Normally I would be excited, but I knew without even opening the article that it would be well over $100. I swear, every single Belkin product is ridiculously overpriced.
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Belkin Designing 'Soundform Connect' Adapter to Add AirPlay 2 to Speakers
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It does not, but maybe I am missing something but what is so great about Airplay2 anyway? With a bunch on Echo dots throughout the house you get multi-room synced music from tons of different sources, and they don't have to be tied to Apple devices (although you can use Apple devices too).
And also does not have optical (or digital of any kind) output, relying instead on the DAC of the Pi.
I guess it is safe to say that those of us that see great value in this product can buy it, and those of us that do not can happily choose not to.
- I already have a lot invested in AirPlay 2, for both audio and video, and it works flawlessly for all sorts of uses.
- An always-on microphone in my house connected directly to Google or Amazon? Absolutely not. Ever.
I'm not so sure that is correct. I do not have an Apple Music subscription, and some of the songs that I can scrub aren't even available to purchase on iTunes. Even custom files created by me in GarageBand don't have that issue, so I think that the music is sent from the device to the HomePod's ram or storage and then the device acts as a controller.
I have 4 airport expresses scattered over the house just for this.
Unfortunately, they are now showing their age - 2 burnt out over the last couple of years.
While I am sure it's a short PSU on the board, it would be too much work to try fix them.
Fortunately I was able to source replacements as old AEs still show up time to time on OLX (our Craigslist equivalent in India) - but it's only a matter of time before supply dries up.
I do love my multiform audio setup - and have had to put in quite a bit of effort to make every node capable of showing up both as a Spotify and Apple Music sink (except of course the HomePods) - but its only a matter of time before the non AVR sinks (i.e. the AEs) give up the ghost.
If only Belkin would have priced it a bit more reasonably :|
I just hope this starts a trend of more manufacturers building out airplay compliant streaming boxes
Unfortunately, they are now showing their age - 2 burnt out over the last couple of years.
While I am sure it's a short PSU on the board, it would be too much work to try fix them.
Fortunately I was able to source replacements as old AEs still show up time to time on OLX (our Craigslist equivalent in India) - but it's only a matter of time before supply dries up.
I do love my multiform audio setup - and have had to put in quite a bit of effort to make every node capable of showing up both as a Spotify and Apple Music sink (except of course the HomePods) - but its only a matter of time before the non AVR sinks (i.e. the AEs) give up the ghost.
If only Belkin would have priced it a bit more reasonably :|
I just hope this starts a trend of more manufacturers building out airplay compliant streaming boxes
This is great news! I have a number of stereo receivers that need this Belkin device so they can become Airplay 2 targets. The speakers hooked up to these receivers include in-wall, four pairs of outdoor speakers, and two pairs of high quality tower speakers, none of which could or should be replaced by currently available Airplay 2 speakers.
Yeah, I've seen that and have a spare pi I might try it out with. I don't actually have the turntable yet, as I've also been looking for one that perhaps has airplay output built in. Haven't found one yet. Plenty have airplay receive, but not send.
Is this what you are looking for?
Port: A WiFi Network Streamer with Built-in DAC | Sonos
Introducing Port: the versatile streaming stereo upgrade from Sonos. Enjoy streaming music, podcasts, audiobooks, and internet radio on your existing stereo over WiFi with just one simple connection. Control your audio with Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2, and easily expand your system to more rooms.www.sonos.com
Yeah sort of, but not at that price. But cheers, my previous searches didn't reveal anything - as searching for anything to do with adding airplay just brings up people/devices streaming TO their hifi gear, not from it.
Something "like that but not a total rip off" would be great though. I'm not paying 450 USD for something that could be done with $30 worth of parts. Sure, there's mark-up and profit margins, but that's exorbitant. At that cost I may as well dedicate a Mac mini to it which could double as a media server.
I can't believe it isn't a more popular type of device.
the strength of airplay 2 comes into play when connecting several - not just one - devices. And using your phone as a source to fuel ie speaker in bathroom, livingroom, kitchen. And in addition: Bluetooth does not like to have a phone call or watching a youtube video while streaming music.
Belkin SoundForm Connect will be released in Jun.
Yeah still not really want I'm chasing.
Airplay output from turntable to airplay enabled receiver.
Not sure why it isn't a thing.
Have been able to add airplay to speakers with an airport express for over a decade now...
Airplay output from turntable to airplay enabled receiver.
Not sure why it isn't a thing.
Have been able to add airplay to speakers with an airport express for over a decade now...
great news. I am sure my Airport Express will die around that time.Belkin SoundForm Connect will be released in Jun.
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Yeah I guess like that, but not overpriced by about 250-300 pounds.
If this is priced correctly it could show a clean pair of heels to the few other devices offering Airplay 2. Anyone streaming music really doesn't need anything more than a legacy amp and speakers to achieve better sound quality than many of the smart speakers on the market. Many of us don't want Alexa or Siri involved in reproducing music so a good replacement for the Airport Express' musical element will be most welcome.