But there’s good news! If you’re looking for a way to stream music from your phone to your existing sound system, a Bluetooth adapter for your stereo can make it happen. Keep reading to learn how.

Table Of Contents

• What Is Bluetooth
• What Is A Bluetooth Adapter?
• Benefits Of Bluetooth Adapters For Stereos
• Drawbacks Of Bluetooth Adapters For Stereos
• What Kinds Of Stereos Do Bluetooth Adapters Work On?
• Best Places For A Stereo In Your House

What Is Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a technology that lets devices “talk” to each other without wires getting in the way. It transmits sound data through ultra-high frequency radio waves.

This technology enables data exchanges between devices within a short amount of distance. Usually, they have a maximum connectivity range of about 30 feet, but sometimes that can be more.

Bluetooth is most commonly used to pair mobile devices with other devices. This includes headphones, cars, and even fridges. Bluetooth technology can even connect your phone to your stereo.

Note: Want more details about this technology? This article is for you: How Does Bluetooth Work?

Is Bluetooth Secure?

Bluetooth connections are secure because of their use of frequency hopping. Basically, Bluetooth devices hop between different frequencies hundreds of times per second to remain secure.

However, as with any technology, security risks do exist. For example, while many devices use Bluetooth encryption to protect your data, others run on an open frequency that isn’t as secure. Hackers could exploit an unsecured connection to spy on or access your device.

To keep your information safe, here are some Bluetooth best practices to remember:

• Turn off your Bluetooth when it’s not in use
• Never send sensitive information over Bluetooth
• Keep firmware up to date
• Delete unused connections
• Refuse any Bluetooth requests that you aren’t expecting

And, of course, be especially cautious in public. If you’re using a Bluetooth adapter to hook up your HiFi stereo at home, there’s a lower risk than if you’re connecting to a rental car, for example.

What Is A Bluetooth Adapter?

A Bluetooth adapter is a small device plugged into a non-Bluetooth stereo, computer, or other piece of equipment to add Bluetooth functionality.

There are two main types of Bluetooth adapters used to connect devices that aren’t usually compatible with Bluetooth.

The first one is a transmitter. This device enables TVs and home theater systems to stream high-definition sound to Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

The other device is a Bluetooth receiver. This device takes in a Bluetooth signal to stream audio from an existing non-Bluetooth device. This can attach to your digital or analog system and send songs from your phone to your speaker.

Both of these devices serve different purposes. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; it just depends on what you want to use it for. They can both be beneficial to your daily life in various ways.

For instance, old stereo systems can use Bluetooth receivers to play music from Apple Music or Spotify. This way, you aren’t limited to only playing music you own on records or tapes.

Do I Need A Transmitter Or A Receiver?

If you’re not sure whether you need a Bluetooth transmitter or a Bluetooth receiver, ask yourself one question: Which way do I need the sound to go?

Transmitters send a signal out. So, if you want to get music from your non-Bluetooth stereo to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, a transmitter is what you need.

On the other hand, you'll want a receiver if you’re trying to stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled phone to your existing (non-Bluetooth) stereo system. This type of adapter takes in Bluetooth signals.

Do Bluetooth Adapters Distort Sound Quality?

If you’re an audiophile, you may be worried about the potential loss of sound quality when using Bluetooth adapters, especially if you’re hooking it up to a stellar HiFi stereo system.

The reality is that sound characteristics can change slightly when you use Bluetooth devices on your stereo system. But if you’re worried about the changes, there are things you can do. For example, buying a receiver with low latency will reduce the delay from the signal and enable a better listening experience.

You can also look at what type of codec your Bluetooth adapter utilizes. Compared to SBC, aptX has a better sound quality. However, not all devices support this codec natively. You’ll want to verify that yours does, or you will still get SBC-quality sound even with an aptX receiver.

That’s why Auris adapters work with several different high-resolution codecs, including LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, and AAC. This way, they’re compatible with more devices and can help you have the highest possible audio quality.

Benefits Of Bluetooth Adapters For Stereos

Now that you know how the technology works, you might wonder if investing in a Bluetooth adapter for your stereo is it. To help you decide, let’s look at some of the benefits.

Convenience

The main reason most people get a Bluetooth adapter is for the convenience factor. You can play music from your phone or laptop without connecting any cords. This makes the setup process faster and easier.

Plus, with an adapter, you can control the audio from your device instead of going over to the stereo itself.

Cost

If you’ve already invested in a great stereo system, buying an adapter is much less expensive than purchasing a brand-new Bluetooth-compatible system. It’s a cost-effective way to upgrade your existing setup.

Compatibility

Bluetooth adapters are compatible with most devices, making it easier to listen to music from any source. Whether you have an Android or an Apple, a Bluetooth adapter can help you stream music.

Versatility

You can turn any speaker or audio system into a wireless one with a Bluetooth adapter. This means you can use it with multiple devices and in various settings, such as parties, picnics, or even poolside.

