AirPort Express 2 vs. other streamer options

[Spyerx]

Hi all - Here's my use case:
office system, reasonably resolving but not generally used for critical listening - bat integrated amp + some Harbeth mini-monitors p3esr
My source for this system is 100% Apple Music - mostly via streaming, sometimes via local files (lossless), sent from my computer to the airport via airplay
I currently use an AirPort Express 2, and am using the built in dac / analog out
I don't use other streaming services.

I believe this may be limited by:
airplay2 - supposed conversion when streaming from 256aac, or lossless local limited to 44.1k
The dac in the airport

Realistically, is something like a Wiim pro plus going to be an upgrade ? I don't really want to run an external dac.

Is there another option I'm missing on how to get my music to this device (other than a really really long USB cable?) I feel like I'm missing something to work around airplay2.

My main system I also use Apple Music streaming lossless/highrez / local files but the DAC is a benchmark dac3 directly plugged into the Mac, that feeds my Luxman 509x and drives a set of Harbeth 30.2xd speakers. This sounds really great.

thanks

 

[lkanies]

My recollection of the tests is that the airport has a better DAC than the WiiM (I have both). I would only switch to a WiiM if you are also getting an external DAC.

For this same use case (office) I run USB to my audio interface, then XLR to my active monitors.

 

[Spyerx]

I appreciate the response.

Based on much too much reading it seems, if i would like to stay with Apple Music as a source (streaming or local files), the best approach would be as you suggest, a DAC with a USB input, and then XLR into my amp and not use airplay2.

I believe the cable would need to be about 20ft long, however, Are there any concerns with a long USB cable?

 

[Spyerx]

So i ended up getting a dac10 balanced DAC and am feeding it via my desktop and well, it sounds great and solves the soft highs i was getting and i can also remove airplay from the chain.

 

[cinemakinoeye]

There is a long related discussion about Airport Express in this discussion thread.

I am a big fan of the Airport Express (second generation A1392) which is AirPlay 2 capable with a firmware update. I have five of these devices around the house as my whole house music system using Apple Music implemented on the cheap and I could not be happier! One person can play their music in the living room while I play something else in another room, or I can play the same music in multiple rooms, all from an iPhone iPad, or Mac. We are an Apple household, so it works like a charm. One of the Airport Express units was purchased new many years ago for use as a WiFi router, the other four were purchased through eBay when I realized how well they work for a whole house music system. I wish Apple still sold these units! I use them all via their analog outs, and while tests show there is a difference between the digital and analog outputs, my ears can't tell the difference, so I don't see any reason to purchase DACs. I do get a drop-out once in a while, but it's not a serious problem 99% of the time.

 

[MacClintock]

I switched back to Airport Express recently and have nothing to complain, the DAC is transparent and the streamer works nicely.

 

[Maginness]

There is a long related discussion about Airport Express in this discussion thread.

I am a big fan of the Airport Express (second generation A1392) which is AirPlay 2 capable with a firmware update. I have five of these devices around the house as my whole house music system using Apple Music implemented on the cheap and I could not be happier! One person can play their music in the living room while I play something else in another room, or I can play the same music in multiple rooms, all from an iPhone iPad, or Mac. We are an Apple household, so it works like a charm. One of the Airport Express units was purchased new many years ago for use as a WiFi router, the other four were purchased through eBay when I realized how well they work for a whole house music system. I wish Apple still sold these units! I use them all via their analog outs, and while tests show there is a difference between the digital and analog outputs, my ears can't tell the difference, so I don't see any reason to purchase DACs. I do get a drop-out once in a while, but it's not a serious problem 99% of the time.

This is me too. I have multiple 2nd gen Airport Express units around the house. In some cases I go from the Airport Express into a DAC or DSP, in other cases I go analog out into an amp. We also have some Sonos speakers, which also show up as AirPlay devices, making the whole setup very family friendly. I even have a couple in a box for back up.

My main system I am currently using a WiiM Pro to play with. Can not tell any difference between it and an Airport Express for my use (Apple device as source). Whenever I have some need to mess with the system will likely connect the Airport Express backup and box up the WiiM Pro. I like the WiiM device but don't use any of the features other than AirPlay connection.