First Look: Griffin Twenty AirPlay Digital Audio Amplifier for AirPort Express

We’ve been excited for Griffin’s Twenty ($100), a first of its kind AirPlay digital audio amplifier for AirPort Express, ever since we first saw it at the 2012 CES. The accessory is finally available, although Apple subsequently changed the portable router’s latest design enough to prevent Twenty from physically connecting to it; Twenty still works with all pre-2012 AirPort Express units. A white rectangular block, it comes in particularly well-designed packaging with a pull-out drawer and a flip-open door. The unit’s top features a large silver metal knob, plus a plug for attaching the prior AirPort Express. Connections on the back include power, analog left and right audio, digital in, and sub out. The idea is to allow you to use your old shelf or floor speakers, wirelessly. Griffin includes a Toslink cable for optical audio.