Fiio BTA30 Pro - An Honest Attempt to Change My Opinion of Bluetooth - Honest Audiophile Impressions

[@ginom407]

This unit would probably work well in garage were no critical listening ever takes place. Thanks Dave!!! 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Very true! That is a solid point. Thanks.

[@imrannaqvi83]

Thanks man your review helped me in my buying decision.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you found the review helpful. Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing.

[@HiFiGOAudio]

If you have a passive speaker system in your bedroom, the BTA30 Pro adds a lot of convenience. Wish it had a physical remote though

[@jb678901]

Use the app!

[@Hakku1403]

another great & honest review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome!

[@markrobby7136]

I use the Logitec Bluetooth transmitter for my old Denon Amp, and it's wonderful looking at the price of 28 euro. The sound is good and to my surprise, the bass is very good.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you have found a setup you enjoy. Thank you for sharing.

[@wojciech5177]

so, phone > bluetooth > Fiio > Cables > Active speakers, should improve audio quality right? rather than just using my phone > bluetooth > speakers? or not so much? i want to have maximum music value from my speakers

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

In theory yes. But honestly, I would use a different DAC and amp and connect via USB. I don't use Bluetooth on a regular basis but that's just me.

[@Lockk9]

Dave, will you be reviewing the Signature-Zen-Dac ? I got one a few months back and find the sound quality is definitely better than the regular Zen-Dac. Still a warm Dac but with a bit more detail and separation. I feel there is a slight elevation between 2kHz - 4.5kHz and makes it work great with the Sundara.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

iFi Zen DAC V2 Signature is on the schedule for review.

[@VoyagerGC]

Dave, thanks for the honesty. can this dac be used in a car ? so I could stream BT to an old but quality head unit over RCAs connectors?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I honestly don't know.

[@kinasc1575]

@VoyagerGC it has RCA audio out, so if your head unit has an RCA audio in then it will work. Just check that your 12 volt USB power supply is enough to power the unit.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Hi! I have it and love it. I had also topping E30 and since inputs and output analogue are similar I decided to keep Fiio and sold E30 (1st version). I felt that in PCM Fiio seems to have a little more punch and clarity. But I am also considering Xduoo ta10r. It has same inputs (no Bluetooth) , has some of the tube flavour since it is a hybrid amp also and most important has a coaxial output so I can still use bta30 pro to transmit Bluetooth or to use as a different dac just for the sake of comparison. And you did not say that Bta30 pro has optical passthrough that is you can connect your tv to Fiio and can use it as a dac, transmit to Bluetooth or connect it to another dac (like Xduoo ta10r) if you like it. But the question is … do you know Xduoo ta10r? Is it better than Fiio bta 30 pro as dac?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry have no experience or knowledge of xDuoo TA10r.

[@PunkSage]

How many Bluetooth headphones you can use at the same time when playing audio with this device?

[@ralphdaub]

Did you ever figure it out? I was looking at the 1Mii B03Pro+ to set up as a transmitter, but in a review I watched, it had issues playing to two different devices at the same time.

[@jayem1826]

GO BILLS! Sabres fan too? From WNY?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I was born and raised in Medina, about 40 miles east of Buffalo. Huge Bills and Sabres fan. Go Bills!

[@jayem1826]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Been there, but it was in '71. Tonawanda born

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎

[@jayem1826]

@@TheHonestAudiophileMay I ask you a question on the BTA30 pro? I see a TV's optical out can connect to the optical in and then the sound can transmit to Bluetooth earbuds/TWS Sabatt e16's. Of course I stream anything from my phone to the TWS Earbuds, but can I send the signal to the Fíio by Bluetooth and then from the Fíio to the Bluetooth earbuds? Why? Longer range. (and maybe DAC ) Thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@jayem1826 if I remember correctly, you can't do Bluetooth in and out at same time.

[@akulinamackenzie4492]

💕👍

[@ztothepunk]

Will this allow me to interface an external headset/ mic and headphones, to interact with my phone. Audio in both directions with my phone at same time?

