USB port vs Bluetooth

I have a 6sPlus and converted to wireless charging with a charger case. I like it quite a bit and even though my phone/case combo is a little larger than the charging pad in the Prius, it charges up perfectly. Fewer cords dangling the better.

 

I always thought the lightning (USB C) connector on the 6 was for power and data only. Perhaps the JBL stereo is converting the digital signal with its own digital audio converter, which you utilize when selecting the iPhone plugged into the USB in port. I ended up sticking with bluetooth connection so far and using the 12v power port for the back seat with a USB converter to power and charge the phone prior to getting a Qi compatible case.

The case I got was BEZALEL® Qi Wireless Charging Receiver Phone Case Charger Back Case for iPhone 6+ Plus / 6S+ Plus (not for iPhone 6)

 

The Bezalel Latitude universal wireless charging receiver case for the iPhone 6s works with the Prius with the Qi pad


iPhone ?

 

I use that case. After 7 months, it still works well. I recommend it for iPhone users.

 

After a couple of days playing around, I concude that the JBL Entune system in my car has it's own DAC (digital analog converter) which allows it to take digital files (in a variety of formats) and convert to audio. That's why it works with iPhone, iPod Touch and other systems that don't have analog sound output from USB. This is a good thing, actually, since some feel that Bluetooth connectivity doesn't sound good and plugging from the headphone jack in the devices to the jack in the car results in double amplification, which is another no-no for high fidelity. Using the USB connection bypasses both the bluetooth compression and internal amplifier in the portable device, yielding (theoretically) superior sound.

I was pleasantly surprised when one of my Sony Digital Walkman devices worked with USB connectivity and sounded marvelous.