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errandum Author

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

8,279 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

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

32 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…

-SWALK-

Level 1

8 points

Nov 2, 2021 9:52 PM in response to errandum

Streaming Apple Music over Airplay on an iPhone, the resolution will be 44.1kHz/16bit AAC.

When streaming from a Mac (or Windows PC), this will adjust to 44.1kHz/16bit ALAC.

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.)

Dec 6, 2021 8:37 AM in response to Marco Klobas

SONOS suggests connecting to SONOS speakers through Airplay protocol to play Hi-Resolution Lossless. SONY walkman supports Hi-Resolution music many years ago.

-SWALK-

Level 1

8 points

Dec 6, 2021 9:07 AM in response to Faintandfuzzy

This is the only reason why I did not renew my subscription after trial. Am happier with an alternate service via a upnp/dlna app controller streaming full Hi-Res to my Hifi system in the meantime.

Feb 15, 2022 9:16 AM in response to Marco Klobas

Your statement at best is currently misleading and incorrect..

Will lossless audio work via Airplay 2 and my receiver?