![]() ![]() Because it was AirPlay over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth wireless, I could also wander around the house and still have full control over playback on the audio system.įor non-Apple users, the Songbird can stream audio from any DLNA-compatible device and you can play music directly from the Android app. Setup took me roughly 30 seconds, but a few minutes extra was needed for a firmware update to install and download.Īfter the setup, I could select Songbird to stream music to the system from my iPhone, using either Bluetooth or AirPlay.ĪirPlay is ideal as it is higher quality and able to take advantage of the Songbird’s CD-quality 16bit/44.1kHz output. Connect the Songbird to your audio system, plug it into power, then follow the app instructions to connect the streamer to your Wi-Fi network-or go with a direct connection to your router with Ethernet. Setup was straightforward and guided by the mobile app (available for iOS and Android). This includes a 20-inch TOSLINK cable, a three-foot 3.5mm to dual RCA cable, a USB cable, a 5V power adapter, and even a Velcro strip so you can attach the streamer out of sight. Everything You Need Is IncludedĪndover Audio includes everything you might need in the box. In terms of wireless, it supports Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. It’s equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet, and an optical TOSLINK port. The streamer is powered by USB, with a 5V power adapter included-but your audio source may well have USB power output so you could connect directly. It will likely be the smallest part of your audio setup. The Songbird is a tiny black box, measuring about three inches square and just one inch thick. The Songbird is a tiny streamer with flexible connectivity options (Photo by Brad Moon). Andover Audio (maker of the Spinbase turntable speaker I reviewed last year) has a much more elegant solution in the Songbird music streamer. ![]() For one of my systems, I bought an old (2008-era) Apple Airport Express router off eBay, using it to add AirPlay compatibility. Operate Songbird with Songbird Control, our simple and intuitive app available for free on Apple Store and Google Play (available by December 1, 2020).Between vintage audio systems and a large collection of wireless speakers that support Bluetooth only, I’ve sometimes gone to considerable lengths to add higher quality, whole-home Wi-Fi streaming and Apple AirPlay support. Or, you can even use Songbird's optical input to add a digital input to a vintage system that doesn't already have one. Songbird also includes its own analog and digital inputs, so you don't lose an input you may already be using. Songbird is easily connected to any audio system or powered speaker system that has an analog or an optical digital input. Songbird will access and play music files on any DNLA or AirPlay compatible device on your home network such as a computer or network storage device. (Note some services require a subscription.) Other services will be added as they become available. Songbird is delivered with native access to Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Napster, I-Heart Radio, and Tune-In. Enjoy your favorite music with stunning detail and clarity, with front-end support for internet streaming and file resolutions up to 24bit / 192kHz.Īccess Your Favorite Services, Dlna And Airplay. Songbird brings high-grade streaming and sound quality to an affordable level. View full ReviewĮasily access and stream all your favorite services including Qobuz, Spotify, TIDAL, and iHeartRadio internet radio over your WiFi network with the free Andover Audio app. I don't have super-duper gear I have a solid mid-fi set-up. I'm not an audiophile per se I'm a radio braodcaster and recording engineer. ![]() The Songbird warned me it might not stream smoothly at only 42% signal, but it is streamng the hi-fi (16 bit 44.1 kHz) signal just fine. My wifi tranmitter is some distance away. The app makes the phone into a remote oontrol. I like that the Songbird doesn't use bluetooth to my phone to get the audio (like the similarly priced competition), it connects diretly to the wifi. It's no more difficult than, say, setting up a Roku. I've seen some complain about the app set-up I had no problem. The soundstage is more filled in, the bass better defined, there's more detai in the mids and highs, and there is zero breakup on difficut dynamic piano passges. in which I had hope for, but the sound is better even after compensating. but I would have said CD quality otherwwise.īut the Songbird is clearly even better. Then the Spotify controversy got me to switch to Tidal for "lossless" FLAC files. The highest level output on the phones was still low compared to my Phillips CD player, but I have plenty of power and it all sounded pretty good. I'd been pluging my phone into an Aux input to listen to Pandora. ![]()
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