Hey Raw-Cat A small comment about BT-HD protocols support. Apple - are still supporting AAC as the highest option, that is correct. But Androids - Even though most phones do not offer any support for LDAC nor options to manage it - ever since Android 8 (Oreo) is relased, the OS it self, does support APTXHD and LDAC both. For example - My phone is a Samsung A70 which by specifications, has no support for LDAC, however, it is running Android 11 -> and if I am browsing from the settings to the developer options, looking at the HD audio data, while streaming BT it will stream via APTX, APTXHD and yes, even LPAD I have at home - ANC headphones by Anker Life Q35 and at the car Audison B-CON and I am able to enable LDAC from my A70 while pairing to it and while streaming from Deezer at HIFI mode I did see from the dev options that it actually streams using the higher protocols. The fact that the Helix goes only up to APTXHD is neglectable, to be honest I find it hard if any, to find a difference in between AAC and higher - but Android do support them by the OS so even if the phone is not "supposed" to - it could very be untrue.
I’m still waiting for Apple and Samsung to use Qualcomm chips to support Aptxhd. This has been my constant complaint about BT. I still use BT for convenience, but I started using a USB stick when I want more details.
I've been buying Samsung's flagship telly for a couple decades now and their stubbornness of not allowing access to aptxHD, adaptive, or LL and force to use their own outdated codec when devices half the cost give the option, my current Samsung will be my last
@@RAW-CAt that all depends on jitter attenuation of the amp/DSP (signal receiver) you are gonna use, which I don't belive is has been perfected in car audio gear just yet (some modern home audio DACs show almost perfect jitter immunity, but they are still not the norm; TosLink interface has always been the most problematic in terms of jitter).
I wonder how far the Bluetooth will work. It would be inconvenient to have that unit on standby and have calls or music turn your system on and play while you car is on the garage or driveway.
@RAW-Ct Is there any additional advantages with this streamer over the HEC BT module? Is microphone compatible with the HEC BT module also or only with this streamer?
The main advantage of a standalone device is that it can be used with non Helix DSPs. Appeals to a wider audience. Microphone can be used only with the new streamer, the bt hec card Is only for music.
In my opinion, the device is already outdated in the production process. The lack of the LDAC codec declassifies the device from the very beginning. There will probably be no shortage of toy fans. However, you will not hear the highest level of sound from this device. If you need BT, use either an external streamer, for example xDuoo, or an internal HEC BT card 😅
@@Neplushkomd Technically, LDAC will handle files at speeds up to 990kbps, which is almost twice as fast as aptX HD and three times faster than SBC. The supported file resolution is 24bit/94kHz, which makes it a really tempting option for Bluetooth transmission, also when using Tidal and MQA files.
@@ledlights1062 HEC BT is not suppurting LDAC, as far as I know. So if you are tending to get as much kilobytes per second of bitrate as possible, you should probably look at HEC USB, meanwhile Streamer and HEC BT HD are based on the same chip. And moreover, if you use iOS device - you are being tied to AAC codec, and can not use aptX / aptX HD nor LDAC
what is the frequency band that blue tooth can play? im pretty sure when these transmitters first came out the limit was 15khz and under. the older ones used am/fm freq. not sure the limits of these.
Hi i’m using a match 8dsp in my bmw can i still control bluetooth audio with the vehicles volume knob or am i going to be limited volume buttons on the iphone onli
That depends on the whole signal chain. If you connect your phone to the factory hu, then you can use steering wheel controls. However if the BT connection is going to the DSP, then you are out of luck and will need a controller such as conductor.
@RAW-CAt Qualcomm now has APTX *LOSSLESS* which connects and streams at over 1000 kbps and is superior to either AptX or AptX HD, but its implementation is vague because it operates under the Qualcomm's auto-switching "Adaptive Mode", and only Bluetooth Receiving devices that have their own Separate APP will indicate whether or not you are actually connected in AptX *LOSSLESS* mode. LDAC has been tested and when it is set to "High Quality Audio" + 990/900 kbps data rate, it is far superior to either AptX or AptX HD. Side Note: Unless it is using a very old Android OS, the Samsung tablet that you show in your video will probably connect to the Helix BT HD module in APTX if you enable and go into the "Developer Options" settings of the tablet and choose one of those options.
