Musical Fidelity B1xi Review: Powerful Sound in a Modern Integrated Amplifier

Experience the bold, dynamic sound of the Musical Fidelity B1xi integrated amplifier delivering powerful audio with versatile connectivity for today’s music lovers.

Revisiting a Classic with a Modern Twist

When I first came across the original Musical Fidelity B1 integrated amplifier back in 1990, it instantly struck me as the epitome of a great budget amplifier. Sure, it wasn’t breaking any design records, but its sound was undeniably five stars—full of dynamic power and bold instrument textures that made listening a thrill. Now, decades later, the B1 returns in a new avatar: the integrated stereo amplifier B1xi. Inspired by the design ethos of its predecessor, this model aims to cater to the diverse needs of today’s audiophiles.

Bringing back a classic is always a tightrope walk—do you reinvent magic or risk disturbing something better left untouched? Let’s dive in and find out if the B1xi lives up to its legendary roots or if some Hi-Fi relics are best preserved in memory.

Pricing That Puts It Among Serious Contenders

Priced around $879, the B1xi slots right into the competition with other serious integrated amplifiers. It’s not a casual buy, but with features this versatile, it offers real value for those seeking robust investment in Hi-Fi gear.

Solid Build Meets Functional Design

The B1xi might not win any beauty contests, but it’s crafted with quality materials that feel reassuringly solid. The entire chassis is metal, including an extruded aluminum front panel. I particularly appreciated that many knobs and switches are metal rather than plastic, adding to the tactile satisfaction.

Whether you dig the utilitarian look or not, this amplifier is tough and user-friendly. The physical buttons on the front are easy to find and respond crisply, while the central volume knob has a pleasant, springy resistance. Small LEDs above each input clearly indicate your source — a simple but thoughtful touch.

It’s a well-made amp for the price bracket, without unnecessary frills, and the included plastic remote control is straightforward to use, although during my sessions, the amp occasionally hesitated responding to remote commands.

Musical Fidelity B1xi Technical Specifications

• Type: Integrated amplifier
• Power Output: 60W per channel (8 Ohms)
• Phono Stage: Yes, moving magnet (MM)
• Inputs: 3 x line-level RCA, 3.5mm AUX, HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical
• Outputs: Preamp output (Pre-out)
• Bluetooth: Version 5.1
• Headphone Output: 6.3mm jack
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 90 x 43 x 32.4 cm
• Weight: 7.2 kg

Features Built for Today’s Listeners

This Class A/B amplifier pumps out a respectable 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms—strong enough to drive a broad range of speakers with ease. Its toroidal transformer power supply is designed with a healthy overhead, aiming to deliver pure sound quality.

Musical Fidelity markets the B1xi as having a warm, dynamic voice reminiscent of tube amps, thanks to discrete transistors in its circuitry. The internal layout is optimized for performance, with separate power supplies for the preamp and digital sections reducing interference, and volume is controlled by a motorized analog pot for smooth adjustment.

Modern convenience is well covered: the B1xi sports a built-in MM phono stage for direct vinyl playback, plus a 3.5mm aux input, three RCA line inputs, and a preamp output. The digital realm is not neglected, with a built-in DAC supporting HDMI ARC, optical, and coaxial inputs — capable of PCM playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. However, DSD file lovers may be disappointed by the lack of support.

HDMI ARC stands out as a bonus for TV sound enhancement, while a USB-C port on the rear serves strictly for powering devices like phones or streamers, not audio input.

Bluetooth 5.1 makes wireless streaming a breeze. Although it doesn’t handle two-way transmission like some rivals, connecting my iPhone 15 smartphone was painless, and the signal remained rock solid throughout testing.

Versatile Compatibility Across Systems

To truly gauge its prowess, I paired the B1xi with different speaker sets, from budget-friendly options to pricier Hi-Fi stalwarts, knowing it’s designed primarily for accessible setups.

Starting with Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 speakers—five-star rated—and a trusty Cyrus CDi CD player, the amp felt right at home, delivering confident, clean sound. Next, I dusted off my cherished KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers and was pleased to find the B1xi kept pace beautifully with these higher-end models.

