Line out Strength

[TJB]

What is the P to P voltage of the 3.5 mm port when using it as an analog output? Am trying to figure out the best scheme to connect a b2 to a pair of active speakers with XLR connections.  Presume it will be a pre amp or use the digital (SPDIF) feature to a DAC.  Thanks.

[Davywhizz]

The B2 line out is variable, not fixed, so that it can also work as a headphone socket. The output is quite low: up to 350mV RMS, or about 1V pk to pk. The Brennan advice is to set the B2 volume at or near the max to feed most external amps. 

You would probably get better sound using the B2 spdif output to a DAC/preamp, with an optical input and balanced XLR outs.  My preference would always be one that includes a  good headphone amp. There are plenty of makes and models to choose from, it depends what you want to spend. I have two that would do the job: a Fiio K9 Pro and a Topping EX5. I'd recommend either, but there are cheaper (and also much more expensive) options. 

If you have the energy, there's far too much information here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php

[John Alexander]

I noticed a definite improvement in the sound when I switched from using the analog output to the optical to my Onkyo amplifier.

John

[Bill Padden]

My experience matches John's. I switched from analog to an optical output to a Fosi DA-2120D amp. The difference in sound quality is outstanding. Makes my 15 year old Yamaha speakers sound like concert amps!

[TJB]

Thank You all for the information and encouragement. Have purchased a DAC/preamp w/ optical input and balanced XLR output.