Hola, muy buena!!! Tengo una pregunta sobre helix dsp!!! Como estas ajustando para no escuchar “pop up” cada vez cuando cambias presets o cuando enciendes el sistema❗️❓❓❓❗️ No lo puedo conseguir ❗️❗️❗️ Gracias
is there a way to connect an iPhone wired into the Helix DSP? I’ve heard a recent iOS update killed some functionality, if anyone knows a way to make this connection I’d love to hear it
If used with a Helix product, you have other volume control options. Controlling volume through digital gain isn't usually used on pure digital connections - same way you'll see that your phone loses its volume control when connected to your car digitally
Hi. I have a audison components, audison active 10"SUB ,HELIX M SIX DSP AMP all running of android head unit in a range rover. It dosent sound very good. Even though the DSP has been tuned, I have bee told lack of sound quality is due to everything running through factory amp. If i remove factory amp would need to replace it with a Audison DMI unit. They are pricey at around £600. I was wondering could this Helix BT HD streamer box be a viable alternative? If i connect my phone via bluetooth to the box does it completely by-pass head unit and factory amp? so i can stream HD quality music directly to the Helix DSP amp & Sub? Also will i be able to connect to car play whilst connected to the HD box ? Thanks
If you connect your phone to the streamer, everything else is bypassed. Granted, your phone needs to support APTX HD, otherwise, you won't gain much. Android auto will not work in that case u fortunately.
@@undisputedtruth2075 To my knowledge Iphones use AAC conec that supports only up to 250kbps, that is only half or aptx hd (576kbps). Even spotify streams at 320. If you want to stream higher quality music, unfortunately you will need to upgrade your phone. The only other option is to use a wired connection utilising something like SMSL po100pro.
@@undisputedtruth2075 high quality audio is at the bottom of requirements for a typical smartphone user. 99% of them use earbuds claiming that it's hi-fi. Most smartphones coming from China have LDAC support that offers the highest quality audio streaming. I believe Samsungs have APTX HD support. Your best bet is a USB dac or digital to digital as already mentioned smsl. po100pro.
no ldac = no buy ! I have a Samsung S23 and it doesn't have adapx HD ! I have a Fiio btr5 now and I'm usig it with ldac with no problem, but I wish it only have a microphone for the phone and a steering wheel remote...
Just seems awfully expensive for what it offers. It's no doubt a nice little piece of gear, but for what it's giving you it should be half that price at best. Not your decision and I know you covered these things in the video, still point remains the same.
@@RAW-CAt As someone else already commented, any Android device with Android 8 (Oreo) or later should support LDAC and AptX/AptX HD if you enable the "Developer Options" and choose one of those BT audio streaming codecs.
@@RAW-CAt FYI, there is a test on AudioScienceReview Forums of the iFi ZEN Blue BT receiver with measurements that show that Apt-X and Apt-X HD introduce more audio artifacts and distortion than AAC or even the basic and original SBC audio codec! LDAC was superior by far and is the closest to true 16-bit/44.1kHz CD (1,411kbps), but ONLY when the "Highest Quality" LDAC option is enabled at 990/900kbps (usually via the "Developer Options" settings in the source device. Otherwise the LDAC data rate is automatically switched between 990kbps, 660kbps, and 330kbps. the latter two being no better than AAC or SBC. In addition, Qualcomm now has APTX *LOSSLESS* which connects and streams at over 1000kbps and is superior to either AptX or AptX HD, but its implementation is vague because it operates under the Qualcomm AptX's auto-switching "Adaptive Mode", and only the Bluetooth Receiving devices that have their own Separate APP will indicate whether or not you are actually connected in AptX *LOSSLESS* mode. Side Note: Unless it is using a very old Android OS, the Samsung tablet that you show in your video will probably connect to the Helix BT HD module in APTX or APTX HD if you enable and go into the "Developer Options" settings of the tablet and choose one of those options.
I disagree, the helix Bluetooth hex card in my DSP sounds fantastic and you would not know it is Bluetooth unless I told you and then you probably would not believe it
@@chokboywondathat is because you are removing signal conversions, which add compression and data loss with each conversion. Aptx HD is great, but none of the popular phones support it. That includes iPhone and Samsung.
