Apple TV and Airport Express

[admin_exported]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of buying an Apple TV, purely so that I can sync iTunes up to it and access it without leaving the PC switched on all the time. Ideally I'd also like to be able to access the music from the stereo in the dining room, and (a yet to be purchased) system in the kitchen, so was thinking of getting a couple of Airport Express's.

It might be a daft question, but I'm assuming the Airports will be able to use the iTunes on the Apple TV? And does anyone know if playlists are synched too?

Also, what's the quality like from the Airport on the audio out?

The main reason for considering this solution is because the files are in Apple Lossless format, and as mentioned I don't want to leave the PC on all the time (hence ruling out Squeeze and Sonos), but if anyone has a better method then I'd be glad to know.

Many thanks.

 

[John Duncan]

Apparently it will now yes, though it didn't used to. Will investigate the playlist question...

The audio out of an AE is really quite good, considering the price, though it has a high noise floor, as you can tell if you plug some headphones into it. But when you add a DAC - hoo CHA!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks John.

Glad you mentioned the DAC, as thinking about it the amp in the dining room doesn't have an optical in so I don't know how I thought I'd connect it...

I'd best start looking into DAC's then, any recommendations?

 

[John Duncan]

SSwain:
Thanks John.

Glad you mentioned the DAC, as thinking about it the amp in the dining room doesn't have an optical in so I don't know how I thought I'd connect it...

I'd best start looking into DAC's then, any recommendations?

You don't have to get a DAC obviously, as the audio out will work fine, and that's what I'd start with. I'm using a DACMagic with fantastic results, though the Beresford is well thought of here as well. The sky's (ie budget's) your limit really.

 

[Anonymous]

Good thinking, I'll start with just the Airport first and see if it's worth getting a DAC later.

And I should have paid more attention to your signature as to what DAC you use...

It turns out a colleague of mine has an AppleTV so I quizzed him about it today. Apparently they do sync playlists and everything, although he had no idea about the Airport Express. Think I'm sold, time to get myself on the Apple store!

Cheers, Steve.