines a dedicated Red Book transport with an ESS ES9018Q2M digital-to-analogue converter. Australian stock is expected around the middle of the first quarter of 2027.
The tray-loading mechanism is dedicated to CD-DA playback using the 16-bit/44.1kHz compact disc format. It is paired with a BlueTiger CD-88 servo system developed by SUOS. A stereo pair of RCA line-level outputs provides the analogue connection, with a nominal output level of 2.1V RMS at digital 0dB.
For connection to an external DAC, the B1xcd provides one RCA coaxial S/PDIF output and one TOSLINK optical S/PDIF output, allowing it to operate as a CD transport. The player also has a USB-C service port and an IEC mains inlet. Its LCD can show artist and track names when CD-Text is available, and a remote control is included.
The specified signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 112dB A-weighted, while total harmonic distortion is below 0.003% across 20Hz–20kHz. Specified channel separation exceeds 96dB over the same frequency range. Frequency response is specified as 20Hz–20kHz with a maximum deviation of −0.2dB.
The B1xcd uses an all-metal chassis with an extruded aluminium front panel and machined aluminium controls. It measures 430mm wide, 90mm high and 298mm deep, including its feet, and has a net weight of 5.8kg. Specified power consumption is below 0.5W in standby and reaches a maximum of 12W.
Key specifications
Disc transport | Tray-loading Red Book CD-DA transport |
|---|---|
CD audio format | 16-bit/44.1kHz |
Servo system | BlueTiger CD-88, developed by SUOS |
DAC | ESS ES9018Q2M |
Signal-to-noise ratio | >112dB, A-weighted |
Total harmonic distortion | <0.003%, 20Hz–20kHz |
Channel separation | >96dB, 20Hz–20kHz |
Frequency response | 20Hz–20kHz, −0.2dB maximum deviation |
Analogue output level | 2.1V RMS nominal at digital 0dB |
Analogue output impedance | 10kΩ |
Analogue outputs | One stereo pair of RCA line-level outputs |
Digital outputs | 1 × RCA coaxial S/PDIF; 1 × TOSLINK optical S/PDIF |
Sources
Data Source
