AudioengineB1 5.3 Bluetooth Receiver for Older Classic Stereo Speakers and Sound Systems - Long Range HiFi Adaptive Wireless Up to 32 Bit Audio Music Streamer

I've now had the Audioengine B2 for a couple of months, well past the 50 hour "break-in" time, and I can say that it is without reservation the best $189 gadget I've bought in a long time. I had been using a Motorola DC800, which I bought several years ago on the recommendation of David Pogue, when he was still with the NYTimes. There's no comparison between the performance of the two devices--the Audioengine is in a different audio cosmos, mostly, I'm sure, because of the superior quality of the digital to analog conversion chips--cheap vs. not-so-cheap. The quality and clarity of the sound produced by the Audioengine is, to my 70+ year-old ears--dramatic. I have some hearing loss, and the difference the Audioengine makes for me is the difference between being able to understand newscasters voices and missing 25 to 35 percent of what's being said. As for music, the results are excellent. The set-up for me was effortless. I'd been using the other gateway for years, and the Audioengine, if anything, was even easier to pair. It's working flawlessly with 2 iMacs, 2 iPhone 5's and 2 iPads, for a 6 device maximum, perfect for us. You just have to remember which device is connected to the music receiver because, like all Bluetooth devices, it only connects with one source at a time. If you forget that your computer is connected, you will not be able to pair another device with the device until your disconnect it form the one it's currently paired with. To solve this, I usually just leave it connected to my iMac and access music through iTunes on the computer via the Remote app on the phones and iPads. It works like a charm. Oh, about the range--my old Motorola DC 800 can maintain a connection up to about 35 feet or so then it drops out. Also, whenever we turned on our microwave when using the older gateway, it would stop working until the microwave went off, then it would sometimes continue playing and sometimes just disconnect. With the Audioengine, that has not been a problem. The manufacturer claims that the device's range is 100 feet. That seems accurate to me, plus the Audioengine seems oblivious to our microwave. Also, as a technical detail, I have it connected to a Pioneer Elite SC-55 Receiver with three separate music zones. To connect it to multi-zone devices, you'll usually have to connect BOTH the digital AND analog outputs to get sound in multi-zone configurations. Most digital receivers cannot broadcast digital signals to other than the main speakers. At least, that's the way the last two Pioneer receivers I've used have been configured. Bottom line: simple set-up, superior audio performance, great range...I give it 5 stars plus. TWO WEEKS LATER; One more little glitch which has come up a couple of times. While switching between devices, or sometimes after a power grid failure, the device shuts down its analogue output and only outputs through the digital output. This affects my Pioneer receiver's multi-zone output, which only accommodates analogue signals. The problem is solved by rebooting the bluetooth device--simply unplug it, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. Problem solved. A minor inconvenience, but I thought I'd mention it. And one more thing--the power light on the device is very bright. If you have it in a bedroom, you'll have to cover it because it illuminates the whole room like a powerful night light.Also, I edited the original review after I discovered that the popping chattering problem I was having can be solved by keeping the device as far away as possible from the power supply on my receiver. Just moving it to another shelf in the cabinet solved this problem. Have had the device for several months now and still think it's worth 5 stars.

---------------------------OVERVIEW---------------------------Audioengine's B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver is the affordable, simple wireless home audio solution we've been waiting for. When Apple's AirPlay debuted, with its relatively high-fidelity wireless audio, it was exciting. Bluetooth, which lagged behind in sound quality, eventually caught up and arguably surpassed AirPlay, which would sometimes stutter from network hiccups. Bluetooth, not needing any extra hardware (like a router), is far less likely to stutter, so the final piece of the home audio puzzle is a Bluetooth receiver for high-end musical tastes.The aluminum case of the B1 reflects traditional Audioengine design and the high-quality components and audio fidelity are typical of Audioengine's commitment to great sound at affordable prices. The Audioengine B1 continues to close the gap between your computer music and home hi-fi and even if you're not an audio enthusiast we guarantee your music will sound better!The audio quality of most Bluetooth products isn't usually very inspiring and their limited range can be frustrating. The B1 solves these problems by implementing the aptX codec, which is a high-quality audio converter designed specifically for audio. The B1 also has special circuitry and a precision-tuned antenna to extend the wireless range, providing much more versatility than other Bluetooth receivers.Upgrade your Bluetooth and breathe new life into your audio system. You already have Bluetooth on your tablet, computer, or iDevice, so get more out of it and experience stunning audio with the Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver including aptX, 24-bit upsampling DAC, and extended range.---------------------------WHAT'S IN THE BOX?---------------------------- (1) B1 Receiver- (1) RCA audio cable (3ft/1m)- (1) Power adapter with detachable cable- (1) Microfiber bag- (1) Setup guide---------------------------FEATURES---------------------------- Easy setup, connects in seconds- Plug-n-play, no software to install- Superior sound and extended range- Streams audio from any media player (iTunes, Amarra, Youtube, etc.)- Connects to any music system with an audio input---------------------------SETUP---------------------------1. Connect the included (or your own) audio cables from the B1 rear panel to your music system.2. Connect the included power adapter to B1 and plug into an AC outlet. B1 will automatically go into pair mode.3. On your device, turn on Bluetooth and select "Audioengine B1" to pair and connect.4. Play your music. Setup is really this easy!A well written instruction guide is also included.---------------------------SOUND QUALITY---------------------------Due to the fact the AudioEngine has a built-in 24-bit DAC it will upsample the audio while supporting APT-X is a HUGE bonus. Wireless audio has improved by leaps and bounds in the short space of a few years, and the Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver is possibly my favorite device to come out of this high-fidelity revolution thus far. It solves the problem of shaky wireless home audio streaming, and it never degrades (and often improves) audio quality. Improvement in Bluetooth technology is the real hero here, but Audioengine takes it a step further and adds a top-notch DAC, which results in a top notch audio accessory worthy of our Editors' Choice designation. While it's expensive compared with the Apple AirPort Express, it does exactly the job it's supposed to do, with solid, reliable resultsThis thing performs exceptionally and is just bliss for wireless music.---------------------------VERDICT---------------------------After using the Audioengine B1 for several weeks, I didn't find anything wrong about the product. I didn't encounter any hiccups or degradation of sound quality even when the receiver is farther from the source. This small aluminum box is simply a "magical instrument" that would easily replace those long audio cables, connecting your source and speakers, without any loss in audio quality. This is simply a great wireless Bluetooth DAC, and you really can't complain about its price. I've seen wired DACs from other companies that are priced higher than the B1, and they probably offer the same audio quality.Here is how I rank the adapters I test, from best to worst;BEST:Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver - $189GOOD:Philips AEA2000/37 Bluetooth Hi-Fi Adapter/Receiver (Discontinued) - $28.99Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter - $29.99OK:HomeSpot NFC-Enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver - $29.00WORST:Amped Wireless Long Range Bluetooth Speaker Adapter - $55

Was a bit hesitant to drop this much cash on my old HK receiver and studio reference monitors. I have many blutooth devices, and both practice, as a performer, and listen from all of them. But I was using portable speakers for this purpose. Now I have the great sound that I missed without buying a new reciever.Every one of my bluetooth devices synchs up right away with the Audioengine B1, even after its gone to sleep. Not even an app needs to be installed. No hassle trying to search for connections. It even stays locked on if I go from basement to 2nd floor. Sound is great. Also very unobtrusive and simple cabling. Completely happy with this purchase so far.