Music Receiver

blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver

4.9 · 79 reviews

blafili B3 Bluetooth Receiver brings your music to life with advanced 32-bit audio processing and LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC technology. The B3 lets you stream music wirelessly to any home music system, preserving every detail and nuance of your audio—even at extended ranges.

  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, plus digital optical and coaxial
  • Custom broadcast name & passcode (factory default: "blafili B3", no passcode)
  • Hi-Res Bluetooth audio codecs — LDAC and aptX HD
  • Audiophile-grade ESS ES9018K2M DAC, 32-bit/384 kHz
  • All outputs stay live at the same time
$109.00 $149.00 SAVE 27%
1

Every bit, delivered.

LDAC990 kbps · 96 kHz/24-bit
aptX HD576 kbps · 48 kHz/24-bit
aptX LL420 kbps · low latency
AAC320 kbps
SBC328 kbps
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver on a hi-fi receiver next to a wireless speaker, with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC codec badges
4 outputs · 2 inputs

One small box,
every connection.

Versatile connection options

Connect hi-fi receivers, amplifiers or DACs via balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, optical or coaxial. Two audio inputs — wireless Bluetooth and wired USB-C audio — switch seamlessly.

Audiophile-grade DAC

An ESS ES9018K2M performs 32-bit/384 kHz upsampling, extracting every detail from the source — breathing new life into even the most demanding hi-fi systems.

OLED, at a glance

A 1.34″ OLED shows codec, sample rate and volume in real time. No app required, no guessing what your receiver is doing.

Custom name & passcode

Rename the broadcast (up to 12 characters) and set a 4-digit pairing code per device — factory tools included, no subscription.

Plug into your gear.

DEVICE Works Notes
Phones, tablets & computers (Bluetooth) ✓ Any Bluetooth source with SBC
USB-C audio from computer ✓ USB DAC 16-bit, 48 kHz
Powered speakers / amplifiers ✓ Line-level output — set amp volume as usual

Nerdy by design.

Brand
blafili
Connectivity Technology
RCA, Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial, XLR
Controller Type
Hand Control, Push Button
Special Feature
Hi Res Audio, Music Streaming, Built-In Bluetooth, USB Port, Display
Compatible Devices
Laptop, Desktop, Tablet, Home Theater, Smartphone
Connector Type
Coaxial, XLR
Audio Output Mode
Stereo
Surround Sound Channel Configuration
2
Color
Black
Bluetooth Chipset
Qualcomm QCC5125
USB DAC mode
16-bit / 48 kHz
Bluetooth Profiles
5.1, A2DP, AVRCP
Codecs
LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Range
Up to 100 feet; Removable Bluetooth antenna (RP-SMA connector)
DAC
ESS ES9018K2M
Bluetooth PCM (LDAC)
up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
THD+N
-120dB
DNR
+127dB
A2DP Frequency Response
20Hz - 20kHz
Audio Input
Bluetooth & USB-C
Audio Outputs
Balanced XLR( Male ), Unbalanced RCA( Female ), OPTICAL, COAXIAL( Female )
Power Input
USB Type-C DC 5V/1A
Body Material
Aluminum + ABS
Display Screen
1.34 inch OLED, 128 x 64 pixels

In the box

  • blafili B3 receiver
  • Removable Bluetooth antenna
  • USB-C power cable
  • RCA audio cable
  • Optical cable (3.28 ft)
  • Quick-start guide

Reviewed by the people who listen.

“it’s rare to get XLR outputs paired with high quality bluetooth codecs from a DAC at this price point”
Head-Fi ↗
“The sound is clean, detailed, and well-balanced across different genres of music”
Head-Fi ↗
“This is one of the first devices where I am happy to use bluetooth without feeling like I am compromising too much on sound quality due to the inclusion of the high-quality codecs like LDAC, AAC and aptX HD”
Head-Fi ↗

Rated 4.9 by 79 owners.

