elephant wrote:

MacBook (iTunes MP3 decode processing to digital sounds packets) -> Ethernet cable -> Wireless Router -> wireless -> Airport Express digital sound packets to analogue output -> Aux Cable -> BeoSound 4 analogue input to ML output processing ->

Remember that the Airport Express enables you to output your audio through a digital cable. No reason to convert to analogue. You can even stream lossless digital audio to the Airport Express, via a digtial cable, to your device (as long as it has a digital input, like the BS3).

It's going to be highly negligible if you stream a high-quality audio track via the Airport Express, compared to the the SD card. ie. you would have to be incredibly picky and have super-sonic ears to hear any difference. Pretty much a moot point to me.

I know that you can use a optical cable from the AirPort Express, but only if your other equipment has an optical port. I'm not shure if all B&O systems has that.

Me myself uses the optical cable, but the difference in sound depends which DA converter is the best, the one in the AirPort Express or the one in the receiving end.

I do hear the difference between mp3, aac and lossless. But if you don't why then ask what is best?

I think you should ask your self what is the best solution for me?

If it's just casual listening your after a sd card with mp3 might be the right solution. It probably sounds good enough. But if you want the best sound you can get it's not. 

Make your pick!

I'm currently re-importing all my Cd's with Apple Lossless. I've abandoned the Mp3, which was my favoured format due to the requirements of the B&O system. I've now fully embraced my iPhone/Airport Express.

Well that's strange, because i have painfully sensitive hearing, and i can't pick the difference between 320kbps mp3 via the brilliant SD function vs CD. I think it's all in your minds! ;)

moxxey wrote:

You can even stream lossless digital audio to the Airport Express, via a digtial cable, to your device (as long as it has a digital input, like the BS3).

To the best of my knowledge the BeoSound 4's "AUDIO IN/OUT" is not an optical capable port ... but I would happy to be wrong :)

to Dave!

I believe that a higher bitrate might compensate for a inferior algorithm.

So if  you can't hear any difference the convinence with an SD card in the BeoSound is good enough.

My problem is that my SACD player with upsampling of CD is superior to all other digital formats. I'm there for stuck with my CD records.

Dave wrote:

Well that's strange, because i have painfully sensitive hearing, and i can't pick the difference between 320kbps mp3 via the brilliant SD function vs CD. I think it's all in your minds! ;)

Yes hearing is one thing, its how your brain processes that information which can make a difference. Hearing, not listening.