Best & most cost-effective way to stream Apple Music from iPhone to passive bookshelf speakers

[bananataffy]

So here's my set-up: Parasound P5 pre-amplifier > power amplifier > passive bookshelf speakers

I want to stream Apple Music from my iPhone (IOS10) to these speakers.

The P5 pre-amplifier has an optical input, which I'd want to use to get the best quality.

I obviously do not want to purchase another pair of speakers (like Sonos.)

Does the AirPort Express work here, if I connect an optical cable between it and my pre-amplifier. Does it show up as a selectable output in the Apple Music app in IOS10?

What other options do I have for high-quality streaming? I'd rather keep the cost as low as possible as buying the AirPort Express @ $100 is a bit out of my budget just to use for this purpose. Chromecast Audio would be an awesome option but unfortunately, it is not compatible with the Apple Music app on the iPhone.

Any solutions and links to products would be appreciated.

 

[jerwin]

You could try searching for "Airplay" on your favorite shopping site. I found a bunch of products that fit the description.

for instance

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4333&cm_re=airplay-_-9SIA86V31W4333-_-Product

Soundmate M1 wireless wifi Audio Streaming Receiver DLNA Airplay for iOS/Android

No experience with it, however.

 

[ZEEN0j]

As mentioned. There are other cheaper options but be sure to look up review first. The once I've found that have reviews don't have positive ones. So it's a little bit of a gamble.

 

[Paco II]

A previous gen Airport Express could be very economical (check eBay) and will work well. It is how I send music to my in-wall speakers.

 

[CobraPA]

Bluetooth A2DP audio receivers can be had for pretty cheap now, I recently suggested adding something like that for a buddy who wanted to use bluetooth headphones for his TV. There's a combo unit that can transmit or receive, so you can use it for either direction to do bluetooth. Not sure about optical though, most of them are RCA jack audio or mini stereo plug connected. Should be in the $20 range though, rather than $100.

 

[Paco II]

Depends on the use case of the OP but Bluetooth can be quite limiting. With Airplay, I can wander my home with the phone in my pocket and the music never stops/breaks. Seamless. Can't achieve that with Bluetooth.

Bluetooth A2DP audio receivers can be had for pretty cheap now, I recently suggested adding something like that for a buddy who wanted to use bluetooth headphones for his TV. There's a combo unit that can transmit or receive, so you can use it for either direction to do bluetooth. Not sure about optical though, most of them are RCA jack audio or mini stereo plug connected. Should be in the $20 range though, rather than $100.

 

[ZEEN0j]

Depends on the use case of the OP but Bluetooth can be quite limiting. With Airplay, I can wander my home with the phone in my pocket and the music never stops/breaks. Seamless. Can't achieve that with Bluetooth.

And you don't have to pair and repair devices when switching etc.

 

[CobraPA]

And you don't have to pair and repair devices when switching etc.

True about the roaming...

Some of the bluetooth receivers don't require re-pairing. We have one here that you just need to go to bluetooth and pick the device when you go in to the room, it connects automatically after that.

 

[bananataffy]

Thanks for the responses. I ended up picking up a used Airport Express (latest gen.) for $35 off Craigslist. Works perfectly and the quality is great using the optical out.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

A previous gen Airport Express could be very economical (check eBay) and will work well. It is how I send music to my in-wall speakers.

Agreed. I use the current gen Airport Express for Airplay to my Yamaha AV receiver. Excellent quality sound.

 

[Donga120]

I use a Marantz MCR-611 paired to a pair of Dali Zensor 5's and a BK Monolith streamed via Airplay in my bedroom. Works flawlessly. Sound over Wi-Fi doesn't get compressed like Bluetooth does IIRC.