Q: I have a tabletop internet radio and an OontZ Bluetooth speaker. I would like to send sound from the radio to the speaker. Is there a way I can do this?
A: There is a way as long as your radio has an audio output of some kind, such as a headphone output. But I have a second (and I think better) solution for you in the event it does not.
You can buy a Bluetooth transmitter for about $30. Connect the transmitter to the headphone jack and turn the radio volume up to 90 percent. Then you can pair your speaker to the transmitter and listen to internet radio stations and streaming services. Note that using the headphone jack probably will turn off the radio's speakers, so you can't do this and listen in two rooms at the same time. As for the transmitter, models from Taotronics are well-regarded, so I would start there.
If your radio does not have a headphone output, you can tune the internet radio station or streaming service on your smartphone and send it to the speaker. If you do not have a smartphone or don't want to use your phone for this purpose, I'd suggest getting a $49 Amazon Fire tablet and dedicating it to use with your OontZ speaker as your internet tuner. Given that the tablet can do much more than tune internet audio services and costs only $19 more than a Bluetooth transmitter, I suggest spending the extra money and getting the additional versatility the tablet offers.
Speaking of speakers
My recent Bluetooth speaker column really made waves. Since it was published, I have received many questions from readers, as well as e-mails from manufacturers telling me about their own unique Bluetooth and wireless-speaker products. For the next few weeks I will be sprinkling in some news about Bluetooth speakers.
The first is the BOOM Bit from Polk Audio, a wearable Bluetooth speaker (polkaudio.com/products/boombit). It is about the size of a wireless car key and is coated in durable rubber. It has a strong spring clip for attaching to clothing or other surfaces, and battery life is three hours.
It is perfect for listening to music when you also want to hear external noise, for example when riding a bicycle on city streets. You can hear music and answer your phone hands-free, while keeping full awareness of what is going around you. The BOOM also makes a great accessory for cars without Bluetooth. Clip this to the visor and enjoy much more versatility than is offered by a dedicated Bluetooth car device.
The small size limits sound quality, but it will bring music to unlikely spaces, places and activities. The BOOM Bit comes in five colors, and at under $30 is cheap enough to be an impulse purchase.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
