How do I stream music through my traditional stereo system?

Question

How do I stream music through my traditional stereo system?

I would like to stream music through my older, but decent stereo system. An old one with the usual receiver and inputs for CD's, Cassettes, and Phonos. With a good set of speakers that are fairly large. The receiver has an older version of bluetooth. And no wifi capabilities. I tried a bluetooth converter on it, and streamed from my iMac desktop to the converter, to the receiver, but couldn't get a good enough sound, and it lacked volume and quality. Too faint. I am using my iMac desktop computer to steam from apple music, now. But the speakers in the iMac are small, and I am not satisfied with the sound.. I also use my iPhone 8. But, I really want to do it with the great sound of my bigger stereo system. And, I'd like to do it with wifi, as I think it is better than bluetooth. My modem has wifi. I know there are wifi converters out there, but they are fairly expensive, and I don't know how good they are. I want something worthy of a decent quality stereo system. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to go about doing this?

Thanks for the suggestions .....

iMac 21.5", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 12, 2020 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

24,053 points

Apr 13, 2020 7:36 PM in response to karlssongunvor

Look into Airfoil + an Airport Express in client mode. Airfoil enables streaming any Mac audio to various devices including Airport Express.

Airport Express, although obsolete by today's WIFI standards, includes the ability to connect its audio out to any amp. It was originally intended only for streaming iTunes songs to a home amplifier (it couldn't stream other Mac audio on its own) - but a number of 3rd party vendors developed apps to stream ANY Mac audio to the Airport Express. Airfoil is one of the better apps out there. Surprisingly, Apple is still selling refurbished Airport Expresses in their online store.

I use an Airport Express setup at my home to stream iTunes to Airport Express units in my garage and living room. It works great.

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Answer 2

Apr 14, 2020 8:57 AM in response to MartinR

Hello! Thanks for the info. I think this might be the right solution for me. I have a question. Which Airport Express shall I use?There seem to be different ones for different purposes, ( 2nd Generation etc...). I have an iMac from 2016. The Yamaha receiver is about 5 years old. It only has RCA A/V jacks. Nothing else. It does have an unusual iPod setup in which there is a cradle for an iPod which is wired into the receiver through a cable. My wifi router/modem has many inputs for both ethernet and USB bus. I suppose I would have to get an Airport Express which has RCA cable connecting potential. and the appropriate model to be used with my computer. Maybe I can get an adapter which is RCA A/V on one end and has the right connector for the Airport Express on the other. I guess Airplay is downloadable for any iMac OS. Or do I need to to have an older operating system? I have Catalina, the latest operation system.

I wonder if you can give me some advice as to what to choose and how to go about it.......thanks!

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

24,053 points

Apr 16, 2020 6:01 AM in response to karlssongunvor

All Airport Express models have an analog stereo audio out. From that standpoint it doesn't matter what model AE you get. It's a standard 3.5mm stereo jack - just get a cable that has a 3.5mm male stereo plug on one end and 2x RCA male plugs on the other. Then you can connect it to one of your amp's A/V inputs.

The Airport Express can be connected to your network via one of your router's ethernet ports or via WIFI. I have two of AE's that I use to stream music - one in my living room connected to my router via wired ethernet; the other in my garage connects via WIFI. Use Airport Utility to set up your Airport Express in Client mode. I named my AE's 'Living Room' and 'Garage' so I know what they are when I see them in iTunes.

Once your AE is connected to your network, you will see an Airplay icon in iTunes; click the Airplay icon and you can select which "speakers" to play music through.

Regarding Airfoil, I suggested that in the event you want to stream music from online services (like Spotify) that don't use iTunes. If you are only using iTunes to stream music you don't need Airfoil.

Regarding which AE to get - for streaming music it doesn't matter what model you use - they all work just fine. The most recent version (MC414LL/A, "Gen 2") does support faster 802.11n WIFI but you don't need that speed for music. And for $49 refurbished from Apple it's a bargain. On the other hand it also requires a power cord (it comes with the cord). The earlier model (MB3212LL/A) had a built-in plug - you could just plug it right into a power outlet.

