Airplay speakers for Airport Express

[patent10021]

Mum has a MacBook and only listens to the original iTunes internet radio + the new iTunes radio.

She wants to get rid of the traditional speakers so she can save space and make her place more Zen minimal

We have found a few bluetooth docks/tuners but they didn't have Airplay like I've seen on some systems specifically marketing the Airplay feature.

She likes this small Bose systems and they do sounds great but they don't seem to have an Airplay model and we don't want to buy any adapters either. Has to be Airplay out of the box.

I just saw this link re Bose Airplay. They say Airplay ready/compatible. Does that mean built in Airplay or just ready to receive it IF you use an adapter?

http://www.padgadget.com/2013/10/11/bose-announces-new-line-of-airplay-ready-sound-systems/

Actually, more importantly, do you need the Airport Express if you have speakers/tuner capable of native Airplay?

Bose says

The SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems communicate with your computer or mobile device wirelessly using local Wi-Fi. However, they are also AirPlay Compatible, so you can easily stream your iTunes Radio music, or any audio, from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

So if we don't want to use Airplay we can stream directly from MacBook to Bose just using WiFi? Even iTunes Radio?



Thanks

 

[matrix07]

Yup. You don't need anything. Just Wi-Fi.

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So if we don't want to use Airplay we can stream directly from MacBook to Bose just using WiFi? Even iTunes Radio?

I guess it's a typo there, but if you meant "AirPort Express" then yes, you can stream directly from any modern Mac and iOS devices without it.

 

[patent10021]

Yup. You don't need anything. Just Wi-Fi.

you have the new SoundTouch BOSE? But how to you play iTunes Radio through WiFi only without using Airplay? I guess via the Bose app right? Don't need Airport Express either?

 

[matrix07]

you have the new SoundTouch BOSE? But how to you play iTunes Radio through WiFi only without using Airplay? I guess via the Bose app right? Don't need Airport Express either?

AirPlay compatible means AirPlay built-in so you don't need anything other than Wi-Fi (you can't AirPlay without Wi-Fi). You don't need AirPort Express. You don't need an app. You just use "AirPlay".

 

[patent10021]

AirPlay compatible means AirPlay built-in so you don't need anything other than Wi-Fi (you can't AirPlay without Wi-Fi). You don't need AirPort Express. You don't need an app. You just use "AirPlay".

Right I was just thinking they were pulling some marketing gimmick in saying "Airplay ready" because it's so obvious.

Do you have Airplay speakers? Have you heard any you like?

 

[matrix07]

Right I was just thinking they were pulling some marketing gimmick in saying "Airplay ready" because it's so obvious.

Do you have Airplay speakers? Have you heard any you like?

I'm just using regular speakers connected to AirPort Express.

You should bring your iPhone to Bose showroom to test it first though since I never use this Bose but the text clearly stated it has AirPlay capability.

Edit: Forgot to mention I have listened to B&W Zeppelin which also has AirPlay capability and quite like it.

 

[patent10021]

I just bought the Sonos Play 1 system and boy was that a mistake. I'll have to return them tonight lol 2 hours later.

No Airplay!!!! I don't know how I missed it. I was so caught up in all this stuff I just assumed it had it lol


I am STILL looking for a TRUE Airplay system!!

Btw Sonos is WiFi but it has no Airplay so your theory about only needed WiFi is not true


It NEEDS to be a true Apple Airplay system!!

 

[matrix07]

Btw Sonos is WiFi but it has no Airplay so your theory about only needed WiFi is not true


It NEEDS to be a true Apple Airplay system!!

What's Sonos got to do with this thread? You asked about Bose SoundTouch and I replied accordingly. What do I miss?
I didn't say the Sonos is AirPlay-compatible, do I?

 

[patent10021]

What's Sonos got to do with this thread? You asked about Bose SoundTouch and I replied accordingly. What do I miss?

lol sorry. I was confused with another thread BUT the wifi theory is still the same. Not talking about you though. Some people say oh as long as you have Wifi Airplay will work. That is not true. You need an AirPlay compatible device/sound system. Wifi is a given because as you said you need it for Airplay.

So frustrating. I cannot find a good Airplay sound system. Only these cheap one piece all-in-one Bose type looking devices. I guess I'll have to stick with my traditional stereo system connected to an Airport Express.

I was just hoping to eliminate all the bulk i.e. tuner and massive speakers etc and use a couple of great sounding wireless speakers.

Oh well.

 

[matrix07]

Some people say oh as long as you have Wifi Airplay will work. That is not true. You need an AirPlay compatible device/sound system. Wifi is a given because as you said you need it for Airplay.

Both AirPlay and AirPrint need a device that is compatible, which means it will has a specific chip for the task built-in. Otherwise you need an AirPort Express in the audio case, and you're out of luck in the printing case.
B&W Zeppelin is great, albeit a bit big.

 

[patent10021]

Both AirPlay and AirPrint need a device that is compatible, which means it will has a specific chip for the task built-in. Otherwise you need an AirPort Express in the audio case, and you're out of luck in the printing case.
B&W Zeppelin is great, albeit a bit big.

yup

and then there's the other issue of watching movies with a nice speaker setup. I need a speaker system for the flat screen TV too. Man, can't win.

 

[matrix07]

yup

and then there's the other issue of watching movies with a nice speaker setup. I need a speaker system for the flat screen TV too. Man, can't win.

And I thought all this is for your mum. lol.

If this the case then there is just one way to do it. Buying a nice system for audio AND video. and buy an AirPort Express. Connect said AirPort Express to an AVR, and you're done. No cheap but you're done.

 

[jdag]

You might want to look into options, which in my opinion will provide a better audio experience than a single speaker "dock/bar" and still maintain your ease of use and small footprint criteria:

1) Powered speakers + an Airport Express: I have a set of Audioengine a2+ speakers connected to my iMac. I also added a Dayton Sub-800. You could easily "make them AirPlay compatible" speakers by simply adding an Airport Express and connecting them with a 3.5mm cable. All together, that setup would be ~$450 ($250 for speakers, $100 for sub, $100 for APX). They could easily be hooked to your TV too. If you wanted more oomph, you could go with the a5 for $400 (and likely not need a sub, at least to start). When I bought my a2+ set I found a 10% coupon through a simple Google search and saved $25 too. There are other powered options out there that get good reviews as well, but I don't have experience with them. I am listening to my a2+ now as I type this...they are simply outstanding.
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems

2) Bluetooth speakers (not a dock or bar, but actual bookshelf speakers): The Aperion Audio Allaire Bluetooth speakers for $400 come from a very highly reputable company. I've not heard these particular speakers, but do have 2 full Aperion 5.1 setups and they are outstanding. Aperion offers a no-hassle 30 day return, so nothing to lose. Of course, with Bluetooth there is the issue of having to be relatively close to the speakers.
http://www.aperionaudio.com/speakers/wireless-speakers/allaire-bluetooth

3) ZVox Soundbase + Airport Express: Similar to #1 above but designed to fit under a TV. They sound very good and are high quality for a very reasonable cost.
http://www.zvoxaudio.com

4) Traditional speakers + T-amp + Airport Express: Similar to #1 above but you would not have an amp built into the speaker itself. You can get a mini-amp for anywhere from $20-$120 then simply add the speakers of your choice.

Lastly, check this out:
http://www.macworld.com/article/1160417/how_to_build_your_own_airplay_audio_system.html