Sound quality of Bluetooth streaming music

[robo_robb]

I have the base head unit in my FR-S, and I'm not sure if this is all in my head or not, but does the sound quality seem to go down with Bluetooth streaming vs. wired connection? This is while using an iPhone.

Any experiences?

[otoz]

I cant get the audio to play with the bluetooth connection at all on my iphone, i've just been using the USB connection.

[robo_robb]

Hmm, what kind of iPhone do you have? I have a 4S, which did not have a problem with pairing up with the headunit--- Although, I did have trouble connecting it with the USB cable the first time I tried. My iPhone gave me the "device is not compatible" dialogue box. The second time I tried, it worked fine.

[NRGBalanced]

Originally Posted by robo_robb

I have the base head unit in my FR-S, and I'm not sure if this is all in my head or not, but does the sound quality seem to go down with Bluetooth streaming vs. wired connection? This is while using an iPhone.

Any experiences?

I haven't taken the time to do a direct comparison between the AUX IN and the Bluetooth streaming but I've seen a lot of discussion how the codec used for A2DP produces inferior sound quality.

Not sure to what degree though: if you can tell the difference between a 64kbps MP3 and a 256kbps MP3, you'll probably notice a drop in quality.

Here's a description of the protocol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth_profile.

[Kimsey47]

If I have a drop of quality in my BRZ it is very limited... I haven't noticed it when changing between USB and Bluetooth. Maybe it is the difference in headunits?

[robo_robb]

Interesting. I can definitely compare bluetooth audio quality to FM radio quality. In other words, it's lacking.

[Kimsey47]

Oh, and for the record I have the iPhone 4 (non-S) so it doesn't sound to be the phone...

[pastuch]

Bluetooth uses a terrible audio codec with limited dynamic range.... That's why AUX sounds better. The new APT-X compatible phones use a much much better codec for bluetooth streaming but you need an APT-X compatible stereo. Iphones do not have APT-X yet but most of the new Androids do. Apple uses APT-X on the Ipad 3 though so I imagine it will find it's way into Iphone 5. The Galaxy S 3 has the best audio solution to date, Voodoo Sound compatible Wolfson DAC with APT-X Support. It's a little big but I'll probably buy one just for the audio upgrades.

I made a thread all about APT-X audio here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5871

[Scooby]

^^ This post basically tells it all. I cannot for the world understand why people use current SBC coded bluetooth streaming, it's horrible.

[eriktherod]

I have noticed that Bespoke will not allow me to pair a phone while driving. While that's not a problem usually, it can be annoying mid-ride if a, I mean THE passenger decides to.

[mattles]

my audio sounds like dogshit over bluetooth, so I only play via USB.

[yayforaddison]

Make sure your head unit is set for the FRS. Mine wasn't and sounded like poo. This fixed it completely!! I guess they are set for the TC from new.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7578

[moniz]

Bluetooth audio streaming will always sound like crap compared to a wired connection hands down every time. Use the USB as your first/best connection, and AUX and the next best. Either one will sound worlds better than Bluetooth stream regardless of what stereo/manufacturer at this point in this emerging technology.

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by moniz

Bluetooth audio streaming will always sound like crap compared to a wired connection hands down every time. Use the USB as your first/best connection, and AUX and the next best. Either one will sound worlds better than Bluetooth stream regardless of what stereo/manufacturer at this point in this emerging technology.

No, you're wrong. APT-X Bluetooth audio streaming sounds excellent. I have used it and it's a marked improvement over SBC Bluetooth audio. It's easily comparable to AUX or USB.

The problem with bluetooth has nothing to do with wires or signal strength. The problem is the audio codec (SBC) is total shite which they are correcting by using APT-X. Hopefully Apple gets their shit together and utilizes APT-X in Iphone 5. Bluetooth headphones with APT-X are the future of portable audio. My guess is 3 years before widespread adoption has taken over.

In terms of overall hardware, the Galaxy S III has the best platform for audio fidelity of any phone ever made. Supercurio has already confirmed Voodoo sound for analog volume modification and the phone has a Wolfson DAC + Apt-X. Whether you use Aux, APT-X BT or USB, the phone will sound amazing. I've heard the Line-out is headphone amp compatible too but it's not confirmed yet. If all this sounds like gibberish to you then you need better headphones. Dre Beats don't count.

Audio Technica M50s are the best $100 full sized Can that money can buy.
Sennheiser HD25-IIs are outstanding portables but cost $200+.