aptX Adaptive / aptX Lossless USB Transmitters

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Avantree DG60P 5.3 USB receiver (2023 edition) mini review

Grabbed a used one off ebay for £15, so gave it a testing with my Windows 10 desktop pc + Nvidia Shield + LG C2 OLED TV

Pros:
-Works on Windows 10 plug and play, no driver required-Windows sees the device as a PC soundcard (not compatible with BT mice/keyboards etc)
-higher volume level then standard normal USB Bluetooth 5.0-5.3 Dongles that usually work with mice/keyboards since it runs like a usb soundcard
-Supports aptx adaptive (not on windows though due to no driver support) and aptx HD confirmed working (with A2DP windows driver) and green led flashes
-music and gaming mode (I believe this is a bit like higher quality BT codecs and lower latency BT codecs modes)
-Manual side button and led lights to indicate codec used and when connected, which is good since if its green its aptx hd etc
-Supports Ps4 (but no consoles test this)


Cons:
-Attenna is real glitchy I think you have to point it in the right direction and face it towards you or is it even working good enough?
-No Windows 10 software to check codecs or what BT mode or Codec is even being used but you have the led light on product
-Sorta works on Nvidia shield 2019 pro via USB sound mode, but so glitchy to connect took several attempts to connect to my PX8
BT headphones but the real issue is it switches to aptx-hd and its performance is terrible 1 metre away sound pops, cuts off so really it don't work well
I can reconnect using my TVs bluetooth and its stable again.
-Does not connect or work with LG C2 USB sound mode at all.


Basically the Avantree DG60p is fine for an Audio sound card for windows platform but remember it wont work with the A2DP windows software so no aptx-hd!
I bought this to see if I could get better lip sync or low latency support BT codec support for my TV to my headphones (which supports aptx adaptive), the Nvidia shield works with it but its glitchy and I question that attenna, even disconnecting and reattaching or moving it closer to myself it seems to buckle with the android based Nvidia shield so for my purposes its no good and back in the box.

I won't be recommending this device, the Asian KB8P/KB9P series or Creative BT dongles will probably be better and overall more useful but as with
anything its a trial and error at this point.

I prefer normal 5.3 BT dongles since it works with A2DP and gives me aptx-hd support on Windows 10.

Wait, Aptx Adaptive doesn't work on Windows? I've been using this adapter with my Fiio BTR3K on PC in Aptx LL mode but just ordered the Fiio UTWS5 for TWS and Aptx Adaptive. So you're saying Aptx Adaptive won't even work with this setup? Since the UTWS5 doesn't support Aptx LL, will it just default to Aptx HD or regular Aptx? If so, I just wasted my money... could have settled for the UTWS3.

 

[Dimitry188]

I won't be recommending this device, the Asian KB8P/KB9P series or Creative BT dongles will probably be better and overall more useful but as with
anything its a trial and error at this point.

+1
I have a previous version of this device (with AptX HD and without AptX Adaptive) such a device and it disappointed me in sound - I didn't hear the difference in sound between it and a regular bluetooth 5.3 dongle. In addition, it is very bulky, inconvenient and difficult to control.

KB8P/KB9P devices are better in every way.

 

[klaboor]

Wait, Aptx Adaptive doesn't work on Windows? I've been using this adapter with my Fiio BTR3K on PC in Aptx LL mode but just ordered the Fiio UTWS5 for TWS and Aptx Adaptive. So you're saying Aptx Adaptive won't even work with this setup? Since the UTWS5 doesn't support Aptx LL, will it just default to Aptx HD or regular Aptx? If so, I just wasted my money... could have settled for the UTWS3.

It was meant for regular BT dongles where you can pair keyboard and mouse for example, not the ones acting like sound card.

 

[itchyears]

+1
I have a previous version of this device (with AptX HD and without AptX Adaptive) such a device and it disappointed me in sound - I didn't hear the difference in sound between it and a regular bluetooth 5.3 dongle. In addition, it is very bulky, inconvenient and difficult to control.

KB8P/KB9P devices are better in every way.

Good to hear that with KB8P/KB9P being better, Its a weird case these Asian type devices I would have thought the aptX adaptive performance would be better since its latency should be much lesser then say aptX HD but it just was not the case at all with both Asian eppfun devices I reviewed (eppfun AK8675 Pro and eppfun AK3046D)

The Avantrees aptX-adaptive performance was working and solid (latency test confirmed this) but then its in real world listening its chopping the sound and cracking so its like its saying its worked but not worked.

