To check this, I compared a WAV file with a duplicate that I had captured on my PC from the AirPort Express's S/PDIF output. However, I found that this was not the case, that the data appearing on the AE's digital output were identical in the original file. Some audiophiles have dissed the AirPort Express on the grounds that its digital output is not bit-accurate. High-speed files were played back at half speed and hi-rez data were truncated to 16 bits, according to RME's useful DigiCheck utility for the PC. I tried using the Nicecast utility for OSX ($40) to feed iTunes with 24-bit data and 88.2kHz data from the inexpensive but excellent Amadeus audio-editing program for OSX. When you play 32kHz or 48kHz data, iTunes sample-rate-converts the data in real time before sending it to the AE. It is also important to note that the AE functions only at a 44.1kHz sample rate. These data, though, can be in any file format that iTunes recognizes, from lossy MP3s at the low-quality end of the spectrum to Apple Lossless and lossless AIF or WAV files at the high end. Whether you own a PC or a Mac, the AE works only with iTunes v4.6 or later and is limited to music files that iTunes can read ie, 16-bit data only. To use the AE in my system, I bought a $40 accessory kit made by Monster Cable that includes a 3.5mm-to-TosLink adapter cable, a 3.5mm jack-to-twin-RCA adapter cable and an extension AC cable.įirst, it is important to note what the AE doesn't do. At first glance, it doesn't appear to have a digital output, but at the innermost end of the 3.5mm jack is an optical S/PDIF transmitter. For sound, the AE outputs analog audio on a 3.5mm stereo minijack. Though the AirPort Express includes a lot of computer functionality for $129, I'll refer you to the computer magazines and the Web for that information. I therefore dashed off a set of measurements. While I bought an Apple AirPort Express to set up an IEEE802.11g Wi-Fi network for my Apple PowerBook and the PCs in my lab, along with those of wife and children, I found it useful to be able to include the he-man rig in my listening room in that network. Indeed, while I found the AirPort Express's analog output somewhat disappointing sounding, I do feel that feeding my Levinson DAC with the hub's digital output sounds "okay." Quite good, in fact. This review, however, is intended to flesh out a cryptic comment made by Wes Phillips in April's " As We See It": "When Apple introduced its AirPort Express wireless multimedia link," Wes wrote, "it even included a digital port so that an audiophile-such as Stereophile's editor-could network his system, using the AE to feed his Mark Levinson No.30.6 outboard D/A converter. Usually, a Stereophile "Follow-Up" follows up (duh!) a full review of the component in question.
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