I have become somewhat disappointed with the sound quality of my sound system lately. I use Plex a lot to watch movies, and Netflix on the Fire TV . My sound system consists of an Onkyo receiver and 5 Energy Speakers, plus sub woofer (one of those a front speakers) , the sound system is 18 years old. My Fire TV is a 1st generation.
So I am thinking there my be a couple of weak links in the system.
Yesterday I was at Sams Club and browsing there sound bars and came across the Bose Soundtouch 300 Soundbar and Acousticmass "Module" $999 yes expensive. The way Sam's had it setup, it looked like it came with the bar, sub and 2 rear remote speakers. I sounded way awesome. I got home, did some research, come to find out that price of the just the bar and the sub and that the sub is not the Acoustimass 300 but a slightly smaller sub (probably less quality too) that Bose has included for the Sam's & Costco models.
I thinking its time for an upgrade, want good sounds, and top technology. Thoughts???
I would also replace the fire device. Amazon fire devices are a big disappointment.
Related
I am in the market for a new head unit since the one I have has blue tooth but only phone functions. No audio streaming. Which was fine when I had the iPhone 4s because the radio actually had a Pandora Radio App. But now that I moved on to bigger and better things, Galaxy SIII I need a better head unit. My needs are really basic. 2 pre-outs (prefer 4 volts but will manage with 2 volts) Bluetooth Audio Streaming and the capability of controlling my SIII through the unit. The only head unit I found so far that does all that is the Pioneer AppRadio 2 (SPH-DA100)
Any suggestions?
Pioneer AppRadio 2
intelinside83 said:
I am in the market for a new head unit since the one I have has blue tooth but only phone functions. No audio streaming. Which was fine when I had the iPhone 4s because the radio actually had a Pandora Radio App. But now that I moved on to bigger and better things, Galaxy SIII I need a better head unit. My needs are really basic. 2 pre-outs (prefer 4 volts but will manage with 2 volts) Bluetooth Audio Streaming and the capability of controlling my SIII through the unit. The only head unit I found so far that does all that is the Pioneer AppRadio 2 (SPH-DA100)
Any suggestions?
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Click to collapse
i just ordered an appradio 2 earlier this week because i couldnt find anything that i liked that would do pretty much what you want to do
Maybe check out the Parrot Asteroid...
I can't believe a high end radio like the AppRadio2 does not have a dedicated subwoofer output. You only get four channels. Front & rear or Front & sub.
AppRadio2
I just bought the AppRadio 2 last week and haven't installed it yet so I've been playing aound with it in the house.
Initial thoughts were that I was going to be able to play videos, run apps all from my phone natively. I was wrong. Out of the box AppRadio2 comes with iPod connector with usb (for charging iPod/iPhone and for upgrading firmware on unit) for Android it has a HDMI connector you have to buy your own HDMI cable, MHL/slimport adaptor.
You also have to download appradio from play store along with a handful of compatible apps. Once that's done, you can finally connect your phone to the head unit via HDMI adaptor and bluetooth.
I tested out most of the free apps and was left unimpressed. Also the response time of the head unit was laggy at times (swiping screens).
I haven't used ARLiberator yet but I have done a lot of research and that app is what will probably keep me from returning the AppRadio 2.
A couple downsides are:
-no dedicated sub preout
-preouts are 2V rather than 4V
-no USB support for USB drives (***big disappointment since I have a GNEX and N4 coming in the mail-no external storage)
-no CD/DVD
-non detachable face (I work in high theft area)
I'm pretty sure thar there will be more android/smartphone compatible headunits in 2013 but I just couldn't wait. I have a 10+ year old Alpine cd player that is all but dead.
I did come across a new Sony headunit though XAV701HD. The interface is a lot better than Appradio2's and it has DVD/CD and USBx2 support! The only thing is that it uses mirrorlink which as of now only the s3 supports.
So for now I guess I'll keep the AppRadio 2 since I got it for a good price, and see what 2013 has to offer
What you are looking for is the Alpine ICS X8..... Sadly it's not out in the US yet
Sent from my GS3
Just checked Crutchfield and it's up for pre order... no ship date yet though
Check it out here
CZ Eddie said:
I can't believe a high end radio like the AppRadio2 does not have a dedicated subwoofer output. You only get four channels. Front & rear or Front & sub.
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Click to collapse
You can use a High/Low Level converter and connect it to the rear speakers. That's what I did =D
Hello guys,
I am planning to use this http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-BlackBerry-Smartphones/dp/B004EHZUYG
Now the bluetooth receiver will connect directly to my aux port in my car.
The Note 2 has an awesome sound chip which I really like as opposed to my old Dell Streak 5, but once it is paired with the bluetooth receiver, will it be bypassing the audio hardware, and thus the audio quality will be reduced as opposed to connecting it directly to the aux port?
