Streaming music with Airport Extreme + Airport Express?

[maz-o]

Ok, so I want to stream music from iTunes to my analog stereo preamp, AND access files from an USB drive over the same wireless network. I've been lurking around the web for a solution for some time now. I've found ways to do dual wifi networks for different devices, but that doesn't solve my problem.

In a perfect world, Airport Express and Airport Extreme would mate, have a baby, and call it the Airport Expreme. It would boast both a 3.5mm jack for music streaming and USB for an external HDD. Sadly this is not the case, so on to my question.

As you can see from my photoshop hand-drawing skills below, my potential setup is (at least somewhat) simple in theory, but will it work in reality? If so, how would I set it up correctly? Easier ways to solve my dilemma is also appreciated! Thanks!

 

[netdog]

You may have a problem with the ethernet between the Extreme and the Express, but if so you can just link them wirelessly. That's still plenty of bandwidth even for lossless music.

 

[Intell]

Your setup would work fine. As posted above me, if you are unable to connect the two with an cable, the wireless option would work fine to. Although I'd suggest making the Express extend the wireless network coming from the Extreme.

 

[skorpien]

No need to join it wirelessly. If you set the Express up in Bridge Mode, you should be able to connect the two without any issues. And in addition, if you so choose, you can create a second (possibly third if you have a simultaneous dual-band Extreme) SSID for your network.

To set it up in bridge mode, select "Off (Bridge Mode)" in the Connection Sharing dropdown in AirPort Utility. Then connect the Express to one of the Extreme's LAN ports and you're good to go.

 

[maz-o]

Thank you very much, that was exactly what I needed to know.