ARCHEER Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver with APT-X & SPDIF - Unboxing & Review
ARCHEER Bluetooth 4.1 Transmitter and Receiver
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Unboxing
This Accessory is packaged with an high amount of cables: 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable, 1x 3.5mm to RCA Cable, 1x TOSLink/SPDIF Optical Cable and 1x Micro-USB Cable. Also, there is the usual Instruction Manual. (English/Chinese)
As regards the Build Quality, it has a Matte Surface (easy to scratch unfortunately), and the quality of the Plastic is decent. Considering the usage, there is no need to have premium material for the exterior. What matters is the audio quality.
On the front, there is a single Power Button that works also as a secondary button to enable pairing mode or switch between devices, together with a Status LED just under it.
On the left, there are two switches, used to switch (well...yes) between TX/RX modes and SPDIF/Aux connection.
On the back, there is a classical 3.5mm Aux Jack, 2x SPDIF Ports and a Micro-USB port for charging.
Nothing important on the other sides.
Sound Quality
As regards the sound quality, as i always say i am not an audiophile so i can't provide you some professional audio tests, but based on my power-user experience, the quality is definitely higher than using a standard adapter without APT-X and SPDIF, using 100% of the Bluetooth Bandwidth in order to obtain the best sound quality with no compression, low bitrate, and other issues caused by a standard A2DP connection.
I have tested the SPDIF port using my TV together with my APT-X Archeer Headphones and the combo is just great.
Also using APT-X Headphones but together with the AUX port as Input, works fine too, but not as good as using the Optical Connection of course.
There is something i miss though, a microphone for voice-calls if used with a Smartphone. This would have been a great feature to have, but as always, it isn't possible to have everything,
Conclusions
Compared to similar products, based on my research, this might be one of the cheapest ones available on the market, and considering the quality, it is definitely something to not ignore.
Summarizing all, i can definitely recommend this accessory.
Archeer, if you are reading this review, please add a Microphone in your next model
Pros:
- Decent Battery Life
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Dual AUX/SPDIF connections
- Pretty easy to use.
Cons:
- No Microphone
- Matte, easy to scratch, Surface
Rating: 9.5
Packaging and Accessories: 10
Design and Materials: 8
Sound Quality: 10
Price: 10 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: NOT AVAILABLE YET
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/ARCHEER-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-Wireless/dp/B06XRXV664
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/n6FzR
Related
This is a review of Anker Bluetooth Stereo headset for music streaming and hands free calling. http://www.amazon.com/Anker®-Bluetooth-Headset-HandsFree-Calling/dp/B00ENF5CZQ/
Yes, believe it or not, people still use these single piece on-ear wireless headsets when driving or outside where they still have to be aware of surrounding. That is a key with this type of headsets where your one ear is open to keep you aware of surrounding environment. Typically these feature better sound quality and more functionality in comparison to older models. So let's take a closer look at new addition to Anker's catalog.
Arrived in their signature environmentally friendly plastic-free package, you get a wireless headset with 2 sets of high quality adjustable ear-hooks, 3 pairs of silicone eartips in different sizes, and usb charging cable. This wireless headset is very light, at only 12g, and dimensions of approximately 55mm x 17mm x12mm and additional 15mm for earpiece part. The ear-hook rotates to adjust the angle by 360deg and can also be flipped 180deg for left/right ear use. It has a very sleek professional look with minimum controls, multifunction call/power button facing outside and volume up/down on the bottom edge. The top edge has micro-usb charging port.. Also, I was glad that Anker logo was printed inside, makes the outside of this headset to look clean. Furthermore, inside there was multi-color led indicator and microphone.
Pair up took seconds, and after initial connection a voice guidance provided a confirmation. Although I only tried using this headset inside where everything sounded crystal clearer up to 40ft away from my phone, according to the spec this headset is equipped with CVC (clear voice capture) echo and noise cancellation technology to help you in a noisy environment. As a bonus, beside just a phone connection, it was also connected to phone media (thanks to A2DP and AVRCP protocol support), and I was able to stream music from my Note 2 and remotely control the volume of the audio on my phone. Its a great feature since switching between playing music and picking up the call is seamless, and on a full battery charge you get up to 5hr of talk or audio playback.
Overall, its a great little wireless headset that packs a lot of features, has a nice solid build, and a very professional look. Considering a price of under $20 shipped and 18-month warranty with lifetime tech support - this is one great value as well.
Here are the pictures.
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anker
i also bought one
but to be honest, it doesn't work very well with my samsung
maybe not a great choice for me
Dodocool Bluetooth Speaker with Camera Button
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Unboxing
The Speaker comes with a mini package, solid-made with plastic, and basic accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable, 1x User Manual, and the Speaker (of course).
This Bluetooth Speaker is so compact that it fits in my hand without any issue, extremely portable.