@@gonzoe123 ok sooooo 🤷🏾♂️. I am unsure what Ur point is. I like to listen to high quality music. I buy high quality music files or streaming services. I decide I would like do this via Bluetooth. I look and find what products can do it. Then I do it. I do not use my phone for High quality music. I use a DAP that does the job well and do not have to worry about the things my phone cannot do every time it needs upgrading, or breaks or gets lost.
Hey Raw-Cat
A small comment about BT-HD protocols support.
Apple - are still supporting AAC as the highest option, that is correct.
But Androids - Even though most phones do not offer any support for LDAC nor options to manage it - ever since Android 8 (Oreo) is relased, the OS it self, does support APTXHD and LDAC both.
For example - My phone is a Samsung A70 which by specifications, has no support for LDAC, however, it is running Android 11 -> and if I am browsing from the settings to the developer options, looking at the HD audio data, while streaming BT it will stream via APTX, APTXHD and yes, even LPAD
I have at home - ANC headphones by Anker Life Q35 and at the car Audison B-CON and I am able to enable LDAC from my A70 while pairing to it and while streaming from Deezer at HIFI mode I did see from the dev options that it actually streams using the higher protocols.
The fact that the Helix goes only up to APTXHD is neglectable, to be honest I find it hard if any, to find a difference in between AAC and higher - but Android do support them by the OS so even if the phone is not "supposed" to - it could very be untrue.
I'm waiting for this device in US for my M four dsp ❤😬
AudioLab Car Stereo in California already has them, they ship as well
ResoNix does as well
@joeyvasquez6593 thanks guys!!
Please wrap it nicely and courier to me this Christmas 2024 ❤😊
I’m still waiting for Apple and Samsung to use Qualcomm chips to support Aptxhd. This has been my constant complaint about BT. I still use BT for convenience, but I started using a USB stick when I want more details.
I've been buying Samsung's flagship telly for a couple decades now and their stubbornness of not allowing access to aptxHD, adaptive, or LL and force to use their own outdated codec when devices half the cost give the option, my current Samsung will be my last
I hope that they will come with new hec card with handsfree. Would be nice to have it in DSP and not another box.
Fiio BT costing $50 shouldn't be a better option? Having Ldac.
so perfect for Asus Zenfone 11 ultra users. (Bluetooth® 5.4 (HFP + A2DP + AVRCP + HID + PAN + OPP), supports Qualcomm aptX™ Adaptive and aptX™ Lossless)
You can't expect exactly the same performance - with the HEC card you dosen't use TosLink interface, which adds a considerable amount of jitter.
In theory that might be the case, in practice jitter is not an issue.
@@RAW-CAt that all depends on jitter attenuation of the amp/DSP (signal receiver) you are gonna use, which I don't belive is has been perfected in car audio gear just yet (some modern home audio DACs show almost perfect jitter immunity, but they are still not the norm; TosLink interface has always been the most problematic in terms of jitter).
I wonder how far the Bluetooth will work. It would be inconvenient to have that unit on standby and have calls or music turn your system on and play while you car is on the garage or driveway.
That might be a problem for rich people that have garages inside the houses😀 For us regular people having cars on the driveway, it's not an issue.
😂😂😂@@RAW-CAt
@RAW-Ct Is there any additional advantages with this streamer over the HEC BT module? Is microphone compatible with the HEC BT module also or only with this streamer?
The main advantage of a standalone device is that it can be used with non Helix DSPs. Appeals to a wider audience. Microphone can be used only with the new streamer, the bt hec card Is only for music.
@@RAW-CAt What is the cost of this stand alone?
@@vaisakhmurali6918 £130
In my opinion, the device is already outdated in the production process. The lack of the LDAC codec declassifies the device from the very beginning. There will probably be no shortage of toy fans. However, you will not hear the highest level of sound from this device. If you need BT, use either an external streamer, for example xDuoo, or an internal HEC BT card 😅
Could you explain sound difference in terms of comparison between HEC and Streamer? 🤓
@@Neplushkomd Technically, LDAC will handle files at speeds up to 990kbps, which is almost twice as fast as aptX HD and three times faster than SBC. The supported file resolution is 24bit/94kHz, which makes it a really tempting option for Bluetooth transmission, also when using Tidal and MQA files.
