Itunes/airport express set up - sound cuts out regularly

[admin_exported]

Hi all

I have the following set up. Itunes on my PC linked to Airport Express via ethernet. AE linked to AVI speakers.

The system sounds really great except that when listening to music it regularly cuts out (about every hour) for about 1 second and then carries on playing.

Does this happen to you. Any idea what it can be? What can I do about it!!??

Regards, Andrew

PS all software and firmware up to date.

Regards, Andrew

 

[rjb70stoke]

One thing that I have found to cause that is when another device that is linked to iTunes on the PC, accesses the network.

The same also seems to happen if I start iTunes while playing music on my Apple TV

 

[Anonymous]

in my current set up though there is only one thing connected to itunes - the airport express

 

[psurquhart]

Mine drops out quite a bit too.

Sometimes - if you have alot of other wireless networks in your area (neighbours etc) it can cause clashes with your network.

I too would like to know how to eliminate this to best effect.

 

[chebby]

Mine drops out quite a bit too.

Sometimes - if you have alot of other wireless networks in your area (neighbours etc) it can cause clashes with your network.

The OP said... "I have the following set up. Itunes on my PC linked to Airport Express via ethernet. AE linked to AVI speakers."

Given that it's linked to both AVI speakers and PC by cables (AVI speakers don't have wireless built in, so I assume the AEX is connected by optical to AVI's DAC connection) then this is not - presumably - a wireless issue.

 

[Dan Turner]

Is the AE connected to your AVIs digitally? Certain DACs have been known to have issues with the AE's clocking (the DAC in my amp included), which seems to stray outside specification, thereby causing glitches as the DAC tries to re-sync with the incoming signal.

If that is your issue then there isn't much you can do about it, except for getting a DAC that's more tolerant of the AE's sloppy clocking, or use a different source.

I can't say that's definitely your issue, but it is a distinct possibility if you're using the AE's digital out.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes I am using digital out on Airport Express

I agree - it cannot be a wireless issue. The reason I hardwired my Airport Express to Itunes is so I wont have wireless issues. I'll email a link to this problem to Ashley James at AVI. I'm sure he'll be interested in it and will have endeavour to find out what the problem is.

 

[rjb70stoke]

Is it all connected through a router? And subsequently the PC connected to the internet?

Maybe an app (anti-virus)? is checking regularly for an update.

 

[Anonymous]

yes the airport express and pc are connected via a router. The PC is firewalled. It could be that it is checking for updates. I'll turn updates off and see if that does anything.

many thanks, andrew

 

[shooter]

Personally i would reset the AEX and start again.

Out of interest have you tried wireless? I've been running mine wireless for a couple of years and its solid. PC to AEX is 20 meters.

 

[PJ1200]

Have you considered the Wireless Zero Configuration? I know you say it is not a wireless issue, but I have to turn mine off (via System in Control Panel) every time I want to play music via iTunes on my PC to the AEX.

It is annoying, which is why I use my NAS drive (and app on my iPhone) to play music via Airtunes - which appears more 'robust'.

It may not help, but worth a try.

 

[Overdose]

Maybe try monitoring task manager and seeing if there are any resource spikes at the time of the dropout.