[@roberthernandeziii2887]

Can I hook that up to my Carver pre amps auxiliary so I can use Bluetooth from my phone through my analog system? If so, will I also be utilizing the dac? Or will I still be using my phones dac

[@roberttaylor8906]

If you use the BTA30s analog outputs, it uses the BTA30s DAC. It you use the BTA30s digital outputs, it uses the downstream device's DAC.

[@darrellross8609]

So, you have yet to review the ifi Zen Blue. Which is a clearly superior product? Best, D.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Here is a link to my Zen Blue review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrEhYKBYpWmm7s

[@endrizo]

really?? compare specs

[@Cleatusfrommybasement]

Off topic. What would be the best over the ear headphone for metal? I’m 48 and some ear canal issues due to several head injuries in the army. In ear headphones I can’t do anymore. I listen to strictly to metal: machine head, lamb of god, slayer, trivium type of music. Don’t wanna spend over $150. If ya can help it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Oh ya Bluetooth

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

To be honest, I am not much of a metal listener. I also don't use bluetooth headphones. I really don't have a good suggestion for you. Sorry. Thanks for the question.

[@jb678901]

I have you beat by 7 years (Go Navy , Beat Army). If going cabled, consider the HiFiman HE400SE's (open back planars), the version with the "stealth magnets" for these planars. Bought mine for around $140, delivered. You will need a decent amp to get the most out of them. I am using vintage receivers for this (e.g. Yamaha CR420, Nakamichi SR-2E). If going BT, consider the Soundcore Q30's. Love mine for wireless. Excellent bang for buck plus you can use the Soundcore App with custom EQ.

[@SangramVID]

WHICH ONE BEST BETWEEN Fiio 30pro vs Ifi zen blue V2

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the iFi Zen Blue V2

[@evolve777]

Can I use my bluetooth earbuds with this to listen to and play my spotify inside a 3rd party pc application ?

[@jb678901]

I assume you mean...will the BTA30Pro connect to PC and can you stream Spotify content from PC to a BT earbud (or BT headphone)? Yes, in the BTA30Pro's "TX" mode. CODEC will depend on the earbuds. If the earbuds utilize SBC, or AAC, or AptX (HD, LL), or LDAC...then the BTA30 Pro can support.

[@shubhankar_sharma]

Hey dave, im looking for my first dac/amp mainly for PC. I am new to audiophile world ,which entry level do you recommend ? Like the ifi zen air dac etc.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Depending on what headphones and IEM you will be using with it. I haven't heard the Zen Air but it looks like a solid starting point. You can always add a more powerful amplifier later if needed. You can always get the Zen DAC V2 as that has balanced output which will offer a little more power.

[@shubhankar_sharma]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Currently i have the sony xm3 and a bose soundtouch 20. I can buy the ath m50x or the beyerdynamic 770s or an iem like starfield or arias. The zen dac v2 arent in stock in my country. Only budget options i have is the zen air or a fiio like the k3 or the e10k. Later on i will be investing in proper Studio monitors.

[@JohnPerez-fn2ok]

@@TheHonestAudiophile the zen air and the v2 have the same dac and I won't use the headphone part so between this dac and the zen which one sounds better and is it by much?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the Zen Air. The V2 Signature is a good option that the review is coming soon. I haven't heard the non Signature versions.

[@joaogaspar9155]

Hi! First of all, thanks for the video! This may be a dumb quedtion, but would you happen to know if it's possible to connect 2 bta30 pro's to each other (one in tx mode and the other in rx mode)? Thanks again!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I honestly don't know, sorry

[@joaogaspar9155]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Well, I really appreciate that you took the time to answer me. Thanks again for the videos! Regardless, I do have one and I am very pleased with it. I will probably get another one, and if I manage to connect them as I wish, I'll let everyone know. It may be useful as I don't find that information anywhere.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 👍 Glad you enjoy the BTA30 Pro.

[@nightryder21]

What Bluetooth codec were you using?

[@darioespinosa2506]

Aún no entiendo cómo conectar mi celular, para transmitir música, y al mismo tiempo, que que BTA30 Pro, transmita a los parlantes bluetooth

[@ulisioreyes7660]

Eso no se puede, sólo que tu celular lo conectes con cable y transmitas a tus bocinas. Solo usa un modo a la vez, transmisor, receptor o dac.

