In this article, I review the SMSL B2 USB/Bluetooth Audio Converter. The B2 features a CS43131 DAC chip, Bluetooth 5.1 and a colour display. It’s priced at $79.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Aoshida for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
SMSL B2
Design
B2’s aluminium alloy case feels robust and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It measures just 77x90x35mm (WxDxH) and weighs 150g. It’s fairly simple in construction with just a single capacitive touch button and 1.9 inch colour display on the front.
On the rear panel, there are (from left to right): a Bluetooth antenna mount, USB-C input plus optical, coaxial and RCA outputs. So, it’s easy to connect the B2 to powered speakers or an amplifier.
Inside is a CS43131 DAC chip with an ouptput dynamic range of up to 128dB. The Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth solution supports LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD, SBC and AAC.
Sound
For my setup, I hooked up the B2 to my PC via USB and then output to my Topping L70 headphone amplifier.
The Cirrus Logic CS43131 is a DAC chip that many of us are familiar with – it has featured in several dongle and budget desktop DACs. Its inclusion in the SMSL B2 is therefore unsurprising, but it’s worth exploring how it performs in this particular implementation.
Overall, the SMSL B2 presents a sound signature that leans towards neutral with a slight emphasis on detail retrieval. The CS43131 shines here, delivering a crisp and clear midrange that allows vocals and instruments to take center stage. Instrumental separation is good, with individual elements clearly defined within the soundscape.
The treble is extended without sounding harsh or fatiguing. There’s a good balance between detail and smoothness, preventing any sibilance or glare. However, for those who prefer a warmer treble presentation, the B2 might come across as slightly analytical.
The bass is accurate and controlled, offering sufficient depth and impact for most genres. While it doesn’t quite reach the subterranean depths of dedicated subwoofers, it provides a solid foundation for the music. The B2’s bass response is more about quality than quantity, delivering tight and well-defined low frequencies.
Imaging and soundstage are respectable for a DAC in this price range. Instruments are positioned with reasonable precision, and the soundstage has a decent sense of width and depth. While it might not be as expansive as some higher-end DACs, it’s certainly adequate for basic stereo systems.
One area where the B2 excels is its dynamic performance. The DAC handles crescendos and diminuendos with aplomb, delivering a sense of energy and excitement to the music. This makes it a suitable choice for genres that demand dynamic expression, such as classical or orchestral pieces.
Verdict
The SMSL B2 is a compact desktop unit that is especially suited to someone who wants a small desktop DAC with the addition of Hi-Res Bluetooth audio. It’s worth noting that you’ll need active speakers or an amplifier to pair with the B2 since it doesn’t have any headphone outputs or volume control built-in. For $79 this is a solid little DAC.