The Echo Link takes streaming music and makes it sound higher. Just wirelessly join it to an Echo machine and plug it right into a set of good audio system. It’s the lacking hyperlink.
The Link bridges the hole between streaming music and a pleasant audio system. Instead of settling for the analog connection of an Echo Dot, the Echo Link serves audio over a digital connection and it makes simply sufficient of a distinction to justify the $200 worth.
I plugged the Eco Link into the audio system in my workplace and was happy with the outcomes. This is the Echo machine I’ve been ready for.
In my case, the Echo Link took Spotfiy’s 320 kbps stream and opened it up. The Link creates a wider soundstage and makes the music a bit extra full and expansive. The bass hits a contact more durable and the highs now have a newfound crispness. Lyrics are clearer and simpler to choose aside. The variations are delicate. Everything is simply barely improved over the sound high quality discovered when utilizing an Echo Dot’s 3.5mm output.
Don’t have a set of good audio system? That’s okay; Amazon additionally simply launched the Echo Link Amp, which encompasses a built-in amplifier able to powering a set of small audio system.
Here’s the factor: I’m shocked Amazon is making the Echo Link. The machine caters to what should be a small demographic of Echo homeowners seeking to enhance the standard of Pandora or Spotify when utilizing an audio system. And but, with out help for native or streaming high-resolution audio, it’s not adequate for audiophiles. This is for wannabe audiophiles. Hey, that’s me.
Review
There are Echo’s scattered all through my home. The gadgets present a incredible option to entry music and NPR. The tiny Echo Link is ideal for the system in my workplace the place I’ve a pair of Definitive Technology bookshelf audio system powered by an Onkyo receiver and amp. I’ve a turntable and SACD participant linked to the receiver, however these are a problem after I’m at my desk. The majority of the time I hearken to Spotify by the Amazon Echo Input.
I added the Onkyo amplifier to the system final 12 months and it made an enormous distinction to the standard. The music out of the blue had extra energy. The two-channel amp pushes more durable than the receiver, and resulted in audio that was extra expansive and clear. And at any quantity, too. I didn’t know what I used to be lacking. That’s the trick with audio. Most of the time the audio sounds nice till it out of the blue sounds higher. The Echo Link offered me with the identical feeling of discovery.

To be clear, the $200 Echo Link doesn’t present an evening and day distinction in my audio high quality. It’s a slight improve over the audio outputted by a $20 Echo Input — and don’t overlook, an Echo machine (just like the $20 Echo Input) is required to make the Echo Link work.
The Echo Link gives the additional juice missing from the Echo Input or Dot. Those less-expensive choices output audio to an audio system, however solely by an analog connection. The Echo Link affords a digital connection by Toslink or Digital Coax. It has analog outputs that’s powered by a DAC with a superior dynamic vary and complete harmonic distortion discovered within the Input or Dot. It’s a straightforward approach to enhance the standard of music from streaming providers.
The Echo Link, and Echo Link Amp, additionally function a headphone amp. It’s an fascinating element. With this jack, somebody may have the Echo Link on their desk and use it to energy a set of headphones with none lack of high quality.
I arrange a easy A/B check to identify the variations between a Link and a Dot. First, I linked the Echo Link with a Toslink connection to my receiver and an Echo Input. I additionally linked an Echo Dot by its 3.5mm analog connection to the receiver. I created a bunch within the Alexa app of the gadgets. This allowed every of the gadgets to play the identical supply concurrently. Then, as wanted, I used to be in a position to change between the Dot and Link with only a contact of a button, offering a straightforward and fast option to check the variations.
I’ll go away it as much as you to justify the price. To me, as somebody who has invested cash into a top quality audio system, the additional value of the Echo Link is price it. But to others, an Echo Dot could possibly be sufficient.
It’s essential to notice that the Echo Link works a bit in a different way than different Echo gadgets linked to an audio system. When, say, a Dot is linked to an audio system, the interior audio system are turned off and all the audio is shipped to the system. The Echo Link doesn’t need to override the companion Echo. When an Echo Link is linked to an Echo machine, the Echo nonetheless responds by its inner audio system; solely music is shipped to the Echo Link. For instance, when the Echo is requested concerning the climate, the forecast is performed again by the audio system within the Echo and never the audio system linked to the Echo Link. In most circumstances, this permits the proprietor to show off the high-power audio system and nonetheless have entry to voice instructions on the Echo.
The Echo Link takes streaming music and immediately improves the standard. In my case, the enhancements have been slight however noticeable. It works with all of the streaming providers supported by Echo gadgets, but it surely’s essential to notice it doesn’t work with Tidal’s high-res Master Audio tracks. The greatest the Echo Link can do is 320 kbps from Spotify or Tidal. This is a limiting issue and it’s not stunning. If the Echo Link supported Tidal’s Master Tracks, I’d probably join that service, and that’s not in one of the best curiosity of Amazon, which hopes I join Amazon Music Unlimited.
I spoke to Amazon concerning the Echo Link’s lack of help for Tidal Master Tracks they usually indicated they’re desirous about listening to how prospects will use the machine earlier than committing to including help.
The Link is fascinating. Google doesn’t have something related in its Google Home Line. The Sonos Amp is analogous, however with a built-in amplifier, it’s a more in-depth competitor to the Echo Link Amp. Several high-end audio firms promote parts that may stream audio over digital connections, but none are as simple to make use of or as cheap because the Echo Link. The Echo Link is the simplest approach to enhance the sound of streaming music providers.