HomePod w/ Existing Soundsystem

Question

HomePod w/ Existing Soundsystem

I have a nice soundsystem, with multiple speakers and subwoofers, costing a few thousand. I currently drive it from an AirPort Express w/ AirPlay1. I would love to add several HomePods to this sound system. I can't figure out how to get all speakers to output the same audio.

What's the best practice for using HomePod in conjunction with other speakers?

I would love to use HomePod, but I can't, if it won't integrate with my existing setup.

HomePod, iOS 11.4.1, null

Posted on Jul 25, 2018 11:35 AM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,549 points

Jul 25, 2018 12:19 PM in response to interim_descriptor

In iTunes on your computer you should be able to see both the AEX and the HomePod(s). Also, assuming your are running OS X 10.13.6 (or iOS 11.4.1) you should be able to see all of your devices. On your Mac click on your speaker in the top menu. Your HomePods will not show as a stereo pair when connecting in this manner.

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Answer 2

deggie

Level 10

167,549 points

Jul 25, 2018 12:49 PM in response to interim_descriptor

You can't currently set it up to make that happen...unless you are directing your request to the device (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac) that is sending out the Airplay stream.

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Answer 3

AppleJen77

Community Specialist

Jul 25, 2018 12:07 PM in response to interim_descriptor

Hi there, intrim_descriptor!
Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! That is a great question you have about streaming to multiple devices and I’m happy to help! Check out this article with information about how to Play audio to multiple speakers with AirPlay. This article will give you the steps and devices you need to set up AirPlay 2, which will allow you to stream to multiple devices. Also, check out this article for AirPlay system requirements.
Take care!

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Answer 4

Jul 25, 2018 12:12 PM in response to interim_descriptor

Take a look at this thread; some of TTHIEL's answers are interesting

Airplay 2 device to play on a HomePod plus my existing non-airplay speaker system?

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Answer 5

Jul 25, 2018 12:15 PM in response to AppleJen77

Thanks for the reply, AppleJen77.

I've read those pages, but I'm still at a loss for how to AirPlay to both my existing non-AirPlay soundsystem, and HomePods.

I'm currently using an AirPort Express to send music to my existing soundsystem. The AirPlay system requirements page doesn't list AirPort Express as compatible with AirPlay 2. As such, I don't see how it's possible to stream music to HomePods and my existing soundsystem at the same time.

Please help me. This should be easy, but it's super-confusing.

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Answer 6

Jul 25, 2018 12:46 PM in response to interim_descriptor

Also, it should be the case that, when I say "Hey Siri, play music by Aphex Twin", it plays to the entirety of my soundsystem, not just the HomePods.

How do I set things up to make that happen?

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Answer 7

Jul 25, 2018 12:19 PM in response to interim_descriptor

The only way is to use AirPlay 2 devices.

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HomePod w/ Existing Soundsystem

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