Options for listening to Apple Music over Hi-Fi

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Level 1

9 points

Options for listening to Apple Music over Hi-Fi

I want to be able to listen to Apple Music over a Hi-Fi. This 'Hi-Fi' at the moment consists of a pair of active speakers but I was planning to either use a spare audio interface I have which can be set to work in standalone mode (no host computer required) or to buy a device that allowed me access to Apple Music and had an analogue input (for a record player - I already have a phono preamp) and analogue outputs to connect to my active speakers.

However, I can't seem to find anything. The nearest I've found are devices like Wiim and Sonos Port Network Streamer but these just use Airplay 2. I have two issues with Airplay 1. The audio stream, from what I've read, is limited to 16bit 44.1Khz (CD quality) 2. You have to use another device like a computer, iPad or iPhone. Whilst I have these, my Mac won't be anywhere near it and my iPad/iPhone isn't always going to be in the same room.

I had thought about buying a second AppleTV box just to be able to access Apple Music but this only has an HDMI output which would then need to go to a TV and I don't want a great big TV screen and it still doesn't solve getting audio into the Hi-Fi. Buying another iPad and using a wired connection isn't financially viable.

I had also thought of using Plex but then there isn't an easy way to stream Apple Music into Plex so that's not really an option.

Is there another option I've not looked at?

Posted on Jan 23, 2025 05:43 AM

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Answer 1

Zurarczurx

Level 4

2,568 points

Jan 23, 2025 06:02 AM in response to peakoverload

I use Airplay, so my set up won't be of interest to you, I guess, although unless you are an audio professional of some sort and under the age of 25 I don't believe that you'll be able to hear the difference between CD quality and something with higher sampling. Your HiFi set up must be pretty impressive if you really can hear the difference. What speakers do you use?

The first thing you need to ask yourself is where is the source because you'll need something that connects to it. You're clearly not using a ripped CD library cos CD quality isn't good enough for you, so you need a streamer that can connect directly to whatever source you're using. I just headed over to What HiFi and they have reviews of network streamers, but given your quality requirements you might end up paying top dollar for kit that connects to wherever you're getting your better than 16 bit 44.1kHz music

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Answer 2

peakoverload Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 24, 2025 02:11 AM in response to Zurarczurx

Interesting. I am however a professional sound engineer and, wherever possible, do prefer to listen to high res audio. One of the reasons for going with Apple Music was because they offer, albeit slightly limited, lossless high res files.....but not if you use Airplay due to its limitations. This isn't a deal breaker as I would still do my more 'critical' listening in my studio where I have direct access to my own 24bit library as well as Apple Music. What I am looking for is a device that would allow me access to Apple Music without having to resort to grabbing my iPad/iPhone and enabling Airplay. This is, for me, a little cumbersome as I'm looking for something that is permanently ready to go for all the family not just the person with the account. Turns out what I'm looking for is a HDMI audio extractor with a TOSLINK output and have that connected between my AppleTV and Audio Interface.

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Options for listening to Apple Music over Hi-Fi

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