OVERVIEW

Written by Crutchfield's David B.

Looking for an easy to way to stream music to almost any stereo system? Add Bluetooth to your A/V receiver, integrated amp, or preamp with the Focal universal wireless receiver. Just plug this tiny unit into a free set of RCA inputs on your stereo system and stream high-quality audio from Bluetooth devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers — no separate dongles or adapters required. The Focal wireless receiver features apt-X compatibility, allowing for near-CD quality streaming with an apt-X compatible source.

Product highlights:

adds wireless streaming capability to home audio systems for use with Bluetooth devices
compact plug-in design
works with any receiver or amplifier with RCA inputs
apt-X compatible for near-CD quality streaming audio
wireless range: up to 33 feet (unobstructed)
includes RCA extension cable and power cable
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee
MFR # FCLNAAPTX

What's in the box:

Focal Universal Bluetooth® Receiver owner's manual

Bluetooth receiver
AC power adapter (w/ attached 6' DC cord)
3 AC plug inserts (US/EU/UK)
12" Stereo female RCA-to-male RCA extension cable
User Manual

Featured review

I'm very happy with the purchase of the Focal Bluetooth Receiver. It works great, was easy to install and arrived quicker than I thought it would. Would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of the same purchase. Thanks Crutchfield!

Terry from Ames, IA

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Customer Q&A

Can this be used on a car stereo? I want to install this behind the dash? What supplies the power?

115 volts

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REVIEWS

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Focal Universal Bluetooth® Receiver Reviews

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DETAILS

Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Product Research

Features

Universal Wireless Receiver: The Focal Universal Wireless Receiver enables wireless connection of your Bluetooth-enabled devices (such as your Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Blackberry, or laptop/computer) to your home entertainment system. Now, you will be able to listen to music files and music apps from your Bluetooth-enabled devices on your home stereo system (your home system must have a free stereo RCA audio input).

Bluetooth A2DP Technology: The Focal Universal Wireless Receiver features Bluetooth A2DP technology, which allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your Bluetooth-enabled device to your home entertainment system. You will continue to control your music and view song/artist information from your Bluetooth-enabled device.

Note: Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Focal Universal Wireless Receiver.

Apt-X Compatible: Apt-X audio coding, which is featured on a growing number of Android mobile devices as well as MacBooks and Apple desktop computers, allows audio to be broadcast wirelessly in significantly higher quality than over standard Bluetooth. The apt-X codec achieves a 4:1 compression ratio, allowing for near-CD quality listening (16-bit/44.1kHz). You'll instantly notice more extensive dynamic range, deeper bass, and crystal-clear top end.

Stereo RCA Outputs: The Focal Universal Wireless Receiver is fitted with a set of male stereo RCA connectors and includes a stereo RCA extension cable to plug into your home receiver or powered speakers.

LED Indicators: The Focal Universal Wireless Receiver features a single LED to indicate operation status. If the LED is not lit, the receiver is off (plug the included AC power supply into a power outlet). If the LED is blinking, the receiver is powered on with no source associated to it (you can now associate a new device). If the LED is continuously blinking, the receiver is powered on and one device is already associated to it.

Power Requirements: The Focal Universal Wireless Receiver operates off of standard household current using the included external AC power supply.

Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz, 150mA
Output: 5.0V - 500mA

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Q&A

Q

Crutchfield asked: Why did you buy this?

stream from phone to receiver [ DAVID Jan 21, 2019 ]

I need one fast for 7/14/18 picnic [ Curtis Jul 10, 2018 ]

I listen to music with my iPhone and iPad love the variety will use it even my when I pipe it through my amp. [ Terry Feb 26, 2018 ]

Focal quality. Enough said. [ wayne Sep 09, 2017 ]

Need to make an older (but otherwise perfectly functional) home theater receiver Bluetooth compatible ... cheaper this way than buying a new receiver unit with built-in Bluetooth functionality. [ MARTIN Aug 25, 2017 ]

A friend suggested I purchase a bluetooth adapter for my home receiver. Thinking this would be an easy Google search, I spent an hour sifting many websites and became more confused about what to buy. Frustrated, I decided to call Crutchfield... and within 5 minutes of describing my devices and needs, I made an informed decision. "Sam" was very helpful, friendly and professional consultant who guided me to the correct bluetooth device to meet my needs. Thanks Sam and Crutchfield! Sam's Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=96 [ Philip Apr 24, 2016 ]

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4 questions already asked

Why would anyone want to use bluetooth, which is inherently limited by its compression algorithms and the audio limitations of the sending device, rather than Google's Chromecast Audio which connects directly to the internet with no distance limitations and delivers 100% of the music without any limitations at a fraction of the cost?

