If you still have an older 30-pin iPod dock, speaker system, or car setup sitting around, the big question is whether it is worth keeping alive or whether it is time to replace it.
That is where the Auris HD comes in. It is a small Bluetooth adapter designed to plug into a 30-pin dock and turn older audio gear into a wireless speaker system.
Quick Answer
After my first 24 hours with the Auris HD, I came away impressed with the build quality and sound. It worked perfectly on my Bose 30-pin docking system, and the audio quality over Bluetooth was better than I expected.
The one important caveat is compatibility. It did not work through the 30-pin connection in my 2007 Toyota FJ setup using an older Dice Electronics adapter, so I had to use the line-out connection instead. That still sounded good, but it means the Auris HD needs to rely on its internal battery in that setup.
What The Auris HD Does
The Auris HD is a Bluetooth adapter for older 30-pin docks. Instead of plugging an iPhone or iPod directly into the dock, you plug the Auris into the dock and connect to it wirelessly from your phone.
It supports Bluetooth 4.0, which is useful because it is designed to be lower power than older Bluetooth versions. It also includes aptX support, which is meant to help with Bluetooth audio quality when your source device supports it.
The basic idea is simple: keep using the speakers, docks, and car audio gear you already own, but without having to physically dock an older Apple device.
- Bluetooth adapter for 30-pin docks
- Bluetooth 4.0 support
- aptX audio support
- Works with 30-pin dock connections or line-out
- Rechargeable battery for situations where dock power is not available
Design And Build
I backed the Auris project early on Kickstarter, and the unit I tested had just arrived the day before this first look. I received both black and white versions.
The packaging includes the Auris adapter, an instruction booklet, and a short cable. The instruction booklet has a nice durable feel to it, almost like plastic-coated paper, so it should hold up better than a flimsy paper insert.
The adapter itself is plastic, but it does not feel cheap. There were no rough edges on the unit I handled, and the whole thing felt solid and well put together.
The black model includes a black cable, and the white model includes a white cable. That is a small touch, but it helps the adapter look a little cleaner depending on the dock or car setup you are using.
Ports And Controls
The main connection is the 30-pin dock connector, but Auris also included a line-out option. That matters because it gives the adapter a second use case: even if your speaker or stereo does not have a 30-pin dock, you can still connect through an auxiliary input.
There are volume buttons on the side and a multi-function button on the front. That front button can be used for things like Siri commands, and it can also help toggle between devices.
The Auris HD supports multiple paired devices. The transcript notes support for up to eight devices, which makes it more useful in a home or shared car setup where more than one phone may need to connect.
How It Worked On A Dock
On my Bose docking system, the Auris HD worked exactly the way I hoped it would. I plugged it into the 30-pin connector, paired it over Bluetooth, and the controls worked properly.
In that setup, the Auris can also draw power from the dock, so battery life is less of a concern. That is probably the cleanest use case for this adapter: an older powered 30-pin speaker dock that still sounds good but no longer fits your current phone.
The Car Compatibility Issue
The one disappointment in my early testing was my car setup. I have a 2007 Toyota FJ with a Dice Electronics converter installed so I could use a dock connection with older iPhones.
I expected the 30-pin connection to behave like a standard dock, but the Auris HD did not work through that connection in my car. I am not sure whether the issue is the age of the Dice Electronics adapter, the way that system handles 30-pin accessories, or something else specific to that installation.
The workaround was to use the line-out connection. That worked and sounded good, but it also changed the experience. Since the adapter was no longer getting power from the 30-pin dock, I had to think about charging the Auris battery every once in a while.
That is the main thing I would watch for if you are buying this for a car: do not assume every old 30-pin integration will behave the same way. A simple speaker dock may be fine, but older car adapters can be more unpredictable.
Sound Quality
The sound quality was one of the pleasant surprises. Even using the line-out connection in the car, the Auris HD sounded excellent in my first day of use.
Bluetooth audio can be hit or miss depending on the adapter, the source device, and the stereo system, but this unit sounded strong enough that I felt it was probably one of the better options on the market at the time.
The aptX support is also worth noting, though the real-world benefit depends on whether the phone or device you are using supports it.
Battery And Charging
Auris added a rechargeable battery, which was not just a throwaway feature. It makes the adapter usable with line-out connections where there is no 30-pin dock power available.
I did not find a clear battery life rating during this first look, so I cannot say how long it will run between charges. If you are using a powered 30-pin dock, that may not matter much because the dock can power and charge it.
If you are using the auxiliary output in a car or stereo setup, battery life becomes more important. In my case, the line-out workaround worked fine, but I did not love the idea of having another device in the car that needs to be charged.
Early Verdict
For a 30-pin speaker dock, the Auris HD makes a lot of sense. It lets you keep using older audio gear without keeping an old iPhone or iPod around just to play music.
The build quality feels good, the sound quality impressed me, and the added line-out and rechargeable battery make it more flexible than a basic dock-only adapter.
The only real caution from my testing is compatibility with older car integrations. If your setup uses a third-party 30-pin adapter, especially an older one, there is a chance it may not work the way a normal speaker dock does.
Key Takeaways
- The Auris HD adds Bluetooth to older 30-pin iPod and iPhone docks.
- It worked perfectly with a Bose 30-pin docking system in my early testing.
- It did not work through my older Dice Electronics 30-pin car adapter, so I used line-out instead.
- The line-out option is useful, but it means you may need to recharge the internal battery.
- Build quality felt solid, and the audio quality was impressive for a Bluetooth adapter.
- Compatibility is the main thing to check if you plan to use it with an older car setup.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full first look, including the unboxing, controls, included cables, and how the Auris HD fits into both a home dock and car audio setup.
