03-Dec-2019, 19:06
Interesting question regarding the re-encoding. My guess is though there won’t be any noticeable difference when streamed over AirPlay which delivers basically CD quality for audio. So the downsampling should be limited by the 16/44.1KHz quality. I have not tested it though. I am also not sure where the rumor comes from that AirPlay 2 delivers higher quality audio. I was also interested in this question, but the info I gathered was that there was no change in the Bitdepth/Sample rate specifications. As AirPlay 2 is already implemented with other manufacturers I guess we would have heard about a performance increase. Regarding ALAC transport protocol there should also be no difference to FLAC as it is just a container. So my bottomline would be to limit Streamingservices to 16/44.1 when using AirPlay as there should be no alterations and it would consume less bandwidth.
This is what I figured out so far. I am no engineer however, so if I quoted something wrong or needs further explanation please feel free to correct me.
This is what I figured out so far. I am no engineer however, so if I quoted something wrong or needs further explanation please feel free to correct me.
Innuos Zen Mini MK3 -> (Ethernet / Audioquest Optical) -> Dialog & 2x White Phantom
Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Esprit Turntable with Ortofon Red -> (Cinch/RCA) Musical Fidelity Merlin -> (AudioQuest Optical) to Phantom
Master & Dynamics MH40, Audeze Sine, AudioQuest Dragonfly Red; Remote Control via macOS and iOS devices (Devialet App / Innuos Sense /iPeng / Audirvāna Studio)