Experience with Helix HEC BT HD?

[FreddieLee]

Thanks! So with the Helix device, you connect directly to it via Bluetooth rather than from the head unit? The audio shop said I won't be able to control volume on the head unit, only from my phone, but that seems okay for an appreciable sound quality gain.

What about the Helix USB interface? Would there be a noticeable difference in this vs the Bluetooth module? I would prefer Bluetooth, but if the USB is much higher quality I'll go that route.

Link: https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/helix/accessories/hec-hd-audio-usb-interface

Yes, you bypass the budget-grade DAC in the OEM system, and stream directly to the DSP / HEC BT HD card.

Your audio shop is correct about volume, and ideally, you want a Director or Conductor for system control and master volume (I use a Director). If Androids are anything like iPhones, unless you're using the slider for volume, side buttons seem to make 2-3db jumps in volume.

Your Samsung doesn't natively support aptX HD, but based on how it handles aptX codec, it will provide a slightly more robust signal than an iPhone. Your phone should produce CD-quality sound, which is great.

If you ever decide to untether yourself from the phone to avoid notifications, alerts, calls, texts, etc., you might consider a FiiO DAP. Before you balk at the idea, you don't need a $500 DAP if you're using bluetooth exclusively. Reason being, since the HEC BT HD card supports aptX HD, but not LDAC, all FiiO devices, whether the cost is $200 or $800, will default to the same aptX HD stream. That said, the FiiO JM21 would be fine ($179).

The HEC HD-Audio USB takes us from lossy compression to bit-perfect transfer. Every single 0 and 1 from your stream is delivered to the Helix processor exactly how it was recorded. In short, studio-grade audio, but without knowing anything about your system, the install, or the sound treatment, I cannot recommend. Most folks who go that route invest in a purpose-built, data-pumping machine from Astell & Kern to avoid the noisy environment of a phone that's multi-tasking cellular signals, GPS, and other metrics.

My apologies for the long-winded response.

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[Slick85]

Yes, you bypass the budget-grade DAC in the OEM system, and stream directly to the DSP / HEC BT HD card.

Your audio shop is correct about volume, and ideally, you want a Director or Conductor for system control and master volume (I use a Director). If Androids are anything like iPhones, unless you're using the slider for volume, side buttons seem to make 2-3db jumps in volume.

Your Samsung doesn't natively support aptX HD, but based on how it handles aptX codec, it will provide a slightly more robust signal than an iPhone. Your phone should produce CD-quality sound, which is great.

If you ever decide to untether yourself from the phone to avoid notifications, alerts, calls, texts, etc., you might consider a FiiO DAP. Before you balk at the idea, you don't need a $500 DAP if you're using bluetooth exclusively. Reason being, since the HEC BT HD card supports aptX HD, but not LDAC, all FiiO devices, whether the cost is $200 or $800, will default to the same aptX HD stream. That said, the FiiO JM21 would be fine ($179).

The HEC HD-Audio USB takes us from lossy compression to bit-perfect transfer. Every single 0 and 1 from your stream is delivered to the Helix processor exactly how it was recorded. In short, studio-grade audio, but without knowing anything about your system, the install, or the sound treatment, I cannot recommend. Most folks who go that route invest in a purpose-built, data-pumping machine from Astell & Kern to avoid the noisy environment of a phone that's multi-tasking cellular signals, GPS, and other metrics.

My apologies for the long-winded response.

Appreciate the detailed response, your setup looks great too! I have the Helix Conductor mounted up front next to the USB port, which is connected directly to the Helix V Eight DSP. From what I understand, the Helix USB interface is installed directly into the V Eight and I will have to run a USB C cable from the cargo area to the front. If the audio quality is much better this way than with the Bluetooth module, I would rather do that. I just need to get a long USB C cable... would 12 feet be enough?

 

[FreddieLee]

Yep, HEC cards are plug-and-play, but you have to open the chassis. Once you have the amplifier in your hands, it takes 5 minutes to install.

Honestly, not sure about the length. For some reason, I want to say 17ft, but if memory serves, that's the length needed to run power from the battery terminal to the cargo area, so 12ft should be the correct length.

 

[23OBX2.7]

IMO unless its a competiton or garage listening system and especially in the very noisy Bronco, besides the fun factor of system config, its a waste.

I can barely notice the addirional clairity of FLAC over 320 kbs high grade recording stream and that clarity is nearly annoying at mid to high volume.

 

[Slick85]

IMO unless its a competiton or garage listening system and especially in the very noisy Bronco, besides the fun factor of system config, its a waste.

I can barely notice the addirional clairity of FLAC over 320 kbs high grade recording stream and that clarity is nearly annoying at mid to high volume.

Makes sense, especially because mine has a soft top with a lift and 37s! I do notice a difference in sound quality since switching from YouTube Music to Amazon, so I might just leave it at that. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for a minor improvement in sound quality.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Makes sense, especially because mine has a soft top with a lift and 37s! I do notice a difference in sound quality since switching from YouTube Music to Amazon, so I might just leave it at that. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for a minor improvement in sound quality.

Try FLAC via USB to see if its worth it for you. Also check your phone playback EQ setting, as well as stream app Quailty settings.

If anything, Id spend money on a couple of professional tunes (top up, top down) after 100+ hr on drivers, and whatever remote controler device Helix has to easily switch between tunes. A new HU would be next I suppose if have extra cash to blow.

I kept B&O just for the dynamic DSP tune, and its more than loud enough 99% of the time. If anything Id just amplify its high level signals in case need more volume and I have the Audison amp sitting around.

