afsalerno

It seems that a lot of us are expecting a lot from the little AP Express. First, we are discussing lossy wireless streaming. I must correct the author when he states "WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, and AAC files at 16 bit / 44.1 kHz are bit perfect (without data loss) from iTunes to the AirPort and through the AirPort's optical output." No matter what the source coming from iTunes, the sound data is converted to 16/44.1 streaming variant of Apple Lossless over RTSP. Regardless of the exact format, we are talking about streaming where the receiver (AP) must be able to interpolate when there is loss of signal. Secondly, I am guessing that an asynchronous DAC will not be able to time control an Airport Express (?).

I believe this is answer. But, as unique goes, marketing plays a huge role. I like my current DAC, but at $800, it is based on a $8 chip. I can't even remember the "unique" stuff that was said to be used in this device. You must be highly critical (and a bit skeptical) when it comes to choosing a new DAC.

Article is probably too harsh. The ability to maintain one uncompressed library and have all that music choice pumped up to the Cloud and down to all my mobile devices is lovely. I use my iPhone for casual listening int the car and on the go--I use my uncomppressed library for home enjoyment. Not everyone will listens to their music in this fashion, but I am guessing most do! No one ever suggested that our Gigs of uncompressed music would be stored remotely and made universally available.