Hifitrends recently put the Shanling BA1 hi-fi bluetooth receiver trough a test to see how capable it can drive various headphones and how versatile it was when used in a hifi-system. The BA1 is not just a bluetooth receiver, but is also a USB-DAC/ headphone amplifier. The BA1 supports just about every imaginable codec including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Internally you will find a Sabre ESS ES9218P DAC and the 3.5mm headphone connection has a 2v output and Hifitrends uses various headphones such as the HiFiMAN Sundara, Beyerdynamic T5 and Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow Closed to put the BA1 through the test. Especially the combination with the Sundara was really good according to Hifitrends.
The conclusion of the Hifitrends Shanling BA1 review is:
“The powerful headphone amp section and great-sounding Bluetooth output make the BA1 a versatile little box with many use cases….. If you’re looking to add Bluetooth to your hi-fi system or stream music from your phone to a nice set of headphones, or both, then this product is worth checking out”
Shanling BA1 Hi-Fi Bluetooth Receiver MSRP €179