Abit AirPace Wireless Audio Device

Author:  Matthew Homan Date:  2007.07.24 Topic:  Audio Provider:  Abit Manufacturer:  Abit

Software Driver:

The AirPace has a very simple to use application that needs to be installed on the designated audio PC. Once the AirPace is connected with a LAN cable (only needed once to configure the device). You may choose to leave the device connected via a network cable and disable the wireless capability if you have the capability of a local network port or the AirPace operates as intended completely wireless of your network and attached only to the wall for power and your stereo for audio output. I am sure at some point we will see an affordable wireless speaker system with decent quality. Leaving the device connected to the network will of course cut down the latency of the wireless network (even if you are connected at G, there is still delay due to the software converting the audio to a language the AirPace device can understand which is only noticeable if you choose to run audio from you PC speakers and the AirPace simultaneously. For NOrmal playback of music over the air however, any lag is nearly unnoticable.

The icon in the system tray allows you to switch between the PCs Audio speakers and / or the AirPace device.

Configuring the Airpace over wireless maybe a little challenging for those who are new to wireless. The utility that comes with the AirPace is as simple as they can make it and within moments we had audio streaming from our AirPace via wireless. For many users connecting the AirPace on the stereo end will take more time than configuring the device for transmission.

Conclusion:

In the end, this reviewer is impressed. The sound quality that is sent from the Airpace is very impressive and clean. The AirPace supports 2.1 and 5.1 surround audio and with the mini remote giving you the ability to interface with the remote PC to move on to the next song, mute, play/pause, also adjusting the volume as necessary, these are features that the AirPace's competitor’s lack. After using the Airpace for several weeks, we find ourselves using the remote mainly to change to the next song more then adjusting the volume. So if you have the ultimate sound system that is not connected to your PC, the AirPace is an excellent addition that we wholly reccommend.