I have 4 higher end stereos in my house. I had loaded perhaps 600 CD's into iTunes and I have forever used an AirPort Extreme that talked to airport expresses that plugged into my stereos so I could use the remote app on my iPhone to control music throughout my home. I suspect it is time to rework all of the networking? I currently have Xfinity providing my internet and streaming services for tv's. What do I need to use to connect to my iTunes/music and connect to my various stereos?
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I need to rework my home airport network
- Thread starter Brian T
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My recommendation would be to replace your router with a modern one, or a mesh system such as Netgear Orbi, depending on the size and complexity of the area you need to cover.
Then, get a dedicated AirPlay 2 adapter for each stereo. I would recommend wired Ethernet for stability and low latency, but WiFi works fine for me where Ethernet is not practical.
The AirPort Express units you already have will actually work nicely as AirPlay 2 adapters if you upgrade them to the latest firmware and disable networking so that they only act as AirPlay receivers and not as WiFi units. There are some caveats as described here:
forums.macrumors.com
Unlike just a few years ago, there are now several really nice products to choose from to replace an AirPort Express, depending on your requirements:
www.belkin.com
www.wiimhome.com
www.wiimhome.com
www.evehome.com
The Belkin is the cheapest no-nonsense option that does what it says on the tin. If you intend to use the optical interface, and only AirPlay 2, this one is just fine. No Ethernet, though.
The WiiM app is really nice, and the Pro version has several high-end features and interfaces, all the streaming services and a pretty good DAC.
I haven’t had a chance to try the Eve Play yet, but I intend to.
You may want to read through this entire thread:
forums.macrumors.com
Then, get a dedicated AirPlay 2 adapter for each stereo. I would recommend wired Ethernet for stability and low latency, but WiFi works fine for me where Ethernet is not practical.
The AirPort Express units you already have will actually work nicely as AirPlay 2 adapters if you upgrade them to the latest firmware and disable networking so that they only act as AirPlay receivers and not as WiFi units. There are some caveats as described here:
Downgraded Airport Express firmware to 7.6.9, simultaneous multi-room audio still works
I have a few A1392 Airport Express units which I bought used to get multi-room simultaneous audio support. I updated them all to 7.8.1 immediately when I received them. In my home office I play from iMac to the AE at the stereo for background music, but when manually switching tracks I often get...
forums.macrumors.com
Unlike just a few years ago, there are now several really nice products to choose from to replace an AirPort Express, depending on your requirements:
AirPlay 2 Audio Adapter with Optical + 3.5mm | Belkin US
Our Audio Adapter with AirPlay 2 is a plug-and-play way to wirelessly stream from your iOS device to any speaker with an optical or 3.5mm input. Shop now.
WiiM Pro and Plus | Versatile Audiophile Streaming: Unleash the Brilliance
Unveil the brilliance of your music with WiiM Pro and Plus. Embrace versatile audiophile streaming that redefines your listening experience with uncompromising quality
WiiM Mini | Elevate Your Audio Gear: Smart, Affordable, Effortless
Unleash the potential of your audio setup with WiiM Mini. Experience the magic of smart, affordable, and effortless upgrades that breathe new life into your beloved audio equipment.
Eve Play | evehome.com
With Eve Play, stream music via AirPlay to existing amplifiers, active speakers or soundbars conveniently and in high fidelity. This way, your tried-and-tested Hi-Fi system becomes the new star of your multi-room setup.
The Belkin is the cheapest no-nonsense option that does what it says on the tin. If you intend to use the optical interface, and only AirPlay 2, this one is just fine. No Ethernet, though.
The WiiM app is really nice, and the Pro version has several high-end features and interfaces, all the streaming services and a pretty good DAC.
I haven’t had a chance to try the Eve Play yet, but I intend to.
You may want to read through this entire thread:
Belkin Launches Soundform Connect Audio Adapter to Add AirPlay 2 to Standard Speakers
Belkin today announced the launch of the new Belkin Soundform Connect Audio Adapter with AirPlay 2 support, which is designed to turn any traditional stereo speaker into an AirPlay 2-enabled speaker. The Soundform Connect can be connected to any powered speaker or sound system using an...
forums.macrumors.com
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If you already have a working set up, why do you feel the need to upgrade it? AirPort Expresses still work through modern macOS and iOS versions, so there isn't a need to change to anything else unless you are having connection issues or something. The only thing I could suggest is running ethernet for them, and making sure you have the latest AirPort Express model since they can have AirPlay 2 support.
I've got a similar setup in my house and things have been great for years.
I've got a similar setup in my house and things have been great for years.