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Anyone know what the BlueLink does and any opinions on it? I'm confused... I'm about to go for the ATRIO M5/mg7 and saw there's a deal that includes the BlueLink for a few extra $.
So...
1) What is BlueLink, is it worth the money/usable/impacts sound quality?
2) Are the M5/mg7s the ones included in the BlueLink Combo package?
http://www.atrio.me/products/COMBO-%252d-atrio-%26-Bluelink.html
Thanks for your help
I look forward to joining your ranks soon.
Edit: I saw the below, but was hoping someone could elaborate. Thanks!
I've placed an order for the BlueLink combo kit myself and should be getting it today or tomorrow. Here's what I can say about your Q's:
1. BlueLink is the Future Sonics Bluetooth wireless receiver. Basically, you pair it with any device (laptop/PC/smartphone/car head unit) that supports the Bluetooth audio profile. In theory, if everything works right, audio from the source will stream to the BlueLink receiver, which you plug your headphones into. The receiver has playback controls (pause/next/back) so you can control what's playing from the receiver instead of the source (convenient for if you're exercising or moving around the room or in the car, etc). Presumably it also has a built-in microphone for hands-free conversations on a cell phone.
That said, there is basically no information on the BlueLink product on the Atrio/Future Sonics/Vitasound website(s). From the product photo it looks as if it comes with a user manual which should clarify things, but I could find no reference info whatsoever online.
Price: With the combo sale it's a very attractively priced Bluetooth receiver, assuming it's any good. You're basically getting it for like $10, which is incredible. Again, assuming it's worth using.
Usability: I'm guessing it's basically a rebranded version of any number of generic Bluetooth audio receivers on the market. It should pair up easily enough with any modern smartphone or PC. YMMV. It has playback controls but I don't see a screen like on the Sony MW600 bluetooth receiver.
Sound Quality: Remains to be seen. Bluetooth is certainly capable of transmitting virtually lossless audio (theoretical bandwith of Bluetooth is 721Kbps which should suffice in most situations). That said, the actual implementation of the Bluetooth stack in both the receiver and the source device are the real deciding factor. High quality (read: expensive) Bluetooth receivers can be quite well-reviewed though. And then there's the question of distance between the source and receiver, possible interference from external devices, etc. But for the most part, Bluetooth receivers work pretty well.
Another issue is that your headphones/IEMs are now being driven (powered) by the Bluetooth receiver's internal amplifier instead of that from your audio player. These receivers don't usually pack in high-end DACs or anything like that, and they typically run on a single AAA battery, so they are probably not the most efficient and high-quality amplifiers you could plug your $200 IEMs into. Now if you have an inline portable amp that's another story, but the receiver would still be a weak link in the chain.
Will you notice all this? I can't say - there are so many variables it's impossible to make any promises. My hope is that since Future Sonics is a high-end audio company they wouldn't put their name on an inferior Bluetooth receiver and risk alienating their customer base. That said, they aren't really a wireless audio company either, so they've probably just rebranded another device on the market. The lack of any sort of documentation or other information on the web is disconcerting as well. Whether it is high end or average junk remains to be seen.
In the end, I would say that barring any glaring, terrible performance issues (refuses to stay paired or cuts out frequently), it will be just fine for casual listening, when absolute lossless sound quality is not critical. I bought it hoping to use it around my office when I move between desks frequently. If it works decently I'll be happy; I'm not expecting perfection in this environment. The added cost is so low it's worth the gamble. Worst case, it's a piece of junk and you can return it or eBay it. If I don't like it, I'll probably buy the Sony MW600 as it is very popular, well-known and has a nice OLED screen.
2. Yes, the M5/MG7s are the headphones paired with the combo kit.