@@ledlights1062 HEC BT is not suppurting LDAC, as far as I know. So if you are tending to get as much kilobytes per second of bitrate as possible, you should probably look at HEC USB, meanwhile Streamer and HEC BT HD are based on the same chip. And moreover, if you use iOS device - you are being tied to AAC codec, and can not use aptX / aptX HD nor LDAC
what is the frequency band that blue tooth can play? im pretty sure when these transmitters first came out the limit was 15khz and under. the older ones used am/fm freq. not sure the limits of these.
The helix I tested is -0.5db at 16kHz and then dropps off. I personally can't hear above 16k.
@@RAW-CAt i have a hard time hearing above 12khz. as long as that 16khz limit doesnt cause any funky issues.
Hi i’m using a match 8dsp in my bmw can i still control bluetooth audio with the vehicles volume knob or am i going to be limited volume buttons on the iphone onli
That depends on the whole signal chain. If you connect your phone to the factory hu, then you can use steering wheel controls. However if the BT connection is going to the DSP, then you are out of luck and will need a controller such as conductor.
@RAW-CAt
Qualcomm now has APTX *LOSSLESS* which connects and streams at over 1000 kbps and is superior to either AptX or AptX HD, but its implementation is vague because it operates under the Qualcomm's auto-switching "Adaptive Mode", and only Bluetooth Receiving devices that have their own Separate APP will indicate whether or not you are actually connected in AptX *LOSSLESS* mode.
LDAC has been tested and when it is set to "High Quality Audio" + 990/900 kbps data rate, it is far superior to either AptX or AptX HD.
Side Note: Unless it is using a very old Android OS, the Samsung tablet that you show in your video will probably connect to the Helix BT HD module in APTX if you enable and go into the "Developer Options" settings of the tablet and choose one of those options.
Hola, muy buena!!! Tengo una pregunta sobre helix dsp!!! Como estas ajustando para no escuchar “pop up” cada vez cuando cambias presets o cuando enciendes el sistema❗️❓❓❓❗️
No lo puedo conseguir ❗️❗️❗️
Gracias
I never had any issues with that. No pops. Maybe switch presets at a lower volume?
@@RAW-CAt
Lo estoy haciendo en un nivel normal, no ha toda la chicha, pero bueno …
Gracias
Do you know if this allows you to use your phone to control the volume output?
Yes, you can control the volume with the phone👍
@@RAW-CAtI think I might buy one to replace my Battery receiver… thanks.
Hi, What app do you use to stream to your BT HEC?
I use Spotify for daily and Poweramp Pro for everything else.
is there a way to connect an iPhone wired into the Helix DSP? I’ve heard a recent iOS update killed some functionality, if anyone knows a way to make this connection I’d love to hear it
Needs steering wheel volume control
If used with a Helix product, you have other volume control options. Controlling volume through digital gain isn't usually used on pure digital connections - same way you'll see that your phone loses its volume control when connected to your car digitally
needs ldac too ! No ldac=no buy !
Hi. I have a audison components, audison active 10"SUB ,HELIX M SIX DSP AMP all running of android head unit in a range rover. It dosent sound very good. Even though the DSP has been tuned, I have bee told lack of sound quality is due to everything running through factory amp. If i remove factory amp would need to replace it with a Audison DMI unit. They are pricey at around £600. I was wondering could this Helix BT HD streamer box be a viable alternative? If i connect my phone via bluetooth to the box does it completely by-pass head unit and factory amp? so i can stream HD quality music directly to the Helix DSP amp & Sub? Also will i be able to connect to car play whilst connected to the HD box ? Thanks
If you connect your phone to the streamer, everything else is bypassed. Granted, your phone needs to support APTX HD, otherwise, you won't gain much. Android auto will not work in that case u fortunately.
@@RAW-CAt im using a 1phone 15 pro. Will that do the job ?
@@undisputedtruth2075 To my knowledge Iphones use AAC conec that supports only up to 250kbps, that is only half or aptx hd (576kbps). Even spotify streams at 320. If you want to stream higher quality music, unfortunately you will need to upgrade your phone. The only other option is to use a wired connection utilising something like SMSL po100pro.
