Name: Cobra AirWave CWA BT150
Brand: Cobra
SKU: 079AIRWAVE
Rating: 5 (31 reviews)

Add music streaming to nearly any stereo

Got a car stereo with a spare auxiliary or RCA input? How about a powered speaker system at home with the same? Cobra's AirWave music receiver offers an effective, no-frills way to play music from your phone or other Bluetooth enabled device. This pocket-sized device lets you stream your tunes to nearly any audio component with a minijack or RCA input, whether it's in your home or car.

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Add music streaming to nearly any stereo

The concept is simple: the AirWave receives music — including streaming apps — from your phone or tablet through Bluetooth, then sends it via a cable to your audio component. At home, this can include a stereo receiver, powered speaker system, or another piece of gear offering wired connections but no built-in Bluetooth compatibility.

For drivers, the AirWave presents an alternative to a time-consuming permanent installation, and it'll also let you enjoy streaming music in different vehicles. Once you pair the AirWave with your phone, it'll automatically remember your phone for future journeys (pairing may be required if multiple active Bluetooth devices are present). The AirWave can tuck away in your glove compartment or console and you don't have to worry about retrieving your phone from a mess of wires when you get an incoming call, which is great for business travelers or errand-running parents. And because it's portable, it can work nearly anywhere as long as it's charged, which should be easy with the included USB power cable.

Compact, elegant design

The Cobra AirWave measures just 2.2 inches square, so it can fit in the palm of your hand. It features a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of continuous usage time, or up to 30 hours of standby power. A 3.5mm audio output, on/off switch, reset button, and mini-USB charging port line the sides of the AirWave, and the blue indicator lights on top let you know when the device is pairing or connected with your phone or tablet. It's got an effective range of 33 feet, so you can control music playback from far away. Cobra includes a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cord and a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to let you take advantage of the AirWave's versatility.

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Product highlights:

Bluetooth music receiver
3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable, 3.5mm-to-RCA cable, and USB-to-mini USB charging cable included
built-in rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of use, or 30 hours of standby power
receives music over Bluetooth from compatible devices, then transmits via cable to your audio component
works with nearly any audio component with auxiliary or RCA audio inputs
blue lights indicate Bluetooth pairing and connection
effective range: 33 feet
2-1/4"W x 3/4"H x 2-1/4"D
weight: 1.1 oz.
warranty: 1 year
MFR # CWA BT 150

What's in the box:

Cobra AirWave CWA BT150 owner's manual

AirWave wireless receiver
40" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Micro USB on other end)
59" 3.5mm-to-RCA cable
40" 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable
Quick Start Guide
Product Registration card

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

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Features

Overview: The Cobra AirWave (CWA BT150) is a wireless receiver that allows you to play music from your Bluetooth-enabled media device through your car or home stereo. It comes with a USB charging cable and two audio patch cables (3.5mm-to-3.5mm and 3.5mm-to-RCA).

Bluetooth Technology: The AirWave has built-in Bluetooth 2.0 with a range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters).

Rechargeable Battery: The AirWave is equipped with a built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged via the supplied Micro USB cable, or you can operate the AirWave while it is plugged into your computer or other 5V USB Type A charging port. A fully-charged battery will provide enough power for approximately 12 to 15 hours of playback time.

Cord-Wrap Design: The AirWave's innovative Cord-Wrap Design allows you to take the needed cables with you by wrapping them around the unit.

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5 questions already asked

Does this product always stay on if it is plugged in? I see an on/off button on it, if I click on and leave it constantly plugged in, when I get into the car and turn the car on, will I be able to connect my phone to it without having to check and see if it powered on with my car?

ryanc Aug 01, 2014

8 answers

I would say if the ignition switch turns the cigarette lighter on. Then this would be turned on with the ignition switch. If the plug is alway hot, then this would always be on. There is an on/off switch on the unit.

