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clcnyc

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Here's the deal:

Just got a new iMac with Airport Extreme built in. I bought Airport Express last night so I could stream iTunes to my stereo. [Not using it for internet, as my iMac is hooked up to a cable modem via ethernet port.] My stereo has an optical out port in the back (I've used this before with DVD players to get stereo sound, so I know it works), so I also bought an optical cable with toslink to bridge between A/E and my stereo. I set everything up, my computer recognized the A/E, and showed it as being connected, but nothing';s coming out of the speakers! Does anyone have any suggestions? The iMac is in the living room and stereo (where the A/E is) is in the bedroom, about 20 feet away. I was so looking forward to this working! 🙁
 
I don't know if you did this already, but look on the bottom of your iTunes window and switch from computer to the airport express.

Also, make sure you have checked off look for remote speakers in iTunes preferences.
 
Did both

doumbek said:
I don't know if you did this already, but look on the bottom of your iTunes window and switch from computer to the airport express.

Also, make sure you have checked off look for remote speakers in iTunes preferences.

And it looks like it's working. Shows iTunes "connecting", and the music is playing, sound turned up on iTunes and my stereo, but no go🙁
Apple support said it may be an incompatiblity issue with the cables (even though I purchased them at The Apple Store, and the box claims it's perfect for Airport Express!). Ugh. So frustrating!
 
Well that's no fun

The only thing I can suggest is to plug your computer speakers with the analog cable into the express. If the speakers work, then it's probably your optical cables, or stereo. If not then the jack on the express might be the culprit.
 
I'm assuming that MOST people here have an iPod...

Try plugging the cable (that's currently connecting your Airport Express to your stereo) into the line-out on your iPod (or dock) and see if you get any sound... at least then you can rule out any potential cable connection problem.
 
find the bug

as suggested before, plus some more...

-try different inputs on your stereo's selector switch
-try the cable with another source
-try the cable directly from your computer to the stereo (mini jack connection)
-you should be connecting to an audio in, not out
-can a/e support an optical cable???

my a/e is connected with a standard cable (not optical) and no problem.

it should work and will work, once you get it right🙂
 
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