If you own multiple Amazon Echo devices , you should know that you can use them as stereo speakers , and setting them up is so simple it's worth learning how. The sound quality and overall listening experience improve when they're used together. While the sound quality of most Echo devices might not seem high enough to make this feature worthwhile, we can assure you that when combined, the listening experience is significantly enhanced. We'll tell you how to do it and other details you should know.
Enjoy better sound quality with your Amazon Echo
We often read that if you have a pair of Apple HomePods you can use them as stereo speakers. Good when you play content through Apple TV or from your own television or other devices such as the PlayStation 5 among others thanks to the recent support for HDMI ARC that incorporates the latest generation of the company's set top box. Still, these aren't the only smart speakers that allow for these types of options.
If you have multiple Amazon Echo devices, you can also create a stereo combination between them . This is always interesting because, while a single speaker can generate a very complete and satisfying listening experience, two are much better. The sensation is different, and depending on the situation, especially when you're standing still and enjoying the music, it can be even more rewarding.
So, as we said, what do you think if we see how to create a stereo configuration between two Amazon Echos. But before starting, it is important to know which models are compatible with each other with this option, although we already anticipate that you will not have practically any problem.
Amazon Echo compatible with stereo mode
To pair two Echo devices in stereo mode, the first thing to know is that ideally they should be identical. This ensures the sound you receive from both the left and right channels is the same. However, some models are compatible with other generations.
What you should know now is important. You can't make a stereo group with any Echo model. Each model has its compatible partners. In the list that we show you below, we leave you each Amazon Echo model and, to its right, all the models that can be paired for stereo music. You will only have to look for your model in the list to determine what other devices you can link it with:
- Echo (1st generation) -> EchoSub
- Echo (2st generation) -> Echo (2nd Gen) and Echo Sub
- Echo (3st generation) -> Echo (3rd Gen), Echo Plus (2nd Gen), and Echo Sub
- Echo (4st generation) -> Echo (4th Gen) and Echo Sub
- Echo Dot (4th generation) and Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock -> Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Dot (4th Gen) with Clock and Echo Sub
- Echo Dot (3rd generation) and Echo Dot with clock -> Echo Dot (3rd Gen), Echo Dot with Clock, and Echo Sub
- Echo Plus (1st generation) -> Echo Plus (1st Gen) and Echo Sub
- Echo Plus (2st generation) -> Echo Plus (2nd Gen), Echo (3rd Gen), and Echo Sub
- Echo Show (1st generation) -> EchoSub
- Echo Show (2st generation) -> EchoSub
- Echo Show 5 -> Echo Show 5 and Echo Sub
- Echo Show 8 -> EchoSub
- Echo Show 10 -> EchoSub
- Echo Studio -> Echo Studio and Echo Sub
As you can see, some models can only be linked to the Echo Sub, which in itself would improve sound quality by giving it more body. But to be able to use a stereo combination we would have the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation Echo models, the 3rd and 4th generation Echo Dot (with or without clock), 1st and 2nd generation Echo Plus as well as the Echo Show 5 and Echo Studio.
The models that allow different generations to be combined is because they use the same speaker, although at the design level they may vary and add some difference. If you have an Echo Dot 3 and an Echo Dot 4 at home, you should know that they cannot be combined to form a stereo pair. In this case, we recommend that you use the Echo Dot 3 for multi-room music.
How to create a stereo set with two Echos
Let's get to the important part: pairing two Echo devices to create a stereo speaker combination that allows us to enjoy a better listening experience when playing content through them, whatever it may be.
The first thing you are going to need is, how could it be otherwise, the Alexa application installed on your mobile phone. It is true that you can also access the settings from your browser and the web address alexa.amazon.com, but you will not see this option there. So, install the app if you don't have it (which we don't think will happen, but just in case). Once you have it, follow these steps:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone and go to the Devices tab
- Now tap on the + icon in the upper right corner and you will see a floating menu appear
- Give the option of Combine speakers, is the one that will allow you to create what you are looking for, although it will also give two other options that are: multi-room music and home theater.
- In this new screen select Pair of speakers/Subwoofer
- The speakers that you can connect will appear below. If you select one that is incompatible with the rest, the app itself will tell you that you cannot do it. So it is very easy to carry out the process. Of course, remember that everyone must be connected to the same WiFi network
- Once you have your Echo selected, click next
- Check that when you play audio on the left channel it sounds from the speaker on your left and the same with the one on the right. If not, give the option to edit the channels and change them
- Done, hit save and you'll have everything to enjoy this stereo configuration with your favorite content
From now on, when you play music on one of the selected Echos, the sound will be split between the two or more speakers you've linked. As you may have seen, this is a rather interesting trick that you can use both to significantly improve the sound quality of your home and to take advantage of an Echo that you have replaced with a superior model.
Home theater with multiple Echo devices and a Fire TV
As we mentioned earlier, when creating a speaker combination, there are two additional options besides creating a Speaker/Subwoofer Pair. These are Multi-Room Music and Home Theater.
The first option doesn't need much explanation, as it allows all the Echo devices you've selected to play the chosen content simultaneously. However, the home theater option is appealing because it lets you combine it with a Fire TV for a better experience when playing series, movies, or other content through it.
In addition to having one of the compatible Echo devices, it is also essential to have a Fire TV. So, if you're interested, these are the compatible devices for this enhanced audio experience.
Supported Fire TV Devices
Fire TV devices that are compatible with Home Theater mode offered by Amazon are as follows:
- Fire TV Stick 4K
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Fire TV Cube 2nd Generation
- Fire TV Stick 3rd generation
- fire tv stick lite
Compatible Echo Devices
On the other hand, the devices compatible with the Home Theater mode are:
- Echo Dot (4th generation)
- Echo Dot (3th generation)
- Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock
- >Echo Dot with clock
- >Echo (4th generation)
- >Echo (3th generation)
- Echo (2st generation)
- Echo Plus (2st generation)
- Echo Studio
Audio cut out during stereo mode?
If you notice small dropouts during sound playback in stereo mode , try the following to troubleshoot the problem:
- Update Alexa: Just say "Alexa, update to the latest version." The device will look in the online repository for updates and apply them if necessary. All Echos must be on the latest version in order to perform correctly.
- Check the coverage: If the Echos have poor connectivity, it is quite likely that small cuts will occur during sound playback, both in stereo mode and when listening to multi-room music.
- Do a factory reset: It is done in a matter of minutes and you can fix this problem. Simply go to the mobile app, locate the Echo and unlink it from your account. Then start it again. Once configured you can pair them again.
Squeeze your Echo devices
As you can see, there are multiple possibilities to get the most out of your Echo devices. Not only is everything related to the use of Alexa, the routines and other of its intelligent capabilities. Also aspects related to the joint use as traditional speakers.
And it is that you not only have what we have told you now, there is also the option of being able to use them as Bluetooth or wired PC speakers in the case of those Echo whose 3,5mm Jack connection is also an input.