Big thank you to for sending the BP50 to review!
Full disclosure: This is a paid review but I made it clear to them that I do not guarantee positive reviews or recommendations – I make in-depth, honest evaluations based on my impressions and the ultimate value that the product may or may not provide.
Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
The Arylic BP50, amidst the evolving landscape of wireless audio receivers, emerges as a compelling contender within its class.
Positioned alongside its counterpart, the B50, a pivotal question arises: does the BP50 maintain a comparable value proposition to its sibling, or does it showcase unique features that differentiate its standing in the market?
One notable distinction lies in the B50’s inclusion of passive speaker inputs, offering a distinct advantage for those seeking direct connectivity with passive, bookshelf-type speakers.
As we explore the BP50 in detail, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and any noteworthy differences compared to the B50, aiming to unravel whether the absence of passive speaker inputs impacts its overall value proposition and suitability for diverse audio setups.
Arylic BP50
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Arylic!
In The Box
Arylic BP50 Main Unit
1x User Manual
1x Usage Card
2x Antenna (3dBi)
1x Remote Control
1x 12V/1A Power Adapter
What Is It?
The Arylic BP50 is a Wireless Stereo Pre-Amplifier with Audio Transmitter; allowing you to transmit music wirelessly over Bluetooth.
It has both analog and digital outputs for use with an amplifier or active speakers.
It also comes with different types of analog and digital inputs including a phono input for use with a turntable, and a TV ARC input for use with… you guessed it, a TV.
You can also play music files stored in a USB disk drive or directly connect the unit to a PC via the USB-C jack.
Lastly, the unit comes with a handy remote for couch-dwelling potatoes who haven’t moved in years (i.e. me).
Just make sure you’ve got 2 AAA batteries as Arylic doesn’t include any in the box.
Front Panel
The front interface includes the Volume Pot, On/Off Switch, IR Sensor for the remote, and Status LEDs which indicate the current status/input source.
Press the Volume Potentiometer to cycle through Bluetooth, Line, Phono, Optical, ARC, USB, and DAC.
When the BT LED is flashing, it indicates the device is in BT Receiver (RX) mode and is waiting for a connection.
Once connected, the LED will remain on.
When one of the source input LEDs is on and the BT LED is also on, it indicates the BT Transmitter (TX) mode is on and is using the current source as input.
All LEDs will turn on during a firmware update. Do not turn off the power at this time. Wait until all LEDs turn off and back to BT mode.
All LEDs will start flashing when the device goes into protection mode. Turn the device off and check for a reason (this is typically due to overheating or an output has short-circuited).
It’s important to note that you likely won’t have to worry about this, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Back Panel
The back contains an array of input and output options. Let’s take a look:
Bluetooth Antenna
The BT Antenna connection as well as a BLE Antenna connection.
If you were unaware, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is a wireless communication technology that enables devices to exchange data over short distances with minimal power consumption, suitable for various applications like IoT devices, wearables, and sensors.
It conserves energy while maintaining connectivity, extending battery life in connected devices.
12V Input Jack and Ground Connector
Moving along, we’ve got the 12V DC input jack, a Ground Connector for connection to a turntable GND connector (optional), and Line Out connections.
Coaxial output
For connection to a soundbar, amplifier, or devices with coaxial input.
Optical output
For connection to a soundbar, amplifier, or devices with optical input.
Phono input
For connection to a turntable as a phono amplifier.
Line input connector
For connection to any device that has a line output.
Subwoofer output connector
For connection to an active subwoofer.
Optical input
For connection to a device with an optical output.
USB Type-C
For connection to PC or PS4. More on that in a bit!
Build Quality
Like the B50 before it, the BP50 is built very well and all the connections/switches are solid and robust.
The unit itself isn’t super heavy, but it doesn’t feel cheap. One minor complaint is that the top will collect a considerable amount of fingerprints, so definitely keep that in mind.
That said, the front of the unit boasts a clean and modern aesthetic, fitting nicely into any home theater setup with its sleek chassis and intuitive interface.
Performance
The BP50 utilizes the ES9023P DAC chip, a 24-bit stereo audio digital-to-analog converter designed by ESS.
This chip integrates a driver op-amp, providing a 2Vrms output.
It employs Hyperstream architecture and time-domain jitter elimination technology to achieve impeccable sound quality with a dynamic range of 112 dB, ensuring a distortion-free, high-resolution audio experience that captures intricate musical nuances.
Notably, the ESS chips deliver remarkably clean and crisp sound, a feature I found distinctly apparent based on many hours of personal experience and dedicated listening time.
- Recommended: The Best DAC Chip In Headphone Audio
Because I don’t currently have a set of active speakers that have line inputs, I utilized the BP50 via Bluetooth with my phone.
