So, I had tried the iBolt for a short period w/ the special USB connector and I found that my Samsung HS3000 could output practically the same quality of audio. That said, I'm sure many of you remember that I've been practically obsessed with bluetooth dongles, ever since I discovered the cheap ones on ebay. Well, I thought I'd share this post that I made on the Note 8 accessory thread:
LINK: Drex post in Note 8 accessory thread regarding Bluetooth dongle/adapter options
And Woot.com has some on sale from a brand I've never heard of, but should serve the same purpose:
Avantree Bluetooth
Just to let you all know why I decided to stick with the bluetooth connection (through my 3.5mm adapter) vs. sticking with the USB audio...bottom line=convenience.
Not only was I able to achieve the same (or very very close) sound output with the bluetooth dongle, but it allowed me the option to play my music through my Note 8, without having to connect the USB every time I got in my car. Since Samsung decided not to create a car dock that was a "dock and go" option, I hated having to plug in my Note 8 every time, just to listen to music while on my commute. For those that haven't seen my new car dock setup, with my Note 8, here are the pics:
Samsung HS3000 clamped loosely (secure enough that it won't go anywhere) on the ProClip Mount w/ microUSB charging splitter between the Kidigi Mount and the HS3000, and 3.5mm plugged in.
Note 8 mounted on the Arkon Slimgrip mount (not using the suction mount provided, which went in my relative's car)
Arkon slimgrip device mount
Note 2 and Note 8 setup
Of course, I haven't gone through the trouble of hiding as many of the wires as possible yet, but everything is out of the way from daily functions that I have on my daily commute, as well as driving around town. Now, the only time I ever need to plug in my devices, is when they really need to be charging. Otherwise, this is as close to "dock and go" as I could get. With the great battery life on the Note 2 and the "good enough" battery life on the Note 8, I can get in my car, dock my Note 8, dock my Note 2, start the car up, and go. The bluetooth connection form the HS3000 to my Note 8 links up fairly fast and I have NOVA set up to auto rotate, so I have no need for car dock mode (due to PowerAMP's awesome widget).