Ifi Zen Blue Bluetooth Receiver Review - The Best Music Streamer that isn't a Music Streamer

[@moonytheloony6516]

I have this iFi Bluetooth receiver and I’m using the AAC codec, as all my stuff is from Apple; I’m also using the Digital Optical connection instead of the RCA and the sound quality, in my humble opinion, has been absolutely amazing. I’d say it runs even with CD quality sound. But that’s just me.

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Exactly DITTO for me. Great device and sounds fantastic with my iPhone 12 Pro Max.

[@jangarcia1338]

I think by using the optical out you by pass the internal dac of the ifi. Not sure, let's see if someone confirms...

[@moonytheloony6516]

@@jangarcia1338 What ya said is correct.

[@markflitz1772]

I bought one of these a few years ago. It’s been fantastic!! So much easier to push a button on my phone than to get up and flip the record. Doesn’t have the quality sound I’ve come to enjoy from my record player but it’s really close. I may never leave the couch again. Also, love to see this blast from The Cheap Audio Mans past. Your videos have matured but I notice even back when you recorded this video, your dry sense of humor along with your open honest delivery. Glad your still growing and thriving. Viva la Cheap Audio Man!!

[@IanRS63]

A great BT/DAC. Fantastic build quality with a very good DAC. I love the way it shows the CODEC stream through the coloured LEDS - very comforting 😊. LDAC is without doubt the best BT codec.

[@CM-dw3gh]

Yes me too. Myn runs blue so I'm hoping this is in line with aptx

[@peterphan227]

LDAC Bluetooth for the win. I love streaming through Bluetooth now. I can sit on my couch streaming music from my Android tablet without messing with cables or getting up to change the music. Makes music listening much more enjoyable.

[@RockCity1111]

Thanks!!

[@robertmarshall7712]

This looks very interesting. Trying to find a replacement for my Yamaha streamer which has terrible bluetooth and does not support Amazon music over wifi. How do I know if my phone supports LDAC bluetooth? Don't I need a Sony phone if this is a Sony codec?

[@moondragon5630]

That book is perfect for a speaker stand on a desk.

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always and a big "THANK YOU!" as I've been an Apple guy until I saw this review. I've been running a Zen Blue with my iPhone into a vintage Adcom system with Paradigm Studio 20's for close to a year now and it sounds great. But after this episode I went out and bough a cheap Android tablet with WiFi & Bluetooth to try LDAC and all I can say is, "Holy $hit!". I got Tidal going with LDAC (Cyan & white on the Zen Blue) and the sound quality is now light years beyond Tidal on my iPhone. The Zen Blue is perfect for vintage 2 ch. systems. Thank you again and keep up the great work.

[@hotwater8473]

What android tablet did you buy that supports LDAC? I’m a bit stumped trying to figure out which ones have LDAC function. I’m an iPhone guy too looking to get the best out of this ifi device. Thanks!

[@damayor62]

@@hotwater8473 I bought a $50 Hyundai HY Tab 7. I believe for any Android device in order to get LDAC engaged you'll have to activate "developer mode" (Go to "Settings", then tap "About device" or "About phone". Scroll down, then tap "Build number" seven times.). After that you can select LDAC under the "Bluetooth Audio LDAC Codec: Playback Quality". I hope this helps.

[@hotwater8473]

@@damayor62 your Da man! Thanks a ton I was on the internet for hours looking for this info! 👍🏼

[@ryandevry]

Thanks for the review! I have been debating getting a streamer A LOT lately. Just ordered this on amazon instead. Giving it a shot! Saving $400 +

[@lancelemay6971]

I'm using the Audioengine B1 and am totally happy with it. Sounds great, performs flawlessly - I'm not sure that I would be able to tell the difference in sound quality from one unit to the other…

[@StrangerInParadise58]

Love this device! My iPhone 12 (AAC) sounds fantastic on the iFi Zen Blue - hardly distinguishable from my higher-end DACs. Seriously great on Apple products. I use the optical and coaxial outputs to feed the digital signal to two other DACs: Loxjie D50 and Schiit Bifrost 2. These then feed the Feliks Audio Espressivo Mk II, Schiit Lyr 3, and Cayin HA-1A Mk II headphone amplifiers. All three accessible from the Bluetooth signal from the iFi Zen Blue V2. Pure audio bliss!!! 😊

[@dawolyan13]

So you connect phone via Bluetooth only? And this format sends enough information for a high quality sound running through the dacs?