One of the most striking diffrences between the Note 1 and 2 is the sound of the bluetooth audio.
It is way way better than it used to be.I don't know how it compares to direct, but I love it!
It's so good I just went and bought bluetooth headphones for nearly £300.
The Note has the latest bluetooth codec and so do the headphones
Apt-X Head Units
universil said:
One of the most striking diffrences between the Note 1 and 2 is the sound of the bluetooth audio.
It is way way better than it used to be.I don't know how it compares to direct, but I love it!
It's so good I just went and bought bluetooth headphones for nearly £300.
The Note has the latest bluetooth codec and so do the headphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be better still when Apt-X enabled head units start shipping. Apt-X is a Bluetooth protocol which sounds nearly as good as a wire (some would say it's indistinguishable), and the Note 2 supports it. As far as I know, no currently available car head units support it, but CSR, the company that makes it (and the Bt chips in the Note 2) started shipping chips intended for car head units over the summer, so you should be able to get one real soon. I'm holding out on a new head unit now.
The headphones I got are apt-X, should get them in a couple of days
I got the other version of this Belkin BT handsfree, the one with buttons to change stations and scan, etc. Anyways, I was extremely amazed at the sound quality over the bluetooth. Prior to Note 2, I had iPhone 4 and the music sound so bad, very flat and crappy and I assumed it was because of the bluetooth. But when I switched to Note 2, I was stunned by the music quality, it sounds a whole lot better and so clear.
But be aware that by using the Note 2 stock music player, the sounds will be just as terrible as the iPhone 4. The best sounds I got was from playing music over PowerAmp, the differences were crazily huge.
So there you have it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I am
EDIT: this is the model I got, http://www.megabuy.com.au/belkin-caraudio-connect-fm-bluetooth-p310046.html
Griffin Technologies Blue Trip Aux
I got it from Amazon here
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004KPLS7K/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1353312494&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
I was surprised at how great my music sounded. I especially like how it turns on and off with the car.
Written on my Samsung Galaxy Note II
Hi all,
After a year of trying out different portable speakers - I tried the beats pill, Braven 625 (very good for ultimate portability....) and many others. I finally bought a Bose Soundlink Mini today. It is amazing! I cannot believe the sound from this little thing. While it does not have some of the extras others offer (Braven seems best in terms of will charge your phone, and can be used as speakerphone), it has the best sound I have heard from something so small.
This will not appeal to audiophiles or pimply teenagers who think they are audiophiles, but as a mini speaker that fills a big room with good clear sound it is great. Now my life is complete with my note 2, note 10.1 2014, anker wireless keyboard and this speaker. With this sort of technology now I can see myself going off grid with my camper van in the future, living with a solar cell and a kelly kettle for hot food
Just thought I would share this, there is not much I offer to the forum in terms of rooting or roms etc, I do intend to in the future as I am a google certified teacher and starting to use my note 10.1 as my main tool in the classroom to control my whiteboard......but at the moment if anyone else out there was like me and couldnt justify spending £150 on a tiny speaker then go for this one, its brilliant.
I have the same speakers, and they are great ...... for Bluetooth speakers. The sound is as good as I have heard from portable BT speakers. Can't beat them for the size.
I also have a Soundlink Mini.
Best bluetooth speaker in its class, hands down.
Sloty
Iv had a look at the speakers your talking about and they have an awesome sound but a price tag to match. I recently picked up a blue tooth / cord speaker from Aldi supermarket chain. It does all the things you've pointed out for $20 (sale price) and the sound is big and impressive with clear lows unlike what iv seen in other portable speakers. I snuck back and got a second.
I just picked up a JBL Flip 2 whilst in the states. Listened to the Bose and the JBL and you would be hard pushed to tell the difference. Also with the new Flip 2 they have done away with the need to have a plug in power adaptor which for me takes away the whole portable aspect of a portable speaker as you can now charge it through USB. Biggest bonus is it only cost me $95 which is half the price of the Bose.
Althought flip 2 is a good speaker, none can even dare to compare to the Bose! I wish i had it, i bought the UE Mini Boom, has the same features as the flip 2 almost the same price range, not the same sound quality, but good enough and pairs up to 8 bluetooth devices (2 simultaneous), 10 hour battery life (real), much smaller (fits on my beach toal pocket).
Well in all fairness thats opinion. I have spent many years using B + W speakers with other hi end hifi equipment so I am used to high quality audio and in my opinion the gulf is not that big. Certainly not double the price wise. What swung it for me is using them as a portable speaker. What good is a portable speaker that when it runs out you have to find a power socket to charge it. They realised this with the first JBL flip and with the Flip 2 replaced the need for a power adaptor with a simple usb charging port. So with my portable battery I can have music playing all day well away from a power source. But as I said its completely each individuals opinion which I fully respect.
