Top-notch audio systems are expensive and can last for decades, so you might already have a system and are curious if you can add Bluetooth compatibility and take it into the 21st century. Fortunately, you are not alone in this sentiment, many people have faced this problem and found solutions that are simple and don’t diminish the audio quality.
You can add Bluetooth to any older music system by purchasing a Bluetooth adapter. There are several options for this that range from cheap and simple to more expensive and higher quality. Setup is usually easy, and most systems can transmit high-quality audio.
If you are interested in retrofitting your old classic speakers, there are a couple of more complicated solutions out there. For example, If you aren't too keen on Bluetooth, you can still purchase products that will add modern functionality to your old speakers. To discover how to retrofit your old speakers read on.
Recycled Older Speakers into Streaming Units
If you are looking to recycle old speakers into streaming units, a couple of methods can be used. Some require the addition of streaming units that plug and play, while some are more involved. Remember that a bit more technical skill may be required, such as using a Raspberry Pi or Arduino board to enable streaming.
Using a Music Streamer
These devices add modern connectivity to your amp/receiver, ideal if you've found the perfect speaker and amplifier combo. A music streamer integrates your system into the modern era, ensuring a future-proof solution for your Hi-Fi music needs.
Here are a couple of popular music streamers:
- The Sonos Port (on Amazon) – Sonos has made a name for itself in the high-end audio market, and its solution to the old speaker problem is no exception.
- The Bluesound Node 2i (link to Amazon) – This is another excellent option for music streaming. The award-winning Node 2i can access multiple streaming services, internet radio stations, and network storage devices.
- The Echo Link (from Amazon) – Amazon’s solution to the Hi-Fi streaming issue comes packed with features and has Alexa voice compatibility.
Using a Smart Amplifier
If you want to replace your amplifier entirely, then a smart amplifier will be the perfect solution. These combine all the features of a music streamer while at the same time offering the amplification needed to power passive speakers. This is an amazing solution if you have older speakers and no amplifier.
Here are a couple of great options:
- The Sonos Amp (on Amazon) – Another great addition from Sonos, this amplifier is a music powerhouse that allows you to stream across multiple devices and has the power needed to pump into a massive speaker system.
- The Bluesound Powernode (Link to Amazon) – This unit is similar to the other option by Bluesound but contains a powerful amplifier.
- The Echo Link Amp (discontinued) – Much like Bluesound, Amazon has taken their original Echo Link and added an amplifier. Enjoy additional features like voice commands and interconnectivity with other Alexa devices.
Using a Raspberry Pi or Arduino Board
If you are looking for a cheaper option and have a little patience, you can customize a streaming unit custom to your system. This will require some additional components and a little bit of tech knowledge.
For this solution, you will need either a Raspberry Pi (on Amazon) or an Arduino Board. As you can probably guess, you will need to find a specific tutorial on how to set up these mini-computers to work with your system. You will need to be comfortable working with small parts and maybe even have to have a little coding knowledge. But even for the tech novice, this can be done and can even be a fun project.
For Raspberry Pi, you will need to source some additional software. Using an Arduino board can be a bit more involved than the Raspberry Pi solution.
Using an Adapter to add Bluetooth Functionality
- Dual antennas with a range of up to 197ft in open air, 50-70ft indoors
- Supports aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and 3D audio
- Volume and track adjustment via the volume button
- Easy setup with OPT, AUX, and coaxial connections
- Works with voice commands through Echo when connected to a stereo
By and large, the most simple solution to getting Bluetooth connectivity to your HiFi system is to purchase a Bluetooth audio receiver.These devices can be cheap and dependable and can quickly and easily add improved connectivity to your system with a simple plug-and-play setup.
These adapters are made to work with HiFi systems and support more advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm’s Aptx and Aptx low latency. Here are a couple of popular options for Bluetooth adapters:
- 1mii B06Pro Long Range – This adapter features extended range capabilities, up to 70ft indoors, and supports Aptx low latency and 3D audio.
- MIILINK Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver – If you want an adapter that doesn’t need access to an outlet, this one is perfect and can stream music for up to 12 hours.
- The AudioEngine B1 – This device is well known in the audiophile circles and delivers the best quality sound over a Bluetooth network.
How to Convert an Older Speaker with a Bluetooth Adapter
To take you through the setup process for one of these Bluetooth adapters, we will focus on the most popular and well-reviewed adapter: The AudioEngine B1.
Steps to set up your Bluetooth adapter for your audio system:
- Unbox your unit and make sure you have all the right wires for set up.
- Connect your B1 to a power outlet using the included adapter.
- Connect the RCA cables to the output section of the B1.
- Find the input for RCA on your music receiver or amplifier.
- Connect the RCA cables.
- You should see the pairing indicator on the front of the device start to blink. This means you are in pairing mode.
- From your smartphone or other device, find your Bluetooth settings.
- Search for nearby devices. You should find the AudioEngine B1 on the list.
- Once connected, you should see the flashing indicator light turn solid. This means you have successfully connected.
What Features Will You Miss
- Listen to music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet with perfect sound quality
- Easy setup with a single button to pair your device
- Compatible with most speakers, A/V receivers, and car audio systems using RCA or 3.5mm jacks
- Reliable connection with a wireless range of up to 15 meters (50 feet)
- Delivers high-quality acoustics; note, this product is a receiver only, not a transmitter
- Includes 1-year warranty
While this is an excellent option if you want to use your old speakers with Bluetooth functionality, it is not without drawbacks. Here are some of the things you may miss in order to add Bluetooth to your system:
- You can’t easily network dozens of speakers from one source. This means that surround sound or multi-room audio setups won’t work as well.
- You are also limited on channels, so even if you could connect them all, you will have issues relying only on the left and right connections available with the RCA connection.
- On the other hand, while Bluetooth is a reasonably robust communication protocol, it can still have interference issues, causing audio dropouts or degradation.
So if you are interested in setting up a whole-home system with Bluetooth compatibility, you may want to consider a modern system. The Sonos Port, for example, is a great way to provide a Bluetooth connection without sacrificing the benefits of your home audio system.
All in all, if you have some old speakers lying around that you want to put to work, then adding Bluetooth connectivity through an adapter is a great way to take those speakers into the modern era by adding wireless technology.
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