Recommend a cheap bluetooth receiver for old home sound system

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Recommend a cheap bluetooth receiver for old home sound system

timmmay

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#275636 1-Sep-2020 19:40

We have an old compact sound system that has a 3.5mm input I'd like to send music to using Bluetooth from my phone. Can anyone recommend one they have personally found good?

I got this combined transmitter / receiver from AliExpress and it is pretty poor:

It only connects about half the time - I have to unplug / plug in
When it does connect some of the time it just gives static
When it's off the flashing blue light is super bright, and the flashing makes the USB power supply it's connected to make an annoying noise

I don't need a microphone, multiple devices, NFC, flashing lights, battery etc. Just a way to get music to an old stereo's 3.5mm socket wirelessly. It'll be in one place so USB power would be fine.

This UGreen receiver looks about right. UGreen is at least a recognisable brand, cheap but ok. I was looking at this mpow unit but no vendor ships it to NZ - ok brand again.

Any recommendations?

Technofreak

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#2555120 1-Sep-2020 19:43

I've got one of these. I don't use it a lot but it does the job quite well.

https://www.amazon.com/TROND-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Indicator-Simultaneously/dp/B01K8ANDCI

They're not so good for Bluetooth audio from a video. The latency sometimes results in lip sync issues.

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adida101

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#2555188 1-Sep-2020 20:24

I've had good experiences with this Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter. Not the cheapest but reliable connection and good quality audio.

Handle9

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#2555190 1-Sep-2020 20:33

I'd use an Echo Dot. Switch off the microphone and hide it if you don't want to use the rest of the functionality. You just plug a 3.5mm socket into it and job done.

If you are streaming from Spotify it's a spotify connect target as well so you don't need to use bluetooth.

timmmay

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#2555194 1-Sep-2020 20:39

Echo Dot is an interesting idea. Probably not worth paying $60 for that if that's all I need.

Logitech I'm sure is good, but a bit more expensive. The speaker thingy we're using only cost about $100 I think :) Trond one looks like a good option thanks :)

tukapa1

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#2555978 2-Sep-2020 21:15

adida101:

I've had good experiences with this Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter. Not the cheapest but reliable connection and good quality audio.

+1 here on my receiver in the garage.

timmmay

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#2555987 2-Sep-2020 21:28

I've ordered a $20 UGreen one I linked to up top, but if that isn't good I'll go for the Logitech. Thanks all :)

allan

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#2556060 2-Sep-2020 22:42

Also using a Logitec doing exactly as OP outlines.

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Delphinus

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#2556145 3-Sep-2020 09:29

Is the Logitech USB powered? I can't find anything in any of the specs. Ie would it work in my car as well?

dt

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#2556162 3-Sep-2020 10:04

Delphinus:

Is the Logitech USB powered? I can't find anything in any of the specs. Ie would it work in my car as well?

I've got one of these in my track car and it gets powered by USB

It doesn't power on automatically when you start the car though, you have to press the power button on the receiver

allan

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#2556585 3-Sep-2020 17:10

Delphinus:

Is the Logitech USB powered? I can't find anything in any of the specs. Ie would it work in my car as well?

No, it's mains powered with a barrel connector

richms

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#2556640 3-Sep-2020 20:57

Echo dots have terrible Bluetooth quality. Also mine keeps dropping out briefly and has sync issues playing videos on the computer sending to it often.

I have a couple of these ones https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32947646197.html

Great range both ways, its between the TV and the soundbar and will also send to headphones depending on switch location. It has a battery but I have not found a use for that feature. AptX HD on recieving, and low latency for sending for headphones watching TV etc.

Richard rich.ms