FC
Frankie C.
Jan 25, 2024

Excellent Bluetooth stereo Receiver with programmable pass code

We utilize the Blafili B3 in a school gym environment which requires a programmable passcode and excellent sound quality. Staff easily connect to the passcode protected Bluetooth unit. The antenna amplification is spot on using a 30ft extension cable and aftermarket Yagi mounted on the wall. Range is excellent. Sound quality is excellent (we use XLR but also includes optical audio). No complaints and highly recommended the product.

AL
Assil Lotun
Jan 17, 2024

Blafili B3 Incredible Performance

I just received the Blafili B3. I hooked it to a vintage Sansui AU-717. The sound of the Blafili is incredible. Very high quality, dynamic, excellent stereo imaging. Tested with Qo-buz source. Value to money product, highly recommended

MM
Matthew Marcus
Jan 11, 2024

Works Great

Very happy with my blafili B3. The sound quality is superb and bluetooth range is exceptional. We installed in a gymnasium and have no connection issues anywhere in the facility. The team at blafili was very helpful assisting me to find a device that had long range and a security PIN. I even got a custom broadcast name. Very happy with my purchase.

GD
Geoffrey Davis
Dec 25, 2023

Excellent Bluetooth receiver!

PE
paul elarde
Dec 7, 2023

Nothing else comes close to this unit

The Blafili B3 Bluetooth receiver has to be the best on the market. As AV integrators, we want the option of being able to restrict who can take over the playback system. Also having the additional XLR balanced outputs is great to prevent hum and noise getting into the system. The range and sound quality are second to none. Highly recommend. Nothing else comes close to this unit.

FC
Frankie Clark
Dec 1, 2023

Excellent product with programmable passcode

We utilize the Blafili B3 in a school gym environment which requires a programmable passcode and excellent sound quality. Staff easily connect to the passcode protected Bluetooth unit. The antenna amplification is spot on using a 30ft extension cable and after market yagi mounted on the wall. Range is excellent. Sound quality is excellent (we use XLR). No complaints and a highly recommended product.

CH
Chris Hughes
Oct 18, 2023

Impressive!

I was really impressed with the sound quality, far better than the built in Bluetooth in my SMSL AO200.

XLR is a rare and HUGE bonus.

PS
Panduka Samarasinghe
Oct 18, 2023

Impressive Sound Quality and Versatile Connectivity - A Review of the Blafili B3 DAC

Introduction:
The Blafili B3 DAC is a versatile and compact audio device that promises high-quality sound and a range of connectivity options. In this review, we'll explore its design, setup process, audio performance, and more.

Product Overview:
The B3 DAC arrives in a well-packaged cardboard box, including all necessary cables (RCA, USB, SPDIF Coax, and Optical). Its brushed Aluminium build exudes quality and robustness (It weighs just enough to prevent it from being knocked around by rigid connectors), making it a reliable addition to your audio setup.

Connectivity and Setup:
Setting up the B3 DAC is straightforward. It's powered through a USB C connection but Blafili recommends using a proper USB charger when using Bluetooth Audio for optimal performance.

Connectivity and Inputs:
The B3 DAC boasts a rich selection of input and output options, including USB C, Bluetooth as inputs and RCA, XLR, SPDIF as outputs. The Bluetooth connection stood out for its reliability, offering a rock-steady connection throughout our testing.

Sound Quality:
The B3 DAC excels in delivering detailed audio with excellent stereo imaging. Its midrange performance is particularly pleasing, making vocals come to life. The bass response is evenly distributed, avoiding any overemphasis or boominess. The only bit of improvement I could say is in the top-end, where it can do better to bring out sparkle to match with the rest of the response in the frequency spectrum, but it's not something you would expect at this price point from a DAC.
Pros:
Versatile connectivity options.
Solid build quality.
Reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
Detailed midrange performance.
Balanced bass distribution.

Cons:
Nothing at this price point.

Conclusion:
The Blafili B3 DAC impresses with its audio quality and connectivity options. The company's progression from earlier Bluetooth receiver products to the B3 DAC showcases their commitment to improving sound fidelity and versatility. At its current price point there is nothing to complaint about the B3 unit other than to say that it offers a great audio experience and is recommended for those seeking high-quality sound with multiple connectivity options.

Showing 8 of 72 reviews
9 / 9
Write a review

Which box fits your rack?

