AirPort Express' digital out...

[solaris]

I have some 24-bit/96KHz audio files (Apple Lossless) on my Mac.
If streamed over AirTunes to an AirPort Express, will the signal from the AirPort Express' digital out have the exact same sample-size/rate as the source file? Or will iTunes sample down to 16-bit/44.1KHz before streaming the signal?

Anyone know?

 

[Fearless Leader]

well it has to encode it into a format that your audio system understands, so no it won't be the same signal, and i think its at 16bit/44.1KHz. but I'll check for you.

 

[netdog]

I am just curious. What is the signal you are using that is higher than 16bit 44.1? Assuming not from a CD. Do home stereos handle a better signal rate at this point?

 

[Fearless Leader]

max sampling is 44.1KHz and max bit is 24 though, you'll more than likely use 16bit with your audio system, you really don't need more. edit: so yes it will down sample, but it will still sound amazing.

 

[solaris]

well it has to encode it into a format that your audio system understands, so no it won't be the same signal, and i think its at 16bit/44.1KHz. but I'll check for you.

My audio system, meaning iTunes 7.3 on OS 10.4.10, can handle and play back 24-bit/96KHz files perfectly.
I know that the digital out on the latest MacBook Pro's can handle 24-bit and 44.1-192kHz sampling rate (link). But I am really unsure if the AirPort Express have the same capacity.

I am just curious. What is the signal you are using that is higher than 16bit 44.1? Assuming not from a CD.

Apple Lossless files, sourced from original master tapes.