GDI-BTAR502 Grace Digital Digital Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Grace Digital GDI-BTAR502 Digital Integrated Stereo Amplifier With Built-In Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Receiver

Grace Digital GDI-BTAR502 is not just a Bluetooth Music Receiver, actually it is a class-D amplifier. Bluetooth transmission is only one of its powerful features. As a compact stereo amplifier with Bluetooth connectivity,  it has 100 watts enough to power small bookshelf or floor standing speakers. The lower powered version GDI-BTAR122 has only 24 Watts (12W x 2), and does not have apt-X. apt-X is a much improved codec that impacts the sound quality of Bluetooth. GDI-BTAR122 is about 110 bucks, BTAR502 with the new tech maybe $20 higher. Compared with other 2.0/2.1 stereo receivers that had a wireless network connection, the price was cheaper.

It’s quite trivial in dimension only 5.9 x 4.9 x 1.5 inches, and weight is just one pound. The enclosure is black, brushed aluminum. A row of operation buttons and LEDs locate on the front panel for controlling and indicating status. Interfaces are on the back side: Antenna port, DC in, Aux in, Line out and L + R speaker binding posts, also has a USB port to provide a means to charge or power a USB device.

What’s in the package:

-The GDI-BTAR502 amplifier
-48″ 3.5mm, male to male aux cable
-AC power adapter (UL approved) , AC power cord and DC power cord
-IR remote control
-External Bluetooth antenna
-Manual
-1 Year Warranty

Specifications:

-100 W class D digital amplifier (50w x 2 into 6 ohms)
-Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX (can remember 8 device pairings)
-100-240V, 50/60Hz, 25V 4.3 switching power supply
-Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
-THD <0.1 @ 50w

Performance

Automatically Pairing

Bluetooth pairing is simple as other receiver, it can automatically go into pairing mode when it is first turned on. If it has already been paired, it will attempt to connect to the last paired device. This function is not provided by many other receivers, and it is thoughtful design to the usual usage.

Excellent Sound

The sound seems clear and clean throughout the entire range both with Bluetooth and direct wired setups. Sound quality is rich and full with no distortion even at moderately high volume levels. Overall you will be pleased with the quality of sound of this Bluetooth amplifier.

Fully Remote Control

You can control the music either through your phone paired or the remote IR controller, which provides you full control of the amplifier. It allows you to do many operations from turning on Bluetooth to controlling the volume, bass level, and so forth.

–>Click to View Pricing, Availability, and Reviews on Amazon.com

Summary

This is a great way to transmit your music to your stereos wirelessly and enjoy it. The Grace Digital GDI-BTAR502 is a very versatile and straightforward way to upgrade an audio system to Bluetooth. With Bluetooth 4.0 and apt-X this amplifier is capable of producing high quality sound. Operation is manageable and the small size belies its performance. Grace Digital receiver has everything that you are looking for. Anyone in the market looks for a small yet capable receiver should have this tiny Bluetooth amplifier.

–>Click to this Grace Digital GDI-BTAR502  Bluetooth Receiver on Amazon.com

Summary

Reviewer

Paul E Parker

Review Date

2014-01-16

Reviewed Item

Grace Digital GDI-BTAR502 Digital Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Author Rating

4