[@StrangerInParadise58]

@@dawolyan13 Absolutely. Bluetooth codecs have come so far in their ability to reproduce quality audio signals with a completely silent background. I am very impressed. I have some really good gear (DACs, AMPs, & Headphones) and it can often be very difficult to distinguish between wired and wireless connections. And iFi's Bluetooth implementation is at the top of the game. I get coverage all over my house with the iFi Zen Blue V2. My CDs are starting to gather dust because it simply is not worth the effort and limitation of listening to them vs. simply streaming access to all the music I could ever hope to listen to. I now have the Bluesound Node as well, but I still love my iFi Zen Blue for it's simplicity and serious audio quality. In my living room, I actually run the Optical out from the iFi Zen Blue V2 to an Optical Splitter that simultaneously feeds the digital signal to four different DACs/Headphone Amp combos ... and they all sound fantastic! Great review, Randy!

[@rjzlwop3153]

Way to go buddy I like it and I think I’m going to place the order but it won’t be till tomorrow! You’re so awesome and your voice is so clear I love your mike

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Man, this hobby is stuffed full of endless acronyms. I need to start pulling apart these acronyms and try to decipher.

[@JohnJB-et1cw]

You always find the best sponsors!

[@PaulDoldenDetails]

Thanks so much for this video Randy love your common sense approach you just saved me a bunch of money greetings from the uk 🇬🇧

[@scottdavis0801]

I own this, and for the money its fantastic!!

[@scottdavis0801]

@Jon Beck its a bluetooth dac. I connect my phone up to it. Play videos from KZbin, etc. I don't think its USB compatible. The sound is really awesome for the money, IMHO!

[@dave2288]

Just picked this up last week! Sounds great 👍

[@pdcragin33]

FWIW xDuoo XQ-50 Pro functions similarly, a bit cheaper at $90, love the LDAC to RCA. Haven’t tested the digital outs or the AAC quality yet. The Zen looks cooler but the xDuo has an info screen.

[@AtomicTrent]

Total newb here. I have been streaming music in my shop for years with a HK BTA 10, works just fine for the shop system. I have decided to build a nice home hi fi setup based on (for now) my old Denon AVR 483. I just picked up a set of Wharfdale Modus one six speakers and a Carver TFM 35x amp. I am planning on updating the receiver at some point, but for now, just going to run with it. Long way of asking what do I need for streaming from my phone to this system. I tried to find another HK adapter, but none out there anymore. My buddy recommended an Eisinkin adapter and it absolutely sucks, huge ground loop noise that I can't resolve, so returning it. With that being said I am trying to make an educated choice and there are just too many choices... So, what do you recommend?

[@Phloored]

Have the lava audio version of this. Works great. Sounds great with my Android sources. Shout out to Groton longpoint !

[@allstar930]

I absolutely love this thing!!!! I have it paired with a Dayton APA 150.

[@MERBABU-AC]

I already have a Bluetooth receiver, what I'm asking is, if I use a PC sound source instead of a cellphone, what brand and type of USB jack can support the codec that the receiver needs?

[@shankyboy1690]

Great video as always. I just picked up a Bludento BLT-HD which I believe has the Burr Brown DAC. I Bluetooth my iPhone to it and I'm more than happy with the sound.

[@cheapaudioman]

Ohhhh.... Randy likes him some Burr Brown dacage

[@shankyboy1690]

@@cheapaudioman $100 Canadian on eBay. It's very awesome

[@hifiman4562]

I have this item. My plan is to use the coax out to a minidsp nanodigi, then out to a couple dacs, then out to a couple of amps. 4 channels of amplification to a 2 way speaker pair. Why? Many oem passive crossovers are just junk. Besides, imagine class a to tweeters and a/b to the woofers.

