R**C
Much better than my expectations
Moved up to Amazon Music HD and liked it. It was an improvement but it didn’t sound quite right. Was using AppleTV to a 12 year old Marantz av receiver to a good 2 channel amp. Reading about the recent improvements in dac technology and seeing a couple good reviews from audiophiles, I bought the dac version of Tunebox3 taking AppleTV out of the chain and using its dac instead of the one in my av receiver. I did this thinking it might make no difference and be a waste of money but it is a big improvement in sound. Before adding the TuneBox, there were some aspects to the sound that I picked up on that became annoying. Music was too forward and there was some sibilance. Music is now more natural sounding with excellent definition and a bit tighter bass so not only did this eliminate the annoyances but it improved the sound. I am a very happy camper.
R**I
Really good sound, but it drops from time to time.
First off, I think the music sounds excellent. It was fairly easy to set up, and I've had no problem since then. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because every once in awhile, perhaps once a day, it drops for a second or two and then we establishes.
K**Y
a major update but not an upgrade from TB20 (revised twice)
I initially rated this production as a 4 star, but after having it a year. I have to downgrade it to a 2 star.I have a Tunebox TB20, which is the best deal for streaming music to your traditional stereos and powered speakers. TB20 and TB21 have been discontinued and be replaced by Tunebox3. The new model is completely redesigned and differs from the old model in and out, and double the price. After having it for almost a year, I have to say that the new design doesn't make whole lot of sense to me.First, the setup of TB3, like its predecessor, still requires downloading to an app to your smartphone or tablets running Android and iOS. The process, however, is a bit easier than the previous version. Second, unlike TB20/21 which as both digital and analog output, TB3 has two versions, with either digital or analog output. This is a small drawback in my opinion, although at the exact moment, you would use either analog output or export to a DAC, it doesn't give the flexibility to re-purpose the DAC or add a DAC. I have the analog version, which uses CS43130 integrated DAC chip. This is an odd choice, as CS43130 is designed for mobile phones and has an integrated headphone amp, yet TB3 has no headphone output. The sound quality, however, is noticeably better than the analog output from TB20, fuller and more dynamic. The digital version, interestingly, has only optical and coaxial output and has no USB. Another scratching my head choice is the included 3.5mm to RCA cable instead of a more standard RCA to RCA cable. In my case, the cable is faulty anyway.Finally, I will talk about the new "killer" feature of TB3. Unlike TB20/21, TB3 is not just a transporter. It has an ARM CPU and can directly connect to multiple streaming services by itself (but Amazon music is not one of them). That is, once it is set up, it doesn't need a computer or smartphone to play the music. You can preset 6 playlists through the app on your phone which took me a while to figure out. Once done, you are able to play your favorite music by simply pushing a button on TB3. I am still not sure how big a deal this feature is though. Another benefit of direct linking to the streaming service is that you don't have to worry about your phone running out of battery but it doesn't matter if you streaming from your computer. However, my main complain is its quirky controls. First off, although the box was never really off, as it can be seen on the local network on its standby but you have to physically turn the knob to WIFI to start streaming. Second, once you tune the knob to WIFI, it automatically starts to play a preset playlist, and to stop it, you need to use the app, or you can override it from a computer over airplay. This is super annoying if you are not in the exact mood to listen what's ever on that playlist. Which make it more annoying is that playing over Spotify connect doesn't override it from a PC. A work around is to override it with Tuneblade first (thank god that there is a free trial version) then play over Spotify connect. After all, the only worthy addition of TB3 is more annoying than what it brings to the table, at least for those who mostly streaming from there computers.My last complain is its bluetooth, not that it doesn't work, but why someone would ever need it more than someone would ever need a digital out. The only situation that I can think of its being useful is that your WIFI router or internet at home is down, that you have to stream through wireless data. I would rather have a transporter that have both analog and digital out but no bluetooth.Overall, it is an interesting and quality product, with a simpler initial setup than 2.0, but moving away from the basic design/functionality of TB20 makes little sense to me.Revision on 9/21. Finally, I figured out the potential advantage of have the unit directly linked to Tidal/Spotify etc, that is, it allows Hi-Fi audio. Streaming protocols limits the sampling frequency to 44,100 or maybe 48,000, which is CD quality. Given that now Spotify and Apple Music offers Hifi streaming in additional to Tidal, it actually make sense to take advantage of this if you have one of these service. However, there is no way for me to know if it is what actually happening inside the box, and to vast majority of people, myself included, the difference between CD quality 44K and 96K is minimal if at all.
A**R
Better Than Expected
I recently moved up to Spotify Premium and have been playing on my kick ass legacy stereo system via a Logitech Bluetooth adapter. It sounded good, but not great. I purchased and installed the Tunebox3 analog three days ago. The increase in the quality of the music is dramatic. Much deeper, richer and better separation of instruments. It was easy to set up and had made me a happier guy. I did install using RCA cable, not included, with a left and right on both ends.
T**N
Very pleased with sound quality. Would by again.
Playing mostly Tidal over AirPlay mated to a Denon PNA-600NE receiver, Magni3+ amp and either the Grado SR225e or BD DT770 Pro. Occasionally I’ll listen with an old pair of Pioneer bookshelf speakers.The instruction card was somewhat lacking.
M**Y
Good alternative of hi end streamer
Sounds good with just the function that I need.
J**N
Fantastic!
Where to begin with this incredible and surprising streamer. I will make this review as simple as possible as most people to seem to ramble and don't seem to just get to the point.I can only relay the facts/my opinion to you about this new Tunebox3 on how I am using it. It is refreshing to not only get a device that is simple in both size/design/function but in its ease of execution with its own app.I am using the tunbox3 analog, which obviously has only the L/R RCA's out for you input. Which in my case is a fully restored vintage Pioneer sx-950 going through HPM-100's for speakers.Whether you are streaming Tidal, Spotify or any internet streams this device will literally rival equipment costing quite a bit more. I have, like many people, tried to keep searching for the "unicorn" streamer that does what it's supposed to do and sound the part.The sound quality part, which to me is really the most important. I had previously mentioned that I believe this unit to be a "huge" over achiever only because the design/DAC puts out incredible "live" sound quality for a relatively small price tag. It seems mental to say this, but It even makes low quality, say 192k streams sound better than they should. Kind of like how HD tv would upscale a non HD channel and make it look better than it should. That's the best way I can convey it, sorry.Another important fact that should always be considered is noise floor. It has none that I can detect, which I can't say for many other company's products.It somehow has the ability to make streaming music not sound "digital" if anyone understands what I'm getting at. It just sounds like music, the way it should.Do yourself a massive favor, stop hunting, the search is over, get the Tunebox3 hook it up install the app and you are freaking done!
