You should be able to try it both ways to see what works best. I got into this whole thing by trying airport express. It didn't work in my system, but as others have pointed out, that could be the exception rather than the rule.
Try it. If it doesn't work for you, return it to the apple store. Cat5 cable is cheap and easy to test too.
My system ended up being hybrid wireless. Ethernet connections from network drive to router to music server (sonos) then to dac. Wireless laptop controls playback. Simple and reliable.
Just stick a SB3, sonos, transporter or mac mini next to your dac and you'll have great sound that you can control from your listening chair wirelessly with your laptop.
Don't do anything that takes the laptop away from your lap or binds it with wires when it is there. There is a simple way around it.
Try it. If it doesn't work for you, return it to the apple store. Cat5 cable is cheap and easy to test too.
My system ended up being hybrid wireless. Ethernet connections from network drive to router to music server (sonos) then to dac. Wireless laptop controls playback. Simple and reliable.
Just stick a SB3, sonos, transporter or mac mini next to your dac and you'll have great sound that you can control from your listening chair wirelessly with your laptop.
Don't do anything that takes the laptop away from your lap or binds it with wires when it is there. There is a simple way around it.