The Echo Link takes streaming music and makes it sound higher. Just wirelessly join it to an Echo gadget 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 gadget 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 tougher and the highs now have a new-found crispness. Lyrics are clearer and simpler to choose aside. The variations are refined. Everything is simply barely improved over the sound quailty 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 incorporates a built-in amplifier able to powering a set of small audio system (learn the evaluation right here).
Here’s the factor: I’m shocked Amazon is making the Echo Link. The gadget caters to what should be a small demographic of Echo house owners trying to enhance the standard of Pandora or Spotify when utilizing an audio system. And but, with out help for native or streaming excessive decision 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 improbable solution 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 related to the receiver however these are a trouble after I’m at my desk. The majority of the time I hearken to Spotify via the Amazon Echo Input.
I added the Onkyo amplifier to the system final yr and it made an enormous distinction to the standard. The music immediately had extra energy. The two-channel amp pushes tougher 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 immediately 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 neglect, an Echo gadget (just like the $20 Echo Input) is required to make the Echo Link work.
The Echo Link supplies the additional juice missing from the Echo Input or Dot. Those inexpensive choices output audio to an audio system, however solely via an analog connection. The Echo Link gives a digital connection via 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 simple manner 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 might 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 take a look at to identify the variations between a Link and a Dot. First, I related the Echo Link with a Toslink connection to my receiver and an Echo Input. I additionally related an Echo Dot via 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 capable of swap between the Dot and Link with only a contact of a button, offering a simple and fast solution to take a look at the variations.
I’ll depart it as much as you to justify the price. To me, as somebody who has invested cash into a high quality audio system, the additional price of the Echo Link is value it. But to others an Echo Dot may very well be sufficient.
It’s vital to notice that the Echo Link works a bit otherwise than different Echo gadgets related to an audio system. When, say, a Dot is related to an audio system, the interior audio system are turned off and the entire audio is distributed to the system. The Echo Link doesn’t must override the companion Echo. When an Echo Link is related to an Echo gadget, the Echo nonetheless responds via its inside audio system; solely music is distributed to the Echo Link. For instance, when the Echo is requested concerning the climate, the forecast is performed again via the audio system within the Echo and never the audio system related to the Echo Link. In most circumstances this enables 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, nevertheless it’s vital 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 might 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 inquisitive about listening to how prospects will use the gadget 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 better competitor to the Echo Link Amp. Several high-end audio corporations promote elements that may stream audio over digital connections but none are as straightforward to make use of or as cheap because the Echo Link. The Echo Link is the simplest manner to enhance the sound of streaming music providers.