Controlling your sound system with Alexa voice control

In addition to voice commands such as “Alexa, order a taxi”, Amazon’s Alexa voice control system already offers a wide range of voice commands for music playback such as “Alexa, play Radio 1” on its Amazon Echo systems. In our opinion, the Amazon speakers cannot replace a stereo or home cinema system in terms of sound. However, you can combine the sound of high-quality speakers with the functionality of voice control. We explain how to connect a voice control wizard like the Echo Dot to a Hi-Fi system.

Everything at a Glance: The Essentials on Connecting Alexa to a Stereo System

• Amazon Echo speakers or other smart speakers can be connected to existing stereo systems via Bluetooth.
• For advanced voice control functions such as switching on and off or selecting channels, you will need additional hardware and software such as the Logitech Harmony Hub.
• You can assign your own commands to the voice control via services such as Yonomi.
• If you want to switch completely to voice control, Teufel offers a solution with HOLIST S and HOLIST M.
• You can also easily use Amazon Music as an interface
• Here you will find tips for connection problems via Bluetooth.

Note: In an older version of the article, it was mentioned that there is also the option of a wired connection via line-out from the Echo Dot. This option is no longer available since the current Echo Dot Gen 5.

Connect Echo Dot and Echo Input to a sound system via Bluetooth

An existing system can be expanded with certain Amazon-Echo devices to include Alexa voice control in a matter of minutes. The audio system only needs to have Bluetooth or free line-in. One suitable extension for voice control is the Amazon Echo Dot. It is small, compact and unobtrusive in the living room.

Every current Amazon Echo Dot has Bluetooth. This interface makes it possible to connect the device to the stereo system and thus enable Alexa voice control. You initiate the pairing of the Amazon device with your own sound system via Bluetooth in your Alexa app under “Settings” > “Bluetooth”. Remember: If you want to connect an Alexa device to a speaker via Bluetooth, both systems must be in pairing mode.

Note: For speech recognition to work properly, the Amazon Echo should be at least 1 meter away from your speakers.

After installation: Alexa voice control functions

If Alexa is successfully connected to your system via Bluetooth, the voice assistant will respond with a voice message. You can now hear Alexa’s voice over your speakers. You can now also control the playback of Amazon Music and Spotify playlists via Alexa and play the sound through your speakers. Music streaming from Deezer and the internet radio service TuneIn are also directly supported by voice control.

It is also possible to expand the range of functions via Alexa Skills. A large number of specific skills are available in the Skill Store. Radio fans, for example, may be interested in the Deutschlandfunk news skill, which allows them to listen to the news by voice command. There are also a number of other audio applications available for download in the audio section of the Skill Store.

Alexa tips & tricks for music fans in the YouTube video tutorial

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Full voice control of the system possible with accessories

If you have connected your system to Alexa, you can play music via voice control, but it is not possible to fully control the system. You still have to switch it on and off manually. If you also want to do this via voice control, you will need additional accessories such as the Harmony HubOpens in new tab from Logitech. This control unit is a smart remote control that you can connect to Alexa. You can then create various routines and operate your speaker using voice control.

The Harmony SkillOpens in new tab for Alexa gives you a range of voice commands with such a setup. With services such as YonomiOpens in new tab, you can even define your own voice commands for your hi-fi system.

It may sound a little complicated to fully connect Alexa to the stereo system, but once you’ve got the hang of it, the effort is manageable. You can also use this setup to control other devices such as televisions and satellite receivers via Alexa or your smartphone. For anyone interested in smart home and automated control, the effort is definitely worth it.

If you are concerned about data protection when using Echo devices, you can also deactivate the microphones if required. More information on this in the Teufel tutorial:

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Wi-Fi-enabled devices from Teufel

Smart by nature – Teufel Streaming speakers

We make our speakers so that they are ready for the networked living room: they have a Wi-Fi module for integration into the home network, smartphone control, Bluetooth for coupling with other devices and support a variety of digital playback sources.

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▶ HOLIST MOpens in new tab: With this smart speakerOpens in new tab from Teufel, you can stream music and play it in excellent quality as well as control other speakers by voice. It is not only smart and understands when you speak to it; it also responds to you with the usual high-quality sound. A 3-way system, a 120-watt amplifier and 360-degree sound thanks to Dynamore® technologyOpens in new tab are just some of the features that make the Holist M stand out.

▶ The STEREO L 2Opens in new tab combines old school and new school. On the one hand, they are a classic stereo setOpens in new tab with a 3-way system that delivers the finest sound. On the other hand, they support lossless Wi-Fi streaming and multi-room playback – you can’t ask for more.

More bluetooth speakers from Teufel

Conclusion: coupling the Amazon Echo with Hi-Fi systems

• The Amazon Echo can be easily coupled with existing speakers or receivers via Bluetooth.
• Connecting via AUX cable is also possible with the Echo (but not with first-generation Echo speakers).
• Advanced voice control features such as turning channels on and off or selecting channels require additional hardware and software such as the Amazon Harmony Hub.
• You can assign your own commands to the voice control via services like Yonomi.