Ed Selley
Hi-Fi Editor
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Is the antenna removeable?
Should have said was wondering if removeable so as to replace with a black less obtrusive one.
Interesting...
I've had one of these since December and my experience hasn't been as positive.
I currently listen to mp3/flacs on my phone (Mate 20 Pro) using a FiiO BTR3 to stream LDAC to my headphones (TRN V80s) for a couple of hours a day commuting. I also occasionally (weekends) stream the same files from my NAS to my home stereo setup using a (trusty old) Logitech Squeezebox Duet. Both of these solutions have been sonically excellent.
However, I've been looking to make the jump to a streaming service, so needed something to replace the Duet/NAS combo for home listening. I opted for a Zen Blue to stream from my phone to the stereo.
I'm not an audio expert, but for whatever reason the bluetooth sound quality isn't nearly as good as when using the NAS/Duet (which uses wifi). This with either LDAC or HWA, streaming the same flac files from my phone. It's really hard to describe the difference (again, not an expert!) - the Zen Blue doesn't sound nearly as wide/clear - but it's really noticeable when switching between the two. It's the kind of thing I might not have even picked up on if I hadn't listened to same source files a million times before (late at night, with a nice glass of wine ). I've dragged my son in (23, probably better ears) for a second opinion and he agreed.
I have to say, the audio performance of the BTR3 is pretty awesome (as good as wired, I'd say), so I'd be surprised if it's Bluetooth per-se. For completeness, I really should plug that into my amp and compare it to the Zen Blue (but it wouldn't be a completely fair test, as the BTR3 doesn't have a line out). In fact, I might try that this afternoon...
Anyway, that's my 2c
Yeah, it makes sense to use ZEN as a cost-effective wireless BT receiver with LDAC. Not too many of them out there.Successfully linked this into amp via coaxial digital cable. Streaming from android phone no problem although not without some minor issues namely..
Phone does not connect automatically which means you have to press the pairing button every time !
Whilst on a Bluetooth connection you hear incoming notifications or worse an incoming call can cause the music app to stop
Maybe there are some settings that could correct these issues?
Plenty of devices have AptX LL. My Sennheiser BT100 has AptX LL which has been around for years and I use it for TV sound into Sennheiser Momentum 3 [also has AptX LL]. There is no audio lag and works perfectly.
Plenty of devices have AptX LL. My Sennheiser BT100 has AptX LL which has been around for years and I use it for TV sound into Sennheiser Momentum 3 [also has AptX LL]. There is no audio lag and works perfectly.
I personally prefer the sound of the ZEN blue over the K5Pro but that's just my preferencetoday I finally found the K5Pro in my country. It costs 212 dollars and the Zen 156. Would you say that it’s worth the difference or I will be good with the Zen ? Planing to use it with the Adam T5v
You should try them both out and see what you prefer, let me know what you recommendI've just purchased an IFI Zen Blue and plan to play music from Amazon HD music through my LG G6 using AptX HD codec. I have an Onkyo amp/receiver & Monitor Audio Silver speakers to deliver the goods. I see on the rear of the Zen it has digital & analogue connections. What one would you recommend I use for best results?
I have plugged in and paired up to the Ifi Zen. I'm amazed at the improvement in sound quality. The soundstage is amazing with real depth. The best £129 I've ever spent on hifi.
Incidentally, I have connected via analogue RCA using QED performance cables.
I assume the digital connections are there in case you are using an external DAC.