I use an Airport Express for my main system (three pairs of wired speakers in Kitchen, Dining and Living rooms), another Express for my guest room and one in my masterbath. I also use one or two other designated airplay speakers on occasion.
I was unaware they were discontinuing the Airport Express until I read your post and did the research. Disappointing. I am interested in what you eventually turn to.
FWIW... this past weekend I was cleaning up my mac memory and iTunes was down so I needed a solution for music streaming to my full house and backyard in the interim. I downloaded an app called WHAALE Multiroom Player.
The app gave me control of all my airplay devices and streamed music from my iPad (or iPhone if I choose). The interface was a short learning curve, and not as versatile as using the Remote app to run iTunes, but it works pretty well and I could get control of the iPad streaming speakers using the app on my iPhone remotely too with a little effort (and some more $).
Its not the solution you are looking for but reminded me how I will miss the simplicity and versatility of iTunes, in conjunction with the Remote app, if this indeed comes to pass. The app will run a designated music server, as well, but that involves UPnP which you have already eliminated as an option.
I was unaware they were discontinuing the Airport Express until I read your post and did the research. Disappointing. I am interested in what you eventually turn to.
FWIW... this past weekend I was cleaning up my mac memory and iTunes was down so I needed a solution for music streaming to my full house and backyard in the interim. I downloaded an app called WHAALE Multiroom Player.
The app gave me control of all my airplay devices and streamed music from my iPad (or iPhone if I choose). The interface was a short learning curve, and not as versatile as using the Remote app to run iTunes, but it works pretty well and I could get control of the iPad streaming speakers using the app on my iPhone remotely too with a little effort (and some more $).
Its not the solution you are looking for but reminded me how I will miss the simplicity and versatility of iTunes, in conjunction with the Remote app, if this indeed comes to pass. The app will run a designated music server, as well, but that involves UPnP which you have already eliminated as an option.