How to Use a Bluetooth Audio Receiver | Wired Sound, Wireless Source

Connecting a Bluetooth audio receiver takes about two minutes: power it, plug it into your stereo’s input, pair your phone, and play.

A Bluetooth audio receiver turns any wired speaker system into a wireless one. It captures audio from your phone, tablet, or computer over Bluetooth and sends it to your stereo, powered speakers, or headphones through a cable. If your sound system has an aux, RCA, or optical input but no Bluetooth, this little box is the fix. The setup works the same across most models, so here’s the step-by-step that applies whether you’re using a budget adapter or a higher-end unit like the Audioengine B1.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather three things before you begin: the receiver itself, a power source, and the right cable to connect it to your audio system. Most receivers ship with the necessary cable, but check which input your stereo has — 3.5 mm aux, RCA, or optical are the most common.

Connect the receiver’s audio output to your stereo’s input first. The Sony HWS-BTA2W manual spells this out: run a cable from the LINE OUT on the receiver to the LINE IN on your stereo. The signal flows one way — out of the receiver, into the amplifier. Plugging into the wrong jack is the most common mistake, so double-check the port labels.

Power comes next. Some units use a USB cable and a 5V adapter; others, like the Sony, take a dedicated AC adapter (DC 4.5V for that model). Use only the power supply the manufacturer specifies — wrong voltage can damage the unit. Older boards sometimes need 12V, while most modern ones run happily on 5V USB power.

Pairing the Receiver With Your Phone or Computer

Once power is connected, the receiver usually enters pairing mode automatically. On the Audioengine B1, the unit goes into pair mode on its own when powered up, and the LED flashes to confirm. If yours doesn’t, look for a button labeled “Pair” or “Connect” and hold it until the light blinks rapidly — often alternating red and blue.

Now grab your phone, tablet, or laptop. Open Bluetooth settings, make sure Bluetooth is on, and scan for available devices. You’re looking for the receiver’s name — it might be something generic like “BTTR2” or a brand name like “Audioengine B1.” Select it to pair. If prompted for a PIN, enter 0000; the AV:Link BTTR2 manual confirms this is the default code.

When the connection succeeds, the receiver’s LED stops blinking and turns solid. That’s your cue — you’re connected. Play something from your phone and sound should come out of your wired speakers. Many receivers remember several paired devices — the Audioengine B1 remembers up to six — but they connect to just one at a time, so don’t expect simultaneous playback from two phones.

Which Devices Work With a Bluetooth Receiver?

Any device that outputs Bluetooth audio will work: smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers with Bluetooth built in. Your source device needs to support the A2DP profile, which virtually all modern phones and computers do — that’s the profile that carries music-quality audio rather than just phone calls.

On the receiving end, the only requirement is that your stereo or speakers have a line-level input. That means aux, RCA, or optical — not a headphone jack, unless the manual says otherwise. Some receivers also support NFC pairing; if your phone has NFC, you can often just touch it to the receiver and skip the menu entirely.

Range and interference follow normal Bluetooth limits. Keep your phone reasonably close to the receiver — within about 30 feet with a clear path — and expect some dropouts if you wander into another room or stand between large metal objects.

Making the Most of Your New Wireless Setup

Once paired, the receiver stays connected to your phone automatically. If you’re picking a receiver for your setup and need help choosing between models with aux-only outputs versus ones with RCA and optical, our roundup of the best aux bluetooth adapters breaks down which units handle which connections.

Keep these quick tips in mind for trouble-free use:

• If sound drops or stutters, move the receiver and your phone closer together — distance is the usual culprit.
• If pairing fails, power-cycle the receiver and put it back into pairing mode before scanning again.
• If you switch source devices often, check the manual for multi-device memory — some units reconnect to the last device automatically.
• If your stereo has both aux and RCA inputs, use whichever matches the cable that came with your receiver; the other port stays free for other gear.

That’s the whole process. Power it, plug it in, pair it, play. Your wired speakers just became wireless.