ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi
I have a Beosound 3200 that I would like to stream music to from my iTunes library on my PC / IPads etc using AirPlay - is this possible? If so what equipment would I need and would I still be able to play it via the different B&O speakers I have around the house.
thanks for any help you can give.
Hi and welcome to BeoWorld.
You could use either an Apple airport express or a B&O Playmaker although the Playmaker is now discontinued you may be able to pick one up at a reduced price from a dealer.
Just connect either to the auxilliary socket on your BeoSound3200.When you use Airplay from your device or iTunes you stream to the AE or Playmaker and it will play through your BeoSound 3200.
Anything you play through that socket will be available on any other loudspeakers connected to your audio master.
Regards
Opman
Thank you - I will get a airport express , do I need to get a specific cable for this to work ?
The cable you need is a 3.5mm jack plug which connects to the Airport Express. The other end needs to be a 5 pin din. (Your BeoSound 3200 auxilliary socket has 7 pins but the extra two are not required). You just need to determine how far away the mains socket is to work out length of cable.
The only setting up required is to register the AE to your network. When you start streaming simply select the AUX function on your BeoSound 3200. This can be done manually on the unit itself or via the Beo4 remote if you have one.
You may need to add the A.AUX command to your Beo4 if it isn't already there. If you need instruction on how to do this just ask, its a simple process.
Opman:The cable you need is a 3.5mm jack plug which connects to the Airport Express. The other end needs to be a 5 pin din. (Your BeoSound 3200 auxilliary socket has 7 pins but the extra two are not required). You just need to determine how far away the mains socket is to work out length of cable.
Be aware that while the Airport Express will work, it's audio quality from its analog outputs is not the best. The Playmaker sounds much better, or you can run the AE digital outs to an outboard DAC and run the analog outputs of that into the Beo. There are a number of inexpensive but good sounding DACs out there that will work.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
I agree; it is certainly worth using an external DAC with AirportExpress: Musicla Fidelity V-Dac or Cambridge Audio DacMagic are both highly regarded and reeckoned to be exceptionally good value for money. I have both and the sound quality is superb from each. The V-Dac stays on all the time but the DacMagic switches to standby when no digital signal us present.
Hardwriter:I've no experience of using a separate DAC but I do have three Airport Express devices streaming to different B&O systems with BL8000 and old RL speakers. Audio quality seems fine to me. The Airports are also simple to set up and integrate and are robust in operation. I'd recommend you try one before investing in more complex solutions - may be fine for you.
Agree!
I have two AE. One connected to my old BeoVision LX5500 via RF modulator and one connected to the stereo in the jacuzzi. I don't use DAC and no needs of getting one. The sound quality is OK for me.
BeoNut since '75
As per my original post about AE. I have one connected to the Aux socket of my BeoSound3000 which plays through BeoLab4000 (mark 1) and is also linked to BeoVision7 32.
We don't use the AE a lot but its nice to have when we want to use it. I have no complaints about the sound quality. My advice would be to try it on its own first and then assess if you feel the need to improve the sound quality.
I stopped using airport express on my BS9000 via Aux because of the poor sound quality.
Yes it worked, it's nice to have an Idevice in hand and play sound via your B & O speakers but the sound is not good.
I'm talking about Spotify or Itunes here not better quality music if that exists.
And you have to set the volume way up compared to a cd listening.
A DAC or Playmaker must be considered. Just my opinion based on my experience (BS9000 / beolab 8000 and airport express).
Why did they discontinue the Playmaker?
Sound quality wise is a bluetooth adapter worse than an AE?
Cheers
Nigel
h1npw:Why did they discontinue the Playmaker?
elephant:..... because they thought the Essence was a superior solution I think most us would now agree that both have a role (with overlaps)
Yendys: elephant: ..... because they thought the Essence was a superior solution I think most us would now agree that both have a role (with overlaps) Agree Playmaker was a simple product that integrated well with existing ML audio masters to distribute high quality streaming music throughout the home
elephant: ..... because they thought the Essence was a superior solution I think most us would now agree that both have a role (with overlaps)
..... because they thought the Essence was a superior solution
I think most us would now agree that both have a role (with overlaps)
Agree
Playmaker was a simple product that integrated well with existing ML audio masters to distribute high quality streaming music throughout the home
+1
I love my Playmaker.
But the Playmaker was marketed as a standalone solution - and ML does not matter for future products.
For the company there was too much overlap.
So discontinuing it was obvious - even if a lot of 'the old costumers' can/could benefit from it.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Thank you - I have purchased an AE, setup was really simple and the sound is very good. I am just really pleased I can now use my B&O system to stream music to.
Glad you have found a solution to your streaming question.
Enjoy this new addition to your system.