Its Chassis is fully made with Aluminum, just the lower side is made of plastic required to fit the Microphone and the Camera/Power Button.
It can be charged with a Micro-USB Cable just like a Smartphone and the USB Port is placed on the back.
Sound Quality
As regards the sound quality it is pretty good and super-loud. The sound is clear, doesn't lack low-frequencies and considering the size of the speaker it is definitely a pretty good one.
Conclusions
Well i admit that a Bluetooth Speaker isn't so easy to review because the tests that can be made except Sound Quality ones are not so interesting, so if you find this review a bit incomplete just let me know and i will try to reply you in the best way possible.
This is a good-quality Speaker, featuring also an useful Camera Button (remote shutter) that can be pretty useful when you need to take some photos without handling the device.
So...do I recommend it? If you need a portable speaker that provides good sound quality, then this is a good choice.
Pros:
- Portable
- Good Sound Quality
- High Volume
Cons:
- A bit heavy
Rating: 8.7
Packaging and Accessories: 8
Design and Materials: 9
Sound Quality: 9
Price: 9 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.dodocool.com/accessories-1931/p-da84b.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/KXB9F
Dodocool made this Bluetooth Speaker part of their latest giveaway.
https://www.facebook.com/docoolyour...6806336524857/618695048335983/?type=3&theater
Nice one
So what is the sound quality you think about this?
because i used to buy little bluetooth small speaker and the sound was killing my ear.
Makebetterlife said:
So what is the sound quality you think about this?
because i used to buy little bluetooth small speaker and the sound was killing my ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not notice any sound quality issue, it is loud and clear.
Alberto96 said:
I do not notice any sound quality issue, it is loud and clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good purchase. Ill get one soon
This is the Dodocool DA134 Hi-Res USB-C to 3.5mm Sound Card.
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Unboxing
The item comes in a pretty small and slim packaging with no accessories at all, only an user manual and warranty card. I would have appreciated to see, at least, a Type-C to MicroUSB or to USB-A for PC and legacy devices support.
As you can clearly notice, the whole device is packed in a rather nice aluminum body. It feels solid and premium, and also works as a sort of interference shield.
Something that doesn't look premium at all is the internal board. For some weird reason, the USB cable has been soldered in a really bad way, and some wires are slightly scratched on the plastic side. I hope this is just a case, otherwise it is hard to define this board as durable.
The device appears to be using an AKM AK4430ET DAC with a Bravo SA9123 Audio Controller IC, datasheets linked below. I am not an audiophile, but based on my minor knowledge, this can be declared as a mid-range USB DAC, with decent components that could have been better (of course).
AK4430ET: https://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK4430ET
SA9123: http://archive.esmchina.com/forum.esm-cn.com/FORUM_POST_1000164011_1201276323_0.HTM
Built-in Multimedia Controls are working just fine, even on my PC, but they just handle the device's control, meaning that you can adjust the same controls (Play/Pause, Volume +/-) from the smartphone (or other device) directly. Personally i don't find them useful, but may be for someone else.
When it comes to compatibility, even though this is meant to be used with Type-C Android Devices, it works just fine on my PC using a Type-C to USB adapter, and even on Android Devices with a MicroUSB plug (using the adapter of course). Perfectly recognized, and working as should.
PC (Linux)
Android (Mi Note 2)
Sound Quality
As regards the audio quality, compared to my smartphone internal DAC, i can notice a slightly higher volume but, to be honest, not an huge difference. Nowadays most smartphones (excluding low-end ones) already come with a decent internal sound card, but the amplifier isn't that great most of the times.
Still, some extra punchiness to the sound is noticeable, even with low-end earphones known to have a pretty high resistance. Not impressive, but not disappoiting either.
If you know to have a device that provides a terrible sound quality via the headphone jack, then the difference will be really noticeable.
Conclusions
I always thought that an External DAC, even if not super high-end, would provide better sound quality compared to a generic sound source, but apparently this is not valid anymore nowadays.
Other than that, this is not a bad product, there is some room for improvements and the build quality is pretty decent (excluding the soldering issue) considering the price target.
For those who need a cheap workaround to a crappy built-in sound card, then this is a product that should be considered.
Pros:
- Premium Aluminum Chassis
- Decent Internal Components
- Excellent Compatibility (using an adapter)
Cons:
- No Adapters included
- Questionable internal soldering
Rating: 8.3
Packaging and Accessories: 6
Design and Materials: 8.5
Sound Quality: 9
Price: 9.5 (Amazon)
Official Website: https://www.dodocool.com/p-da134gy.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/O2LdZ
You can buy it on many online shops. Official, and authorized, Retailers are listed in the Dodocool website.
Very interesting review.
I'm just looking for an external (and small) DAC for my phone Wich do not have jack.
I've found the GGMM A1 or this Dodocool to use instead of a cheap usb-c -> jack adapter.