[@ElTitoXBASS]

Si los altavoces son Bluetooth, conecta el móvil directamente a ellos.

[@pvolkspvolks]

Hi Dave, thanx for the review, would of liked your take on how this would perform with bluetooth headphones but part from that, how do you think the BTA30 Pro would couple as a DAC with the Drop THX AAA ONE Headphone Amplifier??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That would be a solid pairing, with the Drop One Linear. I'd prefer it be USB to RCA but BT to RCA would be adequate.

[@pvolkspvolks]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Yes, USB to RCA would be my primary intention. Thank You!

[@JovelitoBacanaya]

This is 12 volts?

[@Urbaxter]

Just a question, I use my Macbook Pro to listen my Spotify songs connected on my vintage hifi stereo gear, is there any way to stream music to and get the same or better quality?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I don't know the answer you seek. I am not an Apple user nor do I stream, I use USB from my PC to a DAC. Sorry.

[@Urbaxter]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for the reply! :)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@Urbaxter my pleasure, you're welcome

[@RelampagoBoricua]

Noob question sorry, can i use this to record records from a turntable on my computer?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

No you can't

[@Satyajit_Dey]

How is the soundstage on this?

[@tryharder1316]

Hi. Did you update it? I just bought it and i am thinking does i need to update it?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I don't recall.

[@jb678901]

It would be interesting to hear Dave's opinion of this BAT30Pro when paired to the KZAZ09 Pro's paired to a set of the Shuoer S12's. This is my goto setup at home/office (with PC as source). Love it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry BTA30 Pro returned to lender after review.

[@marcelovasquezvillagomez5118]

Fijo BTA30 PRO or IFi zen air blue ??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the iFi Audio Zen Air Blue.

[@stanmah5721]

I'm wondering why this review is mostly about this bluetooth device as a dac. I was more interested in how this performs as a bt receiver to a much higher quality external dac. Was there so much sound degradation from the digital out that you wanted to avoid discussing that? Or do you think all digital to digital devices sound the same?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Mentioned very clearly near the beginning of the video, I do not use Bluetooth devices on a regular basis and I used the BTA30 Pro as a USB DAC but I did test out the Bluetooth capabilities. I believe that wired connections sound better than Bluetooth but that Bluetooth is making improvements. I DO NOT believe that all digital devices sound the same; I DO hear differences in DAC and Bluetooth devices, even if it is subtle. Thank you for your comment.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Since Bluetooth degrades a high quality digital signal (ldac offers 990 kbps at best and a 24/96 file needs around 2400 kbps) using a high end dac with Bluetooth is like using a Ferrari just to go to a supermarket 300 m away. Just do yourself a favor and buy a streamer eg Pi4 with Volumio and you will have a complete wireless - wired experience with no loss (wireless because you control wireless and wired because you use cables from pi4 to the dac)

[@jovenlara5868]

Seems to me this would be a good option to use in car audio. I have a Helix DSP which I could connect it via Toslink

[@capitanlevi203]

How does it sound connected to an RCA speaker?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the BTA30 Pro since I reviewed it and I don't recall how it sounds. Sorry.

[@georgejackson4105]

Wait, so how do I connect the 3.5mm mini jack of my Mac Mini to this to transmit LDAC audio to my Sony headphones?

[@ElTitoXBASS]

Do not use the analog signal input, connect it via USB as a DAC to the Mac and use the TX function to send the audio to your headphones.

[@soundarraj5830]

I would like to connect my lg g8x Android phone via usb c port and get digital out via optical/coaxial to my Logitech z906 home theatre system. Does this device work for that ?!... Your reply is much helpful for me

[@taranagnew436]

can you connect aux as input and transmit it via bt and can it bt transmit/receive at the same time?

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

I think not. I have it and in the front you have a physical switch. You can choose the dac mode OR receiver mode OR transmitter mode

[@szerelmem30]

i connected with optical and rca to my yamaha receiver, and tried to listen to music with my bluetooth headphones, the headphones are connected but i cant hear any music, i tried optical and bypass mode but nothing works, the optical is plugged to out, i tried both ways but no luck

[@hildegarden6]

Half of the video is this guy reading a spec sheet, lol.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing. Have a blessed day!