Helix BT HD HEC vs AliExpress BT interface. Which one is better?

Summary

In this video, the creator compares two Bluetooth receivers: the premium Helix Bluetooth card and a budget-friendly alternative from AliExpress. Both receivers are tested for audio performance, focusing on voltage output, distortion, and frequency response. While the Helix offers a higher voltage output (5.5V vs 2.8V) and a more seamless, integrated design, the Chinese receiver performs similarly in terms of sound quality, with minimal differences in harmonic distortion. The video concludes that for those on a budget, the cheaper receiver is a solid option, but the Helix card offers superior convenience and performance for a higher price.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares the performance of two Bluetooth receivers: a cheap Chinese one from AliExpress and the Helix Bluetooth Haart, focusing on Bluetooth audio quality and output voltage.
• 😀 The Chinese Bluetooth receiver costs around 24 pounds and supports aptX HD and LDAC, with digital outputs like Optical and Coax, while the Helix Bluetooth Haart is priced at 140 pounds but lacks LDAC support.
• 😀 Both Bluetooth receivers were tested using aptX HD mode at 48kHz, 24 bits, and compared with a Helix DSP Pro Mark 3, measuring output via Optical.
• 😀 The Chinese Bluetooth receiver outputs around 2.8 volts, while the Helix Bluetooth Haart provides a higher output voltage of 5.5 volts.
• 😀 Despite the significant price difference, the measurements between both receivers are nearly identical, with only small differences in harmonics and noise floor.
• 😀 The Chinese receiver, when tested, shows a slightly higher noise floor and some harmonics, but these are minimal and well below the audible threshold.
• 😀 The Helix Bluetooth Haart performs slightly better in terms of cleaner output, with no noticeable harmonics in comparison to the Chinese receiver.
• 😀 A noticeable difference in linearity between the two receivers shows the Chinese receiver slightly lacking at the top-end frequency response, but the difference is only about 1 dB, which is not audibly significant for most users.
• 😀 In terms of convenience, the Helix card has the advantage of being integrated into the DSP system, while the Chinese Bluetooth receiver requires additional cables, a power supply, and a separate setup.
• 😀 The key takeaway is that for purely performance-focused users, the cheaper Chinese Bluetooth receiver offers comparable results to the Helix Bluetooth Haart, though it lacks the integrated design and higher output voltage of the Helix card.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the comparison in the video?

The main goal of the comparison is to determine whether the more expensive Helix Bluetooth HD receiver justifies its price over a cheaper alternative from AliExpress, focusing on performance and value for money.

How much does the AliExpress Bluetooth receiver cost, and what features does it offer?

The AliExpress Bluetooth receiver costs around 24 pounds and supports Bluetooth 5.0, aptX HD, and LDAC, along with optical and coaxial digital outputs. It also requires an external power supply.

What are the main differences between the Helix Bluetooth HD card and the AliExpress receiver?

The Helix Bluetooth HD card supports aptX HD but does not support LDAC. It offers a higher voltage output (5.5 volts) compared to the AliExpress receiver, which outputs only 2.8 volts. Additionally, the Helix card is more expensive, priced at approximately 140 pounds.

Why is the voltage output important in this comparison?

Voltage output is important because it affects how much signal the Bluetooth receiver provides to the amplifier. Higher voltage means more headroom and potentially cleaner sound, which is critical for high-performance setups where amplifiers require higher voltage input.

What was the measured voltage output from both Bluetooth receivers during the tests?

The Helix Bluetooth HD card delivered 5.5 volts, while the AliExpress receiver provided only 2.8 volts during the tests.

Did the two Bluetooth receivers show any significant differences in performance?

In terms of THD (total harmonic distortion), noise floor, and frequency response, both receivers performed similarly. The main difference was the voltage output, with the Helix providing higher output, which could be crucial for users with high voltage requirements.

What additional features does the Helix Bluetooth receiver provide compared to the cheaper alternative?

The Helix Bluetooth receiver is integrated into the Helix DSP Pro Mark 3, offering a more streamlined, convenient solution with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. It also requires no additional power supply or cables for setup.

How do the signal measurements compare between the two Bluetooth receivers?

Both Bluetooth receivers showed similar performance with minimal differences in their frequency response. The Chinese receiver did have slightly higher noise floor and some harmonics at higher frequencies, but overall, the performance was almost identical to the Helix.

Why is the voltage output considered a dealbreaker for some users?

For users with amplifiers that require higher voltage inputs (e.g., up to 4 volts), the Helix Bluetooth receiver's 5.5-volt output provides better headroom, which can lead to cleaner sound and less distortion. The AliExpress receiver's lower output might necessitate boosting the gain on amplifiers, which could introduce noise or reduce quality.

Would you recommend the Helix Bluetooth HD receiver to everyone?

The Helix Bluetooth HD receiver is recommended for users who prioritize convenience, higher voltage output, and seamless integration into their setup. However, if you're on a budget and are okay with lower voltage output and additional setup (e.g., cables and external power supply), the AliExpress receiver could be a more cost-effective option.