CD players are back, and this new Musical Fidelity buy has an 'incredibly attractive price': the same as an Oppo A7 Pro Max smartphone
The Musical Fidelity B1xcd is a CD player which capitalizes on the physical media resurgence, and it costs less than alternative models on the market.
Musical Fidelity has introduced a new compact disc player, the B1xcd, aiming to bring audiophile audio back to a more accessible price point. The B1xcd, set to release in October 2026, boasts a standing design for home hi-fi systems, rather than portability. Its price tag of €599, approximately $670, £500, or AU$1,000, is surprisingly affordable when compared to other similar CD players.
With a metal chassis and weighing 5.8kg, the device is substantial but not overly heavy. Its LCD screen displays track information, and the device features aluminum control icons. Powered by an ESS DAC for audio CDs, the B1xcd supports Red Book CDs, the original CD format specification established in 1980, making it a nod to the classic discs you might find at a thrift store.
It provides both analog and digital outputs, including RCA, coaxial, and optical connectors, allowing for seamless integration into existing home hi-fi setups.
In an interesting comparison, the B1xcd's price is on par with the recently launched Oppo A7 Pro Max smartphone, which is marketed as a budget device. This puts things into perspective, as high-end CD players often come with significantly higher price tags. For instance, a Rotel Michi option tested last year cost ten times the price of the B1xcd, while a new SACD player released earlier this week goes for a hundred times more. Thus, the B1xcd remains a relatively affordable choice in the CD spinning market.
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