[@ALWH1314]

This is a great Bluetooth DAC. If you don’t need digital output you can go with the Air version with only analog output and save about $90.

[@catalinhustiu1736]

Hi! I want to say I love the channel and your honesty behind the reviews! By any chance, could you please recommend a good DAP for a a maximum of 700€? Thank you!

[@TheOnlyGHOST1015]

Lol your Intros and sponsors are too damn funny 😆

[@diegomatharangubitosi3670]

Great video, what bluetooth receiver would you recomend for an iphone and spotify user who is looking to be near a cd sound? I almost buy ifi receiver, but since this video I’ m not sure. Thanks...

[@mattyj3051]

Great review...I’ve used this with my Mac ,iPad,iPhone and I was very impressed with sound quality. I now have it connected to the Fosi Amp you reviewed and it’s made a big difference in quality. Fosi Bluetooth sound was questionable.

[@regitron3873]

Randy, could you comment on the Fiio BTA 30 compared to the IFi Zen Blue. They both have ldac which is why I am most interested. Are the Dacs comparable? For $100 difference in price I am leaning toward Fiio. Thanks.

[@dondorfman3951]

Hi Randy, I enjoy your videos and am a fan. I have a Samsung S20FE for Bluetooth input into an old Kenwood 125w receiver and Emotiva B1 speakers. Ready to pull the trigger on a DAC. Would you choose the FX DO-1 DAC or this Zen Blue, all things considered. Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

This is just a blue tooth receiver. I’d go with the DO

[@johndone8412]

Question. If I use this into an rca inputs on my receiver/amp, the signal drops to what the receiver has? I thought analog skips a receiver’s DAC? And how do I know what dac is In a receiver?

[@spellacy29]

I have one too and use an android phone. As already said, it's terrific for the money 😎

[@spellacy29]

@Jon Beck I don't know Jon as I haven't listened to many other units. As we're in lockdown, I bought it blind, but the reviews were right. It's great for the money.

[@tomfoolery2082]

Alot of what u said was over my head lol . I hav a j3 mission phone ,, is this the bluetooth reciever I need ? I'm learning , vid by vid . Love the channel .

[@dicmccoy]

And here I thought I was the only person who still uses the word malarkey.

[@tomconnell7154]

would you suggest the FX D01 or this IFI Zen ...looking for the best Bluetooth device as I don't wanna be tied to the system...thank you

[@MJNS301]

Any opinions comparing to 1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver for Home Stereo TV, HiFi Wireless Audio Adapter with Audiophile ESS DAC & AptX HD/Low Latency, Long Range, Optical RCA AUX 3.5mm Outputs/Inputs - 2021 Upgraded?

[@zachboos]

I'll echo some other comments about AAC. I have this streaming with my iPad to my McIntosh MA5100 using AAC and it sounds phenomenal. Honestly I can't imagine it sounding much better for bluetooth so if LDAC is that much better than it must be REAL good. In other words, if you only have an Apple device don't let it turn you off the Ifi Zen Blue, it's probably about the closest to streaming you will find using bluetooth.

[@thewetpen]

Love your videos! Especially your bizarre pronunciation of common colors.

[@johnpaylo879]

Hi randy got this dac and using it with my phone with deezer hi res the sound is awesome.

[@artbyknight5742]

What if you want to use this on amplifier and wired Klipsch old school speakers... And send signal from TCL tv? Would that work?? (I would also need to get transmitter as the TCL is 5 years old and has no built in Bluetooth.)

[@ivanteo1973]

i have this. is coaxial or optical connection better on this for apple lossless music? or it doesn't matter because they are digital?

[@nature_sweet_vibes]

Hi, can I use the ifi zen blue directly with active speakers without another amp or stereo receiver ?

[@rmzidann]

Oh man, I have a couple of tow truck stories too… feel you pain buddy!

[@jacobb1354]

Yes! I picked one up about a month ago and have been blasting tunes in the living room, much to the chagrin of the family. I find IPhone-aac codec sounds fine going to my HTR 3.1 via optical. Not thin at all. I’m surprised that was your impression.

