The SMSL B2 is a powerful and versatile digital interface, offering a particularly complete connectivity with support for Bluetooth LHDC, I2S and AES/EBU or the integration of an XMOS USB interface. In addition, the device is innovative because its Bluetooth transmission uses the new LHDC protocol that supports sampling rates up to 24bit 96kHz without loss. The entire device benefits from a high quality design, using high-performance components such as ultra-low phase noise NDK clocks or an Altera MAX II CPLD. The interface is Hi-Res and Huawei HWA certified.

High precision clocks & I2S

The B2 integrates 2 Japanese NDK femtosecond ultra low phase noise clocks. These allow frequencies to be scanned from 44.1kHz to 12.288MHz. The SMSL B2 can also be used as a clock for another HiFi audio device.

The device also has the particularity of offering an I2S output via its HDMI connector, particularly suitable for enjoying beautiful audio playback. This output can be used with two modes to adapt to the I2S pinout of your audio system.

USB XMOS Interface

The USB interface of the SMSL B2 uses a second generation XMOS chip recognized by audiophiles for its audio performance. This offers support for high sampling rates up to 32bit 768kHz for PCM and up to DSD512. DoP is also supported by this chip.

High performance Bluetooth LHDC transmission

The Bluetooth chip integrated in the SMSL B2 supports a new type of coding: the LHDC. This high-performance device allows a lossless 24bit 96kHz audio stream transmission and therefore an audio playback that was previously unattainable in Bluetooth, including with SBC or aptX protocols. This technology is being promoted by the Huawei brand, which is now integrating it into all its new smartphones.

In addition, the HiBy Player also supports this LHDC protocol. As a result, even if your smartphone does not support this type of coding, it becomes possible to take advantage of it by using HiBy.

The diagram below shows the distortion induced by a transmission using the Bluetooth aptX protocol compared to a transmission using LHDC coding. We notice a distortion of about 0.048% and a noise of 100dB, against a distortion of 0.0000002% for the LHDC with an SNR of 150dB.

Quality design, impressive performance

The SMSL B2 integrates high quality components, which are the basis of its excellent audio performance and many features:

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2. USB XMOS : The USB interface includes a second generation XMOS chip, known for its high audio performance. In particular, it supports the reading of high quality files. It is thus possible to enjoy, via USB, PCM files up to 32bit 768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
3. AKM AK4127 : In B2, the AKM AK4127 chip allows asynchronous ASRC conversion of digital audio signals from 44.1kHz to 192kHz into a fixed frequency. A very practical feature, especially for DACs that do not support sampling rates higher than 48kHz.
4. Bluetooth circuit : The Bluetooth chip integrated on this circuit offers the new LHDC protocol. The latter allows a 24bit 96kHz transmission without loss.
5. Transformer : This toroidal transformer, often used in medical devices, has the advantage of generating very little noise, very low magnetic leaks while remaining compact. It is used, for example, in Philips' magnetic resonance medical imaging system.
6. CPLD Altera MAX II : This CPLD chip helps to synchronize signals and therefore reduce jitter.
7. 2x Horloges NDK : The B2 is equipped with two Japanese NDK oscillators that support many sampling rates in a powerful way while reducing jitter.

Simple and elegant design

Digital USB Bluetooth Interface LHDC I2S AESEBU SPDIF 32bit 768kHz DSD512The SMSL B2 offers a very sober design that gives it a certain elegance while allowing it to be easily integrated into all systems. The components are integrated in a sturdy silver-coloured anodised and CNC machined aluminium housing.