Desktop hifi systems based on a B2?

[Davywhizz]

Hi all

I've often thought about a second B2 as the basis for a minimalist desktop music system, one which can play back ripped CDs in good quality stereo, as they were recorded.

Thus I'm thinking at least three boxes: a B2 and two stereo speakers (probably powered rather than connected directly to the B2's internal amp and DAC). 

As not all powered speakers have an optical input, maybe an external DAC too (box number four) or, more likely, a combined DAC/headphone amp. If the DAC could take a USB output from a laptop as well as the B2's optical line out that would be a bonus.

Very interested to know what others have put together or are thinking of?

So far I'm thinking Audioengine A2+ for the speakers, with some little angled stands to point them earwards. I've just added a pair to my wife's laptop and they sound amazingly good for their size. My current DAC/headphone amp (Fiio K5 Pro) would fit nicely between a B2/laptop and the speakers. It has a better range of inputs than most DACs (coaxial digital, optical, USB, even analogue for a turntable etc) which are easily selectable from a toggle switch on the front. 

 

But there must be a range of other options out there.

[Daniel Taylor]

Although I am not in need of such a system right now, I have fantasized about a minimalist system for if I am ever confined to a small room in a retirement home.  Of course, the B2 would be mandatory to contain (most) all my music.  Then I'd connect that to the internal DAC of a PS Audio Sprout 100 integrated amp.  PS Audio recommends the highly regarded Elac B6.2 speakers.

To go another route, I'd get some sort of device that had a good DAC, but also inputs for other sources.  Then I'd seriously investigate some powered speakers such as the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore, or the KEF LSX.

[Davywhizz]

Thanks Daniel. I've been tempted by the PS Audio Sprout but can never understand why it seems to cost double the USA price in the UK. I know a lot of things are more expensive in one place than the other, but that does seem excessive.

I have a pair of Elac (Debut 2) B6.2s. I've recently replaced them in my main hifi and they are now set up with a Marantz amp/streamer in a building we have across the garden, where my son lives when he's with us. When I finished the set-up I was thinking how good they sound. You could certainly shake up your retirement home. 

[RandyT]

If you have an extra pair of speakers, plug them into the B2 and give them a listen. I've lately been on a cheap bookshelf speaker buying spree and there's some very good used speakers out there. (Typically under $50US) This weekend I picked up a pair of Infinity IL-10 speakers and plugged them into my B2. They sound much better than I thought their 86db/watt were going to sound. Near-field on a desktop doesn't take nearly as much speaker. Take a shot and plug some in.

[Daniel Taylor]

Hi Randy,

I did plug some speakers into my B2 when I first got it - just to make sure that functionality functioned - and I was not at all happy with the B2's internal amp.  It's a good thing the B2 can send a digital signal out to an external DAC, or I would have had to send my B2 back for a refund.

[Jeff. M.]

Tend to agree Daniel, I found the br sound nothing like as good as my jb7. Now running to an smsl q5 via optical, and very happy now!