[@cheapaudioman]

I wasn't running it optical into a different DAC so I'm glad you're enjoying it. All of the testing I did was using the internal DAC. Good to know that AAC sounds good though.

[@motocommando2477]

Got one, love it. Get one, and you will too.

[@cheapaudioman]

it's a bluetooth receiver and has an internal dac.

[@d0kim835]

I'm using naim muso2. I'm curious because it's connected to LDAC. If I buy it, I'll connect it to Muso2 with an optical cable. Is there any difference in ldac compared to Chromecast? Technically, I know that chromecast has the upper hand, but if you know how it feels when comparing Chromecast?

[@jackstyler8672]

OK.....ifi Zen blue vs topping bc3.....which outputs better audio.....anyways, ur videos r great...............thanku

[@roygumpel8415]

how does it compare to the AURIS?? anyone know? (I know someone does). I see the Auris advertised everywhere I look.

[@donalddeorio2237]

Isn't it the Zen Blue Dac, and it is amazing. I've had mine for 7 months and I'm very happy with the performance.. on android you need to go into settings and developer options and select LDAC

[@cheapaudioman]

it's really just a bluetooth receiver that has a dac in it but you can't use it for any other inputs. but yes to all your other points. sounds awesome on ldac and aptx

[@donalddeorio2237]

@@cheapaudioman I wasn't trying to be picky. I enjoy your videos jest some people might not realise it has a DAC. Thanks Randy

[@cheapaudioman]

@@donalddeorio2237 sorry if I came off as being short. Comments are sometimes hard to read the vibe. It’s a great point and a lot of folks don’t realize that every device that processes digital signals hav dacs. Some are just much much better than others.

[@donalddeorio2237]

@@cheapaudioman it's all good Randy. When you have an ex you learn to have a thick skin. I think what you are doing is great showing people that there is good sounding audio without having to take out a second mortgage on your house.

[@shawnm1856]

What would be a good, inexpensive BT tramsmitter with AptX-HD to send music to the Ifi from my laptop? Which one without AptX-HD? Thank you.

[@donalddeorio2237]

On my Galaxy s7 I go into developer options to change the codecs

[@FlyGuy457]

Like a man who reads with his index finger. Great stuff as always. I don't stream.

[@cheapaudioman]

If my eyesight wasn't running south to the border I'd been able to do that with no fingers... small print.

[@AllboroLCD]

Your a Vet Cheapaudioman!?!? Thank you for your service! Sorry you got extorted by a damn tow truck driver in RI man.

[@cheapaudioman]

Yes sir. It's a funny story to tell. If you are a vet too I appreciate YOUR service. It was a pleasure for me. Loved every minute of it. maybe not at the time but later I did. One of my t shirts supports "Homes for Our Troops" and 50% of all money that comes in during live streams goes to Homes for our Troops as well.

[@AllboroLCD]

@@cheapaudioman Not a vet but Ive got family that is!

[@Brian_Romska]

So the 1st vid of yours that I watched was the "best streamer is not a streamer", great vid and great advice too. My question now tho is whether or not it's worth it to go for something like the pecan pi for an additional $420 or if this is good enough? Or maybe some amount of explanation as to when, or if, you should spend that extra cash? Unless I'm missing something, this will do damn near lossless audio with the phone I already have (s9). I understand all the codecs and I use ldac whenever possible, typically with headphones. However I'm only using spotify now, waiting to hear their version of lossless which is supposedly coming soon. Maybe then I can do some more playing around with the setup I have and really hear a difference between bluetooth ldac vs directly streaming?

[@cheapaudioman]

So with LDAC it gets one as close to lossless streaming as possible but it’s still a bit lossy. The. Thing about the pecan pi that is awesome is less about the streamer and more about the sound. The Zen Blue doesn’t sound nearly as good. However it will be more convenient. To get the best convenience and the best sound one would run the optical output of the zen blur into the pecan pi DAC with a optical to coax converter and now you have the convenience of Bluetooth and the incredible DAC of the Orchard audio. If you want true lossless then you’ll have to get a streamer that handles your streaming service. But if it’s just Spotify then you’re more than covered with ldac. Now it just becomes a question of how good do you want the sound to be. Cool thing about the zen blue is you can get it and use it and then get a better DAC and still use the zen blue just bypass the internal DAC into the better DAC if that makes sense.

