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Apr 17, 2012

Creative Bluetooth Audio BT-D1 (APT-X Transmitter)


Gear: Creative Bluetooth Audio BT-D1, Sennheiser MM 550-X.

The Creative Bluetooth Audio BT-D1 is a high quality stereo transmitter. It is different because it includes the apt-X and SBC Codecs.


What is apt-X?
Apt-X is an audio compression solution that retains the integrity of original audio, optimized for real-time audio streaming.

The BT-D1 will connect to bluetooth devices that do not have apt-X.  The dongle itself is a BT 2.1 + EDR, and supports A2DP profiles.  Of course to get the most out of this dongle you need speakers or headphones with apt-X.

Box Contents:
  • BT-D1 unit.
  • Documents
    • Manual
    • Warranty cards (Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific)
    • Electronic waste card.

This dongle is NOT the average "bluetooth receiver", it is a dongle specifically for audio.

BT-D1 Notes
The BT-D1 does give you excellent audio quality (when paired with a apt-X device).  Usually Bluetooth loses a lot of detail, but apt-X feels almost as good as wired systems.  Another improvement is the "lip-sync" delay, which I have seen in many bluetooth speakers.  The classic bluetooth controls do work, I have tested: volume, pause/play, and previous/next track.

Range
The range of transmission is 10M, which is the usual for a 2.1 BT device. The transmission will go through a few thin walls, and when far enough will be cut off.

BT-D1 Installation:
  • Plug in to computer.
  • The system should install drivers automatically.

Switch Audio Devices (you may have to manually do this)
  • Press the Win key.
  • Type "manage audio devices", and open it.
  • Click on the Creative Bluetooth Audio D1.
  • Click on "Set Default" button.

Pair Device:
  • Ensure the BT-D1 is connected to a laptop.
  • Put your speaker/headphone in pairing mode
    • (usually press and hold a button for a few seconds)
  • Press and hold the BT-D1 button for 3 to 4 seconds.
  • Devices should pair up, enjoy!

System Changes
System audio volume becomes ignored.  Laptop volume buttons will not affect what you hear in the speakers/headphones.  To adjust volume you need to change them in the software or speakers/headphones. This annoys me.

Conclusion
At $40 the BT-D1 sells for more than the usual BT dongle, but you are getting this dongle for the apt-X. The more expensive side of a kit with apt-X would be speakers/headphones.  Paired with the Sennheiser mm 550-X is a dream.  Besides the System Changes I have no complaints regarding the BT-D1

For a long time BT audio quality has been weak compared to wired systems, but I think Bluetooth with apt-X just changed that.


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10 comments:

  1. Hello, you can try http://www.logilink.eu/showproduct/BT0015.htm or http://www.amazon.com/Azio-Bluetooth-Adapter-Version-BTD-V400/product-reviews/B00AQGGKV6/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending so you will have Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR with apt-X codec, all standart Bluetooth profiles and system volume should work as well. Comment from amazon: "For me, this adapter installed easier, sounds better, has a longer range and I can control the volume from my PC." Good luck ;)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes. The Azio is a good BT + apt-x device. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2013/02/azio-usb-micro-bt-40-adapter-btd-v400.html

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  2. Hi Jesse, did you notice any difference in BT Range and Sound Quality between Creative and Azio?

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    2. interesting, so that the Creative has got an excellent range, or that the v400 has less range than the 401.
      Could you measure how many mt or ft of real range do you have?
      And, does the creative also need csr harmony?
      Does it support hid for the mouse?

      Delete

    3. I can't measure range because I got rid of both the Creative one and the Azio transmitters. I now have an Avantree Saturn that is both a transmitter and a receiver. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2013/07/avantree-saturn-bttc-200x-blk-bluetooth.html

      In combination with a Rolls HA43 Pro is pretty cool. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2013/07/rolls-ha43-pro-4-channel-studio-mixer.html

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    4. Yes, seems cool:)
      Which filter are you using?
      Does the noise only affect wired headphones or also bt ones?
      And what about this avantree?
      Did you notice (without Rolls) a better anti audio than with the dongles?

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    5. Filter is good for wired devices; it seems to remove "static" noise. I don't think the Avantree Saturn is any better at audio quality than the dongles. The main difference is how much less hassle you have to deal with. With many dongles you have to deal with driver issues. Just look at the comments on the Azio BTD-V400 page... it's filled with people trying to solve problems. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2013/03/csr-harmony-software-details.html

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  3. Jesse, do you know which difference there is between the bt-d1 and the bt-w1?

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    Replies

    1. Ok, found: http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArticle.aspx?sid=95161
      Apparently the w1 is bidirectional and supports also headsets, although they talk mostly of their own headsets. The d1 can only transmit music.

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