Amazon Echo Link Review with added 12V trigger from Bobwire DAT1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- A review of the Amazon Echo Link with Parasound A23+, KEF LS50 and Sonos Connect.
The 12 volt trigger used near the end of the video (to turn the Parasound amp on) is made by "Bobwire" and is the model "DAT1". The DAT1 will add a 12V trigger to any audio device with a optical audio output like the Echo Link or Sonos Connect. You can find more details here:
www.bobwireaud...
The DAT1 is also for sale on Amazon here:
www.amazon.com...
Check out my other video on the DAT1 with Sonos Connect here:
• Easily add a 12 volt t...
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Here is my written review of the Echo Link:
Pros:
Digital audio output for better sound quality
Optical audio input for TV sound integration
Automatic switching between inputs
Costs 40% less than a Sonos Connect
Only Amazon option for connection your own audiophile quality amps/speakers/DAC/AVR
Cons:
Analog and digital inputs can’t be sent to other rooms
Volume can’t be fixed when connected to AV receiver
The app is a little clunky and slow compared to Sonos
No mic built-in so you need a $20 Dot nearby to use it
Can’t play local music library yet
Compared to Sonos Connect:
Sonos pioneered the “whole house” streaming audio system 13 years ago (2005) and it shows with the quality of the app and ease of use. While $150 more than the Echo Link it does have a couple of strong points 1) App control is better, 2) The analog audio input can be sent to any room, 3) Easily listen to your local music collection whether it is on a NAS drive or Mac/PC. The Sonos Connect does not have a digital input which means you can’t connect a TV directly to it. Even if you use the analog input for connecting your TV the audio delay makes it unwatchable. Sonos did just release the new “Amp” with TV integration but you won’t be able to use your own amplifier.
Google Chromecast Audio:
The Chromecast Audio retail price is $35 but on sale for as low as $15 making it the most affordable option. What sets the Chromecast audio apart at this price point is the digital audio output (requires 3.5mm optical adapter). The Google app is pretty good but it has better features on Android than iPhone/iPad. If you are an Android user, want a digital output and don’t want to spend much then the Chromecast Audio could be your pick.
So what about just using a Echo Dot or Echo Input?
The big difference is that only the Link has the digital outputs and inputs allowing you to connect more devices and with better sound quality. The Echo Input is basically a Dot without a built in speaker. Since the Echo Link does not have a mic built in your will need a Dot (2nd or 3rd gen) or another Echo speaker in the same area to control it by voice.
Conclusion:
The Amazon Echo Link is your best option if you are already an Echo user and you want to add higher quality sound to your existing stereo system. If you don’t have your own amp and speakers or you don’t care as much about sound quality then you don’t need the Link, just get a Dot or Input and use the analog output. The ChromeCast Audio is the least expensive way to get a digital output but there are some limitations for apple users. The Sonos Connect app and local music file integration is by far the best but you won’t be able to connect your TV directly. Bottom line, the Echo Link work great and is a very much needed piece to round out the Echo Line-up. Fours stars while I hold out for a software update to take care of some of the cons listed above. Let me know if this review was useful by clicking the “thumbs up” button!
This video answered EXACTLY what I was looking for. I am SO glad to see the TV audio passthrough and interrupt/resume. Thanks!
Haha, yeah Amazon doesn't describe that feature at all. If you check out my written review on Amazon I talk about that and some other details.
Ha! Awesome video. Who knew the answers to my Echo Link amp questions would fall off the back of a truck! The signal priority info was especially helpful. Tanks youse guys!
Regarding the point you make at 7:00, as of late 2021 Echo Link is also able to pipe the digital/analog inputs to your multiroom speaker set up.
Fun and Informative Video. Well done...
Can you add this to the Google Home app groups and have it play with other google smart speakers?
One question. Thanks for the video!
The volume can certainly not be changed through Voice comments,
because the echo link is connected via optically?
Can you pair this with an Echo remote if you create a FireTV "home theatre" group?
Too bad, the audio normalization setting or volume leveling in Spotify,
Tidal, Amazon Music and other streaming apps dont work through Echo
Link. So you will end up with songs some are loud some you barely hear.
Disappointing.
Hey man can u tall me about
My Tv To
01 (Analog)
02 (Coaxial)
03 (Optical Toslink) And
04 (Subwoofer) Out
I Just Want to use 4 output at same time within 1 (Optical Toslink) In
Its possible plz tale me
What is that device that turns on the amp? Do you have a link?
I heard “ Bob wire, Digital Audio Trigger, DAT1”, but google knows nothing of such device. Link would be appreciated, ty
In the video I had a beta test unit. The website will be launching in 2-3 weeks. Ill post the website when live. Check back. Thanks.
Checking back, any updates?
I'm interested too...so ..If I well understand, to turn on my old Onkyo Amp with Alexa, I'll need not only to buy the Amazon Link but also a trigger? hummm hope it won't be too hard for me to understand what to do. Pls forgive my bad eng. Thanks and greetings from Firenze (Italy)
@@BobWireAudio Is there any progress with the website?
Curious please, I have an Apple TV, that I'd like to use to connect through the Echo Link. Problem is ATV only has HDMI and ethernet. I'd love to be able to switch to music with the TV still streaming (my cable runs through my ATV, via HDHomeRun and Channels app, so ATV controls everything). Am I going to need to punt on the TV connectivity option, and resort to pulling back out a Harmony remote/hub to get the inputs right to stream music with the Link (I packed away my Harmony remotes once I went to HDHomeRun/Channels, and Plex....)? Thanks for any thoughts/insights
Guessing something like this is the answer (?): www.amazon.com/Extractor-Aerctor-Optical-Splitter-Converter/dp/B07BSKT1VD/ref=asc_df_B07BSKT1VD/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242074892521&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9058602167008051123&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010625&hvtargid=pla-439338877373&psc=1
It sound like you can connect the ATV to your TV by HDMI, then use the optical out from the TV into the Echo Link. When you play music on the Echo Link it will override the ATV/TV audio. When you stop the Echo Link the ATV/TV audio will be activated. The downside is that you will need to have the TV power on to get any sound from the ATV. If your TV doesn't have an optical out then you could use the extractor that "thewightfamily" mentions below. The extractor would also let you listen to the ATV with your TV powered off.
Interesting
Thumbs up for the attempt lol
That is tremendous acting!
Looks like the beginning of a bad porn movie.... anyway.... good info esp on the preference of the music.