@@RAW-CAt What is better than an iphone 15 pro? i thought it was on top of the mobile phone food chain? is there something better ?
@@undisputedtruth2075 high quality audio is at the bottom of requirements for a typical smartphone user. 99% of them use earbuds claiming that it's hi-fi. Most smartphones coming from China have LDAC support that offers the highest quality audio streaming. I believe Samsungs have APTX HD support. Your best bet is a USB dac or digital to digital as already mentioned smsl.
po100pro.
Can you control playback (pause play next track etc) on the bluetooth device using the steering wheel integration or does it only control calls.
Controls are just for the calls unfortunately. For now😉
Have a look into the user manual - it is possible!
@@stefanelchlepp5386 Really? Will need to read it again🤔
I also checked it, it is on page 15 and only next track and track before is possible. No Play/Pause.
@@stefanelchlepp5386 yes, you are absolutely right, there is a next/previous song function!
no ldac = no buy ! I have a Samsung S23 and it doesn't have adapx HD ! I have a Fiio btr5 now and I'm usig it with ldac with no problem, but I wish it only have a microphone for the phone and a steering wheel remote...
Hello can someone help in selecting good quality RCA' s.
Just seems awfully expensive for what it offers. It's no doubt a nice little piece of gear, but for what it's giving you it should be half that price at best. Not your decision and I know you covered these things in the video, still point remains the same.
no LDAC…
What phone do you have?
@@RAW-CAt
As someone else already commented, any Android device with Android 8 (Oreo) or later should support LDAC and AptX/AptX HD if you enable the "Developer Options" and choose one of those BT audio streaming codecs.
Lucky b
😂
Have you ever compared the difference in sound between APTX HD and LDAC? big difference? Minor?
@@drrckhamilton no I haven't compared it as my phone (even if it's in the specs) does not play ldac.
@@RAW-CAt
FYI, there is a test on AudioScienceReview Forums of the iFi ZEN Blue BT receiver with measurements that show that Apt-X and Apt-X HD introduce more audio artifacts and distortion than AAC or even the basic and original SBC audio codec!
LDAC was superior by far and is the closest to true 16-bit/44.1kHz CD (1,411kbps), but ONLY when the "Highest Quality" LDAC option is enabled at 990/900kbps (usually via the "Developer Options" settings in the source device. Otherwise the LDAC data rate is automatically switched between 990kbps, 660kbps, and 330kbps. the latter two being no better than AAC or SBC.
In addition, Qualcomm now has APTX *LOSSLESS* which connects and streams at over 1000kbps and is superior to either AptX or AptX HD, but its implementation is vague because it operates under the Qualcomm AptX's auto-switching "Adaptive Mode", and only the Bluetooth Receiving devices that have their own Separate APP will indicate whether or not you are actually connected in AptX *LOSSLESS* mode.
Side Note: Unless it is using a very old Android OS, the Samsung tablet that you show in your video will probably connect to the Helix BT HD module in APTX or APTX HD if you enable and go into the "Developer Options" settings of the tablet and choose one of those options.
Joking aside, thanks for the video(s). Where can I purchase one? (British Isles)
kinda spendy and no dac
That is a good thing! We don't want dac's, we want to keep all digital😉
Bluetooth and high quality music doesn’t belong together, but provides functionality
Define "high quality music" please.
I disagree, the helix Bluetooth hex card in my DSP sounds fantastic and you would not know it is Bluetooth unless I told you and then you probably would not believe it
@@chokboywondathat is because you are removing signal conversions, which add compression and data loss with each conversion. Aptx HD is great, but none of the popular phones support it. That includes iPhone and Samsung.
@@gonzoe123 ok sooooo 🤷🏾♂️. I am unsure what Ur point is. I like to listen to high quality music. I buy high quality music files or streaming services. I decide I would like do this via Bluetooth. I look and find what products can do it. Then I do it. I do not use my phone for High quality music. I use a DAP that does the job well and do not have to worry about the things my phone cannot do every time it needs upgrading, or breaks or gets lost.
@@chokboywonda When talking about BT, it is assumed that users are using their phones, which most do not support AptxHD. DAP’s are not common.