airport express, digital out question.

[piwozniak]

I'm thinking about re-encoding my entire collection into apple looseless, so i can have it streamed to my receiver, without quality loss.

Here's the question, i would like to use toslink, but...

I just can't tell from apple's web site whether i need that monster adapter to go from what's on airport express to toslink.

It doesn't look like toslink.

In short: Do i need that contraption or not?

[hmurchison]

I think it's a special cable. Why they didn't use toslink is beyond me because toslink is surely small enough to put on the AE. I guess we can chalk this up to " a 3rd party opportunity" <sigh>

[piwozniak]

That's nuts.

What if i want it short or longer than this monster gizmo?

Innovation at its finest :rolleyes:

I hope this thing desn't "split" at the other end.
:confused:

[Bill M]

Apple is saving space on the AE by putting the analog and digital jack inline instead of side by side. Besides, it doesn't seem to be a proprietary jack, as the optical 3.5mm miniplug to toslink is a standard; unless this is indeed another ADC-like fiasco.

(after googling around)
http://www.core-sound.com/toslink-cables.html

On that same website, you will find Toslink adapters and extenders, so the argument for cable lengths beyond the Monster kit is mute.

[piwozniak]

1. Try to go to BestBuy and find miniplug to toslink adapter.

2. Extending fiber optic cables - not a good idea.

How much space is saved vs. the hassle?
Most people with HT setup will have spare toslink cable, as they common, i don't think anyone has mini-plug to toslink kicking around.

But, yeah, it looks better. :smokey:

[Bill M]

Piwoz... just get the monster kit, which seems to be quite handy and flexible for almost ANY HT setup and use the included power extension cord to place the AE near your HT. Need more length? Run to your local Walgreen's or Radio Shack and add a $1.99 6ft electric cord extension. Don't get me wrong... but stop being so negative about the "different" digital audio jack design. Constructive ideas enhance a discussion; negative criticism just stall it.

1- Best Buy is probably the *last* place I'd visit for my HT needs
2- No problems extending fiber optic cables up to 15ft/5m
3- I agree with you, the new design certainly looks better than 2 jacks.
4- I will be receiving 2 x AE and 1 monster audio kit this weekend
5- Peace. :)

[sunrain]

I'm thinking about re-encoding my entire collection into apple looseless, so i can have it streamed to my receiver, without quality loss.

Here's the question, i would like to use toslink, but...

I just can't tell from apple's web site whether i need that monster adapter to go from what's on airport express to toslink.

It doesn't look like toslink.

In short: Do i need that contraption or not?

Don't worry, it's the same kind of setup that many Mini-disc recorders have. Just do a search to find 3.5mm toslink cables and you should be set. But hell, the monster kit looks nice to me and it's reasonably priced. I'll be buying a kit.