Ultra Airplay

[joostdh]

Buy an AirPort Express. Make sure it’s the A1392 model. They were designed as Apple’s version of a mesh network and have Airplay 2. I found one online years ago for $30 and used it to stream to an older amp using its line out to rca input on the amp. Easy to setup and has been 100% reliable for me.
I’ve now connected it to my Ultra via RCA input, and output via the Ultra to my simple Primare I32 amp. Works perfect.

I’ll give you an even better idea: instead of using RCA, use the Express’ built-in optical output. The mini jack port is dual function: it also accepts mini-Toslink. That way you use the (probably much much better) DAC of the Ultra.

 

[Olaf W.]

Since I found the loss of airplay quite annoying I did setup a virtual machine with Daphile (contains the LMS, formerly know as Squeezebox Server). Using the plugins „Shairtunes2“ and „UPNP/DLNA bridge“ enables the Ultra as an Airplay target. Cover artwork is functional and the Ultra states „16-Bit / 48kHz“ so there is some transcoding at play, but I can live with this for now.

 

[Burnside]

Since I found the loss of airplay quite annoying I did setup a virtual machine with Daphile (contains the LMS, formerly know as Squeezebox Server). Using the plugins „Shairtunes2“ and „UPNP/DLNA bridge“ enables the Ultra as an Airplay target. Cover artwork is functional and the Ultra states „16-Bit / 48kHz“ so there is some transcoding at play, but I can live with this for now.

You shouldn’t need the UPnP/DLNA bridge in my understanding as the Ultra already is a UPnP renderer. ShairTunes identifies it as an Airplay 1 endpoint and should support lossless CD quality.

See this link for other options also based on AirConnect

AirConnect: Send audio to UPnP/Sonos/Chromecast players using AirPlay

Didn't quite know which subforum to post this in, so general thoughts it is... AirConnect is a package developed by philippe44 who is pretty well known in LMS circles for his 'bridge' plugins which allow the transfer of audio between different protocols. This particular bridge allows UPnP...

forum.wiimhome.com

 

[Olaf W.]

You are right, UPNP brigde is not needed for the Ultra. But it‘s still transcoding to 48kHz

 

[pieterv1]

For those still bemoaning the lack of AirPlay on the Ultra, this post may be of interest

Thread 'AirConnect: Send audio to UPnP/Sonos/Chromecast players using AirPlay'
https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/...-sonos-chromecast-players-using-airplay.4644/

I can definitely vouch for this solution! Works just as if Airplay was always built-in