Airplay with Receiver Amplifiers

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Airplay with Receiver Amplifiers

nzbsgfan

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Master Geek
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Topic # 201677 29-Aug-2016 16:44

Hi all.

I'm looking for the most affordable receiver amp that has Airplay available.

I've finally got my parents using their iPad for music and I think they're ready to take the next step.

Yes - I know that buying an older AppleTV or Airport express and connecting it to an entry level amp would be cheaper, but having an amp that would automatically turn on and play their music would reduce the complexity for them.

Brand isn't important - neither are the home theater options - but a radio receiver build in is also a must have.

Open to any suggestions you guys might have.

Cheers :)

DeepBlueSky

383 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1619226 29-Aug-2016 17:00

Had a quick look on Pricespy for you for Amps with Airplay support http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?m=s281464298&o=produkt_pris_inkmoms#prodlista

It says Yamaha, hope that helps :)

Yamaha RX-V381

Surround Amplifier

$515.00

DeepBlueSky

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1619228 29-Aug-2016 17:06

Then Richer Sounds site http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/yamaha/rxv381/yama-rxv381-blk says no it doesn't :/ and Yamaha also says no http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v381_u/ you may just have to look through that list and double check.

wazzageek

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Reply # 1619244 29-Aug-2016 18:03

Not knowing the definition of affordable, our current amp would work well, it has Airplay built in (along with NetRadio, Spotify and Pandora) - and I've just tested it by setting the iPad to send through to it.

It's a Yamaha HTR-4066, which has an equivalent RX model number. It's about 3 years old now and has worked well for us so far.

I was looking at the microunits from Yamaha which also has AirPlay, so if you go for a Yamaha just double check that it does have the feature.

Jase2985

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Reply # 1619264 29-Aug-2016 18:35

the Yamaha RX-V481 does

PhantomNVD

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Reply # 1619274 29-Aug-2016 19:10

One person supports this post

Have you thought about just using Bluetooth speakers directly?

Dunnersfella

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Reply # 1619303 29-Aug-2016 19:59

Look for one of last years models if price is an issue.

The entry level network capable amp with built in WiFi from almost every brand on the market should see you right. Retail 'outlets' that clear box damaged stock may work well for you.

nzbsgfan

85 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 1619375 29-Aug-2016 23:05

Thanks guys - I really appreciate you all taking time to reply here

hio77

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Spark

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Reply # 1619380 30-Aug-2016 00:13

I've found airplay to be the most 'simple' to use, slid app bar thing out and hit airplay.

Quality wise, airplay and DLNA both don't even come close to what chromecast seems to bring.

Bluetooth is just ugly all round, can pick so many flaws with it. ill stick to simply the split of audio streams possible with the alternatives.

Built in is WAY more useful, have a few plugin "airplay/DLNA repeaters" around, they all are a total pain on the network. Chromecast audio works wonderful and with HIFI mode turned on, is near perfect with FLAC.

Definitely would recommend getting a receiver with it all build in, makes usability so much simple. Make sure to hardwire it to the network to count out any wifi issues on the receiver side, Makes any troubleshooting calls rather easy "Is your wireless turned on on the ipad"

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

dclegg

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Reply # 1619416 30-Aug-2016 08:31

DeepBlueSky:

Had a quick look on Pricespy for you for Amps with Airplay support http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?m=s281464298&o=produkt_pris_inkmoms#prodlista

It says Yamaha, hope that helps :)

Yamaha RX-V381 Surround Amplifier $515.00 6

I have the RX-V381. It doesn't have Airplay, but it does have Bluetooth, which may be good enough for your parent's purpose.

ioquatix

40 posts

Geek
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Reply # 1636123 19-Sep-2016 21:04

I know this isn't exactly the right kind of reply you are after, but I just bought the Yamaha RX-A1060 and it's awesome. The AirPlay streaming is great. Even their lower end models have similar features - e.g. the 760. I'd suggest you check them out.