For a real challenge, I integrated it into a reference system with a Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition music streamer and a pair of Epos ES-7N speakers. Even under this demanding load, the amplifier held its own, proving it’s not just a one-trick pony but a versatile performer.

Sound That Packs a Punch

If I had to sum up the B1xi’s sound, it’d be “powerful and meaty.” Fire up Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter and brace yourself for that explosive opening blast where drums crash and guitar riffs roar with thrilling scale. This amp clearly loves being in the thick of the action, delivering a punch with evident gusto.

The B1xi shines brightest when it’s upfront and energetic—making it an ideal match for punchy hip-hop, powerful EDM, and roaring rock. The level of detail is impressive too, with clear string textures showcased in Radiohead’s Burn The Witch. Tom Yorke’s distinctive vocals come through with their usual dramatic flair, enhanced further by the amp’s robust character.

The amplifier also nails a wide soundstage. More cinematic tracks sound immersive, offering a depth and width that budget amps like the Rotel A8 amplifier (roughly $460) can’t quite match.

The Competition and a Tasty Analogy

Now, let’s talk competition. The recently awarded Arcam A5+ amplifier (around $1200) is a formidable rival, setting a high bar. Imagine it this way: the B1xi is like a tasty burger from a quality fast-food chain, reliable and satisfying. The Arcam, on the other hand, is a gourmet dish by Gordon Ramsay—crisper bun, fresher salad, and that extra zing of pickles elevating the experience.

The A5+ delivers a more balanced, refined sound, with cleaner detail and an energetic, precise rhythm. On tracks like Burn The Witch and Massive Attack’s Risingson, the Arcam feels more confident and polished, while the B1xi comes off a little less assured.

Sometimes, the Musical Fidelity’s bold style paints music with broad strokes, smoothing over the subtle emotional peaks and valleys. While this isn’t inherently bad—it maintains a consistent, lively personality—it might not satisfy listeners craving nuance and finesse. Still, with its solid feature set, the B1xi offers plenty of playback options.

Vinyl and Digital Playback Highlights

The built-in phono preamp shines, delivering full, detailed sound for records like Lukas Graham’s Happy Home and Bach’s Siciliano in G Minor. Although I wouldn’t mind a touch more dynamic control, the onboard stage should suffice for most vinyl enthusiasts—serious collectors might prefer an external phono preamp.

Testing the built-in DAC with the Cyrus CDi CD player connected via optical input showed consistent quality. Soundgarden’s Down On The Upside was detailed and robust, and Hans Zimmer’s Dark Knight soundtrack benefitted from B1xi’s cinematic flair.

However, the 6.3mm front headphone jack left something to be desired. Using Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X headphones, the sound lacked the clarity and musicality found when driving speakers, and it didn’t quite match the refined performance of the Arcam A5+ amplifier in this regard.

Final Verdict: A Bold Performer with Room to Grow

By its own standards, the Musical Fidelity B1xi amplifier is a competent performer, delivering bold, assertive sound complemented by a well-rounded feature set. However, when stacked against rivals like the Arcam A5+ amplifier in the same price range, it faces stiff competition.

If it were my money, I’d be tempted to stretch the budget for the Arcam’s more refined, musical presentation. Still, the B1xi offers a compelling package for listeners wanting power, versatility, and a bit of classic character in their stereo setup.

Summary Ratings

• Sound: 4/5
• Features: 5/5
• Build Quality: 4/5

B1xi feels in its element when diving into music, delivering powerful punch with clear enjoyment.

FAQ

• What type of amplifier is the Musical Fidelity B1xi?
  It is a Class A/B integrated amplifier delivering 60W per channel at 8 ohms.
• Does the B1xi have a built-in phono stage?
  Yes, it includes a moving magnet (MM) phono preamp for vinyl playback.
• Can the B1xi connect to modern digital sources?
  Absolutely, it supports HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial inputs, and Bluetooth 5.1.
• How does the headphone output perform?
  The 6.3mm headphone jack works but lacks the clarity and richness found when driving speakers or compared to some competitors.
• Is the remote control reliable?
  The included remote is simple and easy to use, though occasional response delays were noted during testing.

If this deep dive into the Musical Fidelity B1xi inspired you, why not bring some of that iconic sound into your room? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store — a perfect way to celebrate music and style.