[GrooveControl]

I still listen to a lot of radio, and have been watching the used market for a MD tuner for a while now.  I always wanted a 19” black FT101 or similar to go with my 3B and 0.4B combo.  Aesthetically, they would look great together. As I pondered, waiting for just the right unit at the right price, I started listening to radio over a little device called the Echo Show 5.  For listening to radio, this device has been a game changer for me, so I thought I would share my experience with you. 

First, how I use the device: It has an audio out that can be connected to any line level input of a stereo system. I use the unit to stream Tune-In radio, SiriusXM, Spotify and act as a Spotify connect device meaning I control Spotify on my iPad and pick the Echo Show 5 as the player. I’m not sure if it works with the higher res streaming services, but I doubt anyone would use it for that anyway.

Next, the sound. I did some listening test tonight, where I compared the output from the Echo Show 5 to the output of Volumio on Rpi feeding a SMSL SU-8 DAC.  I used my Beyerdynamic DT-880 headphones driven by a Marantz 2230 and then by the Bryston BHA-1. On the Marantz, very much to my surprise, the sound was identical. I carefully matched the output levels and used the tape monitor switch to change inputs. As I switched back a forth between the two sources they sounded the same to me.  Then I moved on to the BHA-1. I had to match levels again as this time I was using a balanced connection from the DAC to the BHA-1. As I toggled the input of the BHA-1 I could hear a slight difference in sound. So slight that I can’t say one was better than the other. They were just a bit different. This could have been the balanced connection, or possibly higher resolution of the BHA-1, but in either case, the difference was minimal.  Compared to over the air tuning in the Marantz receiver, the difference in digital radio was absolutely stunning.   

Some final thoughts. Yes, you need internet access, and yes, you may not get all your local stations, but given what this device can do, I’m no longer interested in a MD or any other "over the air" tuner. At first it felt weird talking to it: “Echo play 91.1” or “Echo play the groove on sirius”, but then I got use to it. Amazon.ca has the Echo Show 5 on sale for $60. It’s amazing how inexpensive this level of convenience and sound can be.

[dB Cooper]

Sad to say, FM and it's associated hardware ecosystem is for all intents and purposes dead. I used to listen to FM all the time. Had a tuner (Van Alstine Super Tuner Two) whose SQ absolutely crushed any other tuner I've ever heard.

But a tuna is absolutely dependent on source material you have no control over, and the three jazz stations and three classical stations I used to have available have shriveled to one half jazz / half talk station and one classical station. I can get nonstop lossless, CD-quality classical from Idagio or Tidal (Idagio's search on classical is better so I have both). Audiophile Jazz and Audiophile Classical on the web  (you can find them on Tune-In) (320kbps mp3) are not quite CD quality but are listenable. RIP FM radio.

[stereoal]

Hi Groove Control,

I too am a radio/Spotify guy and am very interested in the Echo Show. I have three questions.

1) I assume you connect it to your amp with a RCA to 3.5mm adapter cable. Is this correct?

2) I don't have a smartphone or tablet, only a laptop. Would I be able to use the laptop to control Spotify?

3) Can I use the Echo without a laptop/tablet/phone to listen to radio?

Thank you for your help.

[GrooveControl]

I too am a radio/Spotify guy and am very interested in the Echo Show. I have three questions.

1) I assume you connect it to your amp with a RCA to 3.5mm adapter cable. Is this correct?  Yes. I use this cable, https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Cable/dp/B01D5H8JW0/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2C1J484K2KHRS&dchild=1&keywords=3%2B5mm%2Baudio%2Bcable&qid=1591999102&sprefix=3.5mm%2B%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExODQxUTAwQzdGR1JDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDcyNTE1MjIzMzdLVkZJWUY2USZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTMxOTE0M1VTQVNMTllHSkQ1QyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

2) I don't have a smartphone or tablet, only a laptop. Would I be able to use the laptop to control Spotify? Yes, just install the free Spotify app.

3) Can I use the Echo without a laptop/tablet/phone to listen to radio?  Yes, but you need to get the station names right. the station broadcast frequencies usually work well for FM stations. Example, "Alexa, play 91.1 on TuneIn" or "Alexa, play 96.3 on TuneIn", or "Alexa, play Q107". What you can't do without the Alexa app is browse the massive TuneIn library. Correction: they have a browser based app that lets you do that.

I also have the Echo Dot which can do the same, but no display. I didn't compare the sound quality of the output jack against the Echo Show, but at the same price right now, get the Show for the display. 

Enjoy

[stereoal]

Thank you for your help and quick reply. I'm sold.

[gberger]

@db cooper
I'll agree most FM stations are wanting from lack of serious listeners; however, quality classical music statons fill a need for casual and background listening. All FM stations broadcast signals that have the dynamic range compressed. When you set the listening volume, then "that's it."  No getting up to adjust volume on very faint or excessively loud signals. Set-and-forget volume is ideal for background music.

Some quality classical music stations also .broadcast on both their assigned FM frequency and on HD1.  Yes, these stations are few and far between; but their devoted listeners keep them going through the semi annual fund-raising drives.

Just a thought, YMMV

[owlsalum1]

I'm a MD 105 owner. One of those semi-annual pledge drive listeners still committed very much to broadcast FM. I'm lucky enough living in Chicago where WFMT (24/7 Classical) broadcasts a clean, very fine signal that under the right circumstances (typically late at night) is very nearly reference quality. As long as there are stations in my area that care about the quality of their signal, I'll keep tuning in.

[thunderbrick]

I'm a MD 105 owner. One of those semi-annual pledge drive listeners still committed very much to broadcast FM. I'm lucky enough living in Chicago where WFMT (24/7 Classical) broadcasts a clean, very fine signal that under the right circumstances (typically late at night) is very nearly reference quality. As long as there are stations in my area that care about the quality of their signal, I'll keep tuning in.

+1!  But I sure miss Prairie Home, Car Talk, Thistle and Shamrock, and some other locally-produced shows on KUMR/KMST 88 Central Missouri.