[ Cory Feb 25, 2018 ]

1 answer

On occasion, I do not want to be limited to having an internet connection available- have a nice day!

[ wayne Mar 01, 2018 ]

Will this unit work with Amazon's Echo and most Apple devices?

[ Michael Feb 23, 2017 ]

1 answer

I bought this device so that I could play the thousands of songs I have stored on my iPhone 7 through my 1970's Dynaco preamp. I must say it works well as long at you keep the phone in the same room. I am not sure about the amazon product but I'm sure it would work also

[ WILLIAM Feb 24, 2017 ]

Can this be used on a car stereo? I want to install this behind the dash? What supplies the power?

[ John Jan 20, 2015 ]

6 answers

115 volts

[ CHRIS Jan 20, 2015 ]

Power comes from an AC adapter. You ma be better off buying a new in-dash receiver with bluetooth capabilities.

[ Clayton Jan 20, 2015 ]

AC power only I think.

[ ERNIE Jan 20, 2015 ]

The power is supplied via a wall wart. The wart is on the small side but even if you have a regular AC outlet on your dash (my 03 Toyota Matrix does) and enough clearance behind your car stereo, getting something like this behind it and firmly locked in place might be tall order if your ride is bumpy. The RCA connectors do grab rather firmly though but I'm not confident it would be the ideal application in an automotive setting behind your dash. I know the higher quality audio transmission capability of this device's APT-X feature is rare to find in automotive audio but the newer radio/media players that include the latest Bluetooth specs can sound pretty beautiful. I have a Smartphone Cradle Receiver that I bought from Crutchfield that once you dial in the audio settings to your liking can sound amazing with good source material over Bluetooth. (I'm a career musician and passionate audiophile - I'll admit my latest aftermarket car radio does sound great via Bluetooth. It sounds much better than the previous generation model from the same company. I'm not sure I can say the brand name in this response so I'm leaving that out even though I bought from Crutchfield.) I hope this helps!

[ ALVESTER C Jan 20, 2015 ]

Power is supplied through an AC adapter. It is on the small side but you would need an inverter to run it in your car. I use this in my apartment with my iPhone and when I leave the apartment, I have to connect back to the receiver. It remains paired, but the connection must be made each time it leaves the proximity of the Focal.

[ DAVID Jan 20, 2015 ]

John Sorry to say mine is hooked into my home receiver so the power is supplied through that I have no idea if it would work on a car stereo ?

[ STEVE Jan 20, 2015 ]

What input on the receiver is recommended for use with this device? I have a Marantz SR 6003 receiver.

[ Chris Feb 22, 2014 ]

6 answers

Any input that's an RCA connection will do. I have it on the last pair of 4 RCA input pairs on a preamp in my secondary stereo system and it works perfectly. If your RCA jacks are spaced widely apart like on some audiophile preamps you'll need to run the RCA extension adapter cables that come with the unit. All the above applies to receivers too as a receiver includes a preamp (or preamps) and amplifiers. If you have a relatively modern receiver that includes the option to connect physically via HDMI or RCA on some are all inputs, you might need to go into your receiver's settings and assign the input to use either RCA if the input doesn't auto-sense what connector is being used. In other words some receivers might default to HDMI even though you've connected via RCA.

[ ALVESTER C Feb 24, 2014 ]

Any extra/unused imput will work. ie: if you are not using a turntable that jack can be used. Just remember to set the receiver accordingly. Hope this helps

[ MARK Feb 24, 2014 ]

On my Yamaha receiver I use line in, cd, or aux in for the receiver. All of them work good without distortions.

[ Mike Feb 23, 2014 ]

Chris, my receiver is a Yamaha R S500, but probably has a similar set-up on back panel. I was advised to plug the "focal" unit into the power source then insert the lead into line-3 in the area marked for In-put lines. I think we were told it could go into 1, 2 or 3, but 3 worked just fine. Good sound quality, works really well. Find the "In-put" on the back and use one.

[ THOMAS D Feb 23, 2014 ]

Aux

[ BILL J Feb 23, 2014 ]

Have used the aux input in my receiver with satisfactory results. This equipment is good and reliable. However, it's internal D/A is at average. Unfortunately, there is no way to connect to an external D/A. Music is received without interruption and clear, but with a lack of resolution and details.

[ DERWIN Feb 23, 2014 ]

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About the Focal Universal Bluetooth® Receiver

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What's in the box:

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12 reasons to shop with us

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Focal Universal Bluetooth® Receiver Reviews

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