The 10 Best Bluetooth To Mini-Jack Converters
Special Honors
Chord Hugo 2 From a British company renowned among audiophiles, this is the second generation of a highly popular and particularly compact desktop DAC. Aside from extended-range Bluetooth connectivity, it includes powerful features like DSD512 capability, 768-kilohertz sampling, and in-depth onboard signal controls. chordelectronics.co.uk
NAD D3020 V2 This is the second iteration of a hugely popular digital amplifier that's beloved by home stereo fanatics. It delivers excellent sound quality in nearly every way and is capable of powering some of the most high-end speakers out there. At only around $500, it's actually reasonably priced for a piece of audiophile-level equipment. nadelectronics.com
Editor's Notes
April 05, 2020:
The primary function of Bluetooth these days is to transmit audio, and there are plenty of different devices for doing so. The TaoTronics BR009 is one of the simplest and least expensive of them, so if you're not terribly concerned with high-resolution sound, it's an affordable solution. The TaoTronics BA07 is nearly as low priced and has better codec support as well as a toggle siwtch for changing from transmit to receive mode. If you're looking for something almost as small as those but with noticeably better audio quality, the Asseso AP1 is a good, if relatively lesser known option. The Shanling UP2 is another that's not incredibly popular but sounds great, though it would be much higher on our list if not for the volume knob, which tends to get jostled around when the unit's carried in a pocket.
Those in the market for portability and ultra-high-quality transmission should consider one of two options. The Fiio BTR3 is one of a long line of portable DACs, and it satisfies nearly all of its users. The Radsone EarStudio ES100, on the other hand, is reaching near-legendary heights with its vast array of features including USB connectivity and a laundry list of all the most useful codecs on the market today.
The other type of Bluetooth device that converts to a stereo mini plug is meant to stay in one place, often while connected to a home theater or stereo system. The iFi Zen Blue came in at the top of these this time around due to dual high-end DAC chipsets with commendable tuning and a noise-free circuitry design. The Avantree Oasis Plus is a bit more affordable than the iFi and offers an impressive range of 300 feet, although in real-world usage it's not quite that long. For wireless entertainment without breaking the bank, both the Besign BE and 1Mii B06 Pro are worth a look, although you won't get quite the same sound quality as with the iFi or the Avantree.