DS18 BT-TWO Bluetooth Dongle Audio Receiver
DS18 BT-TWO Bluetooth Dongle Audio Receiver — Product description
The DS18 BT-TWO is a waterproof Bluetooth audio receiver that streams music straight to your amplifier over RCA. Think of it as a stand-alone source for boats that don't need a full head unit. Pair your phone, hit play, done.
Not every boat needs a head unit bolted into the dash. Sometimes you've already got an amplifier and a set of speakers wired in, and all you're missing is a clean way to feed music into it. That's exactly what the DS18 BT-TWO does. It's a small Bluetooth dongle that acts as a stand-alone audio source, streaming from your phone over Bluetooth and passing the signal out through a pair of stereo male RCA connectors.
DS18 built this one for the marine environment. It carries an IP65 waterproof rating, so a little spray or rain on an open console isn't going to kill it. It runs Bluetooth 4.0, which means better sound quality, faster pairing, and longer range than the older BT standards. And it plays nice with both Android and Apple phones over the standard A2DP profile, so it doesn't matter what's in your pocket.
The install is about as simple as marine audio gets. Power it, ground it, and run the RCA output into an open input on your amp. Current draw is only 20mA, so it's not going to pull down your battery sitting idle. There's an in-line fuse for protection, and a remote trigger output that can switch your amplifier on when the dongle powers up. That trigger output is the part people forget to look for, and it's genuinely handy when you want the amp to wake with the system instead of running a separate switch.
One thing worth calling out: the BT-TWO won't interfere with a hands-free phone system if you've got one running. It sticks to audio streaming and stays out of the way.
Who's this for? Anyone building a simple, budget-friendly audio setup on a smaller boat, or anyone who wants to replace a dead head unit without paying for a whole new stereo. Wire it to an amp, pair your phone, and you've got music. If you're not sure it fits your existing setup, give us a shout and we'll talk it through.
Key Features
- Bluetooth 4.0 for higher sound quality, faster pairing, and longer range
- IP65 waterproof rating stands up to spray and rain on an open console
- Stereo male RCA output feeds directly into any amplifier input
- Works with both Android and Apple devices over the A2DP profile
- Remote trigger output switches your amplifier on with the system
- Low 20mA current draw won't drain the battery at idle
- In-line fuse protection built in
- Stand-alone source, so no head unit required
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized DS18 reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | DS18 Bluetooth Dongle |
|---|---|
| Brand | DS18 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | BT-TWO |
| UPC | 663593066923 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Audio Profile | A2DP |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 |
| Output | Stereo Male RCA |
| Device Compatibility | Android and Apple OS |
| Remote Trigger Output | Yes |
| Current Draw | 20mA |
| Fuse Protection | In-line |
| Category | Entertainment Accessories |
| Sold As | Individual |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a head unit to use the BT-TWO?
No. That's the whole point of it. The BT-TWO is a stand-alone Bluetooth source that streams straight into your amplifier over RCA, so you can run a full audio setup without a stereo head unit in the dash.
How do I pair my phone with it?
Once it's powered up, open Bluetooth on your phone, find the BT-TWO in the device list, and select it. It streams over the standard A2DP profile, so both Android and Apple phones connect the same way.
Is it actually waterproof?
It carries an IP65 rating, which means it handles spray and rain on an open helm just fine. We still wouldn't mount it somewhere it sits underwater, but for normal marine exposure it holds up.
What does the remote trigger output do?
It sends a signal to switch your amplifier on when the dongle powers up. Wire it to the amp's remote input and the amp wakes with the system instead of needing a separate switch.
Will it interfere with a Bluetooth hands-free phone system?
No. The BT-TWO handles audio streaming only and stays out of the way of hands-free calling systems.
How much power does it draw?
Only about 20mA, so leaving it wired in won't pull your battery down while the boat sits.