Wireless Speakers, Signal/Sound Quality Loss...

[bluegrassphile]

...Is there signal loss or decrease in sound quality with wireless speakers or headphones? Just asking. I don't really know. From what I've read, I know there are some quality wireless speakers out there. However, I've never heard any live.

I remember my first experience with my electric guitar and early wireless transmitters. The signal loss was very noticeable, at least to the musicians. That was the early '80s. I'm sure the technology has improved immensely.

 

[Jack]

I would suspect it would depend on the strength of you home network.

 

[Mr Peabody]

With headphones these days most wireless use Bluetooth technology which can sound pretty good but still a cable is better. Sometimes sacraficing the cable is necessary for mobility or other convenience.

Before Bluetooth, "wireless" headphones used technology like your guitar, the same as a wireless phone, if anyone remembers those. A base plugged into your headphone jack and sent a signal to the headphones. Prone to a lot of interference and noise.

"Wireless" speakers can use Bluetooth but most higher quality, and, best sound is with an internet connection. Most models have the amp and DAC built right into the speaker cabinet. Many of these sound quite good. The components, amps, speaker drivers, etc. are all optimized to work with each other to achieve the sound.

Some of the wireless speakers are affordable good quality like the KEF or Sauk. More expensive are Dynaudio, I've heard great sound from a Goldman wireless.

The draw back, most of us like to change gear from time to time, with everything in one unit this habit must stop.

I heard some powered speakers by ATC that were stunningly good but I'm not sure if the DAC was built in. But these babies were really expensive. I think he said $60k.