Shanling Audio’s new BA1 Bluetooth receiver is capable of transmitting high-res audio wirelessly (provided the source also supports the necessary codecs).
Many Bluetooth receivers intended for connection to a hi-fi system are not of the best quality. Often all kinds of codecs interrupt the transmission of hi-res music. While the hardware is also mediocre. Shanling Audio’s BA1 tries to jump into that gap. First of all, this Bluetooth receiver supports LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC, in other words: also the hi-res codecs. Where a maximum quality of 24 bit / 96 kHz is possible.
Digital or analog
Furthermore, Shanling Audio has chosen an ESS Sabre ES9218P DAC in the BA1, which will certainly improve the quality. You link the BA1 easily to any self-respecting hi-fi system via RCA line outputs. Which also allows use with active speakers, by the way. Practical is also the digital output, with which you can (continue to) use your own DAC.
Finally – just as practical – the Shanling Audio BA1 can also be used as an external sound card for the computer, thanks to the USB input (but then up to 16/48 plug-n-play).
Remains the price, which turns out to be very pleasant with an amount of €169. And by the way, you have to provide your own 5V / 1A power supply (sadapter).