Airport Extreme + Express + older Express audio dropouts
My set up is the following:
Coaxial from cable provider --> cable modem from provider --> Airport Extreme via Cat5e
Express #1 a few feet away, analog out to stereo, extending Extreme network
Express #2 2 rooms away, analog out to stereo, extending Extreme network
2014 Macbook pro, Yosemite
When I stream from iTunes to Express #1, it's generally fine from anywhere. When I stream to #2 (either by itself or in addition to #1) I get sporadic audio dropouts no matter where the macbook is, even though my internet stays steady. For example, the macbook is right next to Express #2, streaming internet radio and playing through internal speakers. When I also send the audio to Express #2 (multiple speakers in itunes), that Express audio stream is sporadic, even though the internal speakers stay consistently on. I would have thought dropouts would go away as the macbook got closer to #2, but there's little if any change.
If the macbook is right next to Express #2, does it stream directly to #2, or does it make a trip to the Extreme and back to #2? Possible Express #2 works to extend the network ok but is failing just for airplay? It's a first or second gen.
Thanks!