The Netgear XAUB2511 is a set consisting of XAU2511 (The Airplay / ReadySHARE adapter) and the XAV1601 (a normal Powerline 200 AV Adapter).
The XAUB2511 has a USB port, can be provided on the various network functions. Besides its function as Airplay Receiver is the possibility of other USB devices such as printers or hard drive to connect and provide the network (NAS). Netgear calls the whole ReadySHARE and provides the software ready for it.
To use Airplay USB to RCA / mini-jack cable lies.
The configuration of the powerline adapters and the ReadySHARE is not very intuitive because the two functions are handled separately. Activation of airplay is preset, amending the Airplay Names and for further configuration is a web interface ready running on the adapter. This means that the adapter receives an IP via DHCP and can then be configured via HTTP. The credentials are the way: admin / password - which is not very well documented.
First, I have the latest firmware version 0.2.1.7 partly filled and then configures the Airplay name.
Subsequently, the device was visible as airplay receivers in LAN - playback works without problems! The delay in start / stop is slightly longer than the Airport Express - probably because the XAU buffert more information.
The Airplay Receiver is visible with me after about 1 minute in the network - even with firmware version 0.2.1.7!
The XAU2511 has an On / Off switch on the housing. In the powerline and Airplay / ReadySHARE function can be disabled. The socket is always active! A software standby does not exist mW. The power consumption of XAU2511 is documented with 9W. For continuous operation falling as early as the weight, so the on / off switch is very useful.
The other Powerline adapter XAV1601 works well and also has a socket with mains filter. I've been running it together with TP-Link 200 adapters and come to the same gross values. Well, I find that the LEDs are switched off - which unfortunately does not offer the TP-Link.
Overall I am very satisfied with the Powerline Airplay Receiver (NETGEAR Powerline Music Extender also called). To my knowledge it is the only provider with the functionality - so I am a little surprised, why not other manufacturers offer this function. Possibly are high paying royalties to Apple needed?
Not so good, I like the software and documentation. Although you need only to open the web interface, but this is not well described. According to the documentary Netgear Genie must be installed - but this software Klotz also makes only a link to the web interface.
For price / performance: The XAUB2511 I purchased in a special offer - for the price I am very pleased especially since even the XAV1601 this is.
For XAU2511 alone I give a price of ~ 40 EUR appropriate - so that one is about half an Airport Express.
Ideally of course, if you already have PowerLine 200/500 in use.
Overall, less than 5 stars because Airplay works well and the only one Netgear offers an alternative to the good but very expensive Apple Airport Express here.
Light smears for something opaque configuration.