Have you tried some other DAC to compare? Like Smsl or other
aaalexx said:
Very interesting review.
I'm just looking for an external (and small) DAC for my phone Wich do not have jack.
I've found the GGMM A1 or this Dodocool to use instead of a cheap usb-c -> jack adapter.
Have you tried some other DAC to compare? Like Smsl or other
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the only DAC i have currently.
Ask
Does it have headphone amp?
These are the BlitzWolf BW-ANC1 Earphones.
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Unboxing
Unlike previous audio products i reviewed in the past, this one comes in a rather boring external packaging, but the amount of accessories well over expectations, with a nice rigid case, a small USB Cable (no Type-C sadly) and the usual replacement earbuds in different sizes.
Something that stand-out for this product is the Nylon-Braided cable for extra durability, but the two cables that go from the little box to each earphone is not braided (for some reason).
Starting from the box, it is made of Metal with Rubberized Buttons (Play/Pause/Answer + Back + Forward). The clip is OK, keeping the little box stable anywhere it is placed. It is not the most compact solution, but i guess they i had to go for this instead of something slimmer in order to include a beefy battery.
On the top of this box, there is a dedicated button to control ANC (working only when the whole thing is turned on, excellent solution) with a dedicated white LED. Near the ANC LED, there is also a standard Blue LED for the BT connection.
The microphone is placed on the right earphone's cable and it is included in a small cone made of Metal. Well engineered in my opinion.
Each earphone features a metal chassis (not as good looking as in the photo to be honest, not the same shown color) and is compact, quite comfortable.
Sound Quality
Thanks to the APT-X support, those are the best sounding earphones i have ever tried, but not perfect. The sound seems to be slightly tuned to increase low frequencies (as usual). Other than that, i can't find any flaw in the sound quality at all.
The volume is quite high, there is no distortion even at maximum volume, and the APT-X support is correctly recognized by my smartphone as shown here.
Also, the Active Noise Cancelling feature works flawlessy, there is no extra noise added to the sound (like background noise or anything like that) neither interferences.
Nothing to complain about call quality, the microphone position is just excellent matching wired earphones.
Conclusions
As promised some months ago, i would be focusing on those ANC products that are becoming more and more common and affordable. This is, with no doubts, the most balanced i have ever tested. Good sound quality, decent battery life and no flaws in the design.
If only there was a built-in equalizer to switch between different presets...
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- ANC - Active Noise Cancellation (properly implemented)
- Metal Parts all over the place
Cons:
- Slightly tuned for low frequencies
- Not all cables are nylon-braided
Rating: 8.6
Packaging and Accessories: 8.5
Design and Materials: 9.5
Sound Quality: 8.5
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://bit.ly/2lWVJik
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/mKZvgi1
Tronsmart is known for mobile phone accessories but lately, they are also very successful in Audio products field. Not only bluetooth headphones, they also got very good bluetooth speakers. The last one, with the latest patented technology Tronsmart SoundPulse is Tronsmart Force+ - Most powerful bluetooth speaker now with IPX7 waterproof/dustproof protection.
Specification from Tronsmart:
Bluetooth: 4.2 + EDR
Transmission range: 20m/66ft (open area)
Waterproof: IPX7
Output: 2 x 20W Max.
Playtime: Up to 15 hours (medium volume)
Power supply: DC 5V/2.4A
Battery capacity: 7.4V/6600mAh
Charging time: About 3 hours
Loudspeaker size: 53mm
Distortion: ≤1.0%
Frequency: 80Hz-18KHz
Functions: Micro SD/TF card, aux-in, hands-free
You can check out all information at: https://www.tronsmart.com/products/element-force-portable-bluetooth-speaker
Tronsmart Force+ is one of three Tronsmart bluetooth speakers that equipped Tronsmart Sound Pulse technology, they have a very long explaination at: https://www.tronsmart.com/sound-pulse.htm . But I can sum up that this technology will help to make a powerful portable speaker with small size, this will also help sound output more clarity, less distortion, higher range frequency, better bass enhanced.
Unboxing
The package is not as premium as Mega, we got same package as T6 and other products. I personally liked Mega package very much.
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The Speaker
The speaker is now with IPX7 waterproof/dustproof protection so you can see it is more sturdy and rugged.
At the back side, there will be a place for connection ports (USB Type-C Charging port, MicroSD Card slot and AUX 3.5 port).
At the top side, we can see there are buttons and NFC logo for one touch connection.
More pictures:
Testing and Conclusion
As I can see that the speaker is loud, the quality is way better than the Tronsmart Mega, thanks to new Sound Pulse technology.
The speaker is able to survive in short distance drop (around 1m, and I think it is designed for accidentally drop, not intended drop like IPX7 water/dust proof feature).
Waterproof/dustproof with IPX7.
I have also made a video to test waterproof feature, you can watch it at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqiaz0kIgmo