Dedicated Music Streamer vs Bluetooth Speaker - What's the Difference?

What's the difference between a Bluetooth speaker and a dedicated music streamer?

• A bluetooth speaker has a built in amplifier and relies on a connected smart phone to provide the music source
• A dedicated music streamer runs independently and connects to local and/or Internet radio and music sources

BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS VS MUSIC STREAMERS PROS AND CONS

Bluetooth Speaker Pros

• Inexpensive and portable

Bluetooth Speaker Cons

• Low cost and generally just OK sound quality
• If the source smart phone has a notification sound it plays through the bluetooth speaker
• If the user needs ot make a phone call, music stops and the party is on hold
• If the user leaves the room or walks too far from the speaker the music cuts out or stops

Music Streamer Pros

• Operates independently of the smart phone(s) controlling it
• No interruptions from ring tones, notifications, incoming calls
• Multiple people can control the play list and sources if needed
• User can start a play list and then walk away to another room or even leave the house and the music can continue without interruption
• User can still pause the music as needed
• Can use amplified speakers, or standard speakers by choosing a streamer with or without a built in amp allowing for more flexibility
• Some streamers can be the source to a stereo system, external amplifier, boom box

Music Streamer Cons

• Higher cost
• More pieces to select and connect
• May not be as portable depending on the streamer

Bluetooth speakers are all the rage with desktop, book shelf and portable bluetooth speakers, or even those with built in LED lights and some that look like a Tiki Torch.  The sound quality ranges from mediocre to amazing depending on the price point, size and brand.

The idea being that your smart phone becomes the music source and the speaker becomes an extension of the phone.  This is simple and convenient but its not without its drawbacks.

A dedicated music streamer on the other hand has its own WiFi or Ethernet connection and either a line-level output or a speaker level output.  Line level can connect to an external amplifier, stereo or powered speakers.  Some streamers have a built-in amplifier so they can connect directly to your choice of passive speakers.

A music streamer has its own processor and doesn't rely on a phone to play music.  It looks after that itself and instead is typically controlled by a smart phone app.  Music streamers can typically play free or paid Internet music from the likes of Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio and similar services.  Some can also play music stored on your network on a NAS or in your iTunes library.

They can be used stand alone or multiple streamers can be used for multi-room audio.  Some will even let you sync one or more streamers so they play simultaneously for those times where you want the same music throughout the house.