[@Brian_Romska]

Ya that makes sense, I guess its like alot of things, you gotta hear it yourself to see if it's a worthwhile upgrade. Thanks again Randy!

[@firebladeclements]

Worked great for this old fart and the 70's Marantz that's been in the closet since then! Couldn't be easier to use. 2 minutes and your good to go. Great first dac. After that, be prepared for the not so cheap audio.

[@jakeinntheboxx1980]

Yo guys can you help me? So I want to buy the emotiva b1+ For my audio technica turntable and also use them to replace my Samsung Q7 sound bar for my Samsung Q6 Tv. Can I use “The Topping MX3” or “the Sony STRDH190” which do you recommend and will this work?

[@a22fc]

About to buy one. But man that antenna looks ugly lol. Does it lose connection quality if the antenna is removed?

[@cheapaudioman]

Well it would definitely cut down on the range. It’s a common connection type for small antennas so you could get another one or lay it to the side if you don’t like the looks

[@a22fc]

@@cheapaudioman thanks for the reply. Before I buy one, now I’m concerned that I have an iphone to stream music through spotify. I have the emotiva fusion flex as my amp and then to my definitive bookshelf speakers. All are plugged in to a power conditioner. I only have apple products at home. Should I go ahead and buy this?

[@hmrowland6114]

Why not worry about Adaptive? My phone connects to Green/Adaptive.

[@glissonj73]

Best hook I’ve heard in years 🤣😂🤣

[@mmfs6001]

Do you if my iPhone 10 using Apple Music have the LDAC codex?

[@cheapaudioman]

As far as I know Apple doesn’t use ldac. Only AAC unless it has changed.

[@greenthunder1000]

I feel like that tow truck example was incredibly specific. Damn shitters.

[@rjzlwop3153]

Good morning sir, this one doesn’t pair as well or sound as good with an iPhone work well with a iPhone?

[@rjzlwop3153]

Correction which one do you recommend that will work well with an iPhone?

[@cheapaudioman]

This one works well with an iPhone. I think it sounds better using the LDAC codec from an android but it does sound good with an iPhone

[@rjzlwop3153]

@@cheapaudioman thank you so very much

[@rjzlwop3153]

@@cheapaudioman cool thank you, I ordered one through your affiliate link and also some cables through one of your affiliate links as well

[@robertmarshall7712]

Does anyone think it's worth getting the ifi low noise power supply brick to get an improvement in sound quality?

[@awwboo88]

I Wonder how the vs2 is?

[@bassebassesen2254]

Why not just use the phone over wifi instead? With usb C to 3.5 to coax to preamp. If you have two phones, you can also control spotify from youre couch.😊 What then is the point/advantage of let's say IFI Blue

[@keith12311]

Can you connect the ifi amp to this

[@nate.c524]

How about new ZEN BLUE V2 sound like for iPhone? Still Android phone is better?

[@abhs1141]

Maybe I can give some lights in the technical understanding of Bluetooth. Iphone uses codec called AAP .. the Bluetooth DAC , will receive AAP codec to receive it . For Android phone , it has codecs called LDAC and also APtx hd amongst others . So the Bluetooth DAC will use either LDAC or APtx hd to receive . LDAC and APtx hd (android phone ) , is better codecs than AAP Of iphone .

[@ferchur4833]

Hi Randy!

[@2HatHudders]

Hey cheap audio man I think you should review the Yamaha WXAD10 streamer! Looks like it could fit the bill as a cheap streamer, but no digital transport, internal (burr-brown) DAC only.! Hardly any reviews on the thing

[@cheapaudioman]

Love burr brown. I'll have to check it out. I just looked at it. It does have optical and coax out

[@2HatHudders]

@@cheapaudioman interesting, I thought it was analogue outs only. It's looking like my next purchase!

