But as long as you’re using its optical output instead of its 3.5 mm analog output, the sound quality is pretty solid. Unfortunately, it has some operational quirks that appear to be common for models in its price class and make it less intuitive than the iFi Audio picks. HDMI ARC Audio Extractor Adapter for HDMI ARC TV and Soundbar, HDMI ARC Converter 5.1 PCM SPDIF + RCA Output CEC support / 39.99. Turn the speakers on that are connected to the TV. Connect to the HDMI OUT (TV-ARC) port of the speaker that you want to connect. It also has transport controls that allow you to skip tracks without unlocking your phone or other portable media player. Connect the cable to the TV's HDMI IN (ARC). In addition, you can either leave it connected to power or use it as a portable device, as it has pretty decent battery life. It has 4 HDMI inputs, it can output stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 surround sound, it supports 4K/60Hz resolution (along with HDR and HDCP 2.2). The 38071 can function as a Bluetooth receiver or transmitter, though we tested only its reception capabilities for the purposes of this guide. Kinivo 450BNT is one of the most capable and most versatile HDMI switches/extractors on our list of 16 best HDMI audio extractors in 2023. It supports the most common Bluetooth audio codecs but lacks support for a couple of the more esoteric ones that audiophiles may appreciate. If your main priorities when shopping for a Bluetooth receiver are price and portability, as opposed to ergonomics and pristine sound quality, the Monoprice 38071 Premium Bluetooth 5 Transmitter and Receiver wins out over other comparably priced offerings.

All the rest of our test units either became unstable or lost connection somewhere within the 1,518-square-foot suburban home in which we did our testing, but the Zen Blue V2, fitted with the supplied long-range antenna, maintained a stable connection from an iPhone located all the way in the far corner of the backyard.Ĭombine that with easy setup, reliable and near-instantaneous reconnections, and an attractive form, and the Zen Blue V2 is the best pick for demanding audiophiles, despite its lofty price tag. The Zen Blue V2 is also a great choice if you need more signal range than most Bluetooth receivers can provide. Connection-wise, it has you covered with both optical and coaxial digital audio outputs, as well as a 4.4 mm balanced audio connection and stereo analog RCA outputs. If you have a high-end audio system or would prefer a Bluetooth audio receiver with digital audio outputs, the iFi Audio Zen Blue V2 was without question the best-sounding Bluetooth receiver we evaluated in our latest round of tests.

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