SPEC VIEWING
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver
blafili B3 Bluetooth Music Receiver Music Receiver
blafili XLR Bluetooth Audio Receiver
blafili XLR Bluetooth Audio Receiver Audio Receiver
blafili R1 Bluetooth Receiver
blafili R1 Bluetooth Receiver Home Receiver
blafili 6dot35 1/4" TRS Bluetooth Music Receiver
blafili 6dot35 1/4" TRS Bluetooth Music Receiver TRS Receiver
Price $109.00$149.00 $40.99$59.99 $21.99$29.99 $44.99$59.99
Best for Hi-fi stacks & home theater Studios, PA & installers First wireless upgrade for RCA stereos Guitar amps & PA speakers
Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP 5.2, A2DP, AVRCP 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP
Codecs LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC
Audio I/O Bluetooth & USB-C XLR male ×1 RCA 1/4 inch TRS male ×1
Power USB-C powered (5V) — no battery Up to 16 hours USB-powered — no battery Up to 10 hours
View View View

Before you ask.

Is a Bluetooth receiver with DAC worth it?

Yes when your source streams hi-res codecs: the B3 decodes LDAC/aptX HD through an ESS ES9018K2M DAC (32-bit/384 kHz) instead of leaving the last conversion to your amp, so nothing is lost between phone and speaker.

Which Bluetooth receiver has both XLR and RCA out?

The blafili B3 outputs balanced XLR, RCA, optical and coaxial from one box — and it is an LDAC receiver on top.

Does the B3 remember settings?

Yes — codec, volume and pairing data are stored on the unit; it reconnects to the last device automatically and the OLED confirms the live codec and sample rate.

Can't get anything to pair with blafili B3 ?

blafili B3 is a Bluetooth receiver not a Bluetooth transmitter, so it can't pair and connect with Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth speaker, Bluetooth receiver and other Bluetooth receiver devices.

Difficult to sync blafili B3 with TV ?

You will need to turn off Bluetooth on other devices first, as blafili B3 can be connected by ONLY one device at the same time.

Do you have to push a button to pair device ?

No, Multi Function Button owns these functions ONLY: ON/OFF; BT Connection Reset; Factory Reset.

Will a Alto Professional Bluetooth Ultimate connect to blafili B3 ?

No, both Alto Bluetooth Ultimate and blafili B3 are BT receivers. What you need is a BT transmitter to pair/connect with Alto Bluetooth Ultimate. Hope it helps.

Will macOS Sonoma use AAC codec with blafili B3 Bluetooth receiver ? I've tried other devices that support AAC but macOS connects using SBC.

Yes, blafili B3 supports codecs of LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC. blafili B3 connects with macOS Sonoma by AAC codec.

Do you need a Bluetooth antenna for blafili B3 ?

In some cases, you could get signal without the antenna but you must use it to get the best signal.

Can I use multiple outputs at the same time on the blafili B3?

It’s convenient that all outputs( XLR, RCA, COAXIAL, OPTICAL ) are active at the same time.

Digital optical / TOSLINK output red light does not work ?

No, the red light only comes on when there is music playing.

Can't get Bluetooth to work with two devices. One works but I can't get the second device to play.

How to connect blafili B3 with two phones: 1. Power on blafili B3 Bluetooth receiver 2. Enable Bluetooth on the 1st phone, search and connect to “blafili B3” 3. After pairing successfully, disable Bluetooth on the 1st phone. blafili B3 will enter pairing mode again. 4. Connect blafili B3 to the 2nd phone by the same way. 5. After pairing successfully, enable Bluetooth on the 1st phone, click to connect “blafili B3” again. 6. Now both 2 phones are connected to blafili B3. Note: Only 1 phone can play at a time, you have to pause the other.

What if my BT source doesn't support aptX? Can I still use blafili B3 and if so, how will it sound ?

You can absolutely still use the blafili B3, and it will sound great. LDAC, aptX HD are high quality Bluetooth audio codecs that work really well. With that said, in addition to mandatory support for SBC, Bluetooth also includes optional support for many other codecs, like MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and AAC, all of which have their own advantages, and some of which sound very close to aptX HD and LDAC.