[@thomasedward2231]

Is that one of those Sino tube amps in the back?

[@cheapaudioman]

Reisong A10... it's awesome

[@mattburgess2]

😅 Providence is 5 mins away from me. I'm in Warwick, 2 mins near the airport

[@dwee2244]

What codec does Amazon music hd use?? I have a Samsung s20 plus. How can I get the optimal codec with Amazon hd using this??

[@cheapaudioman]

Amazon doesn't use any specific codec. Codecs are basically a hand shake between your device and the receiver. However, if your phone supports Aptx HD or LDAC then you will get the "majority" of the native bit and sample rates. Even LDAC is a bit lossy but it and Aptx HD come the closest to being able to stream CD quality via bluetooth. Either are still much better than MP3 quality.

[@dwee2244]

Thank you for the wisdom!!

[@1337sim1]

Can't help but notice the Bluesound Node in the background... A review soon? 😋

[@LeoRousseau]

Hey Randy, Providence is 25 minutes from my house.

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice, Leo. I was stationed at the New Port base but we ran all over on the weekends. Providence, Boston... pretty much everywhere that kids could get themselves into trouble.

[@amb3cog]

@@cheapaudioman Nice. Born (Npt Hospital), and raised in Newport. Lived in Providence for a few years too though. Sitting in my house in Portsmouth RI right now. I work right across the river from Providence. In the beautiful modern metropolis that is East Providence RI. 🤣 Love it here. It's wicked cool! 🤣 Hope you tried some, or all, of our unique food when you were here. Like Clam Cakes, Stuffed Clams (Stuffies), Hot Weiners (aka Gaggers), RI clear broth Clam Chowda, Johnny Cakes, Chourico/Linguica, Del's Lemonade, Coffee Milk, Wimpy Skippy, etc. If not. You really missed out my friend. ✌️

[@hotwater8473]

Do all android devices do LDAC?

[@kevincorr2985]

How do you know if you have "L dac"?

[@samgillespie3446]

I’m a little confused. I normally stream music from Amazon Prime thru my I-phone and/or I-pad. Would this wok for me?

[@cheapaudioman]

What are you streaming it to or how are you listening to it? This device connects to a receiver or amplifier as a Bluetooth receiver. Many already have that functionality built in but it doesn’t work with the better codecs.

[@samgillespie3446]

@@cheapaudioman I have a cheap Bluetooth adapter hooked to my AV receiver. I thought this might improve the sound quality but I was t sure it would work with my equipment.

[@a22fc]

Ok before I buy this, i do have apple iphone to stream music using spotify. Amp is an emotiva fusion flex then to my definitive speakers. Everything is plugged in to a power conditioner as well. I am new to this whole thing, and got a little concerned when you said the sound quality is not as good for iphone users because of the Codec it uses. Should I go ahead and buy it?

[@cheapaudioman]

@@a22fc the difference in sound quality between an iPhone and an ldac product is due to the amount of data it passes. With Spotify it maxes at 320kbs and AAC can handle that amount of data. This would work for that and the internal DAC is better than other BT receivers out there so this would work.

[@a22fc]

@@cheapaudioman Thanks! Gonna get me one right now. Can’t wait!

[@tigerbalm666]

Cyan is light blue, like the sky.

[@brochg]

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!

[@atoz6552]

The BC3 won't let me use my smart phone volume control when I use LDAC. I was SOOOOOOOO disappointed. Maybe I can get this

[@cheapaudioman]

Ldac is a funny codec. Different hardware has different imitations. The the fio btr5 doesn’t let you use the eq when ldac is used. On the EarStudio m100 the eq does work. It’s weird

[@victorvannatter312]

I've never seen you review the btr5. I have one and like it. Would like to see it

[@shawnm1856]

Hey Randy, hold on, I need to sip my coffee. You mentioned you and your fans have found flaws in and chosen not to like the Topping BC3. Why so? Could you lend your magic to a review of the PROZOR PST 139? Thanks!

