Airplay.....
Posted by: Marc0209 on 30 December 2010
Some of you may have read my recent thread where I descibe my indoctrination into digital streaming via a AppleTV2 into my SN. I was very pleased, a very simple troubble free set-up that sounded pretty darn good. I was using and old Ipod Nano...along came the holidays and a brand new 32g Touch. Well I couldnt resist downloading the remote app which is amazing.. but, the pleasant suprise is Airplay. Now, im not going to try to to tell you an ipod can compete with 15000.00 digital front ends......like some previous threads.., but airplay does allow me to stream digitally directly into the dac of my SN. The sound is pretty darn good. It couldnt be that bad or Naim would have the provision to go digital out into the Naim dac. Anyone else out there done the same??
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by nitrous
Hi, yes I use iPad to control streaming to two ae's in different parts of the house. One goes in to nDac. It,s ok, but really just a background source on the main system, I agree it's ok. If I'm feeling really lazy streaming direct from iPad means I don't even have to get up to turn the main iMac on!
Listening to some funky ambient radio station now!
Listening to some funky ambient radio station now!
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Marc0209
for me the same...too lazy to turn on my laptop...or tv...but honostly i think my SN sounds so great that at times i dont want to listen critically...just enjoy!
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by nitrous
The remote app usually tells you what is playing, so I,ve bought a few cd,s after hearing and then doing a quick search on line all without getting out of me chair....how lazy is that!
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by jlarsson
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Marc0209
same here...i downloaded the new belle and sebastian album right to my ipod...and started listen right from the comfort of my couch...normally i like to buy the CD and rip it, but last night i just fealt the need for instant gratification.
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by realhifi
quote:Posted Thu 30 December 2010 18:48 Hide Post
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Posts: 311 | Location: Northern Europe | Registered: Sun 27 June 2004
Really?
Posted on: 30 December 2010 by jlarsson
Hey, I'm just some freak on the net sharing my personal opinion :-)
But in my system airplay->appletv2->ndac is maybe less accurate but more musical than a toslinked Sonos->ndac.
But in my system airplay->appletv2->ndac is maybe less accurate but more musical than a toslinked Sonos->ndac.
quote:Originally posted by realhifi:quote:Posted Thu 30 December 2010 18:48 Hide Post
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Really?
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by realhifi
quote:Hey, I'm just some freak on the net sharing my personal opinion :-)
But in my system airplay->appletv2->ndac is maybe less accurate but more musical than a toslinked Sonos->ndac.
I believe you, I'm just surprised that it works so well! I will have to try a few things from my iPad into a few systems. It is an amazing concept and makes the Apple TV an even better bargain at $99.
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by jon h
Its what i am about to use - currently using appletv to unitiqute via optical in my big system. works very well, but UQ is not the right device there for me -- i dont want a second volume control, dont need the power amps (not used) and only 2 optical inputs (I need at least three -- appletv, skyhd and xbox360, with ps3 to join in too)
So the UQ is going, and peter@cymbiosis has an order for an ndac. I would use the UQ in kitchen, except the appletv does much more of what i need there inc video streaming.
The appletv is a terrific piece of kit. Have put all music and video into mac mini server running osx server with external HD storage. Control via ipad, iphone, laptop etc, send to one room or multiple rooms (and sync works between rooms so tracks dont drift out of sync). For hidef playback, I will use the ndac. Or I have the sounddevices 788T -- if it was good enough for spending 3 days recording Vladamir Ashkenazy a few weeks ago, its good enough for playing back the hidef files (and no, I dont believe 192k is worth it over 96k or 88.2k anyway)
So the UQ is going, and peter@cymbiosis has an order for an ndac. I would use the UQ in kitchen, except the appletv does much more of what i need there inc video streaming.
The appletv is a terrific piece of kit. Have put all music and video into mac mini server running osx server with external HD storage. Control via ipad, iphone, laptop etc, send to one room or multiple rooms (and sync works between rooms so tracks dont drift out of sync). For hidef playback, I will use the ndac. Or I have the sounddevices 788T -- if it was good enough for spending 3 days recording Vladamir Ashkenazy a few weeks ago, its good enough for playing back the hidef files (and no, I dont believe 192k is worth it over 96k or 88.2k anyway)
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by David Dever
quote:Originally posted by jlarsson:
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Are you playing 48kHz files, or are you merely allowing AirPlay to re-sample (into Apple Lossless for network transmission) your 16-bit / 44.1 kHz CD-sourced files into 48kHz ones for transmission to the AppleTV2 mk2 (native sample rate is, you guessed it, 48kHz)?
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog
quote:Originally posted by David Dever:quote:Originally posted by jlarsson:
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Are you playing 48kHz files, or are you merely allowing AirPlay to re-sample (into Apple Lossless for network transmission) your 16-bit / 44.1 kHz CD-sourced files into 48kHz ones for transmission to the AppleTV2 mk2 (native sample rate is, you guessed it, 48kHz)?
You got to luv Steve - produces great kit but why 48 Khz - why? just because you can?
Tog
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by David Dever
Video, sirs, video.
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog
?
Tog
Tog
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by aht
quote:Originally posted by jlarsson:
I have also been surprised at how musical ipad -> airplay -> appletv2 -> ndac sounds.
It betters the airport express. And the Sonos ZP90.
Have you tried connecting the iPad directly to the nDac, using the USB iPod port? (I'm assuming this works). If so, how does that compare sonically to the Apple TV setup?
Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog
Should work and sound the same as a touch
Tog
Tog
Posted on: 05 January 2011 by #cj
... what is the naim official status about airplay? Could we expect a "fimware-update for the uniti/qute/HDX/NDX with additional small/heavy costs"?
... thanks
... thanks
Posted on: 05 January 2011 by Tog
I would think that Naim will want to wait and see rather than be an early adopter.
Tog
Tog
Posted on: 05 January 2011 by Rocabarraigh
Airplay and Spotify:-
If using an ipod touch with the latest software update, apple remote app and the spotify ipod app, and you first engage airplay to your apple network device (express, ATV etc.) connected to your DAC using the 'music' app and then close it and go on to use the spotify app it streams wirelessly and flawlessly and at hi res (well hi res for spotify) - sounds really good, sitting here listening to Kate Walsh Peppermint Radio - really great. Can search and play any music available on spotify straight from the itouch!
If you don't first use the apple music app to set the airplay connection then airplay doesn't work with spotify - not sure why.
Kind regards
Patrick
If using an ipod touch with the latest software update, apple remote app and the spotify ipod app, and you first engage airplay to your apple network device (express, ATV etc.) connected to your DAC using the 'music' app and then close it and go on to use the spotify app it streams wirelessly and flawlessly and at hi res (well hi res for spotify) - sounds really good, sitting here listening to Kate Walsh Peppermint Radio - really great. Can search and play any music available on spotify straight from the itouch!
If you don't first use the apple music app to set the airplay connection then airplay doesn't work with spotify - not sure why.
Kind regards
Patrick
Posted on: 08 January 2011 by realhifi
Airplay certainly is a slick addition to the list of Apples amazing run of innovation. Comparing a number of ways to listen to the same file though it is clear that it is great for casual (Pandora, Spotify, Internet Radio, etc) but not up to the level of what is available in digital replay today. A comparison is both easy and clear cut when you listen to a good file through the following means:
1) MacBook Pro using Pure and iTunes (using alternately Hiface USB and Optical out)
2) UPNP (from computer using either Asset or Eyeconnect)into a renderer such as a Unitiqute
3) Direct iTunes from iTouch or iPad (using digital in through USB input)
4) Dock taking digital from Ipad or iTouch into digital (coax) input
5) Airplay from either iPad or iTouch into an Apple TV2
I think most can guess pecking order but one did surprise me. In order of preference for me (and another person who's ears I trust: 2), 1), 4), 3), 5).
It sure is cool to have Pandora stream through my iPad while doing other things though and what a great way
to have a friend stop by and quickly listen to something new that they wanted to share. I'm betting that using it as a video push is quite cool too and can see having presentations, little clips sent by email, etc. come up on your big screen with no effort is going to be a huge draw for this.
In short, another home run for the coolest kids in the class right now.
1) MacBook Pro using Pure and iTunes (using alternately Hiface USB and Optical out)
2) UPNP (from computer using either Asset or Eyeconnect)into a renderer such as a Unitiqute
3) Direct iTunes from iTouch or iPad (using digital in through USB input)
4) Dock taking digital from Ipad or iTouch into digital (coax) input
5) Airplay from either iPad or iTouch into an Apple TV2
I think most can guess pecking order but one did surprise me. In order of preference for me (and another person who's ears I trust: 2), 1), 4), 3), 5).
It sure is cool to have Pandora stream through my iPad while doing other things though and what a great way
to have a friend stop by and quickly listen to something new that they wanted to share. I'm betting that using it as a video push is quite cool too and can see having presentations, little clips sent by email, etc. come up on your big screen with no effort is going to be a huge draw for this.
In short, another home run for the coolest kids in the class right now.
Posted on: 10 January 2011 by dzambolaja
quote:Originally posted by realhifi:
Airplay certainly is a slick addition to the list of Apples amazing run of innovation. Comparing a number of ways to listen to the same file though it is clear that it is great for casual (Pandora, Spotify, Internet Radio, etc) but not up to the level of what is available in digital replay today. A comparison is both easy and clear cut when you listen to a good file through the following means:
1) MacBook Pro using Pure and iTunes (using alternately Hiface USB and Optical out)
2) UPNP (from computer using either Asset or Eyeconnect)into a renderer such as a Unitiqute
3) Direct iTunes from iTouch or iPad (using digital in through USB input)
4) Dock taking digital from Ipad or iTouch into digital (coax) input
5) Airplay from either iPad or iTouch into an Apple TV2
I think most can guess pecking order but one did surprise me. In order of preference for me (and another person who's ears I trust: 2), 1), 4), 3), 5).
It sure is cool to have Pandora stream through my iPad while doing other things though and what a great way
to have a friend stop by and quickly listen to something new that they wanted to share. I'm betting that using it as a video push is quite cool too and can see having presentations, little clips sent by email, etc. come up on your big screen with no effort is going to be a huge draw for this.
In short, another home run for the coolest kids in the class right now.
I second your order of preference. The UPnP beats other methods. I have the Uniti and I prefer the network source, incl. it's own iRadio, over other methods (incl. the built in CD player, too!).
I more and more tend to believe that my Uniti's DAC (or are there a few independent DAC circuits inside???) has different firmware algorithms for different sources? How do we find out?
Bobby
Posted on: 10 January 2011 by Tog
Difficult to get info on the Uniti's dac but I know there are two - one for the CD and one for other sources. Love the sound via UPnP.
Tog
Tog