Echo dot

David_Aston

It seems to me that it should be possible to use the single stereo jack output on said dot, to utilise two small powered speakers for stereo, with a bit of a spread.
Do I need a single out, split to two, ie left, right speaker in's, or is it split to four, ie negative, positive, like with normal large speakers?
Googled around, but not found answer up to now. or seen a cable of the kind specified

uknick

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but according to Amazon;

"Connects to speakers or headphones through Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable to play music from Amazon Music, Spotify and TuneIn"

So, I assume a standard 3.5mm stereo plug with cables as needed to suit your speakers.

bluesnake

David_Aston wrote: »

It seems to me that it should be possible to use the single stereo jack output on said dot, to utilise two small powered speakers for stereo, with a bit of a spread.
Do I need a single out, split to two, ie left, right speaker in's, or is it split to four, ie negative, positive, like with normal large speakers?
Googled around, but not found answer up to now. or seen a cable of the kind specified

I think what the jack is for is like a pair of amplified PC stereo speakers (sterio jack - 3 wires), or similar, or hifi. What you will get will most likely be left-common-right, but you an easily make this into left-common-common-right by connecting another common wire to the existing..

however the sound is apparently carp... http://www.techhive.com/article/3140710/smart-appliance/amazon-echo-dot-2nd-generation-review-this-is-the-echo-most-people-should-buy.html

forgotmyname

Tempted but waiting for it to drop in price to match the US price..

$49.99 is not equal to £49.99. Why is it not £40??

Had a few emails back and forth to a software company they sell something in the US for much less than the UK. But it cannot be used in the UK if purchased from the US.

martinthebandit

UK price includes taxes, vat etc US prices generally don't include sales tax, so you need to factor that into your calculation.

forgotmyname

They have had the DOT on sale in the US for $40. A few Youtube reviews of them where they actually bought the devices. So $40 from Amazon all in price inc taxes. But yeah depending on location the price does vary. Still not $60 though.

Trying to find info on the home automation, is a hub essential? Will it control a cheap WIFI bulb from China etc?

I_have_spoken

It seems to me that it should be possible to use the single stereo jack output...

The output is a standard 3.5mm stereo socket. What sort of lead you need depends on your powered-speakers; the Dot can't drive external speakers itself. I use a simple 3.5mm to 3.5mm to connect to the line-on on my mini-hifi.

You also have the option of using Bluetooth with suitable external speakers.

Will it control a cheap WIFI bulb from China etc?

Probably not. Each integration needs a 'skill' to be coded by a developer so the commands you give to the Dot are passed to the gizmo or the Bulb supplier has liked their kit to IFTT.

Johnmcl7

forgotmyname wrote: »

They have had the DOT on sale in the US for $40. A few Youtube reviews of them where they actually bought the devices. So $40 from Amazon all in price inc taxes. But yeah depending on location the price does vary. Still not $60 though.

Trying to find info on the home automation, is a hub essential? Will it control a cheap WIFI bulb from China etc?

It depends on the light system rather than the Echo, some light systems like Hive and Philips Hue need the hub to function and it's still the case if you want to use an Echo. Others such as Lifx work directly to the router and don't need a hub, if there's a suitable skill available for Alexa then the Echo can control the lights.

John

David_Aston

Thanks for your replies guys. I have bought a creative T15 speaker set up. Seems to work fine on blu tooth. Drop outs excepted. Using the 3.5 mill to 3.5 jack lead that ships with the dot, I'm only getting sound from the left hand, satellite speaker. Have emailed Creative about this. Can recommend the speakers as a cheapish upgrade for the dot as a music player using Spotify and radio.