Echo dot connections questions

olb81

1. Amazon has a deal for 2 speakers, does 2 work better as in stereo sound and higher quality and volume?
2. I currently have deezer that expires soon
3. Can I use the echo dot on WiFi without any connection to my phone?
4. If so how do I stream from my music app whether it's deezer youtube music or amazon music? Is that possible
5. Or do I have to connect my phone via Bluetooth to use the apps?

flaneurs_lobster

You can set up a pair of Amazon speakers to be a "stereo pair" using the Alexa app. Two speakers are louder than one but the "quality" improvements are subjective. Obvious point, they have to be the same model of speaker.

In order to play Deezer (or any other source) in stereo you have to instigate the stream via Alexa - you have to attach (link) the service and then "Alexa, play Bach on Deezer". If you start the music on Deezer directly then "cast" or connect via Bluetooth then it will be in mono.

Link each of the sources you want to play to Alexa.

Once you have set up the speakers to your home wi-fi and the service(s) you want to use they can be used without a phone.

I had this set-up for using BBC Sounds, but found using voice commands to control playback too clunky so went back to a direct Bluetooth connection and use the Sounds app (and listen in mono).

Vitor

I have a pair setup for right/left stereo and also an Echo sub, gives a decent playback quality especially if you gave Amazon Music HD subscription.

GDB2222

Echo dot is amazing for the size and price, but I don’t think you should expect hifi quality.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82042460#Comment_82042460

Pal recently acquired one of the latest Gen 5 Dots. Noticeably better sound than my (pretty good) Gen 1's but yes, not hifi.

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6673386/echo-dot-connections-questions

1. Yes, the sound is better with 2 speakers set up as a stereo pair.

3. You use the Echo Dot by connecting it to wifi. You can then use it without the phone, but ISTR the phone is required for setup.

4 & 5. Deezer and Amazon Music have apps for Alexa ("skills") that can be used to stream directly on the Echo Dot in stereo. Youtube music doesn't have a skill, and can therefore only be used on the phone, with a bluetooth connection to a single echo dot, so won't have the benefit of the stereo pair.

GDB2222

Would you get better sound from an Echo Dot Max? You can get one for the same price as two Echo Dots.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82042555#Comment_82042555

Well yes, but no stereo 'image'.

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82042565#Comment_82042565

If you want stereo, another option is to buy a pair of Bluetooth speakers and the cheapest echo you can find to drive them. That's what I do in my study.

In the kitchen, where we have the main Echo there's no point bothering with stereo as we're moving around a lot. Anyway, who needs a stereo egg timer? :)

flaneurs_lobster

If you want stereo, another option is to buy a pair of Bluetooth speakers and the cheapest echo you can find to drive them. That's what I do in my study.

Can I ask how you connect that up? Seems you are using the Dot as a media streamer, but conventional units would drive a couple of wired speakers.

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82042739#Comment_82042739

I actually use an Echo Flex, which cost the princely sum of £5 when Amazon were remaindering them. I have tried both wired and BT connection and settled for BT. Using BT reduces the number of wires.

I have coupled that with Sharp CPSS30 bookshelf speakers.

Any hifi expert would laugh at this, but it's a good set up for just over £60.