Basically its like one can't win, its almost like these BT receivers/transmitters are just giving false hope, they connect to the right codec and then fail on playback.

I am still in several minds with Bluetooth technology, I may head back to Wired though.

 

[itchyears]

Wait, Aptx Adaptive doesn't work on Windows? I've been using this adapter with my Fiio BTR3K on PC in Aptx LL mode but just ordered the Fiio UTWS5 for TWS and Aptx Adaptive. So you're saying Aptx Adaptive won't even work with this setup? Since the UTWS5 doesn't support Aptx LL, will it just default to Aptx HD or regular Aptx? If so, I just wasted my money... could have settled for the UTWS3.

It maybe is working, I will edit my post I meant to say aptx-ll/adaptive is not directly driver supported by Windows but separate companies/drivers/Software/BT devices may add the support.

This is part of the confusing world of Bluetooth, you need LEDs or software or something on both ends of BT devices to both read out aptx-LL or Adaptive is on and actually working, otherwise for example on my PX8s I can only hear sound..... for all I know its rolled backwards to another supported Codec like aptx HD or aptX Classic.

I just re-tested this, my Avantree dg60 switched to Gaming mode/lower latency button its showing a solid green led which according to the manual its meant to be aptX-Adaptive.... you would think that is great but again I cant be 100% sure if my PX 8 hps are truly in adaptive or HD.

Running Latency test shows improved latency so it feels like its possible its adaptive at least, but again no 100% way to confirm this.

What led light do you get on your Avantree dongle blue or green? And is the light flashing, is it twice or once flashing.

 

[helmutcheese]

I did not grasp the part where you said it is not seen as a audio device but you can pair KB/Mice to it (it was late and I was tired).

I had the previous Avantree model and it was buggy.

Windows will not see the BT side so no matter is Win 10 or Win 7 it will have same Codec support if the device can be seen i.e. driverless or you install a driver.

I can prove all Codecs bar aptX Adaptive at both ends on my Chi Dongles and Creative Dongles via their LED/App and the LED on my FiiO Neckband.

For aptX Adaptive I can confirm this via the App on my phone for the Sen MTW3 as even before they added Multipoint the App could see the earbuds connected to another devices (not sure how they did this but BT had to be an enabled even though the earbuds did not show as connected in the phone BT list).

 

[itchyears]

I did not grasp the part where you said tis not seen as a audio device but you can pair KB/Mice to it (it was late and I was tired).

I had the previous model and it was buggy.

Windows will not see the BT side so no matter is Win 10 or Win 7 it will have same Codec support if the device can be seen i.e. driverless or you install a driver.

I can prove all Codec bar aptX Adaptive at both ends on my Chi Dongles and Creative Dongles via the LED on them and the LED on my FiiO Neckband.

For aptX Adaptive I can confirm this via the App on my phone with the Sen MTW3 as even before they added Multipoint the App could see the earbuds connected to another devices (not sure how they did this but BT had to be an enabled even though the earbuds did not show as connected in the phone BT list).

Yes that is my issue, my B&W and even Sony app it does not show what BT codecs is being used so its difficult to be 100% sure what codec is being used.

Sennheiser mobile app at least shows you the codec being used, at least they got that part right.

All my hps have LED lights but its the same colour, hence I can't verify its 100% on that correct codec or adjust it.

Not unless there is another method to confirm what BT codecs are used?

 

[klaboor]

I am still in several minds with Bluetooth technology, I may head back to Wired though.

I'm back wired. I tested Sennheiser HD 650, but I was surprised in bad way even though I had audio interface with suitable head amp. I expected more based on reviews. Store guy recommend me to install sonarworks software and apply calibrated profile. It was much better, but still missing some "juice" compared to Momentum 4 or H95 I heard recently. Than he brought me Audio-Technica ATH-M50x that I should try. I was shocked how good they played. He literally saved me 250€. I sent H95 for RMA due to wobbly knob/ring on earcup, they usually sending new one for this issue so we will see. If that's the case my plan is to sell them even though I like everything about them except support is not supportive at all and I will go for something else.

This is part of the confusing world of Bluetooth, you need LEDs or software or something on both ends of BT devices to both read out aptx-LL or Adaptive is on and actually working, otherwise for example on my PX8s I can only hear sound..... for all I know its rolled backwards to another supported Codec like aptx HD or aptX Classic.

