[cdgatti]

Been debating between a viseeo wma1000 and the kinivo btc to stream bluetooth in high quality to my center console aux input.

I have allot invested in my system, amps/dsp/speakers etc... and want the ability to get the best even when streaming. My android has apt-x capability which is higher fidelity than sbc or aac, so am a little hesitant with the viseeo which doesn't support it. Plus I like using the center console usb drive for very high quality input, so would rather not give it up for the viseeo. The kinivo is attractive with the apt-x support, but not real fond of the extra wires and cluttering up the car with that wired button.

Recently came across this unit from arcam that seems to get rave reviews everywhere it is reviewed. Seems to be marketed for home use, but with usb power and a 3.5mm aux output seems like it would work. It also looks small enough to slide into the ipod carrier under the armrest. Any using this thing or hear it used in a car?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/markspar...gh-end-stereo/

[kaigoss69]

The Arcam may be able to supply slightly better audio quality to your AUX input, but unfortunately I think once the signal goes through the AUX and HU circuitry, you may not notice a difference at all. The only way to take full advantage of such a unit, is to feed the signal straight into your Amps or processor.

[cdgatti]

yea Kai - I'm with you on that one. I tried that route with my modified airport express going optical into my helix DSP. That works, although I wasn't overly impressed with the sound quality, very good, but not great. I didn't think it was worth the hassle of having to have the Helix remote up front to switch between head unit input and AE input into the DSP. I know others on the board have reported nice improvements in sound quality with the air enabler for example using a better quality DAC into the aux. Some were astonished with the sound quality through the aux with a good DAC. I guess I am relying on the apt-x to give the high bit rate from the phone, and the good DAC to give the head unit a fighting chance. I need to do more research before pulling the trigger.

[ctuna]

There is no objective scale for astonishment is the trouble.

[kaigoss69]

Originally Posted by cdgatti

yea Kai - I'm with you on that one. I tried that route with my modified airport express going optical into my helix DSP. That works, although I wasn't overly impressed with the sound quality, very good, but not great. I didn't think it was worth the hassle of having to have the Helix remote up front to switch between head unit input and AE input into the DSP. I know others on the board have reported nice improvements in sound quality with the air enabler for example using a better quality DAC into the aux. Some were astonished with the sound quality through the aux with a good DAC. I guess I am relying on the apt-x to give the high bit rate from the phone, and the good DAC to give the head unit a fighting chance. I need to do more research before pulling the trigger.

Why is it such a hassle switching inputs? I do it all the time, well actually not at all LOL. I no longer have any reason to listen to the HU at all. Have you tried the new TIDAL music app? Check it out - 7 day free trial. Now if that won't make your system sound better, then something is wrong...

[roadkillrob]

I have the WMA-1000 in my Audi and it cuts out quiet often and many others have the same issue especially with iphone 6 ios8, not sure if issue will be the same with your BMW, but just letting you know I am unhappy with the Viseeo, may try it in the spring in my E93 and see if it works better, my E93 has a blackberry music gateway and has no issues.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Why is it such a hassle switching inputs? I do it all the time, well actually not at all LOL. I no longer have any reason to listen to the HU at all. Have you tried the new TIDAL music app? Check it out - 7 day free trial. Now if that won't make your system sound better, then something is wrong...

I have to change input because to listen to sirius or the USB or the radio or my phone BT connection it needs to be on head unit. The AE would be only for airplay!

I'll have to check out Tidal, never heard of it.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Why is it such a hassle switching inputs? I do it all the time, well actually not at all LOL. I no longer have any reason to listen to the HU at all. Have you tried the new TIDAL music app? Check it out - 7 day free trial. Now if that won't make your system sound better, then something is wrong...

Hey Kai - I checked out Tidal - on my 7 day free trial now. Wow the quality is definitely there. Streaming in the house now and streamed over 4g yesterday, sounds great. A couple disappointments however, don't think I am willing to pay $20/month for this, when my premium Pandora is $50/year. Also they don't have many of the original artists I like, just other bands playing tribute songs. No way am I paying Beatles money for Beatlemania!

[slimxb8]

I have that 455 knivo and have nothing showing... it's all in the cup holder under the arm rest.
I hate clutter and a previous audio snob lol ( had 4th best sq car in us at one point ) and I'm perfectly satisfied with the 455.

[cdgatti]

thanks slim - where did you locate the button/mic? Also in the cup holder or somewhere you can reach more easily?

[slimxb8]

It's all in the center console. I use the head units BT for calls and the knivo for just streaming.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by slimxb8

It's all in the center console. I use the head units BT for calls and the knivo for just streaming.

thanks slim. how would you compare the audio quality to the other radio inputs like usb, fm, sirius?

[xxxjecxxx]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/isimple-...&skuId=1672638

This is what I would recommend to anyone. I've used this for more than a year and the sound quality is amazing. Syncs to the car automatically and allows you to make phone calls also. Only down side is a slight humming noise if you have phone paired and are not playing music or using call feature. Basically, you can't have the volume of your car turned up and not be playing something as it will cause humming noise. I would highly recommend it!

[cdgatti]

xxx - have other devices you tried also given you that humming problem? You may want to borrow something else to see if it also hums. Could be the device or a problem with the car wiring. You could also try a ground fault loop isolator like the pac unit, it is cheap and often eliminated these types of problems.

http://www.amazon.com/PAC-SNI-1-3-5-.../dp/B001EAQTRI

[6spdcoupe]

Helix DSP Pro + HEC-BT= AptX streaming. No plugs, other harnesses, etc. Just simple, seamless and effective.

[slimxb8]

It's super clean... I'm hard pressed to tell a different from cd and streaming .. even with pandora set on regular quality it's great and set oN high it's spectacular. Kinda blown away that how good it is for streaming. I'm using a note 4 for the source.

[cdgatti]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

Helix DSP Pro + HEC-BT= AptX streaming. No plugs, other harnesses, etc. Just simple, seamless and effective.

don't do this to me 6spd my helix dsp is only 9 mos old. would it be worth upgrading without the bt feature?

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by cdgatti

don't do this to me 6spd my helix dsp is only 9 mos old. would it be worth upgrading without the bt feature?

It is a substantially better and more flexible unit, but 'worth it' is entirely up to you my friend. I've had mine since late September and there is absolutely Nothing that I would change it for !