[Tone Depth]

I don't know how much of a minority I may be in, wondering how many others stream audio via Bluetooth? Since 2015, I've used a Bluetooth receiver to stream Spotify and other audio sources from my Mobil devices (cell phone, tablet) to my AVA preamplifiers.

I do also have a streamer for serving flac files and internet radio streaming.

I'm presently using an Auris blueMe Pro https://www.theauris.com/. I'm now setting up a second system solely using a second blueMe Pro Bluetooth as audio source. What are others using?

[Doublej]

I use a WiiM as a Spotify Connect device. Fewer devices in the chain. It eliminates the need to transmit content from a phone/computer/tablet. The phone/computer/tablet is merely a music selection device. The stream is sent directly from the 'net to the WiiM.

And I don't have to worry about codec chaos.

[Huskerbryce]

You are losing a lot of fidelity streaming spotify thru bluetooth.  You would be much better off having a streamer that is connected directly to your outboard DAC or to your preamplifier. I use a Wiim ultra connected to a outboard, DAC which connects to my pre-amplifier. I use a combination of Apple lossless and Tidal for my streaming services. You can control those with your phone or tablet avoiding Bluetooth transmissions. Much higher fidelity.

[jedgar]

I am a heretic who has a modest system and use a cheap 1Mii B06 bt receiver.  I suspect I will need new ears before I would hear a modest, let alone substantial difference.  Could I be wrong, yes I could. 

[WGH]

There are so many variables in Bluetooth codecs that it is impossible to tell if you are experiencing a drop in sound quality. The aptX Lossless has a maximum bitrate of 1200kbps at 24-bit/ 96kHz which is pretty darn good or your Spotify subscription may be sending you 160 kbps, which is pretty bad.

First is Spotify: Spotify's bitrate varies by account type and quality setting, with free users getting up to 160 kbps and Premium users getting up to 320 kbps (Very High) for streaming. Spotify recently introduced a lossless option for Premium users, which streams at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC

Second is your cell phone and tablet and which codec it is capable of sending:

• SBC (Subband Coding): The most basic codec, universally supported and known for stability but with lower quality. Its bitrate is generally up to \(345\) kbps, though often limited by manufacturers to around \(256\) kbps to save battery.
• AAC (Advanced Audio Coding): Preferred by Apple devices and used with up to \(264\) kbps, it provides better audio quality than SBC at a similar bitrate.
• aptX™: A family of codecs from Qualcomm, with standard versions and higher-quality ones like aptX HD.
• aptX HD: Offers a higher bitrate of around \(576\) kbps, allowing for a more audible improvement in audio quality.
• aptX™ Adaptive: Can dynamically adjust its bitrate between \(279\) and \(420\) kbps, balancing quality and stability.
• aptX™ Lossless: Capable of bitrates up to \(1200\) kbps, designed to transmit lossless audio.
• LDAC: A Sony-developed codec that supports a high bitrate of up to \(990\) kbps and can transmit higher-resolution audio, often resulting in an exceptional audio experience.
• LHDC (Low-Latency High-Definition Codec): Another high-resolution codec that can reach up to \(900\) kbps, with a newer version (LHDC 5.0) capable of up to \(1\) Mbps.

Third is what codec the bluMe Pro receiver is recieving: Sony LDAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC or SBC


I stream Bluetooth music in my car. Since all my music is digital, I used dBPowerAmp to convert my favorite albums to mp3 and copied them to my phone. I use the Musicolet app to randomly play the 1687 songs for the best playlist ever. I also use Jabra wireless earbuds at the gym. The sound quality in the car and with the earbuds is good enough for me.