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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi all
I am just starting out on my B&O journey. I acquired a set of BL6000 speakers (in excellent condition) and now I need something to connect to it.
I want to stream Apple Music or Spotify etc and the AirPlay support on the Beosound Essence will do what I need. I have also read that the PlayMaker preceded it and supports AirPlay as well.
Both the options above are recommended instead of an Airport Express (and external DAC) option.
So - I now have to decide between a new BeoSound Essence for $925 (AUD) (excluding remote) and a second hand PlayMaker for $350 (AUD).
Which one would you recommend? And why?
I am only interested in AirPlay for now and would like to keep the budget in check as well.
Any advice will be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Hi and welcome to Beoworld.
If you hardwire the network connection of the Playmaker, that should be fine.
But don't blame me for that advice, when you discover the possibilities of an Essence (2nd gen) including linking to 'your' future B&O devices ;-)
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Thanks for the advice. I suspected that the Essence (2nd gen) is probably the way to go - especially for someone with me with a severe case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and would like to be able to connect other B&O hardware later on.
The multi-room link feature of the 2nd gen sounds most compelling.
Cheers
Thanks - I am leaning towards the Essence, since that will provide some future-proofing where future hardware can integrate easier. It seems as if the PlayMaker has been left behind a bit.
Correct.
The essence actually replaced the Playmaker.
The PM was the first B&O device that allowed people to stream.
I have 2 PM but i no longer use them because of Network Link.
For me it was a good device and I used it with an ethernet cable and a powerline adapter and found it to be flawless.
I suppose I could use it with my BL3 and plug my TV in to it?
The dealer in Richmond thinks that I should buy an essence. I probably should and then do something else with my BL3s.
I think you wont go wrong with an essence for your setup.
@AussieMichael - Thanks for the explanation - I am learning very quickly about all the various combinations of connecting to a pair of BL6000's ;-)
@AussieMichael - thanks - any diagrams will be much appreciated. ;-)
I have ethernet cable and powerline adapters.
Any chance you want to sell an unused PM?
rlerle: Thanks - I am leaning towards the Essence, since that will provide some future-proofing where future hardware can integrate easier. It seems as if the PlayMaker has been left behind a bit.
The reason for my advice (for buying a Playmaker) in my first post was this sentence in your initial posting:
'I am only interested in AirPlay for now and would like to keep the budget in check as well.'
Of course my 'real' advice would be to get the Essence - many more options there and futureproof ;-)
Aussie Michael: I have 2 PM but i no longer use them because of Network Link.
No need to get rid of the Playmaker/s!
Keep - at least - one of them and connect it to a line-input of one of your NL-devices.
This way you will be able to distribute AirPlay over the network...
...if you would want to.
Hi Millemissen
I agree - my current need is AirPlay only and I would like a nice (and cheap) solution for now. Just to get me started. Hence the interest in the PM. (I have a spare iPad / iPhone).
I also know myself (I love technology) and will then probably end up with later models (Essence - 2nd gen) etc. I might just go with PM for now - enjoy the BL6000's and then start to explore more systems / network link / multi-room.
I am also old enough now (40+) that I believe in simplicity, elegance and not fussing around. So an Essence with a wall remote sounds so attractive. Walk through the door and push a button (like a switch) and you have music... Sounds compelling.
How about this:
Go for the Playmaker now and use that as described in my suggestion for Aussie Michael above later on.
The Playmaker is a nice device - it is simply too good for just lying around, if you can combine it with your setup.
N.B. Be sure to go hardwired as much as you can!
P.S. The way you describe 'your' use of the Essence is exactly how it was meant from B&O.