I just re-tested this, my Avantree dg60 switched to Gaming mode/lower latency button its showing a solid green led which according to the manual its meant to be aptX-Adaptive.... you would think that is great but again I cant be 100% sure if my PX 8 hps are truly in adaptive or HD.

Running Latency test shows improved latency so it feels like its possible its adaptive at least, but again no 100% way to confirm this.

What led light do you get on your Avantree dongle blue or green? And is the light flashing, is it twice or once flashing.

If you want prove of what codec is used and what bitrate you can do this with this amp https://www.qudelix.com/products/qudelix-5k-dac-amp but it's another 100+ bucks device. Someone posted in this thread screenshot from Qudelix app.

 

[rlw6534]

I'm back wired. I tested Sennheiser HD 650, but I was surprised in bad way even though I had audio interface with suitable head amp. I expected more based on reviews. Store guy recommend me to install sonarworks software and apply calibrated profile. It was much better, but still missing some "juice" compared to Momentum 4 or H95 I heard recently. Than he brought me Audio-Technica ATH-M50x that I should try. I was shocked how good they played. He literally saved me 250€. I sent H95 for RMA due to wobbly knob/ring on earcup, they usually sending new one for this issue so we will see. If that's the case my plan is to sell them even though I like everything about them except support is not supportive at all and I will go for something else.

If you want prove of what codec is used and what bitrate you can do this with this amp https://www.qudelix.com/products/qudelix-5k-dac-amp but it's another 100+ bucks device. Someone posted in this thread screenshot from Qudelix app.

Yep, I use my Qudelix 5K to verify codec and bitrate. It has been enlightening at times, i.e. with the BTD600...

 

[itchyears]

I'm back wired. I tested Sennheiser HD 650, but I was surprised in bad way even though I had audio interface with suitable head amp. I expected more based on reviews. Store guy recommend me to install sonarworks software and apply calibrated profile. It was much better, but still missing some "juice" compared to Momentum 4 or H95 I heard recently. Than he brought me Audio-Technica ATH-M50x that I should try. I was shocked how good they played. He literally saved me 250€. I sent H95 for RMA due to wobbly knob/ring on earcup, they usually sending new one for this issue so we will see. If that's the case my plan is to sell them even though I like everything about them except support is not supportive at all and I will go for something else.

If you want prove of what codec is used and what bitrate you can do this with this amp https://www.qudelix.com/products/qudelix-5k-dac-amp but it's another 100+ bucks device. Someone posted in this thread screenshot from Qudelix app.

cheers, yeah I saw that amp just don't fancy the extra cost atm. I did try an BT codec app changer/displayer app but no luck with it displaying true codecs/rates.

Those M50x I am a little familiar with them but never had the chance to try them, they were mentioned many times in a headfi thread here as similar to one of my all time favorite wired hps and previous closed wired hps the AT-msr7bs.

Both similar Very low Impedance something like 36 only, think the Senn 650s are something higher like 300-350 so your M50x and even msr7bs would drive easily on anything even without an headphone amp almost. I still found my Msr7bs worked much better with the headphone amp though an Topping DX3pro.

I think that is a good idea if you sell the H95s off, I have to admit if I buy a £1500 OLED TV and a pair of £700 BT headphones in 2023 and they both can't work properly 1 metre away the technology is still not quite there yet in getting the basics right.

Great for music lovers walking about and on trains, buses and planes and using their media players or phones, for home use maybe the humble Wired and Wired Hps can't be beat.

 

[tranner]

It maybe is working, I will edit my post I meant to say aptx-ll/adaptive is not directly driver supported by Windows but separate companies/drivers/Software/BT devices may add the support.

This is part of the confusing world of Bluetooth, you need LEDs or software or something on both ends of BT devices to both read out aptx-LL or Adaptive is on and actually working, otherwise for example on my PX8s I can only hear sound..... for all I know its rolled backwards to another supported Codec like aptx HD or aptX Classic.

I just re-tested this, my Avantree dg60 switched to Gaming mode/lower latency button its showing a solid green led which according to the manual its meant to be aptX-Adaptive.... you would think that is great but again I cant be 100% sure if my PX 8 hps are truly in adaptive or HD.

Running Latency test shows improved latency so it feels like its possible its adaptive at least, but again no 100% way to confirm this.

What led light do you get on your Avantree dongle blue or green? And is the light flashing, is it twice or once flashing.

I'm relatively new to all of this so I was not aware that windows only supports regular Aptx.

