I need advice. I have a nice media player with aptxHD that has all my music files (all wav) on it. I want to play them while on my patio. I plan to run 2 wired speakers (Klipsch AW-650) out there and connect them to a stereo or AV receiver inside and connect my player via BT.
My question is: Don't I need a receiver that also has aptX to process the music from my media player because the speakers will be connected to the receiver? I can't find a reasonably priced audio receiver with aptx. Is there some other workaround? Thanks.
(BTW, I don't like outdoor BT speakers. Except for the excellent Aiwa exos-9 BT speaker, none have a full, rich sound, and I don't have enough room to run 2 of the Exos.) |
Bluetooth’s physical & frequency range will eventually always give you problems in the long run, especially if you have any other 2.4G devices running physically within its vicinity. Try & use category 6 or greater DIRECT ethernet line for all your sources. If you need more than one connection, use a learning bridge like the one here (plug & play): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QR6XFHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Your results will always be better. |
I use a couple of different WiFi receivers. One is wired via rca to a preamp, the other is coax to a multibit, Schitt dac and then rca to an integrated amp. I use both of them to receive Amazon HD music from my iPhone via Airplay. Both sound good to me and outperformed my Bluetooth receiver.
One was around $45, the other was around $75. I have not compared them to a Bluesound unit.
My point is there are several options available, of course at varying prices and performance levels.
Best- |
No matter how you cut it your room will change everything. I would start with a Bluesound 2i
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Audioengine just introduced a WiFi streamer with their 24 bit DAC module for $179.00. While not the last word, might be a step up from Logitech BT for less than a Node2i, which I use with a Mytek Liberty DAC, but that’s $1549.00 plus a coax cable.
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I have a psaudio direct stream DAC. I bought an audioengine to stream from my phone. I connected it to my DAC and was very disappointed in the sound quality compared to just streaming directly through the DAC. I didn’t think it would make such a noticeable difference but it was night and day. I haven’t used it since.
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In digital all the bits ARE the same. Even a cheap disc reader will make less than one reading error in millions of bits. Same with wire transmissions assuming a good connection.
It that were all, it would be perfect sound forever.
The differences are all in clocks and DACs.
And they are legion and unaddressable. |
Depends on what level of sound quality you’re looking for and the level of the other equipment you’re working with. If the equipment is decent and you care about sound quality then WiFi absolutely. If it’s just a background music thing with cheap ceiling speakers just stick with BT and maybe upgrade to something like a Topping MX3, etc.
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jjss49, it is matter how those 1’ and 0’ being processed and through what quality audio components they passing through heading to the end.... this is objective aspect of SQ |
they are all 1's and 0's so it doesn't matter
NOT |
I stream Amazon Music over WIFI. Even with a low cost BlueSound Node 2i, I like the results. YMMV. |
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I don’t think you’ll get it for $400
They want $549 plus tax like everyone else.
There is better sound around for less.
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My streamer/dac is the only source in my main setup - as others have mentioned, there are HUGE qualitative differences between cheap and expensive digital gear, just like there is with amps, turntables, speakers etc.
For an easy, high-quality solution, get a Bluesound Node 2i for $400 from Crutchfield and listen for yourself, return it if you can't hear the improvement! |
It is NOT all 1’s and 0’s like some people say. The difference in digital front ends such as streamers can vary as much as a changing a cartridge on a turntable. If you want good sound I would avoid bluetooth connections. |
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Digital reproduction varies a LOT, depending on the gear, but mostly on whether you are streaming lossy or lossless. Bluetooth in particular can be really terrible (SBC basic BT), not bad (aptX), or quite good (aptX HD and LDAC0 -- though I’ve not heard aptX HD yet myself. In short, the codecs make a huge difference.
With the possible exception of aptX HD, Bluetooth does not equal the quality of streaming through WiFi or Ethernet. With the right equipment and source material, that can be as good as or better than an LP or CD played through a hard-wired connection.
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Whoever tells you “digital is all the same, it either works or it doesn’t” has no idea. I would never take advice from that person, regardless of their “credentials”
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There are many, many threads around related subjects. If you’re interested in quality sound, sources make a huge difference. Streaming can be better than your CD. Vinyl is a personal preference of course. But, it’s nowhere near digital in, digital out. Read a few other threads and you’ll see lots of helpful discussion.
Best, |
very much not all the same... |
I haven’t heard your Bluetooth Receiver, but I have been using Audioengine Bluetooth DACs for a few years in my stems in my house, not as a primary source but occasionally for the convenience. These are well regarded Bluetooth DACs with the latest codecs, etc. And my point is that Bluetooth, even if done optimally, is inherently limited. I wouldn’t lump Bluetooth in with other digital in a discussion. So I wouldn’t get caught up in trying to improve the basement system with other gear, because it will be the proverbial lipstick on a pig |