[@shawnm1856]

Never mind, I found a review and the guy didn't like it. You liked their $15 or was it $25 DAC. They make one above that model that looks the same, I think but adds BT. Do you have any thoughts on that one. Thanks!

[@vannk73]

I think you mean "Cyan" which is pronounced "sai-ann". It's a light greenish blue essentially.

[@cheapaudioman]

Yeah. I don't know much about colors and their names

[@paznewis107]

Really fancy the Zen phono stage.. did you see the Stereophile vid about Art Dudley?

[@cheapaudioman]

I haven't

[@paznewis107]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX_VlJVjbqycbsU

[@paznewis107]

Very moving, Darko posted it, I think because of the one sentence about cables... Cheers Randy. I do most listening on my Audioengine b1 Bluetooth receiver ☺️🤠🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎱✌️👾

[@ginom407]

@@paznewis107 OMG that was very moving and amazing!!! Absolutely Loved It!!! Thank You Paz!!!

[@wharfedale1573]

Bluetooh is awful. Why people want to use BT and not their Wi-Fi for audio I will never know.

[@stevensmith1881]

Randy, do you think this is better than the BluDento HD that supports aptX HD? I'm trying to stay around $100 and I can buy direct from BluDento for $80 and free shipping. I'll be streaming from a Samsung Galaxy Note 8

[@shankyboy1690]

I love my bludento HD. Stream from IPhone XR through a Pioneer SX580 and a pair of missions. It sounds awesome and works perfectly.

[@stevensmith1881]

@@shankyboy1690 Thanks for your comment. I checked and my device supports aptX HD, so I ordered a BlueDento HD.

[@shankyboy1690]

@@stevensmith1881 I think you'll be really happy with it. My iPhone only does AAC and my shitty tablet is 5.0 and the music still sounds full and detailed through a 1970s receiver.

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome. Thanks for jumping in, Alan. I need to check one of those out too.

[@stevensmith1881]

So I got my BluDento HD and at first I wasn't impressed. Then I turned on the advanced audio settings in my Galaxy Note and made that that EQ look like a U and wow! I'm really enjoying it now.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

oh...! now I realize your little friends are a shout out to zeos's little dolls 😅😂🤣

[@BobGeogeo]

When referring to Codecs, I think you meant to say "highest common denominator" rather than lowest. A nice English lady says the Codec on connection as well. It's a great device, especially in the v.2 version (LDAC, Android 11 and 12).

[@jackbradley505]

Been there, but it was in Panama City, Florida

[@cheapaudioman]

Oh... so I lived in Pensacola from what I've been told.

[@jackbradley505]

@@cheapaudioman I was Stationed at Pensacola for A-school, but I cant remember what I was supposed to have learned there. love your reviews man

[@williammoore2367]

Randy, So glad you got around to review the ifi Zen Blue!! Ifi Zen vs Bluesound or any streamer,etc which is better for sound quality in your opinion? I’m currently using my Android..

[@cheapaudioman]

Well the best sounding streamer is the Orchard Audio pecanpi. The easiest to use is the Zen Blue. The best actual streamer from a user interface is the Bluesound. Think I'm doing that review tomorrow and should be up Thursday. So the real question comes down to what DAC you love the most because then you can use whatever "interface" be it, rasb pi (volumio), Bluetooth, or Bluesound... and then you use your favorite dac to get the sound you want.

[@amb3cog]

