Very good aptX Bluetooth Receiver with super sound via the digital output of indigenous hi-fi ...

. After intensive research regarding Bluetooth receiver I had for a purchase, the following basic requirements: The recipient should have digital outputs, as is known, the signal-noise ratio in the otherwise only standard analog outputs of Bluetooth receivers well in literally very "heady" are. So only a digital connection came with the domestic hi-fi system in consideration with me the digital coax output (although the Philips AEA2700 / 12 also provides an optical Toslink output!). The also present at Philips AEA2700 / 12 analog outputs therefore I have not tried it and are therefore not subject to this review.

Furthermore, it was a requirement that is supported by the recipient of the audio codec aptX because the older Bluetooth methods make only with very strong compression, the transfer will take place and therefore the sound very well suffer. Of course, the station must - support the aptX codec in order to get a reasonable sound results - in my case the smartphone Samsung S3 mini. The sound via aptX with my Samsung S3 mini in connection with the coax digital output from the hi-fi system has surprised me very positively. Crystal-clear sound with balanced bass foundation. Of course, the overall sound is still not quite equate to a "wired" CD player playback - but is very close to it ...

For connectivity and pairing with Bluetooth transmitters, in my case with a Samsung smartphone S3 Mini:

Very easy! A "normal" first coupling via Bluetooth: Bluetooth enabled smartphone, Philips AEA2700 / 12 Select the power grid, the smartphone Philips and finished in a few seconds. Per NFC go still much faster> the smartphone (of course, only if available) NFC and Bluetooth ON, Philips - then with the smartphone (NFC area) close to the icon on the Philips - coupled DONE. Takes only fractions of a second via NFC! After that NFC is of course for the later connection etc. no longer necessary and can be permanently deactivated.

And here's a tip to reconnect (after basic coupling):

1. First activate Bluetooth in your smartphone
2. Then provide only the Philips2700 / 12 with mains power (is disconnected with me via auxiliary power switch completely after use by the network)

In that order, the receiver automatically connects to the transmitter. Otherwise you have to - at least for my Samsung S3 mini - principle (ie without additional app) manually reconnect (I mean not again couple). This would require only 1-2 additional keystrokes ...

Short summary:

Positives:

++ Very good, of course, absolutely noise-free, sound via aptX and digital output of the receiver to the hi-fi system
++ Attractive design
++ Small dimensions, very good "to hide"
++ Very good and fast connectivity (coupling) via Bluetooth connection and even faster via NFC

Negatives:

nothing (analog outputs not tried)

Strong buy recommendation !!