Problem getting bluetooth apt-x codec to work

[lexvo]

I have a Sennheiser headphone that I pair with my iMac over bluetooth. For best audio quality I want the aptx codec to be active.

The problem is, that I can't force the aptx codec to be active. Sometimes my imac uses SBC, sometimes it uses aptx. I already tried the force setting aptx using the Bluetooth explorer but that doesn't work either.

Anyone an idea?

I have a 2012 27" iMac running OS-X El Capitan 10.11.4

 

[campyguy]

In one of Sennheiser's post about this very point, they allude to an Apple Developer app named Bluetooth Explorer (an I/O app) but they'd rather sell you a thumb dongle - https://sennheiseruk.happyfox.com/kb/article/187-bluetooth-headphones-with-apple-macs

You'll find more here, including instructions and a stashed copy of the Explorer app - http://www.theghostbit.com/2015/03/force-mac-os-x-to-use-aptx-with-your.html

I've used the app and it works perfectly. I have a dev account, but the above two posts are much more helpful than I can write here in a short time... Cheers!

 

[lexvo]

Thanks.
Alas, I had tried Bluetooth Explorer, but it didn't work. I set force use of aptx and reconnected my headphone several times. But it keeps connecting with SBC. The strange thing is that yesterday I had no problems connecting with aptx.

 

[campyguy]

Bummer. FWIW, you might take Sennheiser up on their dongle. I hate having to use dongles, but sometimes it's the only way. I have a few Logitech headsets with wideband audio - my Edge UC will pair with my Macs but only will provide wideband audio with the included USB dongle, and that bit ticks me off in that my iPhone 6S pairs with my Edge and provides wideband audio. :doh:

 

[lexvo]

I tried to remove and reconnect my headphone over bluetooth, but now I can't connect my headphone at all! I tried several times but the headphone won't connect. The problem is with the iMac/OS-X as the headphone connects with no problem to my iPhone.

I also tried deleting the com.apple.bluetooth.plist and rebooting my iMac but that didn't help either. BTW my magic mouse connects with no problem over bluetooth.

I don't have a good feeling about OS-X and bluetooth.....
[doublepost=1461782644][/doublepost]Well, after some more fiddling I managed to pair my headphone, and now bluetooth also uses the APTX codec! I'm happy for now, hopefully APTX will keep working the coming days.

 

[lexvo]

Spoke too soon I guess.....

My headphone is still working over bluetooth but SBC is always selected as codec. I tried force APTX again via the Bluetooth Explorer but that doesn't work. Yesterday the APTX codec was always selected without needing to force set it. I think the Bluetooth Explorer is not working on my system.

I guess I have to live with this erratic behavior

 

[campyguy]

I guess I have to live with this erratic behavior

We're just about into lunch time here, asked a few of those using BT headsets with the Macs on the desk - all 3 related that they gave up on apt-x sticking, that it doesn't stick well even on PCs. Each of them bought a Sennheiser BTD 500 USB dongle - I tried one for a few minutes and it was pretty good IMHO, but it was in a busy office setting...

I only use my BT devices for transcription/dictation and file transfer - that above link I posted is for pretty much that purpose while the BTD 500 USB is used for both voice AND music. For my Edge, I can use it with my Mac with or without the included dongle but I will offer that the sound and accuracy are soooo much better with the dongle. That's all I've got! Cheers!

 

[lexvo]

We're just about into lunch time here, asked a few of those using BT headsets with the Macs on the desk - all 3 related that they gave up on apt-x sticking, that it doesn't stick well even on PCs. Each of them bought a Sennheiser BTD 500 USB dongle - I tried one for a few minutes and it was pretty good IMHO, but it was in a busy office setting...

I only use my BT devices for transcription/dictation and file transfer - that above link I posted is for pretty much that purpose while the BTD 500 USB is used for both voice AND music. For my Edge, I can use it with my Mac with or without the included dongle but I will offer that the sound and accuracy are soooo much better with the dongle. That's all I've got! Cheers!

Thanks. I also use my headphone with my iPhone and APTX isn't available on iOS anyway. As for the Mac, I guess I can always use the supplied cable if I want optimum audio quality

 

[Queen6]

Try using a wired mouse & keyboard, if your using BT mouse & keyboard it`s likely that`s what is affecting the headphones being able to connect with APTX. I had the same issue with BT speakers, once I disconnected the other BT devices the connection was solid.

Q-6

 

[lexvo]

Try using a wired mouse & keyboard, if your using BT mouse & keyboard it`s likely that`s what is affecting the headphones being able to connect with APTX. I had the same issue with BT speakers, once I disconnected the other BT devices the connection was solid.

Q-6

Thanks, I have a wired keyboard but a BT mouse. I will give it a try.

However, the thing is when I first pair my headphone it connects with APTX. The next day it only connects with SBC. If I remove my headphone from the bluetooth list and pair is again it connects with APTX.