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Posted By: FrankeeD Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/26/20 08:21 PM
I have an older Harman Kardon 3490 amp (120 RMS per channel) hooked up to a pair of Axiom M60 speakers and an EP350 subwoofer. It's a great setup, but lacks bluetooth connectivity so I can't stream from Apple Music. While I usually use a CD player, having Bluetooth as well would add a lot. Does anyone have any ideas of how to add this? I tried a cheap Esinkin Wireless Bluetooth Audio Adapter but it never worked well. I could sell the HK amp and buy a new amp with built-in Bluetooth, but want to investigate other possibilities before going that route. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/26/20 08:43 PM
Would something like any of these work for you?

https://ca.bestreviews.guide/bluetooth-adapters-for-stereo-receivers
Posted By: FrankeeD Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/26/20 10:01 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually have No.2 in the list and it never worked well. I could get sound, but it was distorted.
Posted By: aaaaaaaaaaaaa Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/26/20 10:59 PM
Pile of them tested at audiosciencereview.com
Posted By: Kodiak Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/27/20 03:25 AM
I’ve got a similar setup. M60 with and older Yamaha analog only receiver. As suggested to me, I added in an axiom transformer. Plug it in and go. Wireless. Quality DAC, pre amp if wanted. Supports tidal and Spotify and network play among other features. Nice interface. I’m enjoying it.
Recommended.

Edit: ps, you could also hook up your CD player thru the optical in and utilize the DAC if your CD player has transport only / digital out.
Posted By: Mojo Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/27/20 05:12 PM
Kodiak, looks like you got your Transformer before me. Glad you're liking it.
Posted By: Kodiak Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/27/20 05:39 PM
You still don’t have yours?! That contest was ages ago!

Well, when you do get it you’ll like it. I have t really had much chance yet to really “ listen to it “ or really get it nicely set up. But so far so good. It’s the perfect digital mate to an analog only affair.

FrankeeD , I realize now that you said Apple Music was your choice of stream. I think you could still run it they the transformer with upnp, i m still learning.
Posted By: Kodiak Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/27/20 06:45 PM
Looks like you can play Apple Music thru axiom transformer. I won’t waste my typing here with a step by step but it’s doable. Gonna try it out. FrankeeD, I’ll let you know how it goes.....
Posted By: Kodiak Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/27/20 07:08 PM
FrankeeD, Yup. You can airplay anything via the transformer. I’m using AirPlay 2 Beta. Works perfectly so far.

Just got a Tidal Account to accompany my Spotify.
Gonna try out the Ethernet too.

Stoked!
Posted By: Mojo Re: Adding Bluetooth to a HK 3490 Amp - 12/28/20 02:14 AM
Originally Posted by Kodiak
You still don’t have yours?! That contest was ages ago!

Axiom is so sick and tired of sending me stuff. I'm constantly disrupting the staff from their regularly scheduled activities of snowmobiling, snowshoeing, toboganning and ice fishing. Pretty soon they'll just cut me a cheque to go away. LOL!
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