Apple Airplay and Multiple Speaker-network

kasperhz said:

Hi.
I'm soon going to install a multible speaker system where I can control each speaker in different rooms using Apple Airplay.

My question is: If I'm buying speakers that are all compatible with Apple Airplay, will I need to do anything else but connecting them to the same wireless network as my iMac - and will I be able to see the icon in the top of the screen letting me control multiple speakers without having an Airport Express?

I'm confused, and I don't seem to get any useful help when calling shops and supports as they all seem to be thinking business instead of support.

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You are correct in your assumptions. As long as they are all connected to the same network you will be able to stream to multiple speakers. A caveat, you can stream to multiple speakers from iTunes running on a computer (Mac or Windows) but Apple TV and iOS devices can only stream to one AirPlay receiver at a time. And if you use the Remote App to control iTunes on the computer, you can also select multiple destinations as well as control playback.

take a look at airfoil it lets you pick one program (or whole system audio) and stream it to multiple airplay devices at the same time.
Useful so the whole house doesn't hear your new mail sound on top of the music.

also be aware, there will be a slight delay (about 2 seconds), apple hides this by delaying the interface on your computer to match the remote audio. Your speakers will all be in sync with each other, but if you hit pause, it'll take 2 seconds to stop the music.


you will still need a streaming source running on your network (so your computer), unlike sonos which has a player built into the speakers/hub.

an airport express is not needed, it's just another option for an output.
any brand router will work, you don't need an airport of any kind.
as long as you have a network connection (wired or wireless) to the speakers you are good.