Stream Apple Music to analog stereo

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Stream Apple Music to analog stereo

I decided to ditch Spotify for Apple Music without really thinking it through and have been left trying to figure out how to stream music to my analog hifi stereo.

In the past I would use Spotify to cast audio to my Google Chromecast Audio device that's connected to a 3.5mm audio cable that's attached to a female 3.5mm audio adapter that attaches to the stereo's RCA AUX. Worked great, and now I'm regretting the whole fiasco.

After paying 13.00 for a service that could transfer my 8000 song library to Apple Music I was exciting to give it a spin on the HiFi only to realize it won't work with the Chromecast Audio.

Since Apple doesn't offer a comparable advice, I'm trying to figure out how I can do this in a similar fashion to what I've been doing.

I researched Apple TV, and don't want to have my TV on all the time when listening to music, and also don't think my TV has the audio OUT capabilities required anyway.

I looked into Airport Express base stations. There are old ones on eBay for about $45.00. Would they work with current Apple stuff? (MacBook Air, iPhone 6 with current iOS)

Any other advice or suggestions? Which route would you go with?

Thanks.

Posted on Aug 28, 2016 4:05 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2016 5:11 PM in response to batchess

Hi,

I'm not sure if you have this one resolved, but if not, I'll try to offer you a solution.

Unfortunately I don't think the Apple Music app on iPhone or iPad is compatible with Google Chromecast. However, my current setup could offer you a solution without spending a great deal more, whilst maximising your hardware.

I have several Airport Express devices around the house, they're connected to speakers and offer me the Airplay facility through my iPhone. However, you can stream to one device at a time, only.

To get around this, I use my iMac or MacBook to access iTunes, then I use a piece of software called Airfoil. What it does is tap in to the audio hardware and gives you the option to stream to various single or multiple devices on the wifi network.

As of today, you can stream from ANY application OR simply chooose system audio. Airfoil 5.5 has just been released and will support the following;

AirPlay Devices

Bluetooth Devices

Chromecast Audio

That means you can use your current Chromecast equipment to stream music from iTunes/Apple Music.

Unfortunately you are limited to your laptop or computer as a source, but it's something that could work for you if you have this option. Airfoil has a remote app, too, so you can use your iPhone or other compatible device to control the volume for each individual speaker, as well as some basic playback buttons.

There is a cost for the Airfoil Software, which unfortunately I don't recall the details on, but I do know it'd be much cheaper than buying extra hardware. If you've already bought some, you'll be able to connect to those anyway.

I'm sorry if this information comes too late, but it's probably something to consider regardless, it's a fantastic solution to multi room audio for various devices.

Best Wishes

Ryan

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