Video: Belkin's Soundform Connect Adds AirPlay 2 to Your Existing Speakers

[MacRumors]

Last month, Belkin introduced the Soundform Connect Audio Adapter with AirPlay 2, letting users turn their traditional speakers into AirPlay 2-enabled devices.

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MacRumors videographer Dan has now had a chance to spend some time with the accessory, so check out our latest video for a look at the setup process, using standalone speakers via AirPlay, and integrating those speakers into a whole-home setup with other AirPlay 2 speakers.

Physical setup is dead simple, with a USB-C port on one side for power and both optical and 3.5mm analog audio out jacks on the other side, letting you easily connect it to your existing powered speakers, receiver, or amplifier.

As is to be expected with AirPlay 2 devices, software setup is simple, with the Home app walking you through the process to get the dongle added to your existing home configuration. Once that's done, it's just a simple matter of selecting it as your audio output destination on your iOS or Mac device.

With AirPlay 2, you can use your newly connected speakers as part of a multi-room setup incorporating other speakers like HomePods, with audio output being synced across all speakers.

Integration with the Home app also gives you the ability to incorporate your speakers into scenes and other automations.

The Soundform Connect Audio Adapter with AirPlay 2 is priced at $99.99, so it's not exactly cheap, but if you got a nice sound system that lacks AirPlay support, this adapter can add some very useful functionality.

Article Link: Video: Belkin's Soundform Connect Adds AirPlay 2 to Your Existing Speakers

 

[topdrawer]

all those speakers to play that terrible song.

 

[stringParameter]

Such a simple and brilliant idea. Reminds me of the ChromeCast Audio which was Google’s short-lived version of this. Good to see something similar in the Apple ecosystem.

 

[matrix6028]

Been patiently waiting for this product. Belkin been out of stock for most of June.

 

[DesignMonkey]

Another option I came across recently is Andover Audio's Songbird. It's an Airplay (version 1) and Internet Audio streamer. A little more money ($149) but you can stream Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and others as well. Does output 24-bit/192kHz.

Songbird Music Streamer

The Songbird HiFi Streamer delivers internet streaming audio to any system, new or old, in plug-and-play box. Access and stream your favorite services including Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL, and iHeartRadio over your WiFi network. Free app to control. DLNA and Airplay compatible.

www.andoveraudio.com

 

[jmh600cbr]

It’s a great idea if you have a surround sound system that doesn’t support airplay. But otherwise, a HomePod mini is well priced

 

[bentup]

Important concept, but a bit expensive for what it is. Airport Expresses on ebay still get the job done for a third of the price.

 

[AngerDanger]

all those speakers to play that terrible song.

I'm pretty sure that's the only song Belkin allows. Could be wrong tho.

 

[RumorConsumer]

Looks awesome. And it maxes out at 16bit 44khz if that matters to you.

 

[irj]

Can I send via wifi to airplay 2 devices even if my preferred data connection (to iMac) is via ethernet, or do I need to use the same connection for my incoming data? In the past, dropouts galore happened when wifi was used for both incoming data and airplay send. But, maybe airplay 2 has solved this? Sorry, dumb questions, but need to know before I buy, because both our iMacs are connected via ethernet at this point.

 

[Spock]

Sounds like an expensive solution. For $99 you could get a Raspberry Pi that will do the exact same thing. Or as others have said, grab a used AirPort Express.

 

[Somian]

this looks great to make old, high-end sound systems “smart”.

I do wonder, however, what kind of sound stage one would get out of this given the tiny pre-amp.

the concept is great, but I feel like it should have an optical audio out instead so you can losslessly hook it up to a powerful pre-amp.

That, of course would only work with in modern systems that support optical audio.

Other than that, something like a Cambridge audio 851N has a “proper” pre-amp and also supports AirPlay.

 

[Minato1990]

Interesting. Would be tempted to use this for my iPod Hifi's if I can use a audio splitter cable with it.

 

[nosaj72]

Sounds like an expensive solution. For $99 you could get a Raspberry Pi that will do the exact same thing. Or as others have said, grab a used AirPort Express.

Not exactly. The pi can do Airplay but not Airplay2.

 

[bluespark]

this looks great to make old, high-end sound systems “smart”.

I do wonder, however, what kind of sound stage one would get out of this given the tiny pre-amp.

the concept is great, but I feel like it should have an optical audio out instead so you can losslessly hook it up to a powerful pre-amp.

That, of course would only work with in modern systems that support optical audio.

Other than that, something like a Cambridge audio 851N has a “proper” pre-amp and also supports AirPlay.

The writeup says it has an optical out.

 

[RachelleK]

this looks great to make old, high-end sound systems “smart”.

I do wonder, however, what kind of sound stage one would get out of this given the tiny pre-amp.

the concept is great, but I feel like it should have an optical audio out instead so you can losslessly hook it up to a powerful pre-amp.

That, of course would only work with in modern systems that support optical audio.

Other than that, something like a Cambridge audio 851N has a “proper” pre-amp and also supports AirPlay.

Well, I think it does have optical audio out. How much is the Cambridge audio 851N?

 

[ouimetnick]

Apple needs to update the AirPlay protocol to support higher than 16bit/44.1kHz now that they’ve introduced high-res lossless.

 

[Braderunner]

all those speakers to play that terrible song.

Copyright.

 

[RumorConsumer]

Sounds like an expensive solution. For $99 you could get a Raspberry Pi that will do the exact same thing. Or as others have said, grab a used AirPort Express.

The Pi emulates Airplay 2? Hows that one work?

 

[BJMRamage]

idea is nice...price is not.

at first I was thinking I could use this for my portable speaker.....saw the price. NOPE. I can just get a HomePodMini.
The idea to have it playing music outside and inside would be nice but not at that price.

oh well, for Hal the price I might be interested.

BUT, if you have really high-end speakers and want to connect to a system of AirPlay speakers you already have or just connect for the first time into AirPlay then I can see the price not being a big deterrent.

 

[RumorConsumer]

Apple needs to update the AirPlay protocol to support higher than 16bit/44.1kHz now that they’ve introduced high-res lossless.

For real. I wonder if Belkin built this thing with enough horses to be able to handle the higher bitrate. If not, thats an unhappy customer.

 

[Somian]

The writeup says it has an optical out.

Wow, I totally missed that. With an optical out that seems like a really good solution and a way to “conserve” old but good audio equipment.

Well, I think it does have optical audio out. How much is the Cambridge audio 851N?

~$1.5k.

So now that I know this Belkin has optical, this is a better deal since one can just get an older, used pre-amp or receiver. (At least if AirPlay is the main focus).

Other than that… just noticed that it’s sold out already. Oh well.

 

[Crispinhodges]

Cheaper than the Apple TVs I’ve been forced to switch to since Apple made it so AirPlay1 devices get full volume on making a connection* with ear blowing volume - until I reduce the volume.
* by accident?

 

[BaracksPhallusPalace]

I've had mixed results with Belkin products, and this is expensive. I'm curious how hot it will get sitting above a AVR 24/7.

 

[krebphone]

You can do the same thing with an airport express for 1/4 the price.