Yes, you can use AirPlay 1 to stream Apple Music to your PiCorePlayer. To do this, follow these general steps:
Setup PiCorePlayer: Install and set up PiCorePlayer on your PecanPi streamer-DAC. Ensure it is connected to your network.
Enable AirPlay: In the PiCorePlayer web interface, navigate to the “Main Page” and find the option to enable AirPlay. This typically involves selecting “Squeezelite Settings” and choosing AirPlay as the output.
Connect from Apple Music: On your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, etc.), open Apple Music and play a song. You should see an AirPlay icon (a triangle with concentric circles) that allows you to select your PiCorePlayer as the playback device.
Regarding sound quality, AirPlay 1 supports CD-quality audio, which is 16-bit/44.1kHz. This should provide good sound quality, especially if your main concern is CD-quality audio.
As for your choice between Apple Music and Qobuz, it depends on your preferences. Qobuz is known for its emphasis on high-resolution audio, providing lossless streaming at various resolutions. If you prioritize audio quality and are open to exploring a broader range of high-resolution content, Qobuz might be worth considering. However, it’s essential to check the availability of your preferred music on both platforms and consider any other features that matter to you.
A speaker with good off axis response will probably fill a room better than a speaker that beams.