That's right! However it doesn't have a full sized optical (toslink) input. You'll need a mini dislink adapter to plug the cable into the 3.5mm digital input in the back.I think this may be the right one? Apple Airport Express A1392 2nd Generation
That's right! However it doesn't have a full sized optical (toslink) input. You'll need a mini dislink adapter to plug the cable into the 3.5mm digital input in the back.
I bought one of these and can stream Airplay2. Works like a charm.I think this may be the right one? Apple Airport Express A1392 2nd Generation
Thanks for the info! Which one do you like better A) from a usability standpoint (responsiveness when air playing, reliability, connection issues?) and B) do you hear a difference between the two?I bought one of these and can stream Airplay2. Works like a charm.
Belkin also just came up with an Airplay streamer, which also works. However, I have noticed that Belkin will always output 48Khz even if the lossless stream was 44.1Khz, which tells me to its upsampled somewhere. Airport Express, always does 44.1Khz regardless.
Interestingly, a lot of the content that is available in Hi-Res on Apple Music, is going to be 24bit 48Khz when choosing the lower grade lossless, not Hi-Res. In this case, the Airport will be downsampling these to 44.1Khz, while Belkin will be 48Khz. . Not sure why, but I have both and have tested both. here is the link to Belkin.
Thanks for the info! Which one do you like better A) from a usability standpoint (responsiveness when air playing, reliability, connection issues?) and B) do you hear a difference between the two?
Using AirPort express A1392, latest firmware update to AirPlay 2, Apple Music in the above setup will be delivered 16 or 24-bit/44.1 kHz?In this case, the Airport will be downsampling these to 44.1Khz, while Belkin will be 48Khz.
1. To answer your 1st question, volume is adjusted in Apple Music on your iOS device. Same for the Belkin device. One thing I have noted is there is a slight delay or lag adjusting the volume with Airplay2 AirPort and Belkin. With airplay1 there is no lag.@gags11, would you please share with me, using the iPhone/iPad (Apple Music) > AirPlay > AirPort Express A1392 > Toslink , we are able to change the volume in Apple Music or it's fixed at maximum ?
Using AirPort express A1392, latest firmware update to AirPlay 2, Apple Music in the above setup will be delivered 16 or 24-bit/44.1 kHz?
Thanks,
Regarding point 3. I also drew this conclusion (Airplay2 streams from the Apple Music servers, similar to how chrome cast works) however after some testing I came to the conclusion that this is incorrect. I also tested turning off WiFi and noticed that the stream kept going - however, it seems like AirPlay2 simply has quite a large buffer and so keeps playing for quite a long time. After some more testing, I realized that after a while the stream WILL cut out, just like it does on Airplay1. I drew the conclusion that AirPlay2 direct streams just like AirPlay1, but that it has a larger buffer so that it feels more stable, responsive and it doesn’t immediately start stuttering if there’s some network congestion.1. To answer your 1st question, volume is adjusted in Apple Music on your iOS device. Same for the Belkin device. One thing I have noted is there is a slight delay or lag adjusting the volume with Airplay2 AirPort and Belkin. With airplay1 there is no lag.
2. It is 16bit 44.1kHz
3. This may be a naive observation, but it seems Airplay 1 streams directly from iPhone/iPad to Airplay receiver. Airplay2 streams from Apple Music server and not from the iOS device. I had times where connection between the iPhone and Belkin or AirPort was lost, but the music still streams, confirming direct stream from server itself.
A14 display any info regarding the sample rate and bits if you play for example a 24/192 song from Apple Music via iPhone/iPad > Airport Express > Optical out > A14? Thanks,
These are the parameters of the A14 DAC (it can handle up to 24/192), this not necessarily the sample rate and bits of the signal received from AirPort Optical output.A14 DAC via Optical: LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)