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I have an older model AirPort Express that just died and I need to replace it. I use it for two things:

1. 1. Extending the WiFi from my AirPort Extreme Base Station out to my patio
   2. Playing music via AirPlay by connecting it to a remote amp and speakers

It looks like the only similar Apple Option is the newer AirPort Express for $99. I'm wondering if any of you have alternate suggestions that do both of the two items above and are as easy to set up and configure. Thanks for any ideas and suggestions!

For outdoor audio, I'm using the older $69 Apple TV to play tunes served from an iPad via Airplay. Unlike the newer version of Apple TV, it has optical out.

Normally, I'd be recommending the AirPort Extreme or tower Time Capsule as they can also be set up to extend a network. They support 802.11ac which really is faster than gigabyte Ethernet. Your Mac or PC must also support the protocol to realize the benefit, of course.

Unfortunately, neither supports AirPlay. If you need that functionality, your only choice is the Airport Express. 802.11n is ok but only 1/3 the speed of 802.11ac.

Amazon and others have it for $89 and there are some refurbs for less though none in the Apple Store at the moment.

I don't know that AppleTV will extend a wireless network. I notice it, too, only supports 802.11n.

Thanks Guys! That's pretty much what I was seeing as well. Just hoping there might be something I had missed. Thanks for the feedback!

Can't you just snag a few Voice of the Theater speakers and blast 'em?

MIDI Life Crisis wrote:Can't you just snag a few Voice of the Theater speakers and blast 'em?

I'm afraid the neighbors might have something to say about that. Assuming I could hear them