Amp for B2

[Tobias Brunner]

Hi guys,

I need some advice as I'm not too familiar with amps etc.

I have the B2 currently hooked up to a nice set of Q Acoustic 3020 speakers.

https://www.amazon.de/Q-Acoustics-3020-Regallautsprecher-Graphite/dp/B00TR7I1EY/ref=sr_1_1/261-8682396-4013543?ie=UTF8&qid=1538734964&sr=8-1&keywords=q+acoustics+3020

It sounds very good but my brother has the older model of the same speaker used through an amp and they sounds a lot better. So I am considering putting an amp in between B2 and my speakers.

It would be great if you could advise on a couple of questions:

1) With the B2 and the speakers I have, will an amp have a significant impact?

2) Which kind of amp or connection do I need if I want to be able to change the volume via the B2 online interface, not on the amp (use B2 mainly from mobile - love the new interface BTW)?

3) How can I achieve a setup where I do not need to switch on the amp each time I use B2? I mean the point of the mobile interface for me is, want music, get music instantly. So I would need an amp with a standby mode, I suppose?

Thanks for your advice!!

Tobias

[PMB]

Hi Tobias,

Personally I think the Q Acoustics would sound better with an external amplifier with higher power. The choice is very much up to you and how much you want to spend. I haven't seen any amps with a standby function that automatically turns on when a signal is detected (like a powered Sub Woofer does) but I'm sure there must be some out there.

Further, for best quality I would consider an external DAC connected to the optical SPDIF output on the B2. However this setup would not give you the volume adjustment via the B2 UI as you requested so you will need to use the Line Out.

Any others like to comment?

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Tobias Brunner]

Hi Paul,

I very much appreciate your reply, thanks very much.

I have ordered the digital amp recommended on the website - SMSL Q5.

Which cable would I need to order to be able to control volume on B2, which is important as we almost only control B2 via mobile. You say line out but would you mind specifying the cable connections?

Thanks again

Tobias

[PMB]

Hi Tobias,

The Line Out on the B2 uses a stereo 3.5mm jack socket and the SMSL has a 3.5mm input also. So a cable with stereo 3.5mm plugs each end would suit. This option will give volume control via the B2's UI.

If you don't mind using the SMSL's remote to adjust the volume, you could also consider using the optical SPDIF out from the B2. This requires a mini TOS Link to standard TOS Link optical cable like we sell in our Shop.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Tobias Brunner]

Hi Paul,

Thanks that's brilliant. Will probably go for the analog then.

IN terms of quality, is the difference only the reduced risk of interference on the signal? Or is there a real audible different because would be using the SMSL DAC?

Tobias

[PMB]

Hi Tobias,

There have been other posts about using an external DAC and most have said there is a change (improvement) in sound quality.

The cables are cheap enough so it might be worth trying both, see what you think....

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Peter Bartolo]

Upon Paul's previous recommendation, I recently purchased the SMSL Q5 pro amp for my Brennan B2. What a great little piece of kit this is, don't let the size fool you. It cones with both tone control and also 7 EQ presets. I've linked my B2 to the SMSL amp with the recommended SPDIF Toslink digital cable. The resulting sound now coming out of my Brennan speakers is just quite frankly, awesome!

I purchased my SML Q5 Pro amp from eBay UK for £79.00 with free delivery.

My thanks to Paul for his recommendation because the enjoyment of my B2 has been well and truly enhanced to another level.

Regards

Peter B.

[Roger Dunant]

+1 for the SMSL amp. I’ve had mine for about 2 years and I find it excellent.
The only gripe I have is that the remote needs to be pointed very much in the right direction!
A bit like playing darts!!
Roger

[Jasper Warwick]

I found using an external DAC made a huge improvement. The trick is to make sure your DAC, Amp, and speakers are of a similar quality, a £1000 DAC, £70 amp, and £1000 speakers will probably produce poorer sound than a £100 DAC, £500 amp, and £400 speakers. It is about balancing the components (in my opinion).

Jasper.