Dec 10 2019, 12:37 AM, updated 7y ago
Because it offers a new lease of life to many of our "outdated" wired audio devices and or equipment.
This is Ugreen's Bluetooth v5.0 powered receiver audio adapter. It's a <6cm device that allows pretty much any standard 3.5mm jack or 2RCA ports capable audio device (think wired Head/Earphones, AVRs, Amps, Speakers & a personal favorite, Car audio systems) to join the wireless age. Even better, this adapter also possesses Qualcomm's aptX technology, promising lower latency, CD-quality audio & fully synchronized audio and video... These are bold claims that most manufacturers often tout. So will this adapter from Ugreen (Model: CM279) deliver? Kindly read on to find out.
Ugreen Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Audio Adapter
There are 2 types available for purchase. Actually at least 4 types. Typically differentiated by design and features. However, with this review, I'll be focusing on the "aptX Style" version as per image below and Model #: CM279.
Here are some differences between both models.
Specifications (Model: CM279), etc
Package Contents
Box & Actual Hardware
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As we can see, the device sports a mixture of 2 surface types. The top and bottom are made of really glossy black plastic, while the sides in-between are made of a matte or brushed type plastic. Some readers would have noticed, I took the pictures at some angle versus head on. This was intentional due to the reflective nature of the glossiness. Sure, pulling it fresh out of the box, it looks and feels plush. But as with such shiny surfaces, you find that it's a strong fingerprint magnet. Oils, smudges, etc show up really quickly, and stay there until wiped off. Personally and depending on your usage, this may or may not be an issue, as one of it's primary intentions is to be used in a set once and forget position. Muscle memory takes care of the rest..
Software/Connection Statuses
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The images above show the act of pairing till connected. It also shows the device details, supported formats and that it's capable of connecting to 2 devices at the same time. Though you can only play audio from one device at a time. Switching audio sources is as simple as stopping the audio from the "now playing" source....and playing audio on the second device. The Ugreen adapter is intelligent enough to "stop listening" from the earlier source and lock onto the audio from the other connected device. Ideally, pause & exit the audio source app on device one, before playing audio on device 2. Of course, one could begin playing audio on device 2 before exiting the app on device one. In such scenario, the adapter switches to device 2 and continues audio playback.
Verdict
TLDR: If you can get past the cons (see below), I highly recommend this product for those interested in giving wireless upgrades to their beloved yet "shackled" audio equipment. Audio - Video sync is perfect. Playing videos from different sources (YouTube, Netflix, iFlix, AOTG, Personal, etc) and mobile games such as Garena Free Fire: Spooky Night. All played in sync. IMO, a device at this price point to pull this off, is impressive and worth it. No A/V sync issues across 4 devices.
Pros
*Audio - Video sync is perfect. Be it via headphones or Onkyo AVR.
*9 - 10 hours of play time from a 2 hour charging time. 300 hours standby time
*Simple and intuitive to use. One button to rule them all.
*Sound reproduction is as expected..Good enough to be rated average. Though, this is also dependent on the source and connected audio equipment.
*Press & hold the MFB for 3 seconds to power it on. Immediately the device enters pairing/connecting mode. After 5 minutes of being unconnected, it shuts itself down to save battery.
*The same button is also responsible for answering/hanging up calls, Play/Pause media, Redial numbers & to factory reset the device. Yup, while in shutdown state, press and hold the MFB for 10 seconds. The LED indicator will light up for about 2.5 seconds as confirmation.
*Audible confirmation (Connected, Disconnected, Power On, Power Off, Pairing Fail).
*Build quality is decent. I find the fit and finish quite excellent. Both the device and accompanying plugs & cables. Love that the button is clicky without being "loud". Good feedback on button presses.
*Provision of both a short & long cabled plug for varying scenarios.
*You can continue using the device while it's being charged.
Cons
*No dedicated volume buttons.
*I kinda expected a Type C charging port.
*On the iPad.. Slight glitch while playing YouTube.. HW button can pause but appears unresponsive to when depressed again to unpause the video. One has to resort to tapping on the touchscreen to resume video playback.
*Mic is poor. This appears to be a trend with most TWS & TWS-ish audio devices I've come across. Often, I find myself shouting to be heard clearly on the other end. A significant behavioral difference compared to when I'm using the in-built car or mobile phone's mic.
Conclusion
The Ugreen Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver Audio Adapter with aptX & in-built mic is worth it. Particularly costing less then RM40. Feel free to grab them during the upcoming 12.12 sales. Official Lazada Purchase Page here... Second post will contain promo codes and more information about free gifts, vouchers and to know more about Ugreen. Use em to your advantage.
Many thanks to Ugreen for providing this device for review.This post has been edited by voncrane: Dec 10 2019, 01:34 AM
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