Im looking to buy a wireless portable (mid range portable and too tiny) speaker. Which one do you guys suggest in terms of sound quality (ofcourse), pricing and latest connectivity options (Wi-Fi, NFC)?
Found three selections: Bose Soundtouch 20, Sonos Play 5 and Sony SRSX7
I have personal experience with two models: X-mini II and JBL Micro wireless. I didn't own them, but they were sold as iphone accessories where I used to work. Both are worth the money, X-mini is louder and with a little bit distorted sound/bass when at full volume, while the JBL is somewhat more cultivated and clearer.
But overall the X-mini was sold 3:1 vs the JBL. You can also chain the x-minis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWzd4aGaZ9A
klincharov said:
I have personal experience with two models: X-mini II and JBL Micro wireless. I didn't own them, but they were sold as iphone accessories where I used to work. Both are worth the money, X-mini is louder and with a little bit distorted sound/bass when at full volume, while the JBL is somewhat more cultivated and clearer.
But overall the X-mini was sold 3:1 vs the JBL. You can also chain the x-minis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWzd4aGaZ9A
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I checked them out but they are smaller than what im looking for.
The size of Bose Soundtouch 20 is fine by me. Im not looking for a pocket portable, but more like something that can sit on your pc desk or bed table without occupying much space and looking modern.But it seems the three devices i mentioned in earlier post are the only ones with all latest connectivity options. The JBL authentics L8 looks great too, but pricey. When i went shopping i saw a lot of portable speakers which i couldn't recognize so i had to come home and check online what the heck is going on in the portable speaker world. It seems most portable speakers are bluetooth ones only, and does not have Wifi, NFC, etc.
So you are ideally looking for an optionally battery powered docking station with speakers
I use creative wifi spekar only 1 sec lag
MindlessRanger said:
I use creative wifi spekar only 1 sec lag
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Which one is it ? http://www.creative.com/letsgowireless/products.aspx
I see they only support bluetooth and not wifi.
The Libratone live also good enough as the Bose Soundtouch 20.
And then i came across the sound bar types which comes with wifi, DLNA, etc, and i wonder how is the sound performance in comparison.
One of the reasons I bought the AFTV is the Optical port that in my mind would have helped with the horendeous delay I see through my Denon receiver when using HDMI sound.
Unfortunately, while I get Dolby+ when using HDMI for Netflix sound (set to Auto in Settings) I do NOT get the same (just stereo) when I force audio via the optical digital.
I'm a bit frustrated with the box as I already have an Ouya and Netflix HD and Dolby/DTS were the only reasons I got this device.
Let me tell you that the way one has to dance around for even the simplest tasks makes Ouya very "user friendly"...and believe me, if you check the Ouya forums you'll see frustration all over.
To the best of my knowledge, DD+ isn't carried over optical, so the box is down-mixing the signal to 2.0. What model Denon do you have? Mine is the 2310CL, and I have no lag at all.
bruce7373 said:
To the best of my knowledge, DD+ isn't carried over optical, so the box is down-mixing the signal to 2.0. What model Denon do you have? Mine is the 2310CL, and I have no lag at all.
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Click to collapse
Ha, I have the same year model but it's the 3310
Weird, I have to compensate around 200ms to get lip-sync. No video processing for this input - so I have a hard time explaining why. I will have to find a DD/DTS movie to test, but as far as I can tell DD+ works over toslink:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOSLINK - but sometimes those pages cannot be trusted. I seem to find conflicting info.
IIRC, I had a WD TV Live Plus that was getting DD+ from Netflix just fine - hooked to the same receiver.
I wouldn't care about optical if I could find the cause for the audio delay...open to suggestions.
Netflix DD+
I bought AFTV because of Netflix DD+ issues. I was using a Roku3 to a Vzio 54" 5.1 sound bar. Not optimal but I did not wish to drill holes in floor of my new house to do the rear channels. The Vizio sound bar will not handle DD+ at all. You get nothing but silence via HDMI which is all the Roku3 has. You can toggle to Stereo through the Netflix settings and do 2-channel.
The AFTV allows you to select Optical as the output for 5.1. It DOES downcode the DD+ to DD, NOT STEREO, as the DD indicator light comes on.
As for the Vizio soundbar, don't buy it. A BIG $500 mistake. Not only is it old tech it has only one HDMI Input. Adding a $100 for AFTV and $50 for an HDMI Switch would have bought me a decent up-to-date AVR system. Big mistake but I bought I nice long flexible drill bit to route cables up or down inside walls. Live and learn.
Anyway, AFTV does output DD+ as DD through Optical if your setup does not support DD+.