My current combo until my UTWS5 comes is a BTR3K and DG60P. So far I have no reason to doubt that the indicator lights are working properly. I've tried both Music and Gaming mode on the DG60P via the switch and this is what happens:

-DG60P switched to Music: BTR3K shows orange indicating Aptx-HD, DG60P flashes once every 5 seconds indicating Aptx-HD or Aptx-LL
-DG60P Switched to Gaming: BTR3K shows purple indicating Aptx-LL or Aptx, DG60P flashes once every 5 seconds indicating Aptx-HD or Aptx-LL

I definitely notice less latency in gaming mode... there's virtually none that I notice anyway, whereas there is definitely noticeable delay in music mode (especially while gaming)_. So my DG60P seems to be working properly so far. Hopefully Aptx Adaptive works without issue once my UTWS5 comes, I will test and report back. Unfortunately it seems like it's going to take a while from Aliexpress.

I'm still very happy with the DG60P so far, definitely like it more than my KB9P. Volume is quite a bit higher and there's virtually no popping / crackling. An app confirming codecs would be nice, but again, I have no reason to doubt the indicator lights so far.

 

[itchyears]

I'm relatively new to all of this so I was not aware that windows only supports regular Aptx.

My current combo until my UTWS5 comes is a BTR3K and DG60P. So far I have no reason to doubt that the indicator lights are working properly. I've tried both Music and Gaming mode on the DG60P via the switch and this is what happens:

-DG60P switched to Music: BTR3K shows orange indicating Aptx-HD, DG60P flashes once every 5 seconds indicating Aptx-HD or Aptx-LL
-DG60P Switched to Gaming: BTR3K shows purple indicating Aptx-LL or Aptx, DG60P flashes once every 5 seconds indicating Aptx-HD or Aptx-LL

I definitely notice less latency in gaming mode... there's virtually none that I notice anyway, whereas there is definitely noticeable delay in music mode (especially while gaming)_. So my DG60P seems to be working properly so far. Hopefully Aptx Adaptive works without issue once my UTWS5 comes, I will test and report back. Unfortunately it seems like it's going to take a while from Aliexpress.

I'm still very happy with the DG60P so far, definitely like it more than my KB9P. Volume is quite a bit higher and there's virtually no popping / crackling. An app confirming codecs would be nice, but again, I have no reason to doubt the indicator lights so far.

Yup that is the niggle I was trying to explain one green flash every 5 seconds so the manual says its aptx HD or adaptive....

I think if are seeing lower latency performance then lets just assume its in adaptive and enjoy it.

 

[itchyears]

As strange as it sounds.... I may just give Wireless one more shot but do it as best I can to get better TV lip sync performance, without the pops,crackles and connectivity issues.

Creative hybrid Zen hybrid bluetooth headphones popped up on my inbox for ordering, pre-release due end of next week.

Comes with their new BT-L3 usb dongle with LC3/LE Codecs and the Zen headphones are fully 5.3 BT, I may also get their Creative X5 headphone dac/amp with optical in and hopefully both the BT-L3 dongle and X5 work together.

I am just double checking with them to see if they work together or if I can fully return the Creative products.

 

[helmutcheese]

I can watch Movies/TV show on my Nvidia Shield (its own BT 4.2) with my FiiO Neckband without any issues, normally it would be LDAC (24/96 Optimised for Quality) but last week I sideloaded Bluetooth Codec Changer so I can choose aptX HD at 24/48 (same bitrate as movie/TV show files) without the need to disable LDAC in the FiiO App.

 

[itchyears]

I can watch Movies/TV show on my Nvidia Shield (its own BT 4.2) with my FiiO Neckband without any issues, normally it would be LDAC (24/96 Optimised for Quality) but last week I sideloaded Bluetooth Codec Changer so I can choose aptX HD at 24/48 (same bitrate as movie/TV show files) without the need to disable LDAC in the FiiO App.

Yup its something I noticed with my testing, I touched on it few post back different manufactures seem to implement their Bluetooth technology better then others do, Its maybe the chipset, codec, software and hardware or antennas/receivers etc

My Sony XM500s offer far superior bluetooth experience then my B&W PX8s which cost 3x more. The Sonys don't crackle/pop with NC switched off, but PX7S2-PX8 do but all 3 get the lip sync issue sadly.

This is also with lots of tweaking, bitrates, 16bit/24bit, PCM, All BT codecs tried on shield, TV and with all the BT gadgets I got recently.