Drawbacks Of Bluetooth Adapters For Stereos

As beneficial as they are, Bluetooth adapters do have some drawbacks. Here are a few:

• Limited range: While Bluetooth adapters have a decent range, the signal won’t go on forever. You may be unable to move too far away from your stereo without experiencing connection issues.
• Interference: Bluetooth operates on radio waves, which can be affected by interference from other electronic devices or physical barriers like walls. This can cause audio dropouts or reduced sound quality.
• Sound delay: Due to wireless transmission, there may be a slight delay between the audio being played and received by the adapter. If you’re playing games or watching videos, the sound may not be fully synced with the visuals.

Despite these downsides, Bluetooth adapters remain a popular choice for adding wireless capabilities to stereos. Their convenience and versatility make them well worth considering.

What Kinds Of Stereos Do Bluetooth Adapters Work On?

Any stereo with either an analog audio out or digital audio out can use a Bluetooth adapter to play music from your smart device. Most Bluetooth audio receivers offer both of these ports to be compatible with most stereo systems.

Analog devices work by transmitting information through electricity, while digital audio transmits information through binary codes. Most audiophiles prefer analog because of the purity of the sound. Digital formats are the most accessible but aren’t as “natural” sounding.

How To Pick The Best Stereo

If you’re ready to buy a stereo, there are some things to look out for before purchasing.

The first thing to consider is the size of the stereo you want. Your speakers should match your space for the best natural sound. You’ll also want to take into consideration the frequency response, sensitivity, and power handling.

A speaker’s frequency response is measured in Hertz, which tells you the range of tones it produces. The first number is for how low the speaker plays, and the second number is the tonal range of the speakers.

Speaker sensitivity tells you how it converts power into volume. The higher the sensitivity rating, the louder your speakers will be able to play with a certain amount of power.

How To Pick The Best Bluetooth Adapter For Your Stereo

As you know by now, if the stereo you choose doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter to stream music from your smartphone or computer. If you’re using an older sound system, this is likely the case.

When it comes to Bluetooth adapters, you have a lot of options. Many are similar in design and functionality, with a few subtle differences. Below are some things to look for if you want to stream audio to your stereo:

• Sound Quality: Search for Bluetooth audio receivers with clear audio quality. The Auris Receiver is made with audiophile-grade 384kHz/32bit DAC for superior playback. It also features high-fidelity Qualcomm aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and AAC decoders.
• Durability: Buying a cheap $20 receiver might seem like a good way to save money, but it could quickly break. Look for a receiver that is built to last many years.
• Range: Look for one that has at least a 100-foot range so you can move around your house freely without loss of connection. The Auris bluMe HD Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver has a range of up to 30m, which is just shy of 100 feet.
• Connectivity: You want an adapter with high interference tolerance. Otherwise, you may find your signal getting messed up and your music dropping out mid-song.
• Dual Device Connection: If you have two devices you want to pair your Bluetooth adapter with, you need this feature.
• Easy Setup: You want to find a device that is simple to pair with your phone and won’t be frustrating or time-consuming. The Auris receiver connects in seconds, and there is no app or network required.
• Portability: While Bluetooth adapters don’t take up much space, some are more portable than others. Check out the cord length, power type, and overall size to ensure it fits your needs.

By keeping these features in mind, you should be able to find an adapter that’ll do exactly what you want it to.

How To Stream Music From Your Phone To A Bluetooth-Adapted Stereo

Now you aren’t stuck only listening to older music that you have on vinyl. Any song can be played through your stereo using a Bluetooth adapter to translate the signal.

All you have to do is plug your stereo into the Bluetooth Receiver using either a digital audio output or an analog audio output. Plug your receiver into an AC adapter, and then turn on the Bluetooth capability on your phone.

You should see the adapter come up on the list of devices and be able to connect to it instantly. If you want to rename the connection to make it easier to find, you can find directions in this post: How To Rename A Bluetooth Device.

Once connected, you’re good to go. Let the listening begin!

Best Places For A Stereo In Your House

Here are some of the best places to listen to music around your house.

• Living room: Instead of watching television like you usually do in this room, why not turn off the screens and close your eyes for a while? Throw on your favorite album, and just relax for a bit.
• Kitchen: Tune into your favorite podcast and stream it to your stereo while you cook dinner for the family. This is a great way to improve your listening experience without losing any audio quality — while getting some chores done.
• Bedroom: Why not turn some music on in your bedroom to set the mood a little? Light some candles and put on your favorite romantic songs.
• The deck: A stereo is the perfect piece of equipment for any pool party or backyard barbeque. Listen to 80s hits with your best friends and reminisce about the good old days.
• Bathroom: A great place to relax and take a bath with some gentle music. Take your stereo into the bathroom before drawing yourself a luxurious bubble bath.

No matter where you listen, the bluMe Pro can help you have an incredible listening experience. And since it has a range of nearly 100 feet, you can move your stereo around in your home without worrying about losing your signal.

Listen Anywhere With Auris

Streaming from anywhere has never been easier with Bluetooth technology. If you want to stop being limited by wires and old stereo systems, buy a Bluetooth adapter for your stereo today.

The Auris bluMe Pro and bluMe HD are both excellent options that’ll give you audiophile-approved sound quality and a wide range of features. With Auris, you can turn your stereo into a wireless music system in no time.

Sources:

Bluetooth | ExplainThatStuff.com
There is a tremendous marketing opportunity in digital audio | Business Insider
Music Therapy | Mayo Clinic Health System