[wjat]

hi,

i have a computer in my room going to a stereo amp. i want to be able to play that source (music on harddrive, some of it lossless, steam from online, etc.) to both the amp in my room, as well as a stereo amp in the living room. what's the most cost-effective way to do this without wires? the best solution i've found is this audioengine w3: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/W3-Wireless-Audio-Adapter

am i missing a better way? is over wifi better?

thanks!

[srb]

If it were an iTunes-only source, then an Airport Express at $100 new or $50 used would be an even more cost effective way to go (providing you have a WiFi router).  But to be able to stream from other programs or web browsers would require Airfoil, a $25 extra piece of software and a few extra mouse clicks.

One advantage of the Airport Express is that you could stream audio to a remote location while having a different audio stream running on the computer and local amp if you wanted.

But for your application, the Audioengine W3 sounds like a good choice.

Steve

[Jim Griffin]

To extend srb's comments on using iTunes as a source I use iTunes on my computer so I can maintain my music files for my iPods which I use for portable music in my automobiles.  With iTunes on your computer you can store your own music or stream on-line from iTunes Radio and other internet sources.  From my computer I can choose to play music directly from my computer set-up or wireless connect via Airplay to my Marantz NR1602 receiver so anything on iTunes plays back in my downstairs living room.  So any device which is capable of playing back via Airplay can be used in my home and you can choose which to use for playback.  The only limitations is to have your computer and various playback devices linked via your home network.

[avta]

I would agree that the Airport Express is a good option however it is limited to handling 16/48 resolution. ( it changes 16/44 to 16/48 )

[srb]

I would agree that the Airport Express is a good option however it is limited to handling 16/48 resolution. ( it changes 16/44 to 16/48 )

No, the Airport Express is bit perfect with no upsampling up to 16/48.  The Apple TV, however does upsample to 16/48.

Steve

[avta]

Thanks for correcting that.

[wjat]

thanks for the responses--after some more research, i found this system:

http://www.parts-express.com/channel-vision-wa-320-wireless-audio-transmitter--183-250
http://www.parts-express.com/channel-vision-wa-360-wireless-audio-receiver--183-252

does anyone have experience with these? they're a bit cheaper, but i haven't seen really anything about them online.

[srb]

The Apple and Audioengine solutions transmit and receive a digital signal, whereas the Channel Vision appears to be an analog transmitter and receiver, and I've found wireless analog speakers and headphones in the past to be potentially noisy and much more susceptible to interference.

With a lowish 80dB Signal to Noise Ratio and the fact that the Transmitter + Receiver is $116, this is not the direction I would go in an attempt to save $33.

Steve

[wjat]

w3 it is then--cheers!