I've got the Pro-ject Streambox S2 Ultra myself. It's a little more expensive, but I picked it up "previously loved" off that auction site for under $600 (forget the exact figure) all in. After hearing Hans Beekhuyzen say it would take a $2000 unit to beat it. And he's not kidding about the SQ. It absolutely smoked my music server (basically a Windows computer with a linear PS, and software optimization) that I thought sounded great. Until I heard the Streambox! He just recently reviewed a unit that will beat it for $1500, but there's not much out there that can compete with this for any less then that supposedly. At least according to Hans, and he's the most knowledgeable digital audio guy I know of. You should check out his channel on here. That being said. If you wanted to save a few bucks. I'm sure the Pecan Pi is awesome. Or there's always Allo, if you're willing to roll your own. They make a line of Pi HATs that are the best out there right now (Digione/Digione Signature, USBridge USBridge Signature). These all (the Streambox too) require a separate DAC BTW. Which will obviously add to the cost if you don't already have one. Then you'll need a cable too. So the Pecan is a big savings. Having the DAC built in. But I prefer the option of changing the sound signature any time I want (I actually own a few DACs), and having inputs for other stuff too. Like my Nvidia Shield TV Pro, my music server, chromecast audio, my CD player, etc. myself. Plus I can put my MiniDSP SHD Studio in between my Streambox, and my DAC this way, and keep my signal completely in the digital domain, until right before my amplifier, or preamp this way. Good luck either way. ✌️

[@andtothewestamerica]

I've had one for about 8 months and the sound quality is great but I'm getting rid of mine because I find using it a pain. My first problem with it is that it's the only bluetooth device I have that requires me to get up and press a button to pair with it. When you do pair, there is a loud pairing confirmation (and one when you disconnect). At night this is really annoying. It also has some strange bluetooth dropping and picking up behavior. When I have this paired with my phone my connection is constantly jumping back and forth between devices. This doesn't happen with any other bluetooth devices I own. Sounds great but I'm over it.

[@alexanderrasmussen8388]

You've probably noticed this already, but just incase you haven't, the video was doing this weird green flicker thing.

[@cheapaudioman]

weird. I didn't notice. probably user error on my part.

[@alexanderrasmussen8388]

@@cheapaudioman 🤔

[@cheapaudioman]

@@alexanderrasmussen8388 I did notice it when I watched it back. Probably something with the render. Thanks for the heads up

[@alexanderrasmussen8388]

@@cheapaudioman 👍 no worries

[@robertbrooks1574]

Pentacon, pentagon, pentagram whatever fancy shits want to call it.

[@cheapaudioman]

I love that gag. As long as Ifi keeps sending me stuff I'm going to keep using that gag...

[@peekaboo4390]

Because nothing says Hi end audio quality by putting crap in your signal flow.

[@cheapaudioman]

Ha! I'm not sure where you saw "Hi End Audio" anywhere. You're slumming it on this channel if that is your expectation. Although it's hard to argue that the Orchard Audio Pecanpi isn't high end audio. If you'd like me to come over and put crap in your signal flow let me know. I'll make the time.

[@peekaboo4390]

@@cheapaudioman I am sure you could provide all kinds of crap to reduce my current system to a bose wave radio.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@peekaboo4390 I can definitely do that. Just send me your address and I’ll swing by the farm to pick up some cow sh!t and bring over all of my favorite gear and I’ll bring your dapper Dan system straight to the cheap seats. Might be good to interact with the common folks too. It can a lonely place living in audio nirvana all by yourself.

[@RockCity1111]

It's kinda sexy !!

[@steverogers6340]

I bought it and it's not audiophile, guys it's nasty my Rega P2 blows it out of the water, Spitfire vs some sort of bloated German dinghy

[@gregoryfrassetti1276]

😳😳😳😔😆🤣 you got extorted in Rhode Island.

[@kstringer24]

The color is pronounced syan

[@paulmcdevitt2038]

Please, please don’t attempt to read from a book again :) - just stick to audio, which you do so well

[@jorgeolafsen4991]

Thanks, I got'da have one. Reminds me of that thing that flew over my house the other night.

[@johnsweda2999]

Optical is never very good losers dynamics through the circuitry go through coaxial digital an unshielded cable at 75 ohms. You should be able to change the voltage output anything in the manual, on RCA output between 1 and 3 ppv usually by turning the unit off and pressing the button on the front or menu button and powering the unit on and waiting 10 seconds should flash then cycling through the button 1 volt might be better for solid-state 3 volts for tube Gear

[@steverogers6340]

a hundred and thirty pounds pissed down the drain, a headphone output 3,5 mm output to a decent amp is better

[@victorvannatter312]

Seeing as phones don't have those anymore.....and if they did can't control music from the couch...