Review on Wireless Receiver Streaming Multi Room TuneBox30 Digital by Alex Tellekson

At first I rated this production 4 stars, but after a year. I have to downgrade it to 2 stars. I have the Tunebox TB20 which is the best deal for streaming music to your traditional stereo and amplified speakers. TB20 and TB21 are discontinued and replaced by Tunebox3. The new model is completely revised and differs from the old model inside and out, as well as being twice the price. Almost a year later I have to say that the new design doesn't make much sense to me. First, like its predecessor, TB3 still requires an app download on your Android and iOS smartphone or tablet to get installed. However, the process is a bit simpler than the previous version. Second, unlike the TB20/21, which has both digital and analog outputs, the TB3 has two versions, either digital or analog. This is a minor downside in my opinion, although you would be using either analog output or DAC export at the moment, it doesn't give you the flexibility to remap a DAC or add a DAC. I have an analog version that uses the onboard CS43130 DAC. This is an odd choice as the CS43130 was designed for cell phones and has a built in headphone amplifier while the TB3 does not have a headphone output. However, the sound quality is noticeably better than the TB20's analog output, fuller and more dynamic. Interestingly, the digital version only has an optical and coaxial output and no USB. Another choice that worries me is the included 3.5mm to RCA cable instead of the standard RCA to RCA cable. My cable is still defective. Finally, I'll tell you about TB3's new "killer" feature. Unlike the TB20/21, the TB3 isn't just a van. It has an ARM processor and can connect directly to multiple streaming services (but Revain music isn't one of them). That means once set up, it doesn't need a computer or smartphone to play music. You can set up 6 playlists via the app on your phone, which took me a while to figure out. Then you can play your favorite music on the TB3 with just a push of a button. I'm still not sure how important this feature is. Another benefit of connecting directly to a streaming service is that you don't have to worry about your phone running out of power, but that doesn't matter if you're streaming from your computer. My main gripe, however, is the quirky controls. First, while the box has never been turned off, as seen in the LAN in standby mode, you must physically turn the knob to the WIFI position to start streaming. Second, as soon as you put the handle on WIFI, it will start playing the preset playlist automatically, and to stop it you need to use the app or you can overwrite it from the computer over the air. It's very annoying when you're not in the mood to listen to what's ever been on that playlist. What's even more annoying is that playing via Spotify Connect doesn't cancel it from PC. The workaround is to overwrite it with Tuneblade first (thank god there's a free trial) and then play it through Spotify Connect. In the end, TB3's only worthy addition is more annoying than what it brings to the table, at least for those who primarily stream computers from there. My final complaint is Bluetooth, not that it doesn't work, but why would anyone ever need it more than anyone would ever need a digital output. The only situation where I think this is useful is when your WIFI router or home internet is down and you need to transfer data over the wireless network. I would prefer a Transporter with analog and digital output but no Bluetooth. Overall, this is an interesting and quality product with an easier initial setup than 2.0, but there's not much point in deviating from the basic design/functionality of the TB20. I. Revision of September 21. Eventually I saw the potential benefit of connecting the device directly to Tidal/Spotify etc. ie allowing Hi-Fi audio playback. Streaming protocols limit the sample rate to 44,100 or possibly 48,000 which is CD quality. Given that Spotify and Apple Music now offer Hifi streaming alongside Tidal, it actually makes sense to take advantage of this if you have either of those services. However, I have no way of knowing if this actually happens in the box, and for the vast majority of people, myself included, the difference between 44K and 96K CD quality is minimal, if any.