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Airport Express firmware 7.8.1 problem?

I use a 1st gen AE in client mode to feed my hifi system. I decided to update the firmware from 7.6.1 to 7.8.1. today. Since then, audio has 'stuttered' when playing, both when fed by my iMac and if fed by my iPad. Apple tell me I can't revert the firmware back to 7.6.1.


Any ideas?

Posted on Aug 28, 2019 7:59 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 28, 2019 8:26 AM

We assume that you have already powered off the AirPort Express, your iMac and iPad and restarted them a few times to see if the issue continues.


Apple tell me I can't revert the firmware back to 7.6.1.


Apple is not providing you with correct information. If you want to roll back the firmware on the AirPort Express using the iMac.......


Open AirPort Utility (Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility)

Click on the picture of the AirPort Express, and a smaller window will appear

Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the actual version number of firmware that is installed on the Express

A drop down list of available firmware for the Express will appear

Choose the firmware version that you want to use



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Aug 28, 2019 8:26 AM in response to u33446z

We assume that you have already powered off the AirPort Express, your iMac and iPad and restarted them a few times to see if the issue continues.


Apple tell me I can't revert the firmware back to 7.6.1.


Apple is not providing you with correct information. If you want to roll back the firmware on the AirPort Express using the iMac.......


Open AirPort Utility (Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility)

Click on the picture of the AirPort Express, and a smaller window will appear

Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the actual version number of firmware that is installed on the Express

A drop down list of available firmware for the Express will appear

Choose the firmware version that you want to use



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Sep 8, 2019 1:28 PM in response to Walter Brewster

You can't go back to 7.6.1 but you can go to 7.6.9 which was the last stable version as far as music was concerned


The user just told us that he reverted back to 7.6.1 to fix a problem with newer firmware.


You can go back as far as the firmware that was installed when the AirPort was first sold.. For what it's worth, I have an AirPort Express that I can revert as far back as 7.5.2 if desired.....see below to see the list of available firmware.....which was more stable than 7.6.1 in my opinion and experience.






On the plus side, in an otherwise good setup, 7.6.9 is excellent.


You are entitled to your opinion, but my experience with 7.6.9 was less than impressive. Much better with 7.8.1 here, but other users have had some issues, as is always the case when new firmware becomes available.



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Sep 8, 2019 7:56 AM in response to u33446z

You can't go back to 7.6.1 but you can go to 7.6.9 which was the last stable version as far as music was concerned. Both 7.8 and 7.8.1 have various issues, including very occasional stuttering as you describe and a curious glitch which presents a very short snippet of music during 'Play' when you click on a new track. I reported the latter in detail to Apple but it has not been resolved in 7.8.1

The stuttering is the most unacceptable issue. It takes us back to the early days when wireless streaming was beset with this problem and left you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next dropout.

On the plus side, in an otherwise good setup, 7.6.9 is excellent. Sadly, there don't seem to be enough people who really care and listen for many hours to Airplay working superbly through high quality loudspeakers for Apple to really address this. Airplay via AE units was a key factor in my adoption of the Apple eco-system but both they and Google have discontinued their streaming units as people seem only too happy to spend their money again on speakers with Airplay, Bluetooth or Chromecast built in.

I am still working out the best route for when AE units die or are no longer supported.

I hope your issues are now solved.

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Sep 10, 2019 2:30 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for your clear and detailed responses. I re-read the initial post and of course we're talking 1st Gen here whereas I had just noted how far my two 2nd Gen models could be 'wound back.'

I imagine there a lot of variables involved in whether things work or not. In my case one model is wired whilst the other is wireless. Both accept 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz and I mainly use 5Ghz.

I've now had 2 days of 7.6.9 with no glitches. I will look forward to 7.8.2 if it ever happens!

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Sep 10, 2019 6:19 AM in response to Walter Brewster

Not a big deal, but the same thing applies to the 2nd Gen AirPort Express as the 1st Gen.........Firmware wise, you can go as far back as the firmware that was originally installed when the 2nd Gen was delivered from Apple.


I have one 2nd Gen here that can go back to 7.6.1, but the other 2nd Gen will only go as far back as 7.6.7.

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Sep 10, 2019 7:34 AM in response to Walter Brewster

At this point, the only thing that might "succeed" the AirPort Express is the Apple TV.


The downside to this for a number of users is that the Apple TV only provides an HDMI output signal for video and audio. Even though users might not be using the video capabilities of the Apple TV, their audio amplifiers or sound bars.....or whatever they use now to amplify the audio signal from the Express......will need to have an HDMI input.

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Sep 10, 2019 8:53 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Yes, I presently have an older ATV connected up to the same active speakers and the quality of sound is identical to the AEX. As you say, the later models show potential and I know some people suggest HDMI splitters to avoid going through a TV for just audio.

Of course, later today, Tim will introduce the perfect new ATV with both HDMI and Optical audio and we'll all be happy!


I have a firm belief that, rather than spending vast sums on high-end audio with lots of boxes and cables, equally good (or better) results can be obtained with an AEX hooked up to very good active speakers that incorporate a good DAC.

I am a professional, classical musician but AAC files played through such systems sound as good as anything to me and I've had many fine musicians feel the same when they hear my system. The little AEX is capable of far more than Apple now seem to know or certainly acknowledge.

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Airport Express firmware 7.8.1 problem?

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