Level 1

22 points

Will lossless audio work via Airplay 2 and my receiver?

I have a Marantz receiver that supports Airplay 2, and supposedly, that means it transfers ALAC which should be lossless.

But does this mean it can offer the "master" 24-bit/192kHz lossless audio? Or just the 24-bit/48kHz one? I'm quite sure my stereo system supports this, but with Tidal and deezer I would use the HEOS app that I know transfers things losslessly, but apple music uses it's own thing and I'm not sure. I hate cables, but I want to use Apple Music.

Also, assuming I have good headphones, does the lightning to 3.5mm adapter that is used with the iPhones work like the Airpods Max cable (that is not completely lossless)? Just to make sure before I buy one.

Thank you!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 9, 2021 2:19 AM

Top-ranking reply

Marco Klobas

Level 6

8,351 points

Posted on Jun 9, 2021 8:02 AM

AirPlay (1 and 2) is capable of ALAC (lossless) streaming up to 44.1 kHz (48 kHz for video contents).

Hi-res lossless (over 48 kHz) isn't supported via AirPlay as a protocol, regardless of Apple Music.

That said, Apple Music in its lossless form streamed via AirPlay isn't only limited to 44.1 kHz (as expected like said before): unfortunately it's turned into a lossy (AAC) stream. It has been confirmed from various sources. Don't ask me why.

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99 replies

psideras

Level 1

10 points

Jun 23, 2021 2:53 PM in response to Marco Klobas

only system wide streams lossless but its not very useful that way.

Ataraxy01

Level 2

186 points

Jun 28, 2021 11:56 AM in response to Erik Speckman

I think you might have used ALAC one time when you meant AAC? Please proof read. I may be wrong too but have also done this myself too!

Ataraxy01

Level 2

186 points

Jun 28, 2021 11:57 AM in response to Ataraxy01

That was meant for Erik Speckman.

**** this horrible Apple forum interface!

Ataraxy01

Level 2

186 points

Jun 28, 2021 11:58 AM in response to Ataraxy01

Wait, I can't say the D word here? That is not even technically a bad word!

mateolo2

Level 1

14 points

Jul 6, 2021 4:24 PM in response to matías145

So guys,

help me. If i stream lossles audio from iPhone to Apple TV gen 3 via airplay 1, do i really getting this quality???

mateolo2

Level 1

14 points

Jul 7, 2021 5:35 AM in response to Marco Klobas

thanks, i know about it, but if AirPlay and Apple TV receving 44.1 KHz …

…and Apple lossles is:

I am in fact listening to Apple lossles on my Apple TV 3 ?

Jul 16, 2021 5:38 AM in response to Khurt Williams

If the bit perfect issue doesn't bother you then, yes, the Lightning->USB->DAC connection is currently a good choice.

AirPlay 1 for 44.1 kHz content is convenient, too.

bcm7729

Level 1

4 points

Jul 18, 2021 6:53 PM in response to dhorgas

What was the input stream on your Denon?

Sep 3, 2021 12:41 PM in response to Marco Klobas

Wait…are you saying when I stream music from the Apple Music app on my iPad, through Airplay…that it isn’t 16/44 but instead an AAC 256 stream???

Sep 3, 2021 1:51 PM in response to Marco Klobas

Thanks so much for the research. Much appreciated

Oct 25, 2021 1:59 PM in response to errandum

Now that HomePod OS 15.1 supports lossless audio to HomePod via Airplay, I'm really curious if Airplay going to a non Apple Device like a Bluesound streamer, etc. will also be in lossless?

dhorgas

Level 1

38 points

Oct 27, 2021 8:41 AM in response to michele-kun

It would be silly if it doesn’t. It would be “platform specific” AirPlay if it didn’t. Curious to see…

Nov 3, 2021 1:59 PM in response to John McParland

John, I have an iPad Pro 2nd Gen 11”. I want to connect to my Nad M10 coax digital in. Is there an adapter that can send the digital signal from the USB C on the iPad so I can avoid airplay?

Nov 3, 2021 4:12 PM in response to John McParland

John, did you experience the restriction using optical TOSLINK or digital coaxial to your Uniti Nova?

Nov 3, 2021 5:12 PM in response to John McParland

I use optical cable between the Topping and the Nova and it displays 192 on the Topping and the Nova screen (when that’s the source of course.)

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Will lossless audio work via Airplay 2 and my receiver?