What a fun test! I have done this exact test with my Bludento BLT-2 and HD models, outputting digitally to the Schiit Modi 3E, and then analog out from the DAC to my oldie but goodie Sony STR-DA555ES, and the sound was very close. This is a testament to how good the DAC and analogue out implementation of the Bludento units are. BT streaming has come a pretty long way and for many, likely most people, a Bludento BT streamer is all they will ever need. To be fair, I think that is about as good as BT will ever be. It's not that this DAC is not good, it really is a great DAC, especially for the money. The issue is that we are working with BT bandwidth/resolution, which is limited, and pretty much maximized for all its goodness with the Bludento and similar products, which proves in THIS particular situation, an external DAC may not add much at all, due to the limitations we are working with. Now, with WIFI streamers, we are talking another ball game. This is where my Schiit Modi 3e made a noticeable improvement the internal DAC of my Bluesound Node 2i streamer which was $600 about 4 years ago. And then I upgraded the DAC again to a less expensive SMSL SU-1 ($80) which really improved things again. WIFI streaming really is superior through the entire frequency band. And, it's cheaper than ever. You can do a WiiM Mini streamer for $80 + an SMSL SU-1 DAC for $80 and you are set with a pretty fantastic high resolution streaming package that you would have to spend 10 times the amount to say that it sounds better. We also have to be fair and consider what equipment we are playing through. If we are using $100 speakers and a 50 year old receiver/power, are we using equipment that can resolve the sound better so that we can notice the delta in sound quality? If not, a decent BT receiver it is!!! And that's fine. They really are great. And when I have WIFI drop outs, my Bludentto HD is back in rotation!!!!! Great review!!!!!
Most people do not know nor do they understand quality audio. Hence the so-called internet audiophile influences. To educate themselves about sound quality one needs to experience good sound for starters. But being that such learning process takes time, it is perceived that the more expensive a gadget is the better it sounds.
Pretty sure, if you're going to test like this, you need as high a quality recording as possible. Seems it would be harder to hear, who's ruining low quality more, than who's ruining high quality more. (I didn't kill myself)
Another question. How can you set the codec on BluDento on iPhone? Will you have to use an Android device to change codec and then stream music from iPhone? What is your recommendation on preferred codec setting?
I don’t know if this is the right post to ask this question but I have seen all the reviews of your Bluetooth receivers and some of the newer ones out there but would like know your your top 5 Bluetooth receivers that you recommend in order of preference for an old Linn & Naim systems Ifi Bluetooth Zen 2 is currently unavailable which I like Bluedento HD is under $100 But with so many newer receivers -which to choose. Dilemma Thanks
The BluDento BLT-HD is still one of my all time favorites. If you do decide to get one order factory direct and use promo code BB23 for more discount. Its less expensive than Amazon. $for$ the way to go IMHO
What a fun test! I have done this exact test with my Bludento BLT-2 and HD models, outputting digitally to the Schiit Modi 3E, and then analog out from the DAC to my oldie but goodie Sony STR-DA555ES, and the sound was very close. This is a testament to how good the DAC and analogue out implementation of the Bludento units are. BT streaming has come a pretty long way and for many, likely most people, a Bludento BT streamer is all they will ever need. To be fair, I think that is about as good as BT will ever be. It's not that this DAC is not good, it really is a great DAC, especially for the money. The issue is that we are working with BT bandwidth/resolution, which is limited, and pretty much maximized for all its goodness with the Bludento and similar products, which proves in THIS particular situation, an external DAC may not add much at all, due to the limitations we are working with. Now, with WIFI streamers, we are talking another ball game. This is where my Schiit Modi 3e made a noticeable improvement the internal DAC of my Bluesound Node 2i streamer which was $600 about 4 years ago. And then I upgraded the DAC again to a less expensive SMSL SU-1 ($80) which really improved things again. WIFI streaming really is superior through the entire frequency band. And, it's cheaper than ever. You can do a WiiM Mini streamer for $80 + an SMSL SU-1 DAC for $80 and you are set with a pretty fantastic high resolution streaming package that you would have to spend 10 times the amount to say that it sounds better. We also have to be fair and consider what equipment we are playing through. If we are using $100 speakers and a 50 year old receiver/power, are we using equipment that can resolve the sound better so that we can notice the delta in sound quality? If not, a decent BT receiver it is!!! And that's fine. They really are great. And when I have WIFI drop outs, my Bludentto HD is back in rotation!!!!! Great review!!!!!
Thanks for the info 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you
Most people do not know nor do they understand quality audio. Hence the so-called internet audiophile influences.
To educate themselves about sound quality one needs to experience good sound for starters. But being that such learning process takes time, it is perceived that the more expensive a gadget is the better it sounds.
Pretty sure, if you're going to test like this, you need as high a quality recording as possible.
Seems it would be harder to hear, who's ruining low quality more, than who's ruining high quality more.
(I didn't kill myself)
Another question. How can you set the codec on BluDento on iPhone? Will you have to use an Android device to change codec and then stream music from iPhone? What is your recommendation on preferred codec setting?
The iPhone is AAC only, no changing CODECS. I like APTX-HD and LDAC depends on the music/recording. IMO
I don’t know if this is the right post to ask this question but I have seen all the reviews of your Bluetooth receivers and some of the newer ones out there but would like know your your top 5 Bluetooth receivers that you recommend in order of preference for an old Linn & Naim systems
Ifi Bluetooth Zen 2 is currently unavailable which I like
Bluedento HD is under $100
But with so many newer receivers -which to choose. Dilemma
Thanks
The BluDento BLT-HD is still one of my all time favorites. If you do decide to get one order factory direct and use promo code BB23 for more discount. Its less expensive than Amazon. $for$ the way to go IMHO