Airport express used as a line-in source to Sonos

Question

I play my i-Tunes library (play lists) wirelessly by using an Airport Express unit plugged in as a line-in source to my Sonos system. This has never been a problem, up to the point where recently I had to re-install everything on my laptop after it crashed.
Now when I play i-tunes in the same way, there's a break/interruption (a fraction of a second) in the music every 60 seconds ... I can't work out why this is happening.
The Sonos system on its own works fine.
Any one have the same problem? What's causing it?

Answer 1

I just joined the Sonos world (less than three weeks ago) and love the system. I'm wondering why you are using the line-out from the AE to the line-in of the Sonos? When you use the line-in, you limit what you can control from the Sonos controller or iPhone/iPod touch app.
As you know, one of the Sonos units must be connected to your network with an Ethernet cable, and the Sonos system creates its own "mesh" network for communicating among Sonos units. Do you have your Sonos unit connected to your AE by Ethernet cable? If so, does your system look like this:
modem--> router (by Ethernet cable) --> Airport Express (wirelessly) --> Sonos (by Ethernet cable), or do you have the Sonos directly attached to the router by Enternet cable?
I initially set up my Sonos system by using an AE to connected directly to the Sonos unit. When I called Sonos Tech Support about a separate issue (and they were amazing), the guy said that some people using the AE have no problems, and others do, it depends on how well the network runs. I've changed to a direct Ethernet connection from the router to the Sonos for other reasons.
If you can connect your Sonos by an Ethernet cable directly to your Router, it may solve your problem. Also, you really should have your Sonos system connect to your computer hosting iTunes rather than through the line-in on your Sonos -- you will get direct access to your playlists, etc. Just remember that once you make a change to iTunes, whether it's adding songs or changing playlists -- you must (1) close iTunes so it updates the XML file (the data file re your songs and playlists); and (2) from Sonos, update the music index -- once you do that, Sonos will see all of the songs/playlists. Also, if you keep your iTunes library in a place other than the default folder, you need to tell Sonos where it is, and also allow it to point to the default folder for the XML file (if you don't Sonos will not see all the music or playlists).
If all else fails, call Sonos -- once in the queue for service, you have an option of having them call you back. The tech will give you a web page and password to give them access to your screen, and they should be able to solve your problem.
Good luck!