Connecting Harman Kardon Sound Sticks to Airport Express

Question

Connecting Harman Kardon Sound Sticks to Airport Express

Hi everyone,

In the past I have used older Harman Kardon Sound Sticks with Airport Express to play iTunes music through Airplay.

I just tried it again (with my new MacBookAir) and although I can see the network and the iTunes network and the speakers are connected to the USB port on the Airport Express, it says that 'there are no speakers connected to the Airport Express'.

When I test the same speakers with my MacBookAir they play fine through the USB.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Alan.

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.1), Airport Express

Posted on Sep 18, 2011 3:20 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

189,184 points

Sep 18, 2011 5:43 AM in response to alanglenmurray

....the speakers are connected to the USB port on the Airport Express, it says that 'there are no speakers connected to the Airport Express'

The USB port on the AirPort Express will only support a compatible printer.

You need to connect the speakers to the audio jack on the AirPort Express.

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Answer 2

teebodo

Level 1

0 points

Nov 23, 2011 10:32 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Is it possible to power USB speakers thru Express USB port and get the audio OUT to the same speakers (in other words, Express is the power source and audio source)?

Supplemental: do you know of any speakers that have a USB/3.5mm line out?

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

189,184 points

Nov 23, 2011 10:39 AM in response to teebodo

Is it possible to power USB speakers thru Express USB port and get the audio OUT to the same speakers (in other words, Express is the power source and audio source)?

As already mentioned in the post just above yours......

The USB port on the AirPort Express will only support a compatible printer.

You need to connect the speakers to the audio jack on the AirPort Express.

Supplemental: do you know of any speakers that have a USB/3.5mm line out?

None as far as I know.

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Answer 4

teebodo

Level 1

0 points

Nov 23, 2011 12:19 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you for the fast response.

I understand the bit about the USB port functions only for printers, but it can also be a POWER source? If I am looking at speakers that are USB-powered, so can the Express USB port (like most USB ports) provide a charge -- or is there no power out on the USB port? I guess that's what I'm trying to find out.

Thanks again.

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Answer 5

Bob Timmons

Level 10

189,184 points

Nov 23, 2011 12:36 PM in response to teebodo

but it can also be a POWER source?

We'll try one more time.....😉

The USB port on the AirPort Express will only support a compatible printer.

It won't support audio. It won't support a hard drive. It won't work as a power source.

It won't do anything unless you connect a compatible printer to it.

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Answer 6

teebodo

Level 1

0 points

Nov 23, 2011 12:55 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Cool. REALLY appreciate it. I have a moth-balled AE that I want to slave to my AppleTV (which I love) so have been looking for ways to "revive" it as a speaker system.

Thanks and holiday greetings!

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Answer 7

ronxxxxx

Level 1

0 points

Jul 22, 2012 5:15 AM in response to alanglenmurray

I hooked up my bose companion to the airport express. The companions

control pod has 1 headphone jack and a connection for a second audio source. Use this second 3.5 mm plug to connect the speakers to the airport express. Works fine.

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Answer 8

teebodo

Level 1

0 points

Jul 22, 2012 1:13 PM in response to ronxxxxx

Thanks ronxxxxx.

I've been using a cheap pair of usb-powered speakers successfully for over ayear now hooked up to the older airport express through the 3.5mm jack AND powering off the usb. The "printer only" approach is not accurate and I can provide video proof if anyone needs to see how it was setup. I just didn't have the energy to get into it with Bob; he seemed pretty sure of himself... 😝

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