Lastly, Bluetooth connections sometimes suffer from latency that causes a delay between the image displayed on the smartphone or computer and the sound emitted by the connected amplifier. The Sony STR-DN1080 A/V receiver features a Bluetooth receiver that is compatible with LDAC, Sony’s high-definition codec, offering a transmission speed of 990 kbps and outstanding sound quality. You can benefit from these codecs with the Elipson Music Center BT HD connected amplifier (aptX HD) and the Sony STR-DN1080 A/V receiver (LDAC). The aptX HD and LDAC codecs provide even better sound quality (up to 24 bits and 48kHz for aptX HD and up to 24 bits and 96kHz for LDAC). However, a Bluetooth-enabled connected amplifier compatible with the aptX audio codec will provide sound quality close to that of an audio CD. With a Bluetooth amplifier that only supports the standard audio codec (called SBC), which is limited to 350 kbits/s, the sound is highly compressed and therefore deteriorated. In addition, the sound quality is affected by the relatively low speed of Bluetooth connections and the audio codec used. Any walls and furniture that are in between the smartphone and the connected amplifier can disturb or even block the signal. Firstly, its range is limited to about ten meters and the limited power of Bluetooth transmitters makes this connection very sensitive to physical obstacles. However, Bluetooth technology does have a few drawbacks. Moreover, all of the audio content played by the phone or computer can be reproduced by the amplifier: music streaming apps like Deezer, Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal, music stored in the memory of a smartphone, videos played on YouTube, Netflix or Prime Video, video game soundtracks… Consequently, you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of a particular service with the amplifier: as long as it is accessible on your smartphone, tablet or computer, the amplifier can reproduce the sound via Bluetooth.
No need to connect to the local network, the music source and the amplifier are connected directly. The main advantage of a Bluetooth connection is how simple it is to set up. Ultra-compact, equipped with a DAC (optical input), accompanied by a remote control and capable of delivering 2 x 40 watts into 8 ohms, the Elipson Music Center Mini BT connected amplifier is also compatible with aptX Bluetooth. This means that all you have to do is pair the connected amplifier with your smartphone, tablet or computer to stream music wirelessly.
First introduced in phones in 1999, Bluetooth is now systematically integrated in smartphones and tablets, whether they run an iOS (iPhone, iPad and iPod) or Android operating system, as well as most laptops. Bluetooth connected amplifiersĪlmost all connected amplifiers, both connected stereo hi-fi amplifiers and A/V receivers, feature a Bluetooth audio receiver as this technology is easy and inexpensive for manufacturers to integrate. This comparative guide about WiFi and Bluetooth connected amplifiers will help you find the model best suited to your needs by answering these different questions and offering a selection of the best connected amplifiers in 2020.
What features does a Bluetooth connected amplifier offer? Why choose a connected amplifier with an Ethernet port or WiFi connectivity? Should I opt for a multi-room compatible WiFi Bluetooth amplifier? What other features can I expect from a connected amplifier? There are a multitude of different stereo amplifiers (2 speakers) and A/V receivers on the market, so choosing a model isn’t always easy. Many connected amplifiers are also multi-room compatible, allowing them to be paired with wireless speakers or multi-room speakers that feature the same technology or are made by the same manufacturer. WiFi and Bluetooth connected amplifiers allow you to listen to online music via numerous internet services as well as audio files shared over the local network and music played directly on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.