Apple AirPort Express music streaming distortion problem

Hi there Hugonian,

If you're having issues with the audio quality of Apple Music on your AirPort Express, try restarting it and updating the firmware to see if that resolves the issue for you. You can follow the steps in this support article to restart and update the firmware: Update the firmware on your AirPort base station - Apple Support

If the issue persists, try resetting your AirPort base station with the steps below:

Soft reset:

1. Make sure that the base station is connected to power. 

2. Press and hold the reset button for 1 second, then release the button. The status light on the base station flashes amber.

3. From the Wi-Fi status menu  in the menu bar, choose the Wi-Fi network created by your base station.

4. Open AirPort Utility, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.

5. Click the icon for your base station in AirPort Utility, then click Edit from the pop-up menu. You can now change the password or reconfigure the base station as needed. When done, click Update.

Hard reset:

1. Make sure that the base station is connected to power.

2. Press and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds, until the status light on the base station flashes amber rapidly. Then release the button.

3. Wait about a minute for the base station to finish restarting.

4. Open AirPort Utility, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.

5. Click the Other Wi-Fi Devices button, then select your base station from the list. Click Edit.

6. Click the Other Options button.

7. Click ”Restore previous settings,” then click Next until you get to the final window.

8. When AirPort Utility indicates that setup is complete, click Done.

You'll find those steps here: How to reset your AirPort base station - Apple Support

If you're still hearing audio quality issues when streaming music on your AirPort Express, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support directly for further assistance. They're best-equipped to take a closer look and provide some additional guidance. This link will help you get started: Apple Support

Take care.

I've noticed that my airport distorts very badly when I go above about 7 on my iPhone streaming it. Below that, it sounds reasonably good. FWIW, the output level of the airport is a bit low so a preamp of some sort can help. Like I said, if I drive the airport too hard, it is very audible with distortion. And not good distortion. A rumbly flumpy mess.

I, too, have been using AirportExpresses since they first came out. And, yes, as they are Airplay 1 they are truly lossless. Perhaps what you're hearing is deterioration? They do die. I'm on my 3rd or fourth. I made a run on them on eBay and have a few in waiting.