Ideally, it should be possible for a source device to transmit audio files to a loudspeaker quickly, easily, and without draining the battery on your smart phone. Bluetooth is just such a method and it has the added benefit of working independently of a Wi-Fi network: No Internet connection is required for two devices to communicate with each other via Bluetooth as long as these devices are within close proximity of up to about 10 meters. Within this range, it’s possible to transmit music tracks, pictures, and documents from any two Bluetooth-enabled devices, including just about every smart phone made today.
Transmitted via Bluetooth sound?
In the last few few years, Bluetooth has been the most popular way of streaming music. Bluetooth offers easy connection between the receiver (headphones) and the sender (smartphone), as well as maintaining a stable sound with 10m distance. This connection type is even more vital now that a lot of devices are developed without a port for headphones. Bluetooth has steadily improved over time in terms of both data rate and range. With Bluetooth 5.x, the audio options have also been significantly expanded..
Bluetooth and audio quality
Music lovers have long avoided Bluetooth, and even today some are still sceptical about the sound quality of the wireless standard. The reason for this is the limited bandwidth that Bluetooth provides for audio streams. If it is not large enough, music files have to be compressed – and audio information is lost in the process.
The A2DP Bluetooth audio profile also compresses already compressed audio files such as MP3. In practice, this can mean that treble and bass are cut off. And this is exactly where Bluetooth aptX can help.
aptX” is short for “Audio Processing Technology”. The audio codec provides an efficient way to reduce the bit rate of audio streams and can also increase the sound quality to CD-like levels.
Outdoor Bluetooth speakers from Teufel
ROCKSTER AIR 2 + deuter x Teufel ROCKSTER AIR 2 Backpack
649,99 €
Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS Duo-Set
479,99 €
ROCKSTER AIR 2 + Shure PGA58
634,99 €What Bluetooth aptX improves
Bluetooth aptX uses a more efficient method to compress audio data. The available bandwidth is therefore better utilized. For codec nerds: The method used is called Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM). Incidentally, aptX has nothing to do with the bandwidth of Bluetooth. The bandwidth has increased continuously over time independently of this. Therefore, there is no longer any reason even for demanding listeners to avoid Bluetooth.
Here is an overview of the exact specifications according to Qualcomm:
| Versions | Sampling rate and resolution | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| aptX | 48 kHz / 16 Bit | achieve near CD-like quality |
| aptX HD | 48 kHz / 24 Bit | hardly distinguishable from high-resolution data files |
| aptX Low Latency | not available | suitable for interactive applications such as gaming thanks to low latency |
| aptX Adaptive | up to 96 kHz / 24 Bit | depending on the application, alignment to audio quality or low latency time |
The prerequisite for aptX streams is that both the playback device and the transmitter support Bluetooth aptX. You can recognize this function by the aptX lettering on the device. Codec supports compression and transmission of popular audio formats such as MP3 and the high-resolution FLAC format. The familiar procedure from initial pairing and the actual establishment of the Bluetooth connection remains the same.
Teufel products with Bluetooth® aptX™
Opens in new tab▶ ROCKSTER CROSSOpens in new tab: On the road with hi-fi sound – the ROCKSTER CROSS is a robust, easy-to-transport Bluetooth speaker with a powerful sound. The housing not only contains a stereo system, but also a massive sub. With a battery life of up to 16 hours, the ROCKSTER CROSS is also a real endurance wonder.
▶ SUPREME ONOpens in new tab: Only the best for your ears – these Bluetooth on-ear headphones combine comfort, sound quality and style. A high-end driver with neodymium magnet is installed inside for dynamic and differentiated sound. The headband and padding are made of high-quality materials. And because people are so reluctant to take them off, we have increased the maximum runtime to 30 hours.
More Bluetooth products from the Teufel Shop
The most important things about Bluetooth aptX
- Bluetooth aptX allows sound quality at CD level through an improved compression process.
- Both receiver and playback devices must be aptX compatible.
- aptX is owned by Qualcomm, a chip manufacturer.
- In addition to the basic codec there are aptX HD as well as aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive.
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