B&W A5 and A7 auditioned

[NHL]

I guess it is my network setup which is causing some troubles. Others will probably not have any issues at all.

The problem is that the info on the support site is not sufficient!

I would like it to be more technical.

To sit and experiment with a firewall is like playing with fire.

SO FAR:

Bonjour needs TCP out.

iTunes need UDP to local port 6001-6003 in.

iTunes need TCP to Airplay device port 1024 (the actual streaming).

 

[chebby]

So why is it that I only needed to input a network password on the Marantz once AirPlay was enabled on it? I didn't need to touch firewalls/ports etc. on any of our computers.

I just brought up iTunes afterwards and there was the AirPlay symbol ready to go (on a Dell laptop, a Dell PC and an iMac).

Is AirPlay set-up so different in the B&W scheme of things?

"I guess it is my network setup which is causing some troubles"

What is so different/non-standard about your network/firewall set-up?

 

[NHL]

I unplugged the cord to the A7, connected it again and MAGIC: volume works for both the iPad and iTunes on Win7.

My firewall is very conservative, that's the difference that comes to mind.

Thanks Chebby for the input of how it is supposed to work, could not find that on the support site. This forum actually works!

 

[chebby]

I unplugged the cord to the A7, connected it again and MAGIC:

Excellent.

 

[NHL]

Imagine the load on the support department to resolve issues like this! How on earth will they be able to help Mr Joe Smith?

 

[chebby]

Imagine the load on the support department to resolve issues like this! How on earth will they be able to help Mr Joe Smith?

Automation?

 

[NHL]

The Telegraph had a scoop about 'AirPlay Direct', without the need for a WiFi network:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/9503989/Apple-AirPlay-Direct-planned-for-September-launch.html#

Sounds sensible!

 

[chebby]

iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iMacs and MacBooks all have Bluetooth, so I am not sure where AirPlay Direct would fit in. (Unless Apple dump Bluetooth in favour of 'AirPlay Direct' which wouldn't suprise me even if it were a stupid thing to do.)

I could use Bluetooth between my Marantz and my iPhone/iMac/Dell laptop (if I spent £109 on the optional RX101) but I don't need it.

Does your B&W have Bluetooth (or an optional Bluetooth gizmo)?

 

[NHL]

The A7 is very minimalistic, no UI, no Bluetooth, no readable error messages .

I actually like the minimalistic approach, (if everything works out of the box).

 

[NHL]

Total spent: £1130 (A7 + 64 GB iPad Mini)

Don't forget to limit the volume on the iPad, 50W max in the kitchen is a bit too much.

 

[chebby]

Is everything still working properly since you cracked it the other day? (Firewall, network, volume changes etc?)

 

[NHL]

:wave: Yes, even the iOS 6 Mini connected without intermezzos. Accidentially, we had 50W Alicia Keyes at full volume for a very short while. To set the the volume limit should be seen as mandatory.

 

[NHL]

Enjoying Pink Floyd 'The Wall', a good music match for the A7.

Moving on to PF 'Dark Side Of The Moon'.

It's OK to place the A7 close to a wall, have it on the kitchen table. Avoid standing waves between the device and the wall, try out different distances.

Transfering more and more of the CD library to iTunes (Apple lossless ALAC), what a job!

Yes, the A7 would qualify as HiFi!

 

[Helmut80]

Just took me about 3 minutes to set up. Nice to be able to use iPhone, iPad, or Mac :dance:

 

[NHL]

Hi Helmut,

which computer OS controls the network? Which firewall is active?

Best regards

 

[Helmut80]

Only macs in our household, no windows based PCs.

No idea about firewall. Standard settings from SKY i presume. Am using a 'non-discoverable' network, with WPA2 password protection.

Just downloaded installer app, typed in my network's name and pw, 45 secs later I was playing music!

 

[NHL]

Since Apple specified the Airplay protocol, it makes sense that their OS have support for it. Windows is a different turf. Airprint have similar issues on Windows.

 

[bwv572]

Soooo... how's the A7 to live with? Is it a replacement for hifi that you can live with (in return for fewer boxes and less clutter)?

Are you pleased with the quality in terms of stereo imaging and stuff?

 

[NHL]

Visitors are impressed by the form factor and that 200 cd's can be put on the ipad, to be streamed. Apple still have work to do with itunes import, I want album art for all the albums.

Some music sounds better on the A7 than on the regular stereo and vice versa.

The device is a little bit picky with the listeners position. Best sound if one is at the center of the device.

Overall, probably the future of HiFi.

 

[bwv572]

Thanks NHL.

Looks like I'll have to go and have a listen.

 

[Joe Cox]

FYI... reviews for both now online.

B&W A5 review

B&W A7 review

 

[jjbomber]

Do you reckon this to be Hi-Fi ?

Nope. Airplay uses too much compression for that. No matter how good the speaker, you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.

 

[Twill]

I knew Airplay had to compress video, but I thought it was effectively lossless for audio.

 

[Helmut80]

I knew Airplay had to compress video, but I thought it was effectively lossless for audio.

airplay can only do 16/44, cannot do HD such as 24/96 or 24/192

 

[Helmut80]

I've got a question re: volume

I can adjust colume in iTunes, or on the A7 remote. Does it make a difference which one I use?