Hifi streaming question

[Arm]

We stream Amazon music to the amp via a Bluetooth Eskin 25 quid adapter.  Would a better Bluetooth adapter make an improvement?

It currently works well but its a good amp and speaker setup and be a shame to miss out if the adapter is the weak link.

Any experts views ?

[Blatman]

Does the amp have a USB source option? I assume not but just in case. I always prefer wires over wireless when quality and reliability is the goal.

 

And again I assume the quality of the output is lacking? Maybe the high or low rangers are missing from the output? 

What's the budget for upgrades?

[Onliest Smeg David]

What amp and speaker set up (works well / good ??) will make a big difference as to how far is worth going.

I'd be surprised if you can hear a real difference between quality of source through your set up.

I have high end HiFi amps/speakers using highest quality Spotify through an ethernet wired HEOS streamer which as a low budget start was a massive step up in quality from blue toothing through an adapter.

I mainly listen to Vinyl/CD, but if I listened mainly to streamed music I would upgrade streamer & dac.

As Blatman indicates, the highs and the lows are where you'll really notice lack of detail/impact.

 

[Onliest Smeg David]

Data source really does make a big difference to the potential of what you hear.

Sit down auditioning various services Spotify was not best, but it offered good value as my streaming listening is as  mainly background music.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Bluetooth audio streaming can be very hit and miss, unfortunately. But it serves a purpose. I was mildly surprised how even on the average quality audio system in my Ford Ranger, you could clearly hear the difference between audio streamed over a Bluetooth* link between my phone and the head unit, and a wired link via the stereo jack, (and even the USB wired link was noticeably better than BT.) 

(*which at the Ford end, was probably a basic version 4.0, or possibly earlier)

 

Broadly, having the latest Bluetooth protocols on sender and receiver end will help, as the available bandwidth they can transmit has improved hugely.

[Stuart]

Have a look a Qobuz.  Lossless streaming and also fairer to the musicians than Spotify and it's ilk.  Daniel Ek has significantly more money than Paul McCartney which can't be right.  IMHO

[Arm]

Thanks for the replies. Plenty to read and understand. To answer some of the questions its an old but good amp and I use the phono inputs from the Bluetooth receiver. It only receives and thats all we need. We stream from the phones or tablet and source is always amazon music. Some of which is HD and thats what we might not be taking advantage of with a 3 yr old 25 quid bluetooth receiver. Budget for a better Bluetooth receiver upto 150 quid. Not thinking of using any other streaming device as phones are easy for us to change music or  control etc.

[Onliest Smeg David]

@Arm

I would stll recommend moving away from bluetooth....

My streamer (network media player) https://www.denon.com/en-gb/product/network-audio-players/heos-link-hs2 (others available) connects to phono

Can access loads of streaming services, including your preferred amazon music for which you can use your phones to control amazon music like a remote.

Plus plays Internet radio and music from a hard drive or usb.

The improvement in sound quality will be significant.

 

 

[evosteve]

Try using wired and not Bluetooth, you will notice a difference.  I think your phone might limit the quality of the music. See if you can demo a streaming device, I am sure it would be worth looking at.

[Arm]

Yes thanks will try that. 

[Onliest Smeg David]

32 minutes ago, Arm said:

Yes thanks will try that. 

Demo'ing is a good way to see if kit works with what you already have, and to see if it's worth it for you.

Although you may struggle to find demo kit at your budget.

 

If your not in a rush, I may be able to 'sort' a work meeting down your way and I'll bring mine for you to have a listen in your system.

 

If you do still decide you want to stick with bluetooth, then this would be an upgrade at your budget - iFi Audio ZEN BLUE V2

[Arm]

Wow thanks. Would be ideal.  I don't have to stay Bluetooth, may retain it for when we have it playing in another room as background. Ideally any upgrade when in main room as my hearing is going to detoriate and I want to enjoy best I can now.