TubeLover Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 As the title says, my Airport Express is dropping out often when streaming music and it's driving me nuts. I use it to stream a music channel that I subscribe to (Music From The Hearts of Space) and it has increasing problems with dropouts, and sometimes it even leads to a complete inability to continue to stream music. At that point, the DAC can no longer even get a signal from it. I am using a high quality router, and have the Airport Express directly connected to the router, via ethernet cable (it is not using wifi). The Airport Express also connects via optical cable to my DAC. Any help in resolving this would be immensely appreciated. JC Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 I am using a high quality router, and have the Airport Express directly connected to the router, via ethernet cable (it is not using wifi). The Airport Express also connects via optical cable to my DAC. Have you tried using the analogue output of the Airport Express (rather than optical). You need to do this to check if the issue is with networking or with the quality of the optical output of the Airport Express (which many DACs struggle with). Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
avta Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 Have you tried other streaming sources? Link to comment
TubeLover Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 Eloise, I have the old 2nd generation (802.11) model. I've checked the unit, and it only has one connection, the optical one. Now I'm wondering if replacing it with a newer, current model might solve this? Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 Eloise, I have the old 2nd generation (802.11) model. I've checked the unit, and it only has one connection, the optical one. Now I'm wondering if replacing it with a newer, current model might solve this? No, the optical connection is also a 3.5mm analogue connection... Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
TubeLover Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 I did not realize it was possible for that connection to be both. Just wondering what I could plug a single analog connection into. Link to comment
TubeLover Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 I have tried another streaming source with the same issue. Also if I stream the source I am using via my pc, connected to the same router and network, there are zero dropouts. Link to comment
Cebolla Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 Have you tried using the analogue output of the Airport Express (rather than optical). You need to do this to check if the issue is with networking or with the quality of the optical output of the Airport Express (which many DACs struggle with).+1 Certainly is a commonly reported fault, eg: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4276807?start=0&tstart=0 https://discussions.apple.com/message/29709225?tstart=0#29709225 We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. -- Jo Cox Link to comment
Cebolla Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 I did not realize it was possible for that connection to be both. Just wondering what I could plug a single analog connection into.Just get a 3.5mm jack to RCA lead. BTW, what device do you currently have the Airport Express plugged into, ie, is it the same kit as the new Marantz NA8005 mentioned in your other thread is going to be part of? If so, you can use the Marantz's AirPlay support instead of Airport Express. We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. -- Jo Cox Link to comment
Elztalbiker Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 DHCP from the AE could be the problem. Please check it in the menu. When DHCP on then turn it of. Good luck Sent by iPad Link to comment
avta Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 have you tried another cable? Link to comment
sddawson Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Try downgrading the firmware. How to downgrade your AirPort device's firmware | Macworld explains how. I had a similar problem, and downgrading to 7.6 fixed it. Known problem. What are you using to stream to the AE? Link to comment
hytechrednek Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 As the title says, my Airport Express is dropping out often when streaming music and it's driving me nuts. I use it to stream a music channel that I subscribe to (Music From The Hearts of Space) and it has increasing problems with dropouts, and sometimes it even leads to a complete inability to continue to stream music. At that point, the DAC can no longer even get a signal from it. I am using a high quality router, and have the Airport Express directly connected to the router, via ethernet cable (it is not using wifi). The Airport Express also connects via optical cable to my DAC. Any help in resolving this would be immensely appreciated. JC I've had similar issues on the APX (A1084) where it quits playing or just disappears from the selection list of devices. Often it still shows up as available on other computers in the house, but is unresponsive to them. I am using it wireless (no Ethernet cables). The only thing that has worked for me is to first reinstall the latest firmware upgrades, reset to factory default settings and then setup the device as its own network. Stream music to it this way for a time (minutes / hours) and then rejoin my home network router. This is the only remedy I've found so far that seems to get it back on track. Usually it will work OK for weeks or months. Not sure what causes this aliment but I suspect the power supply is failing and somehow causing data corruption of the firmware. It gets really warm inside that sealed case and these things are left on 24/7. Capacitors have to be cooked after a few years. Hytek Link to comment