clint Aug 04, 2014

The unit has an on/off slide button on the side. If you leave the unit in the on position your paired device will auto reconnect each time you are within reach of the unit should it disconnect from your devise due to an out of distance signal unless if has paired with a different devise such as a portable bluetooth speaker in range. When the unit is on and out of distance from your devise the blue light on top of the unit flashes. When connected it is solid. The unit also keeps a charge when the electrical connection is lost. For example if your car cuts power to the source when the ignition is turned off. Your phones bluetooth will still be connected. However if you want to connect to another bluetooth device and your phone is not far away enough from the unit to disconnect, you will have to slide the switch on the unit off to allow your phone to connect to another devise like a portable bluetooth speaker. I really like this product. The only thing I don't like is the popping sound from the speakers when the bluetooth signal goes in a standby mode from pausing the music. It kind of reminds me of the sound you would get from dropping the tone arm on a turntable to start the music. But it is a nostalgic sound.

charles Aug 02, 2014

Does your power point, or whatever you will plug it into, power down when you turn off your car? The BT150 has a battery. In standby it will last about 12 hours, so if you leave it plugged in and turned on it will remain active until the battery runs down. If your power point stays hot it will stay charged and be ready whenever you get in the car. Of course this will put a small drain on your car battery, but not enough to worry about. If you power point does not stay hot, the BT150 battery will go dead in about 12 hours. It will then need about 15 minutes of charging before it will work, and you will need to press the square button on top to re-pair it with your phone. Also my guess is that constantly cycling the battery like this will cause it to die permanently in a few months. At that point the device may stop functioning even if it is plugged in. I run mine just on the battery. I get it out of the glove box and turn it on when I get in the car. Then turn it off when I get out. About once a week, after about 5 hrs of use, I bring it inside and charge it overnight.

matthew Aug 02, 2014

The button is to connect the bluetooth. I have to hit the button each time I get in the car to connect my phone. Some units have NFC to auto connect android phones but this one does not have that.

john Aug 02, 2014

The button is to connect the bluetooth. I have to hit the button each time I get in the car to connect my phone. Some units have NFC to auto connect android phones but this one does not have that.

john Aug 02, 2014

The device is powered by an internal battery. Leaving the power switch on will drain the battery. However, assuming some life in the battery, with switch turned to "on", the device will recognize your phone. You don't need to re-pair your phone each time you leave and return to your car.

ronald Aug 02, 2014

If you leave it plugged in and turned on then it'll work every time you turn on your car. The only reason I don't do that is because I don't use it every time I drive. Plus I don't like to leave Bluetooth turned on with my phone because it uses my battery even if I'm not using it. But back to your question the answer is yes. However depending on your phone depends on how well it'll pick up and automatically connect to the Bluetooth.

steven Aug 02, 2014

I also have a parrot Bluetooth hands free device. The one that clips to my visor. Will I still be able to make and receive calls on that device will using the cobra?

thomad Jun 23, 2014

1 answer

Sorry, I do not know parrot to give you an accurate answer. The telephone (but not the music) bluetooth in my car is integrated with the car. The Cobra is plugged in to the audio system and essentially replaces the need to plug a wire in to your MP3 device. When I receive a call in my car, the "telephone" bluetooth over-rides the MP3 (Cobra) bluetooth and I can have hands-free calls just as if the Cobra was not plugged in. This is probably the way my phone/MP3 (iPhone 5s) is designed, rather than anything to do with the Cobra. I hope this was helpful, if not entirely on point.

ronald Jun 23, 2014

Will this allow you to hear the audio from a phone call on my iPhone? If I connect to it will I be able to use it for phone calls as well as streaming music?

craig Feb 04, 2014

10 answers

You will be able to hear the call but you will need to have the phone close enough to hear your voice when you speak. Anything your phone puts out, music, phone call, Etc. Will come through your speakers.

david m Feb 08, 2014

Let me rephrase then: So, if I were to receive an incoming call, I can answer it and hear the conversation through my speakers?

craig Feb 05, 2014

Don't know the answer to that. My Iphone worked via a Bluetooth connection to my Fusion, but that was a different system. I did not like this device; the connecting jack was poor quality and the signal frequently cut out, on two separate units. I would not recommend this device.

