Musical Fidelity B1xcd connects to your amp—no extra DAC needed

Musical Fidelity announced the B1xcd on 27 October 2026, offering two ways to put an existing CD collection back into use. Its built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) lets it feed an amplifier through analogue RCA outputs, while coaxial and optical digital outputs provide an optional route to a separate DAC.

RCA to the amp, digital to a separate DAC

The onboard ESS9018Q2M DAC converts the disc’s digital audio into an analogue signal for the stereo RCA line outputs. These connect to a suitable line-level input on an amplifier or active speakers. The B1xcd cannot power passive speakers by itself.

The coaxial S/PDIF and TOSLINK optical connections are outputs, not inputs. Connect either to an external DAC and the B1xcd works as a CD transport: it reads the disc while the separate DAC handles the conversion to analogue audio. That external DAC is a choice, not a requirement for using the player.

Track names need CD Text; USB-C is for service

The B1xcd uses a tray-loading drive designed for Red Book audio CDs, with a BlueTiger CD-88 servo controlling disc reading. Its LCD shows the track number and playback time; artist and track names appear only when the disc contains CD Text.

The USB-C socket is a service connection, not an audio input. It does not let you use the B1xcd as a USB DAC for a computer or phone.

£549 in the UK, with a remote included

What Hi-Fi? reports a UK price of £549. The 430mm-wide player has an aluminium front panel and an all-metal chassis, with metal front-panel buttons for playback control. A remote control is also supplied.