Aperion Audio Home Audio Link

Setting up and installing a basic wireless multiroom music system is easy and quite affordable with the Aperion Audio Home Audio Link, also known as HAL. It's hard not to recall the image of the HAL 2000 computer in the sci-fi film "2001: A Space Odyssey", but this HAL performs a different function: it streams music and other uncompressed audio content wirelessly from one audio device to as many as three others. Creating a wireless multiroom music system is just one of the benefits of the Home Audio Link system.

The two-piece HAL system consists of a small transmitter and receiver, both devices slightly larger than a car's remote control key fob. Each device has a 3.5mm line-level audio jack and a USB audio & power connection. The audio source connected to the transmitter is sent wirelessly to the receiver, up to 100 feet away.

HAL operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and employs auto-search and dynamic channel selection to help maintain full signal strength. According to Aperion Audio, HAL has a usable range of 100 feet, although your experience may vary depending on the doors, walls and other obstacles in the home.

The Home Audio Link system can be used in many different ways. For example, it can wirelessly connect a computer with a home audio system to stream iTunes music, or it can stream music from one stereo system to a system in another room – any audio signal can be streamed between two (or more) audio devices. HAL can even make a subwoofer wireless and eliminate wires running across the floor.

Connecting and using HAL is simple and quick – the instructions consist of a short and straightforward 'Quick Start Guide'. Connect the transmitter (marked 'Send') to an audio output from one component, connect the receiver (marked 'Receive) to an audio input on another component, connect power via the USB connector and press the 'Link' button(s) to start the HAL system. The blue indicator lights on the transmitter and receiver flash until the two are linked, then remain solid. The system includes a stereo mini cable and a mini-plug to RCA cable for the most common audio connections.

Here are a few examples of how the Home Audio Link system can be used:

• Connect the transmitter to the line-level audio output of a stereo or home theater receiver and wirelessly connect to a mini system, tabletop or home audio system in another room and share music between rooms.
• Connect the transmitter to an MP3 player or USB computer audio output and connect the receiver to a stereo system and share your entire iTunes library. Additional HAL receivers can be purchased to set up a multiroom music system in as many as three rooms. Any audio component with line level or USB audio output can wirelessly transmit an audio signal to any audio component with a line level or USB audio input.
• Another key use for HAL is to make a subwoofer wireless. Connect the transmitter to the LFE output on a home theater receiver and connect the HAL receiver to the LFE input on the subwoofer and eliminate the wires running across the floor.

I tried HAL in several different setups with good results. First, I setup my laptop to stream iTunes and Internet Radio content to my music system, about thirty feet and two rooms away. The two devices linked within a minute. Reception was excellent and free of interference or dropouts. It was helpful to place the transmitter and receiver in a location free of obstructions, such as books and other objects and the system performed best when the devices were placed on a desk or shelf, not on the floor or behind a desk. Sound quality was excellent, even when played back on a very high-end stereo system. I created a wireless subwoofer system by using HAL with the Aperion Audio Bravus 8A subwoofer, eliminating the wires running from the receiver to the subwoofer. A wireless subwoofer also allows more flexible placement to get the best bass performance. Additional receivers reduce signal strength because they share the same signal and I did not test HAL's performance with more than one receiver, which may be required in larger homes. I tested HAL in an average-sized 1,500 sq. ft. home, and a maximum distance of about 50'.

The Aperion Audio Home Audio Link is a 'must have' accessory for every stereo enthusiast, music lover and computer user. HAL makes it easy to stream music almost anywhere in a home and it can be setup in seconds. The basic system for $149 has everything you need for a two-room system and as many as two additional receivers can be added for $70 each. HAL comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and is packaged in a very cool box. When you want to get your music from here to there easily and affordably, check out the Aperion Audio Home Audio Link.

Specifications

• Signal to Noise ratio: 91 dB / 85 dB when using three HAL Receivers simultaneously
• Range: Up to 100 feet
• Frequency band: 2.4 GHz with Auto-search/synch and dynamic channel selection
• Latency: 25.5 ms
• USB digital or stereo mini analog input
• Unit Dimensions: 13/16” H x 1 15/16” W x 1 ¾” D
• Individual Unit Weight: 2.7 oz
• Price: $149 (additional receivers $70 each)
• Contact: aperionaudio.com