You already have top grade drivers and non Ford HU handles signals well enough IMO, from my S550 Mustang convertible 9 speaker non B&O Audison / Hertz setup.

 

[Slick85]

Try FLAC via USB to see if its worth it for you. Also check your phone playback EQ setting, as well as stream app Quailty settings.

If anything, Id spend money on a couple of professional tunes (top up, top down) after 100+ hr on drivers, and whatever remote controler device Helix has to easily switch between tunes. A new HU would be next I suppose if have extra cash to blow.

I kept B&O just for the dynamic DSP tune, and its more than loud enough 99% of the time. If anything Id just amplify its high level signals in case need more volume and I have the Audison amp sitting around.

You already have top grade drivers and non Ford HU handles signals well enough IMO, from my S550 Mustang convertible 9 speaker non B&O Audison / Hertz setup.

I had it installed and tuned professionally by Audiomaster here in Austin, Texas and they suggested the upgrade when I went in the other week to have the Autostop Eliminator installed. I already can hear a noticeable difference with Amazon Music, so I'm curious to see what the Helix USB module can do. The system is already very good though, but want to get that last bit of sound quality!

https://www.instagram.com/audiomasteratx/

 

[23OBX2.7]

Cool......well USB flac track that you know and love will give some insight

 

[Slick85]

Cool......well USB flac track that you know and love will give some insight

Thanks... not sure if I need to actually download the tracks because Amazon Music streaming is already in the higher bit rate. I can test it out though, see if a downloaded song is clearer vs a streamed one.

 

[23OBX2.7]

You can download from qobuz.com for $1-2......I buy a lot from there plus have high grade stream that I'm tempted to try...

 

[Brian_B]

IMO unless its a competiton or garage listening system and especially in the very noisy Bronco, besides the fun factor of system config, its a waste.

I can barely notice the addirional clairity of FLAC over 320 kbs high grade recording stream and that clarity is nearly annoying at mid to high volume.

This is the truth.

 

[Slick85]

Try FLAC via USB to see if its worth it for you. Also check your phone playback EQ setting, as well as stream app Quailty settings.

If anything, Id spend money on a couple of professional tunes (top up, top down) after 100+ hr on drivers, and whatever remote controler device Helix has to easily switch between tunes. A new HU would be next I suppose if have extra cash to blow.

I kept B&O just for the dynamic DSP tune, and its more than loud enough 99% of the time. If anything Id just amplify its high level signals in case need more volume and I have the Audison amp sitting around.

You already have top grade drivers and non Ford HU handles signals well enough IMO, from my S550 Mustang convertible 9 speaker non B&O Audison / Hertz setup.

I just need to get a USB-C hub along with the Helix interface because it doesn't support charging. I'm looking at the Anker and Vhedia, unless you have a better suggestion?

Anker: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Display-MacBook-Thinkpad-Laptops/dp/B0BQLLB61B

Vhedia: https://vhedia.com.au/product/4-port-usb-3-0-hub/

 

[23OBX2.7]

I just need to get a USB-C hub along with the Helix interface because it doesn't support charging. I'm looking at the Anker and Vhedia, unless you have a better suggestion?

Anker: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Display-MacBook-Thinkpad-Laptops/dp/B0BQLLB61B

Vhedia: https://vhedia.com.au/product/4-port-usb-3-0-hub/

I just use a dedicated Samsung S9 with neutral EQ velcroed to bottom face of HVAC panel and half decent short USB cable. It's a clean device for di.fm and radiofm, 320 lbs stream only, with as many apps stopped or disables as possible and mic taped over with couple pieces of teas tape LOL.

I would say go to a hifi e boutique that sell them I believe they are $400+ for good ones.....best just to call them IMO.

I have a high speed ragepro USB loaded with flac and wav as well.

 

[Slick85]

I just use a dedicated Samsung S9 with neutral EQ velcroed to bottom face of HVAC panel and half decent short USB cable. It's a clean device for di.fm and radiofm, 320 lbs stream only, with as many apps stopped or disables as possible and mic taped over with couple pieces of teas tape LOL.

I would say go to a hifi e boutique that sell them I believe they are $400+ for good ones.....best just to call them IMO.

I have a high speed ragepro USB loaded with flac and wav as well.

Got it... I don't drive long distances that much and the A71 has a long battery life, so I might just get a USB hub later on. Definitely going to get the Helix USB interface though, want to milk out that last bit of audio quality!

 

[Slick85]

I just use a dedicated Samsung S9 with neutral EQ velcroed to bottom face of HVAC panel and half decent short USB cable. It's a clean device for di.fm and radiofm, 320 lbs stream only, with as many apps stopped or disables as possible and mic taped over with couple pieces of teas tape LOL.

I would say go to a hifi e boutique that sell them I believe they are $400+ for good ones.....best just to call them IMO.

I have a high speed ragepro USB loaded with flac and wav as well.

Ordered the Helix USB Interface yesterday from the audio shop and also got a mini-USB-to-USB-C adapter, a 20-foot USB-C cable from Chubby Cable, and a UGreen USB-C hub. I'm excited to hear the difference! The Bluetooth module is great too, and most people probably can't hear a difference in audio quality between Bluetooth and USB, but I want the satisfaction of knowing that I have the best connection possible. I added links and photos of the accessories I ordered... let me know what you think!


Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TLBTXXJ

Cable: https://chubbycable.com/products/ch...ds-longest-fast-charge?variant=42268610592954

USB Hub: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1XLNWP2

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