How to Add AirPlay 2 to Any Hi-Fi System

16 February 2026

Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol is one of the more elegant ways to stream audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac. It handles buffering intelligently, supports multi-room grouping natively in iOS, and — crucially — can deliver lossless audio at up to 44.1kHz/16-bit (CD quality) over your local network. The problem is that most hi-fi amplifiers don't support it natively, and Apple's own solution (the HomePod) is a sealed system that won't connect to your existing speakers.

The good news: adding AirPlay 2 to any system with a USB input, a 3.5mm aux, or optical/coaxial digital in is straightforward and inexpensive. If you're new to the concept, our guide on what a network audio player is covers the basics. AirPlay 2 is just one of several ways to stream music to an existing hi-fi.

Understanding the signal chain

When you tap the AirPlay icon on your iPhone, the audio data is packetised and sent over your Wi-Fi network using Apple's proprietary RAOP (Remote Audio Output Protocol) with buffered streaming. The receiving device decodes these packets back into a PCM audio stream and sends it to a DAC — either its own internal one, or an external unit connected via USB.

This is an important distinction. If you're connecting to your amplifier via a 3.5mm cable, the digital-to-analogue conversion happens inside the streaming device. If you're connecting via USB to an external DAC, the streaming device acts purely as a transport — it passes the digital bitstream untouched, and your DAC handles the conversion. The latter is almost always the better option if you already own a decent DAC.

Option 1: Dedicated AirPlay 2 endpoint

The simplest approach is a small, low-power device running AirPlay 2 receiver software. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2W is ideal for this — it has built-in Wi-Fi, draws negligible power, and can run open-source AirPlay 2 implementations like Shairport Sync, which supports the full AirPlay 2 feature set including multi-room synchronisation and Siri integration when properly configured.

Connect the Pi to your DAC via USB. The Pi outputs a clean digital bitstream; your DAC does what it does best. No analogue stage on the Pi is involved at all — it's a pure digital transport.

Option 2: Apple Airport Express (legacy)

The now-discontinued Airport Express had a combined 3.5mm analogue/optical digital output and supported AirPlay (though not AirPlay 2 at launch — Apple later added AirPlay 2 support via a firmware update). If you can find one second-hand, it's a competent option with optical digital output to a DAC. The downsides: they're no longer manufactured, the internal DAC is mediocre, and they're limited to 44.1kHz/16-bit. They also run warm and lack USB audio output.

Option 3: Commercial streamers

Products like the WiiM Mini, WiiM Pro, and Sonos Port all support AirPlay 2 out of the box. The WiiM Mini offers impressive value with optical and line-level outputs. The Sonos Port gives you analogue and digital out with multi-room capability. These are polished products with apps and support, but they come with trade-offs: closed ecosystems, potential for obsolescence when manufacturers end support, and — in the case of Sonos — a requirement to use their app for configuration.

What to look for

AirPlay 2, not AirPlay 1. The original AirPlay protocol had higher latency, no multi-room sync, and couldn't be controlled via Siri. Make sure whatever device you choose supports AirPlay 2 specifically — it's a materially better protocol.

Digital output to your DAC. If you've invested in a good DAC, use it. USB is the most versatile connection (supports up to 32-bit/384kHz depending on your DAC), but optical TOSLINK works well if your DAC supports it and you want galvanic isolation.

Low power, headless operation. A device that draws minimal power and runs without a screen will generate less electrical noise. This matters more than most people think — especially if the endpoint shares a power circuit with your audio equipment.

Open protocol support. An endpoint that only does AirPlay 2 is useful today but limited tomorrow. Ideally, your endpoint should also support Roon Bridge and Spotify Connect — giving you flexibility as your streaming habits evolve.