Forum Discussion

eddd's avatar
eddd
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014

Wireless Speakers

After many years with Sirius XM I've dropped the service. I'm moving on to podcasts, downloaded mp3, and online radio. With my home XM unit no longer useful I need a way to play the audio through something other than the laptop's speakers or the Logitech speaker bar.

As I understand it, I can add a bluetooth dongle (the laptop does not have bluetooth capability). I can then buy some wireless bluetooth speakers that I will place on a shelf to get a better sound distribution. First of all, am I correct so far?

Assuming I am, I'd like to have two sets of speakers, one set for the family room/kitchen complex, and another in the garage. I'd want to be able to connect the laptop, smartphone, or a small bluetooth transmitter I have to either set of speakers.

Am I still in the realm of possible? If yes, how much of a hassle will it be to pair the various devices to the speakers each time I want to use a certain combination? The speakers will be powered at all times. What are your thoughts on speakers with a remote?

Both speaker locations will be 25 feet or less from the bluetooth transmitter. And finally, can you provide some suggestions for speakers and the bluetooth dongle. I'm not an audiophile, not even a little bit. So just good basic speakers is all I require.

Thanks. Hope this isn't too disjointed.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Nov 10, 2014
    I have never played with them but I notice WALMART has what they call BLUE TOOTH Wireless Speakers...

    The only wireless speaker setup I have here is the C CRANE WIRELESS FM Transmitter where you plug it into any PHONE JACK and it will re-broadcast the stereo audio to a FM RADIO setup... Don't know if this would of any use for your situation or not...



    Roy Ken
  • Crawfordville's avatar
    Crawfordville
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    I'm not sure why you would use your laptop to do all that when you can use a ipod or an mp3 player and use it's bluetooth. That way you won't be tieing up a dedicated resource (laptop/smartphone). Bluetooth speakers can be relatively inexpensive. It just depends on quality. You'll be surprised what you'll find when you start shopping around.
  • strollin's avatar
    strollin
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    One possible fly in the ointment is the range of Bluetooth speakers, typically about 30 ft. Bluetooth wasn't designed for long range and works very well within the same room. However, once you increase the distance and put a wall or 2 in between, you may be dissatisfied with the sound quality.

    It isn't difficult to switch between the speakers, you right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and then select Playback devices. You can then select which speakers to assign as the current output device.
  • camperforlife's avatar
    camperforlife
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2014
    Most portable speakers are average at best. Don't rely on the music that they demo on them in the stores because they always use music that represents the speakers best attributes. That said there are decent (not great) ones out there if you want to pay the price generally over $300.

    I also would not buy one that is Bluetooth only. Make sure it has the capability to plug your phone/laptop or whatever is generating the music into the speaker as the sound quality will be better than using Bluetooth.

    You will also find the range for the Bluetooth will be limited so walls and distance will interfere meaning if you are using a phone or iPod and walk out of the room with it you will lose the signal. 25' would be pushing the limits for most speakers.

    Pairing shouldn't be a big deal once set up. Many Bluetooth portable speakers have open networks meaning anyone with a Bluetooth device can walk up and pair with the speaker. This would be a problem if the range was long but portable speakers just don't have a great range.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2014
    If you want great room filling sound from your MP3 Blue Tooth and that can be accessed from a distance I would get A Bose Sound link

    I use it at home and camping using my Smart phone, small and powerful.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Nov 11, 2014
    Depending on the blue tooth devices (the transmitter in this case) you may or may not be able to stream to multiple remote devices (Speakers) at one time.. I am not 100% sure of anything blue tooth but not all devices have "Multi-connect"

    on the other hand the Crain FM transmitter or the others which compete with it work fairly well unless you are in a big city where there is no vacant portion on the band and can feed the signal to 1,2 or 100 or more receivers, any standard FM receiver is all you need at the remote.

    I have used bluetooth speakers,, But never more than one at a time. Also my smart phone feeds it nicely (In fact I have lost the dongle for my computers).
  • eddd's avatar
    eddd
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Thanks for the suggestions so far. Now I've got some research to do.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Nov 12, 2014
    Consumer Reports has a section on Wireless Speakers in their latest issue. Here's their recommendations with sugg retail:

    Bargain category:
    TDK Life on Record Wireless A33 $130

    Also Consider:
    Edlifer Luna Eclipse $165
    iHome iBT44 $180


    Sweet Spot:
    Sonos Play:1 $200

    Also Consider:
    Edlifer E30 Spinnaker $280
    Stelle Audio Couture Pillar $350


    Splurge:
    Sony SRS-X9 $700

    Also Consider:
    Libratone Zipp $400
    Klipsch KMC 3 $400

About RV Must Haves

Have a product you cannot live without? Share it with the community!8,793 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 22, 2023