TubeLover Posted February 18, 2016 Author Share Posted February 18, 2016 Try downgrading the firmware. How to downgrade your AirPort device's firmware | Macworld explains how. I had a similar problem, and downgrading to 7.6 fixed it. Known problem. What are you using to stream to the AE? I'm streaming from my iPad JC Link to comment
hytechrednek Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I'm streaming from my iPad JC I have a friend that streams from the iPad and he experiences the same issues. Hytek Link to comment
sddawson Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I would strongly suggest you try downgrading the firmware. There's no harm in trying - you can always upgrade it again. Link to comment
speavler Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 If it's airplay from a mobile device, then wifi is still a possible issue. Do you have a dual band router? I just purchased 4 chromecast music devices. I discovered that I cannot group devices that are on the 5G antennae of my wireless AP with those on the 2G. Just a shot in the dark, but maybe try disabling the 5G or 2G radio on your wifi and see what happens. Link to comment
mayhem13 Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Try downgrading the firmware. How to downgrade your AirPort device's firmware | Macworld explains how. I had a similar problem, and downgrading to 7.6 fixed it. Known problem. What are you using to stream to the AE? +1. Downgrade the firmware The 1st and 2nd gen are known to have excellent bit perfect optical outs. The third gen has the bit link problem......and subsequently has an EXCELLENT on board DAC. Link to comment
TubeLover Posted February 19, 2016 Author Share Posted February 19, 2016 Thanks all. I'll work on the firmware downgrade asap. JC Link to comment
hytechrednek Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I would strongly suggest you try downgrading the firmware. There's no harm in trying - you can always upgrade it again. I tried to downgrade the firmware to v6.1.1 but the APX (A1084) does not rejoin my network. I also tried to set the APX up as its own network, but Airplay and Airfoil do not work with it and ask for a firmware upgrade. I am unable to find a download for firmware v6.2. Anyone have a link for v6.2? Downgrading Apple Airport Express 802.11g (A1084) firmware | Leigh M. Smith Hytek Link to comment
sddawson Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 If you follow the link I posted, you should be presented with all available firmware versions without downloading anything. You do this by option-clicking on the version number field when in Airport Utility. I know I was running 7.6 with no problems (although not sure what version of the Airport Express that applied to. Link to comment
feelingears Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 Another option I didn't see listed is to change your wireless frequency (2.4 and 5 GHz) from automatic to a fixed channel. This has worked for me before, and it's easier as a first step than downgrading firmware. See this and other possible options: Is your wireless connection dropping? Sum>Frankenstein: JPlay/Audirvana/iTunes, Uptone EtherRegen+LPS-1.2, Rivo Streamer+Uptone JS-2, Schiit Yggdrasil LiM+Shunyata Delta XC, Linn LP12/Hercules II/Ittok/Denon DL-103R, ModWright LS 100, Pass XA25, Tellurium Black II, Monitor Audio Silver 500 on IsoAcoustics Gaias, Shunyata Delta XC, Transparent Audio, P12 power regenerator, and positive room attributes. Link to comment
TubeLover Posted April 27, 2016 Author Share Posted April 27, 2016 In the end, buying a new, top of the line router, which I purchased to eliminate another problem entirely also had the benefit of curing my Airport Express woes. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and assistance. JC Link to comment
Mike Pinkerton Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Just curious which router you bought to cure your woes. Link to comment
jcbenten Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Just curious which router you bought to cure your woes. And the router that was replaced. QNAP TS453Pro w/QLMS->Netgear Switch->Netgear RAX43 Router->Ethernet (50 ft)->Netgear switch->SBTouch ->SABAJ A10d->Linn Majik-IL (preamp)->Linn 2250->Linn Keilidh; Control Points: iPeng (iPad Air & iPhone); Also: Rega P3-24 w/ DV 10x5; OPPO 103; PC Playback: Foobar2000 & JRiver; Portable: iPhone 12 ProMax & Radio Paradise or NAS streaming; Sony NWZ ZX2 w/ PHA-3; SMSL IQ, Fiio Q5, iFi Nano iDSD BL; Garage: Edifier S1000DB Active Speakers Link to comment
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