User profile for user: MTZL
MTZL Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Air Play 2 vs. Apple Music playback through USB+DAC

I have a stereo setup, using Mac mini (M1, 2021) as a streamer, Roon and Apple Music lossless are my main sources. When I playback any track over Apple Music app on Mac mini by using usb cable to the DAC (RME-ADI2) the sound quality is absolute and crystal clear compare to the same track playedback through Air Play 2 on Mac mini or Apple TV; there is something wrong w/ the Air Play 2, the quality is lesser than the USB+DAC direct connection. Why? Does Air Play 2 reduce the sound quality? And why again? To my knowledge Air Play 2 is capable of streaming 16/44, if it’s true why I hear dramatic difference between usb cable vs. Air Play 2?


Here are my equipments:

  • Mac mini - Streamer, Roon Core
  • RME-ADI2 FS - DAC (connected to my Mac mini over USB, also it is connected to the TV via Toslink output, Apple TV is connected to the TV via HDMI)
  • Benchmark AHB2 - Power Amp
  • KEF LS50 - Stand mount 2-way speakers
  • REL T7/x - Subwoofer
  • Apple TV
  • Xbox One X


Thank you.

M.

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Aug 22, 2023 9:25 PM

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User profile for user: Marco Klobas
Marco Klobas
User level: Level 6
8,351 points

Posted on Aug 31, 2023 12:32 AM

The best quality you can get with Apple Music is via a USB-DAC connection (especially if hi-res audio is involved).


AirPlay protocol (both 1 and 2) is capable of 44.1 kHz lossless audio streaming. Anything over is downsampled.


Another issue – specific with Apple Music – is that AirPlay (in particular the version 2) isn't bit perfect. It has been documented on other forums – I'll not repeat the whole story.


Granted, the lost "bit perfectness" is a minor annoyance compared to the 44.1 kHz limit and it's debatable if it's hearable. Still, it's there.


Maybe the difference you hear is related to this issue.

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User profile for user: Marco Klobas
Marco Klobas
User level: Level 6
8,351 points

Aug 31, 2023 12:32 AM in response to MTZL

The best quality you can get with Apple Music is via a USB-DAC connection (especially if hi-res audio is involved).


AirPlay protocol (both 1 and 2) is capable of 44.1 kHz lossless audio streaming. Anything over is downsampled.


Another issue – specific with Apple Music – is that AirPlay (in particular the version 2) isn't bit perfect. It has been documented on other forums – I'll not repeat the whole story.


Granted, the lost "bit perfectness" is a minor annoyance compared to the 44.1 kHz limit and it's debatable if it's hearable. Still, it's there.


Maybe the difference you hear is related to this issue.

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User profile for user: MichaelH626
MichaelH626
User level: Level 1
8 points

Jun 14, 2024 11:23 AM in response to MTZL

Does Air Play 2 reduce the sound quality? yes.


why? The wireless technology on music steaming has limitation on how much data it can send. therefore, Loseeless file over wireless connection, the iphone or iOS will downmix the High res lossless file to AAC 256...


https://darko.audio/2023/10/apple-airplay-isnt-always-lossless-sometimes-its-lossy/


You are read all about it here.



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Air Play 2 vs. Apple Music playback through USB+DAC

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