Rating: 4.5/5
What I Like:
- Straightforward pairing and operation
- Clear switch between TX and RX mode
- Audio quality is clear
- Transmission distance is decent
- Built in battery lasts quite a long time
What I Don’t Like:
- Some latency in RX mode even with APT-x source device
- Does not turn on when it receives power
- Requires power cycle to switch between TX and RX mode
Summary: This adapter is a decent multi-use adapter with good audio quality and straightforward operation. Due to the fact that it does not turn on automatically when it receives power I would recommend it for use with a TV or home stereo over a car. When paired with a set of APT-x headphones there is almost no lag, making it good for watching movies and TV compared to other TX/RX devices I’ve tested.
Where to Buy
TaoTronics TT-BA08:
Amazon U.S.A. | Amazon Canada
Price at time of review: $34.98
TX Mode
When transmitting directly to another set of APT-x enabled headphones I noticed no audible loss in audio quality. Sound was exactly as I expected – rich, warm and smooth, as good as the headphones I used. Lag was minimal which made it possible to watch TV without sync issues. Pairing was easy. Just put both devices into pairing mode and they’ll find each other.
RX Mode
In receiver mode, the adapter worked fine. There was a little bit more lag than in transmitter mode even when paired with other APT-x devices. I wouldn’t want to watch TV with this device as the receiver, but listening to music was no problem. Audio sounded good here too, no issues.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re planning on using it as a transmitter with a TV or PC it works great – audio quality is solid, the adapter has little lag and the battery lasts a long time. The device runs while plugged in and charging too. As a receiver it’s a bit more limited – it does not automatically power on when power is detected (for a car), and there is a little more lag. How much lag depends on the source device.