gary Feb 04, 2014

Yes - when your iPhone rings, the audio streaming to the AirWave will be muted and you can answer your iPhone normally.

richard w Feb 04, 2014

Nope, audio cuts out for inbound calls and your conversation is not transmitted.

philippe Feb 04, 2014

The music will switch off while you are using the bluetooth function.... this occurs with the use of any bluetooth device including this Cobra bluetooth device.

stephen Feb 04, 2014

It only works with audio on my android phone.

travis Feb 04, 2014

My personal experience; I'm enjoying my Pandora, or iHeart Radio, then the ring tone is my surround system, but as soon as I answer the music pauses and my conversation is private.

jesus del Feb 04, 2014

No, this unit is only for music. When you recceive a call it will stop playing the music and ring the phone. If you have bluetooth receiver for calling your phone will switch over to that device when you place or receive a call.

john Feb 04, 2014

No it dont work that way it only does music.

nathan Feb 04, 2014

Can this device be connected to my USB input in my vehicle? I have the other connections as well, but the USB has the best sound and it would also provide power while in operation.

james Dec 29, 2013

4 answers

As far as I know, it only outputs to a 3.5mm aux jack. But the sound is great! I think the USB is only for charging.

parker Dec 30, 2013

Okay he says the USB is only for power, you would still need the audio plug too (headphones 1/4 plug or the red/white or left/right plug for it to work. We may not be the best to answer, we just got it, sorry!

kelly Dec 30, 2013

I am not sure if it transmits sound through USB, I know it charges via USB. I only used it via aux to get sound. Sorry if this is not the answer you wanted.

fernando Dec 30, 2013

We think so but it's my sons and he is not home right now. Will ask and get back to you in an hour or so.

kelly Dec 30, 2013

Will any sound quality be lost when using this?

grey herndon Dec 11, 2013

12 answers

Sorry for the delay, I've been very happy with it, it worked on our Sound Bar, our old receiver & our Home Theater. I'm not an audiophile but I did think I lost a little (but not a lot) of sound quality but that might have just been my untrained ear. I would recommend it, especially at this price, and plan on buying one as a gift for a friend. Hope that helps!

kelly Dec 15, 2013

Crystal clear reception. No quality lost at all.

clifford Dec 12, 2013

The sound quality is quite good and comparable to plugging the jack directly into the phone. It is possible that you may pick up engine noise, depending on your vehicle. This noise would also come through on a direct connect to the phone so it''s not an issue with the receiver. If you have this problem, a noise filter will take care of it.

john Dec 11, 2013

I didn't notice any reduction in sound quality.But mine was installed on a motorcycle so your results may vary. I think it sounds great though.

clint Dec 11, 2013

Possibly, but my system is not high quality to begin with. There was some AC hum when connecting it with the external audio input jack, which decreased when I used the audio jacks from the video input. The most annoying glitch is a loose connection within the Cobra AirWave itself: its output jack has a loose connection inside, which was also present on a replacement. I would not recommend this product.

gary Dec 11, 2013

I'm using it in my car and the audio quality is great.

david m Dec 11, 2013

Mine sounds great the only time l have issues is when I'm using the np3 player on my phone and playing a game at the same time. I'm guessing its a phone issue.

ronald Dec 11, 2013

Hi Grey, I am completely satisfied with the purchase of the Cobra Airwave. I have not noticed any reduction in sound quality by going wireless. Both my iPhone 5 and MacBook Pro work seamlessly with this product although I have to turn off Bluetooth on one devise if I want to switch to the other device. That's about the only critique I have. Regards, Philippe

philippe Dec 11, 2013

No. Sound is good.

angel Dec 11, 2013

I recently bought this and I didn't notice any loss of sound quality. Now, keep in mind that the farthest I get away from it is maybe 4 feet so I dont know about loss of sound quality if you get close to the maximum range distance.

larry t. Dec 11, 2013

No sound lost Easy to setup Battery life is good It worked well for me in my car Definitely will recommend

miles m. Dec 11, 2013

I have not noticed any reduction in sound quality. I use the AirWave in my car.

ronald Dec 11, 2013

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