A better-sounding $5 alternative to Bluetooth or AirPlay streaming

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg/CNET )

My preferred and better-sounding alternative to wireless audio streaming is a simple plug-and-play solution: it's a wire. There are no hassles with pairing, synching, dropouts, or glitches, and a skinny wire can get the job done with the best possible fidelity. The wire is also "backwards" compatible with any portable device with a headphone jack, and any iPod speaker, hi-fi system, sound bar, or computer speaker you already own! Sit on your couch with your phone or tablet and play your tunes, with a wire running to the speakers.

Sure, if you never sit in one spot, streaming audio options are perfectly fine, but the sound quality losses might be significant for some audiophiles. Most Bluetooth speakers sound pretty awful; wired speakers sound better and are cheaper to buy.

Monoprice sells a 25-foot long stereo cable with 3.5mm plugs for $2.14 (shipping adds another $3 to the price). Want to hook up your device to a bona-fide hi-fi system? You might need a cable with RCA connectors, and Monoprice's 25 foot, 3.5mm to RCA cable runs $6.79. ... [Read more]