I just started playing with an airport express to get airplay going through our demo elan system. Now with devices that have AirPlay built in, the volume can be controlled by the volume on the iOS device. But what I found with the airport, I now how an issue of a preamp volume going into the amp with its own volume in each zone. Am I missing something on the airport where I an fix the output?

There use to be a setting to disable volume control on the airport express. It's been a while since I've done one.

This is also the new airport express that looks like an atv. Knowing apple they probably removed that option. But I will look for it tomorrow. Do I have to edit this setting with the apples airport utility?

You are correct, they've removed the setting. Apparently before the new airport express came out. Only reason I still had the option is because a server of a client is running an older version of iTunes where the option was located.

I was also thinking of connecting an Airport Express to Elan Z630 preamp and was wondering about volume control. My understanding is that one can set the rooms volume control to a comfortable level then be able to adjust the volume through the device used as source ie Iphone, pad, mac with I Tunes. Wondering what has been peoples experience using AE with vintage equipment like this?

elannut,

On day one the customer will claim to understand the two volume control situation, but eventually a guest or forgetful customer will make the "not working" call because things will be too loud, too quiet, or muted and there will be no apparent solution.

I don't use Elan, but in some other systems I can preset the volume of the amplifier as part of my remote programming. In order to prevent surprises a MUTE, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME PRESET, UNMUTE sequence would be prudent, but you still could have some surprises when the next input is selected or if the Express volume is still set too high after last night's party.

Although I'm sure that some customers have used an auxiliary input for their iDevice, I have never designed a home system around an iDevice. It never seemed like a good idea. I have done a few restaurant systems with iPhone sources, but there is usually dock or a young "techie" on site who can deal with the dual volume controls.

 

you raised good points
thanks
bill

I've used AppleTVs & a Episode Mini Amp for whole house audio before. Customer wanted each room to be its own zone. Used optical audio from each AppleTV to each Mini Amp & RCA from the zone 2 of the AVR in case he wanted to sync each zone.

I had to program each amp to always go to optical audio on power off macro. The volume worked from both iDevice & in wall volume control. This was a vacation house for a client & no issues from his guests with controlling it.