Query re Airport Express

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eracode

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#119106 20-May-2013 20:48

I currently stream music from an iPad to our stereo using bluetooth via a Logitech BT receiver plugged into the stereo. However BT can be a bit flaky so I'm thinking about replacing the Logitech with an Apple Airport Express so as to use WiFi for the streaming.

Reading and watching AE setup stuff on the net, it seems that the AE creates its own network which I would then be using for streaming i.e. the AE does not utilise our existing home WiFi setup. Is that correct?

Currently, when I have the BT setup running, I can still connect to the internet over our WiFi and surf while I listen. I'm wondering if I will still be able to do that if I'm using the AE? Is there any way the AE can be set up so that I can stream through it but still be on the 'net? i.e. can the the AE be set up to use the exisiting WiFi rather than its own network?

I hope I've explained this OK. Maybe I misunderstand how the AE works. I'll be grateful for comments and advice.

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AKT

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#822671 20-May-2013 20:57

Yes, AE can be used to extend your network, so you can be on the internet at the same time as streaming to your hifi.

Probably best to google your router to see if there’s an issue with this setup as I believe there was an issue with some of the Telecom supplied routers connecting to apple gear.

A

nickb800

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#822687 20-May-2013 21:25

As above, you can make the AE part of your existing home LAN, and then either a) let the AE create a wifi network or b) turn the wifi function off on the AE, and connect devices to your regular wifi network. Streaming audio (and general internet access) will work under either scenario.

Main thing for simplicity and reliability is that you have a network cable between your broadband router and the AE

eracode

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#822746 21-May-2013 02:06

nickb800: As above, you can make the AE part of your existing home LAN, and then either a) let the AE create a wifi network or b) turn the wifi function off on the AE, and connect devices to your regular wifi network. Streaming audio (and general internet access) will work under either scenario.

Main thing for simplicity and reliability is that you have a network cable between your broadband router and the AE

Thanks AKT and Nick.

Unfortunately I can't have, and don't want to have, a cable between the router and the AE. Seems that would sort of defeat the purpose of and reason for the AE? However it looks as though the AE will do what I am hoping.

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RunningMan

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#822751 21-May-2013 06:25

AE can also simply join an existing network if required

nickb800

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#822755 21-May-2013 07:15

As above, you could also let the AE connect to your existing Wifi network as a client, and your devices continue connecting to your existing network. Starts to get a bit flaky depending on the strength of the wifi signal in that room.

You can also set the AE as a WDS repeater, but I think this relies on your main router being an Apple one, and again can get a bit flaky if WiFi signal is weak in that room

myopinion

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#822765 21-May-2013 08:39

I joined my AE to my existing network and turned on the AirPlay feature. My iPhone etc streams to this via the WiFi network to the AE. Using the AE to extend the network can lead to AirPlay problems. Best to set it up just as an AirPlay device, connected to your existing WiFi network.

nicks

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#822780 21-May-2013 09:05

I've previously used an Airport Express to do exactly what you want; it works great.

I now do it with an Apple TV which (from memory) is a similar price and might be a better option because it has far greater functionality. Airplay lets me stream music from my iPad/iPhone through an Apple TV without the TV itself being on, although that is into a home theatre receiver rather than a stand-alone stereo.

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trig42

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#822783 21-May-2013 09:07

As above, the AE will work fine as a client on your wireless network.

Mine had major issues with an old Dlink modem I used to have (used to have to reboot on or both units to get the green light - even when connected with a cable) but has been rock solid with the TP-Link I have had for the last 18 months.

You should look at getting an AppleTV - it will do everything the AE does in terms of AirPlay, but with video also, and they do not cost much more. If you do not need it to act as a wireless AP or print server, the ATV is a much better unit.

myopinion

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#822784 21-May-2013 09:08

nicks: I've previously used an Airport Express to do exactly what you want; it works great.

I now do it with an Apple TV which (from memory) is a similar price and might be a better option because it has far greater functionality. Airplay lets me stream music from my iPad/iPhone through an Apple TV without the TV itself being on, although that is into a home theatre receiver rather than a stand-alone stereo.

Yes the Apple TV is great value and will do what you want, as long as you have an optical input on your stereo as there is no RCA out on the Apple TV. Otherwise you will need to have your TV on to play the music.

Dunnersfella

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#822813 21-May-2013 10:07

The Airport Express not only has an analogue output (3.5 to 2x RCA should plug into almost every stereo out there), it also sounds a little better than the Apple TV.
In fact, in some setups, the 2nd production version of the ATV3 suffered from a little too much jitter, meaning when connected to certain DAC's via optical, users have suffered loud 'clacks' and 'cracks' from their system.

jarledb

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#822821 21-May-2013 10:17

Dunnersfella, that sounds like a strange problem. Since there is no audio processing going on in the AppleTV, what is it that could lead it to cause jitter in a DAC connected to it?

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Dunnersfella

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#822857 21-May-2013 10:56

I believe it's the conversion of the light to digital that is the issue. Something in the ATV3 chipset means it is either more susceptible to jitter, or indeed, inducing more. Either way, the problem is almost always fixed by swapping out an Apple TV 2, or one of the very first Apple TV 3's. ESS Sabre DAC's seem susceptible.
Having seen / heard it with my own eyes I would not have believed it otherwise. And trust me, I swapped out EVERYTHING from the DAC's to amps to cables yadaya... and eventually swapped the ATV and it fixed the problem.