Problems with Airport Express & Airplay

Hi Guys, I'm having a lot of problems using my Airport Express as a bridge, and Airplay.
I have a wireless network set up with various repeaters through our (large) house, and wanted to set the Airport Express to extend the wireless range into the kitchen, and to work as an Airplay port for the stereo which is next door.
The main network is a cable modem into a wireless router, which is then repeated with 85M PLC Adapters throughout the house. 
Had alot of trouble setting up the express unit - have re-set it to default settings numerous times. Managed to get it set up to repeat the signal and act as an airplay once, but the performance was very poor - i.e. sound dropping out, losing connection. It also wouldn't connect using iphone or ipod, again even when it had 4 bars wi fi reception.
I then tried setting it up purely to join the existing network, not to repeat it. and act as an airplay port; and it connected, said it worked, but then I couldn't play any music through it, and it went back to flashing orange.
The Airport Express is in the same room where I'm typing this and has 5 bars of wi-fi signal strength.
I've tried the few things I know - anyone got any bright ideas?
Makro

Network
Plug the AE next to the PLC and connect it to the Ethernet port of the PLC.  Configure the AE to operate in bridge mode.  If your PLC doesn't offer an Ethernet port, use one like the Netgear XAVN2001.  If it's already taken, you will need a 4 port switch.  You will also need a long 3.5mm audio cable if the amp is not in the proximity of the PLC, available from Amazon for under $5.  Finally, create a separate wireless network on the AE.
Client
Connect the client to the AE's wireless network, not your existing network.  The client in this case is an iPxd or other computer with iTunes or Airplay/similar PC.
The above basic configuration works flawlessly in my experience.  If the Client is to distant from the AE's wireless, you can, as a second step, connect it to your existing network, but be forewarned that in this scenario dropouts abound and the AE frequently disappears from view.

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    Registered: May 20, 2006
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    Posted: Jul 30, 2008 11:06 PM
    Click to reply to this topic Reply email Email
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