Lossless Apple Music to Beosound core?

30 replies
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 21:09 GMT
#1660434
I haven't studied them but I did look through them.  I could have missed it but I didn't see anything about "bit rate". The third link does mention "sample rate" but that does not indicate if it is lossy or not. In my library I have CDs that I ripped to AIFF that shows up as:
bit rate. 1,411 kbps sample size 16 bit sample rate  44.100 kHz
and iTunes purchases that show up as
bit rate. 256 kbps sample rate. 44,100 kHz
If I understand this correctly it is the bit rate that tells you if it is lossy or not...
SA
Offline
Sandyb
Bronze
Posted November 27, 2023 at 21:25 GMT
#1660435
Not sure whether you are using Apple's Music app to  air play / stream out your ripped library or something else. But if its Apple's Music app, as mentioned before, it will get downsampled from 16/44, as we know that in this stream case Airplay 2 (from the Music app) does not stream out at 16/44.

I think thats really all that matters, as it relates to your initial question (relating to your library of 16/44 CD rips).
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 21:32 GMT
Edited November 27, 2023 at 21:33 GMT
#1660436
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 21:40 GMT
#1660437
I wonder if the bit rate, sample size, and sample rate could be added to the signal info for the device in the B&O app?

 
SA
Offline
Sandyb
Bronze
Posted November 27, 2023 at 22:37 GMT
#1660438
https://darko.audio/2023/10/apple-airplay-isnt-always-lossless-sometimes-its-lossy/

Your answer is here.

 
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 23:02 GMT
#1660439
I always hope that Apple can improve Airplay 2 performance.  Whatever is going on behind scenes is not always easy to determine, which is why I would love to see more information added to "Signal info" in the B&O app for each device, if possible to do so.

 
SA
Offline
Sandyb
Bronze
Posted November 27, 2023 at 23:24 GMT
#1660441
Sure, and Apple have doubtless had feedback about making Airplay 2 + Apple Music 16/44 capable (or higher).

But there's a pretty obvious reason why they haven't - they're a mainstream company, and too few actually care enough, given modern music listening habits.

As for signal info, while it would be nice for the B&O app to show signal info when it comes to music, when it comes to your (what I interpret as your) case - using the Music app to airplay (2) stream your ripped CDs, then we already know the answer to be 256 (according to the article I posted, and others).

There's a reason why some who have more particular needs - wanting to stream their own CDs rips, and / or have long wanted to stream CD or above from whichever service provider - tend not to use Apple Music.
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 23:34 GMT
#1660442
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted November 27, 2023 at 23:54 GMT
#1660443
While I don't out-right disagree with any of these testing methodologies there are many variables involved that could affect the outcome.  It would be nice if there are tools available  where we can each know for sure in our environment.
ER
Offline
Erik
Bronze
Posted August 17, 2024 at 11:16 GMT
Edited August 17, 2024 at 11:34 GMT
#1665943
Here is an article with a breakdown, what Airplay combinations are lossless and which are not: link
AirPlay 1 app mode –> AirPlay 1 endpoint  LOSSLESS AirPlay 2 app mode –> AirPlay 1 endpoint  LOSSLESS AirPlay 1 app mode –> AirPlay 2 endpoint  LOSSLESS AirPlay 2 app mode –> AirPlay 2 endpoint  LOSSY
According to this article
The bottom line: it’s only when
  1. the streaming app,
  2. the iPhone/iPad model on which that app runs and
  3. the streaming endpoint
are all AirPlay 2-equipped that the stream is lossy compressed to AAC 256kbps.
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