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Answer 4

Apr 12, 2020 11:17 AM in response to karlssongunvor

Bluetooth to a (better) receiver, or AirPlay to an AirPlay receiver, most probably:

How to AirPlay audio - Apple Support

iOS - Home Accessories - Apple

As for Bluetooth, audio output levels can often be controlled both from the sending device, and from the receiving device.

There are AirPlay receivers for ~USD$40 on Amazon and elsewhere, and probably other options at features and prices both higher and lower than that.

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Answer 5

MartinR

Level 7

24,053 points

Apr 19, 2020 10:11 AM in response to karlssongunvor

How do I connect the airport express with the airport utility in Client Mode?

It depends somewhat on the version of Airport Utility you have. Here are the essential settings:

Set up the AE to "Join a wireless network." Enter the name, security type & password for your existing WIFI network.

-and-

Enable Airplay. Where it says "Airplay Speaker Name" enter a name you will recognize when you see it in iTunes. This could be the location where you intend to put the AE (eg., "Garage") or perhaps the name & model of your amp. There is no need for an Airplay password.

One more thing, just I noticed today that my current version of Airport Utility (v 6) doesn't support my oldest AE - the earliest Gen 1 AE (M9470LL/A). It does support the later Gen 1 model (MB3212LL/A). But if you are going to buy an AE at this point I'd strongly recommend the latest Gen 2 model MC414LL/A unless you can't live with the power cord.

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Answer 6

Apr 18, 2020 5:50 PM in response to MartinR

How do I connect the airport express with the airport utility in Client Mode? Can you take me through the steps necessary to connect the AE. How did you set up the streaming for the speakers in the Garage? If I use the AE with wifi, I am assuming that the AE does not connect to any router/modem ethernet port. Is the setup the same with wifi as the connection with the ethernet connection?

Also, with my receiver, I have an option for two main speakers, and two smaller bookshelf speakers. Will the music play out of all the speakers at once? The main speakers are floor-standing speakers, and are fairly big. Will a device this small play the music in may stereo at adequate volume?

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Answer 7

Apr 18, 2020 7:15 PM in response to karlssongunvor

An AirPort Express is an AirPlay (AirPlay 2) receiver. An old one. As for the setup:

https://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-use-airport-express-as-airplay-2-adapter-with-any-speaker-system/

http://www.theinstructional.com/guides/configure-an-airport-express-as-an-ethernet-airplay-receiver

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Answer 8

Apr 20, 2020 4:40 PM in response to MartinR

Thanks for this very helpful information! It's kind of you to explain in such depth. I have one final question: My stereo receiver is about 5 years old. Do you think the 2nd Generation AE will work with a stereo this old, or is an older version of AE in the 1st Generation necessary? Which one of the two?

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Answer 9

Apr 21, 2020 3:04 AM in response to karlssongunvor

I guess what I wanted to ask is if my version of "Airport Utility" supports The newer 2nd generation Model MC414LL/A. The OS is up to date with Catalina.....version 10.15.4. How do I determine if my "Airport Utility" supports this 2nd generation AE?

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Answer 10

MartinR

Level 7

24,053 points

Apr 21, 2020 6:22 AM in response to karlssongunvor

Which one of the two?

It doesn't matter. All AE's have an analog audio out, which is what you connect to your amp.

My Yamaha & Sony amps are nearly 20 years old and they work perfectly fine with all my different AE's ...

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Answer 11

Apr 22, 2020 2:49 AM in response to MartinR

Thanks MartinR! I truly appreciate the help, putting together streaming with my stereo system. I will purchase an Airport Express very soon. i am very excited about this possibility, and am very pleased that, with your instruction, I can now put together the system. Thanks again

Andrew

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Answer 12

MartinR

Level 7

24,053 points

Apr 21, 2020 6:26 AM in response to karlssongunvor

If you have Catalina, you have Airport Utility v6. It can manage all AE's except the very earliest Gen 1 model M9470LL/A.

The screenshots I provided earlier are from Airport Utility v6.

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How do I stream music through my traditional stereo system?

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