If you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality and/or optional multi-room capability, Wi-Fi music streamers are the way to go. That said, you may want a music streamer that doesn’t depend on network bandwidth or has an easier setup.
In that case, we recommend a Bluetooth Receiver/DAC that will accept higher-bandwidth Bluetooth codecs like aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, and LHDC/HWA.
A BT Receiver compatible with these codecs, in conjunction with a compatible smartphone or tablet will provide CD-Quality or near CD-Quality sound. All without the need for expensive high-speed internet, special apps, or complicated setup protocols.
In addition, all the units we list here pass the digital audio signal from the Bluetooth chip through an audiophile DAC chip for clean analog output to your amplifier.
We have over 20 years of experience evaluating and reviewing hi-fi components, and we listen to tons of gear, so you don’t have to! Here are our picks for the Best Bluetooth Receiver DACs For Your Stereo (2022).
To learn more about music streamers of all types, check out our Audiophile Music Streamers Buying Guide!
Have a question about building an affordable hi-fi system? Drop us a line at info@hifitrends.com! We may feature your question on the site!
Here’s our shortlist of the Best Bluetooth Receiver DACs For Your Stereo (2022):
- Best Premium Bluetooth Receiver DAC w/USB Option: iFi ZEN One Signature ($349)
- Best All-Around Bluetooth Receiver DAC: iFi Zen Blue V2 Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Desktop DAC ($189)
- Best Bluetooth Receiver DAC With A Screen: Auris Blume Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver ($169)
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The List:
Best Premium Bluetooth Receiver DAC w/USB Option: iFi ZEN One Signature ($349)
The iFi ZEN One Signature is an Amazing Bluetooth Receiver/DAC for $349. It has a nice easygoing sound with good dynamics and a natural presentation. It could use a touch more focus, but it does an excellent job of bringing out the essence and emotion of a piece of music. In addition, it has a remarkable array of connections and impressive wireless sound.
For: Those who just want the best sounding Bluetooth connection
Key Features/Specs:
- Burr-Brown “True Native” DAC chip
- supported files: PCM and DXD up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to DSD256; MQA384kHz
- full decoding for MQA audio files
- USB Type-B input for connecting PC and mobile devices
- optical digital (Toslink) audio input
- coaxial digital audio input/output
- balanced 4.4mm output for connecting a compatible powered speaker or amp
- stereo unbalanced RCA output
- built-in Bluetooth 5.1supported codecs: aptX®, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC
What we love:
- Great Build Quality
- Warm, Natural Sound
- Extraordinary Bluetooth Performance
What to think about:
- Could Use A Touch More Focus
Buy: Amazon and Crutchfield
Best All-Around Bluetooth Receiver DAC: iFi Zen Blue V2 Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Desktop DAC ($189)
When we reviewed the original ZEN Blue Bluetooth DAC, we called it an amazing value due to its crisp sound and low price. That said, the V2 release is an even better value!
That’s because it has an upgraded antenna for up to 70-80% better Bluetooth range, and its upgraded low-jitter crystal clock provides lower phase (timing) noise. On top of that, iFi also upgraded the firmware, so the ZEN Blue V2 now has even better sound when using the LDAC codec (probably the best codec for Android phones).
The ZEN Blue V2 is very easy to use, covers all the BT Codecs, and it’s the best sounding of the basic Bluetooth DACs, meaning the ones without a screen or USB input. It provides an amazing amount of depth and separation for a Bluetooth device.
For: For those who want a basic Bluetooth Receiver/DAC with the best sound.
Key Features/Specs:
- ESS Sabre Hyperstream digital-to-analog converter chip
- Bluetooth 5.0 Compatible
- Codec Support: aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC, LDAC, and HWA/LHDC
- Balanced 4.4mm output for Powered Speakers or Amps
- One unbalanced stereo RCA audio output
- Optical digital (Toslink) audio output
- Coaxial digital (S/PDIF) audio output
- 5-volt DC power input (power cable included)
- digital/analog audio signal control switch
What we love:
- Great Build Quality
- Warm, Natural Sound
- Excellent Bluetooth Performance
- Handles every BT Codec
What to think about:
- No Power Button
Buy: Amazon
Best Bluetooth Receiver DAC With A Screen: Auris bluMe Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver ($169)
While it’s not quite as transparent as the iFi examples on the list, the Auris bluMe Pro HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver is not far behind and has one big feature they lack.
That would be an OLED screen with information like Bluetooth connection status, audio codec, sampling rate, song name, etc. It also has a USB input for the computer, which Zen Blue also doesn’t have.
I really love the way this receiver sounds, the only place I feel it falls behind the iFi streamers is a slight lack of transparency compared to the other two. That said, it’s still highly detailed and has plenty of separation between the elements of the mix. It’s a great alternative to the Zen Blue V2 if you like the idea of having a screen and/or a USB Input.
For: Those who want a nicely priced Bluetooth Receiver/DAC with great extras like a USB Input and information-filled display.
Key Features/Specs:
- BT audio codecs supported: LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, and SBC.
- Audiophile quality 32-bit/384kHz ESS SABRE ES9028Q2M DAC Chip
- Cirrus Logic digital conversion chip.
- Stereo Analog RCA, Digital Optical, and Coaxial outputs.
- High-gain antenna for streaming up to 30m/100ft.
- Aluminum design with 1.3″ Oled display screen.
- Works seamlessly with all your apps…Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Pandora
What we love:
- Great Build Quality
- Informative OLED screen
- Natural sound with nice detail and separation
- Easy to use
What to think about:
- The screen is hard to read at a distance
Buy: Amazon
Looking for more info on buying a Music Streamer? Check out our Audiophile Music Streamers Buying Guide (2022)!
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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