I also hooked it up to HIFIMAN’s EF600; an excellent amplifier in a home studio or home theater environment.
For this type of setup, just switch the BP50 to “DAC” mode, and run some RCA to RCA cables from the outputs of the unit into the inputs on the EF600 (or whichever amplifier you go with).
The USB Cable just plugs from a Type-A port on the front of your PS4 into the USB-C slot on the back of the BP50.
Now just pair it with a HIFIMAN Arya and you’ll have some really sweet sounds with ultra-high resolution.
One minor gripe is that they don’t include a Type-A to Type-C in the package, so I would like to see that in the future.
Because I demo a lot of gear, I just so happened to have one lying around.
In any event, The BP50 sounds great – transmitting much cleaner and crisper sound than you’d expect – via Bluetooth or in DAC mode.
BP50 vs. B50
I wouldn’t call it a gripe, but there’s a caveat to keep in mind: If you have active speakers with line input, the BP50 is the better option.
If you’re like me and have passive speakers in your home theater, go with the B50. It has passive inputs and for me, is much more useful if I want to quickly connect it to my Andrew Jones Pioneers.
- Recommended: Passive vs. Active Speakers: Which Are Best For YOU?
That said, you could simply use a coaxial cable from the output of the BP50 into your receiver and still be able to listen with your passive speakers.
Still, it’s a bit counterintuitive, since the idea is to avoid receivers altogether, but the option is still there.
All in all, you’re afforded an array of input and output options, but the type of speakers you have is very important in making that ultimate determination between which you go with.
Go Control App
While the Go Control app provided with the B50/BP50 may not be as comprehensive as the 4STREAM app used with other models like the Arylic S10, it remains functional and effective in addition to being a lot more stable.
I was up and running within seconds, and I cannot say the same for the 4STREAM app which has given me significant headaches in the past.
The app for the B50/BP50 allows you to fine-tune your audio settings and manage your connected devices.
It not only provides you with powerful audio customization tools but also offers a host of additional features to enhance your overall user experience.
One of its standout capabilities is the fully customizable EQ (Equalizer) setting, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences.
With the EQ, you can adjust various frequency bands to craft a sound profile that suits your music genre, personal taste, and audio equipment, ensuring that every note and beat is delivered just the way you like it.
Beyond audio controls, the app also lets you personalize its aesthetics to match your preferences.
You can choose between dark mode and light mode, adapting the app’s interface to your preferred viewing conditions, whether it’s a subdued ambiance for nighttime or a bright and vibrant look during the day.
Additionally, you can customize the app’s colors and themes to make it feel uniquely yours, adding a touch of personalization to your audio control experience.
In summary, the GO Control app is not just a tool for adjusting sound; it’s a versatile companion that empowers you to fully customize your listening experience.
Closing Thoughts
The BP50, designed for users with active speakers, offers exceptional value with its impressive build quality, paired with the utilization of the ES9023P DAC chip that guarantees high-resolution sound and remarkable clarity.
Meanwhile, those with passive speakers may find the B50 more suitable due to its tailored features.
Considering its robust construction and the balance it strikes between quality and affordability, the BP50 stands out as an excellent choice, offering a compelling overall value proposition at a very competitive price point.
Assessing individual speaker setups remains crucial, ensuring an optimal audio experience while maximizing the benefits provided by this well-crafted unit.
A Sound Decision?
I would say so. I really liked the B50, and the BP50 is also a great value considering everything it can do.
Again, just make sure you buy the correct one based on the type of speakers you have.
Learn More:
Specifications
- Bluetooth Standard: 5.2
- Transmitter: 2x Bluetooth TX, able to connect up to 2 Bluetooth Speakers or Earbuds.
- Receiver: 2x Bluetooth RX, able to connect up to 2 Bluetooth transmitter devices.
- Codec: aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX AD, AAC, SBC
Audio I/O
- Line In: Analog RCA, Max 2Vrms input
- Phono In: Analog RCA, Support MM/MC
- Optical In: Up to 192kHz/24-Bit PCM only
- TV ARC: PCM only, CEC function supported
- USB Host: USB Disk Drive playback, support resume playback. Storage Format: Fat16, Fat32, exFAT, up to 128GB. Support codec: mp3, mp4, wma, mov, m4a, aac, flac (96kHz/24-Bit), ape
- USB Type-C: USB DAC for PC connection, Sample Rate: 48kHz
Audio Output
- Subwoofer Out: Max 3Vrms output, Cutting Frequency: 250Hz
- Line Out: Max 2Vrms output
- Optical Out: 48kHz/16-Bit output
- Coaxial Out: 48kHz/16-Bit output
General
- Power Input: 12V/1A
- Size: 185 x 155 x 50mm
- Weight: 750g
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Arylic BP50 Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
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Did I convince you that these units are worthwhile purchases? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu