Can't turn off Airplay with Monterey

Question

Can't turn off Airplay with Monterey

Hi. I am a minor league audiophile and not too technical. I want to stream high-res music with either Tidal or Qobuz. I have a new Imac running Monterey. I direct the audio stream to a Bluesound NODE.

With Airplay, higher res music is reduced in quality. I want to turn Airplay off, but I can't. The option to disable/enable Airplay simply does not appear where intended when I choose Systems-Preferences-Sound-Output.

I have spoken with Apple support frontline techs and senior techs. We have gone through an escalating set of technical acrobatics, but none work. I am using Intego protection software. One senior tech suggested this may be the problem source, but when I turn Intego off, there is no change. My question: has anyone had a similar problem and/or do you have a suggested solution. Thanks.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 2, 2022 4:59 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jan 2, 2022 8:17 AM in response to quality-sound

That option doesn’t seem to exist for Monterey https://support.apple.com/en-is/guide/mac-help/mh40768/mac.

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Answer 2

Jan 2, 2022 6:11 AM in response to hcsitas

Hey, thanks for your response. I can direct music to the bluesound streamer from my Imac, but only through Airplay. From the specs, Airplay reduces the streaming data and therefore music quality. So, I'm trying to turn it off. My wife has a windows laptop and we tried streaming from her laptop (no Airplay) and the sound is better. Hope this clarifies. I want to listen to hi-res music available from Tidal or Qobuz and streamed via wifi from my Imac to the bluesound streamer. The bluesound streamer is connected by optical cable to a Cambridge amplifier and then with speaker cable to floor standing speakers.

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Answer 3

Jan 2, 2022 8:06 AM in response to quality-sound

Maybe this helps to clarify. Below is an image of the option to turn off Airplay and my system where this option does not exist. This is for Airplay for displays, but it's the same for Airplay for sound. The option to turn Airplay on and off does not appear.

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Answer 4

Jan 2, 2022 8:26 AM in response to hcsitas

Thanks for taking the time to look into it. That's helpful (as well as disappointing and not a good look for Apple). Would be good if Apple support techs knew this and saved everyone a good chunk of wasted time. I'll try to let them know.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jan 2, 2022 5:39 AM in response to quality-sound

Maybe I misunderstood you, but how do you know Airplay is available in the first place? Looks like it isn't. What are you trying to do, to enable it? And listen to what, with what and on what?

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