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Audioengine B1 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Home Audio SystemsAudioengine B1

Audioengine B1 — image 1

Audioengine

Audioengine B1

Expert Review Analysis

The Audioengine B1 is a compact Bluetooth 5.3 receiver that adds high‑fidelity wireless streaming to legacy stereo systems. It features a 32‑bit ES9018K2M DAC, aptX Adaptive support, and both RCA and optical outputs, delivering up to 100 ft of stable range.

✓ Best for: The B1 is ideal for owners of classic or legacy stereo equipment who want a simple, high‑quality wireless bridge. It excels in scenarios like streaming high‑resolution services (Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz) to vintage receivers via RCA, feeding digital audio to modern DACs via optical, or providing reliable multi‑room playback without a full networked system.✗ Not ideal for: The B1 is not suited for users seeking native high‑resolution audio beyond Bluetooth up‑sampling, or those who require USB audio input, advanced EQ customization, or a dedicated companion app for fine‑tuning.

Pros

✓Exceptional wireless range of up to 100 feet provides stable connectivity throughout a typical room and adjacent spaces.
✓High‑fidelity sound thanks to a 32‑bit ES9018K2M DAC that up‑samples all sources to 32‑bit/96kHz with low distortion.

Price History

Current

$189.00

Average

$166.69

Lowest

$129.00

Highest

$189.00

Best Seller Rank History

Now#53Best#19Worst#136 +9

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Included AccessoriesRCA audio cable (3 ft / 1 m), power adapter with detachable cable, microfiber bag, setup guide

Audio

Supported FormatsWMA, WAV

Supported Bluetooth CodecsaptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Full-Scale Output2.0 V RMS V

Output Impedance47 Ω Ω

DACESS Sabre ES9018K2M, 32-bit upsampling, up to 96 kHz

Connectivity

Bluetooth Version5.3

Bluetooth ChipsetQualcomm QCC 3040

Wireless RangeUp to 100 ft (30 m) m

Supported Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP

Design

Height1.0 in (25.4 mm) mm

Width3.5 in (88.9 mm) mm

Length3.75 in (95.25 mm) mm

Weight0.3125 lbs (142 g) g

ConstructionAnodized aluminum case with audiophile-grade connectors

General

BrandAudioengine

ModelB1

ColorGrey

Release Date2014-08-07

Warranty3 years

Performance

Latency~30 ms ms

Ports

InputsBluetooth, USB-C (power)

OutputsRCA (stereo analog), Optical (SPDIF/Toslink)

Power

Input Voltage5 V V

Input Current200 mA mA

Power Filtering3-stage redundant regulation

Audio Performance

Latency~30 ms

Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio104 dB (one source) / 100 dB (another)

THD+N<0.03 % (one source) / <0.02 % (another)

Crosstalk<120 dB (one source) / <70 dB (another)

Dimensions & Weight

Height1.0 inches

Width3.5 inches

Depth3.75 inches

Weight0.3125 pounds

Research Sources

audioengine.com

audioengine.com

crutchfield.com

audioengine.com

audioengine.com

audioengine.com

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User Reviews

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4.7

(2,249 reviews)

$189.00

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B1Grey 3 year manufacture

Home Audio Systems

✓

Supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC for flexible device compatibility.

✓Provides both analog RCA and digital optical (SPDIF/Toslink) outputs, allowing connection to legacy stereos and modern DACs.

✓Compact anodized aluminum construction makes the unit durable yet unobtrusive on a shelf or audio rack.

Cons

✗Bluetooth‑only input limits maximum audio resolution to the bandwidth of the wireless connection.
✗USB port is power‑only, so the unit cannot accept digital audio via USB for higher‑resolution playback.
✗Specifications such as SNR and crosstalk vary between sources, indicating possible inconsistencies in reported performance.
✗No dedicated companion app or advanced EQ controls, limiting customization for audiophile users.
✗Lack of native high‑resolution audio support beyond Bluetooth up‑sampling may disappoint users seeking true hi‑res playback.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Crutchfield editors call the B1 a step above the average Bluetooth receiver, highlighting its superior build and performance.
✓Professional reviewers praise the 100‑foot wireless range as unusually long for a compact Bluetooth audio bridge.
✓The inclusion of aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs is noted for delivering noticeably better sound quality over standard Bluetooth.
✓The 32‑bit up‑sampling DAC is described as providing a clear improvement in detail and clarity compared to typical Bluetooth adapters.
✓Dual analog RCA and digital optical outputs are highlighted as offering flexible connectivity for both vintage and modern audio equipment.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Consumers appreciate how easily the B1 adds Bluetooth streaming to vintage stereo setups without complex configuration.
✓The extended 100‑foot range is frequently mentioned as enabling reliable multi‑room playback throughout a home.
✓Users find the plug‑and‑play design, requiring no app or password, to be extremely convenient for everyday use.
✓The premium aluminum housing and included accessories such as a microfiber bag are praised for their quality and presentation.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers from Crutchfield and tech YouTubers commend the B1 for its superior range, robust aptX Adaptive support, and the noticeable clarity added by its 32‑bit up‑sampling DAC. They highlight the dual analog and optical outputs as a versatile solution for both vintage and modern audio chains, positioning the B1 as a premium upgrade over generic Bluetooth adapters.

What Users Say

Everyday users consistently praise the B1 for its ease of adding wireless capability to older stereos, the long 100‑foot range that works well in multi‑room environments, and the solid build quality. While no major complaints surface, users note the lack of a dedicated app and the Bluetooth‑only audio source as minor limitations.

How It Compares

vs. Typical Budget Bluetooth Receiver

Advantages

✓Audioengine B1 provides a much longer 100‑ft wireless range versus 30‑50 ft on budget units.
✓The ES9018K2M DAC and aptX Adaptive deliver superior sound quality over basic 16/24‑bit chips.
✓Includes both RCA and optical outputs, whereas budget adapters often only offer RCA.

Disadvantages

✗B1 is larger and more expensive than the ultra‑compact, low‑cost budget adapters.
✗Budget receivers may be sufficient for casual listening where ultra‑high fidelity is not required.

Choose the Audioengine B1 for premium sound and range; stick with a budget adapter for basic, inexpensive Bluetooth streaming.

vs. Higher‑End iFi Zen Blue / Bluesound Node

Advantages

✓B1 is far simpler to set up with a true plug‑and‑play design and no app required.
✓Its compact aluminum chassis is more space‑saving than the larger, heavier high‑end units.

Disadvantages

✗High‑end competitors offer native hi‑res playback up to 384 kHz and advanced networking features that B1 lacks.
✗iFi/Bluesound units provide more extensive output options (coax, USB audio) and finer EQ controls.

Select the B1 for straightforward wireless bridging of vintage gear; opt for iFi Zen Blue or Bluesound Node when native hi‑res support and networked multi‑room features are essential.

Rating Trend

Rating4.7/ 5Reviews2,254+37 reviews