Recently a reader suggested that I check out the Avantree Soundbyte T Streaming Radio because it has one unusual feature…it can not only act as a Bluetooth speaker as many modern radios do but it can also transmit via Bluetooth to a pair of supplied earbuds, and this seemed like an exciting feature to try out. Actually, it can transmit to any Bluetooth earbuds or other devices you may have. I was interested in this because I often use an earbud-style radio when I do my yard work and I use noise blocking earbuds to also shield me from the loud noise of my lawnmower whose motor sits right behind me. And although this works well that earbud cable often gets caught on things as I work so it seemed that wireless buds might be a great solution. A google search of “radio to Bluetooth earbuds” found a few other radios with this feature but the Avantree seems to be the most ambitious…I may test a few other smaller ones in the future.

Currently selling for $49.99 the Avantree Soundbyte T is identified as Model BTSP-860-T Streaming Radio to Earbuds or Home Stereo System, FM Radio, Bluetooth Transmitter, Bluetooth Speaker, SD Card MP3 Player 4-in-1 Device with Rechargeable Battery…that’s a mouthful!

Features from the manufacturer:

4-in-1 Functionality: The Soundbyte T can be used as an FM radio, Bluetooth speaker, micro-SD card player with cards up to 32 gigs.

Bluetooth Transmitting: The Soundbyte T can wirelessly transmit FM radio / SD card / Aux audio signals to your Bluetooth headphones or other devices.

Auto-scan

Save up to 20 FM channels with 5 one-button presets and 4 pages.

Sleep timer

Replaceable 18650 rechargeable battery with 11-hour playtime.

Whip Antenna

Dual 6W speakers for powerful audio (see details below)

3 EQ modes

Available with Blue, Pink or White earbuds

Dimensions: 5.63″L x 1.45″W x 2.75″H

Weight: 1.01 lbs

In the box:

Soundbyte T Radio

USB Type-C charging cable (1M / 3FT)

AUX 3.5mm audio cable (1M / 3FT)

Here are a few links for additional information:

FAQ Web Address:   

Video Tutorial:         

And a very unusual feature, you can also book a 1-on-1 setup appointment with one of their support agents: (I did not try this). 

In Use: The list of features is attention-getting for sure and although the radio does all it claims to, there are definitely some compromises along the way. There is no AM but FM reception is pretty sensitive. I had thought the wireless earbuds would be a welcome relief compared to my wired earbud Walkman-type radios I use when working in the yard, but the Avantree is much larger than a pocket radio and although I can jam it into a pants pocket it is larger than what I would hope for.

One issue when used as a Walkman is the use of the whip antenna for FM. As there is no headphone cable to act as an antenna you have to use the whip but you can’t extend it when it is in a pocket. Luckily, FM reception is not too bad with the whip collapsed and this is the way I used it for my tests but in this configuration, it does not match the FM reception of the best earbud-style radios. Of course, these limitations won’t be a problem for other uses and that’s fair since, given its size, this was not intended to be a pocket radio. I also experimented with a clip lead clipped to the whip and the wire just left to dangle out of my pocket. This added more sensitivity but may be more fiddly than most people would want.

The 18650 battery is user replaceable and charges fairly quickly and it is nice that the supplied charging cable is 3 feet long rather than the very short cable usually supplied these days.

Sound quality with the supplied wireless earbuds is pleasant and the three EQ’s are effective. The Balanced EQ mode sounded best with the Clear Voice mode too bright and the Bass Enhanced mode too bassy. These settings may sound better with other earbuds. I also found that wired earbuds sounded fine when plugged in directly. The dual speakers also sound pretty good.

Above: Avantree is flanked by Sangean DT-800 and C.Crane CC Pocket

One user note which might affect people differently. You have to be careful how you handle the earbuds when inserting them into your ears. You must handle them only by their extensions  because if you push them into your ear as you would typical earbuds you will activate their touch sensors on the back of the part that goes into your ear…right where you would normally press…it seemed I had to be very careful when putting them into my ears so as not to change their settings or modes. These inadvertent touches can change channels, pause play, change channel assignments…it can really catch you off guard.  Perhaps I’m just a bit fumble-fingered and may get used to this with more use but nonetheless I have to report it.

One more note: The SD card player works well but does not allow scanning within tracks. Since I often listen to 30 and 60 minute radio programs this ability is one I really miss.

Conclusion: So where does that leave us? The Avantree BTSP-860-T is certainly innovative with its ability to send rather than just receive Bluetooth audio. Using it around the house with the supplied wireless earbuds is a very liberating feeling. In addition, FM reception and sound quality are very good. On the negative side it is unfortunate that the radio is too big to be pocketable as a Walkman replacement. Wireless earbuds would be great for a pocket-sized radio so maybe Avantree could eventually release a smaller version, although the lack of an earbud cable to function as an FM antenna might remain a challenge.

One more thing – this radio is large enough to contain a fairly large ferrite rod for better AM reception than is possible with any pocket portable…it’s too bad Avantree did not take advantage of that possibility.

But I don’t want to be too negative here because the radio does perform quite well and does everything it is advertised as doing. If you customarily use a radio indoors, perhaps on a nightstand, and want wireless earbud capability built-in, the Avantree is currently the only game in town.

Recommended.

Jay Allen

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