Lewis CaliburnAfter unveiling the new B Series of hi-fi electronics at Bristol HiFi Show 2025, Henley Audio has announced that the first pieces of Musical Fidelity’s B1xi integrated amplifier is shipping to UK dealers now.
The B Series is designed to provide customers with the musical fidelity experience of warm and dynamic sound at an attractive price. Following in the footsteps of the B1 amplifier from the ‘90s, the B1xi is an open-sounding, fully-discrete transistor-driven Class A/B amplifier.
The B1xi distils Musical Fidelity’s amplifier expertise into a versatile, high-performance integrated amplifier suited to the modern listener’s requirements. Featuring a purpose-designed Class A/B circuit with 60W (8Ω) power output, there’s little this amplifier cannot work with, claims the manufacturer.
Designed for today’s diverse listening needs, the B1xi features an array of input options. From the low-noise, high-gain MM phono stage, through multiple line-level inputs for other traditional sources and onto the built-in DAC, HDMI ARC input and Bluetooth receiver for wireless streaming – each input is optimised for the best possible performance.
There’s also an array of broader connectivity on offer, including the RCA variable pre-output for subwoofers or a dedicated power amplifier, a 5V USB-C power output for running an external streamer, a front-mounted mini-jack line input and a headphone output for private listening sessions.
The only feature one might consider missing from the B1xi is Wi-Fi streaming – but that decision is deliberate, says Musical Fidelity.
“Where others might produce all-in-one streaming amplifiers, they often have to compromise on quality – or they become very expensive,” says Musical Fidelity. “Built-in streaming can also limit the amplifier’s lifespan, as when the playback technology is superseded, the hardware can often become unusable or less functional. At Musical Fidelity, everything is produced with a focus on good hardware, robust design, and a desirable sound quality that means your investment can last for decades. The B1xi can play nicely with any external streamer, and by keeping the source device separate you can guarantee the amplifier can play at the heart of your system for years to come.”
The B1xi benefits from a premium amplifier design, using transistor amps in Class A/B to deliver a highly engaging, tube-like sound. Delivering 60 watts into 8 ohms (100W, 4Ω / 140W, 2Ω), it reportedly doesn’t struggle to drive a wide variety of speakers.
The pre-amplifier section of the B1xi features its own dedicated linear power supply, ensuring ultra-low noise and channel separation. This design effectively treats the integrated amplifier as electrically separate pre- and power-amp stages. Volume control is handled via a motor-driven analogue potentiometer for the purest signal control.
The internal layout of the B1xi is optimised for perfect sound, despite the many features that are included. Under the lid, the potentially interference-inducing digital boards are physically separated into their own PCBs with their own linear power supply.
The B1xi comes in a high-quality all-metal construction in black finish, with aluminium buttons and volume dial for £699.00.
The Musical Fidelity B1xi is available in the UK now via Henley Audio.