Does Apple airport express work well?

My experience is that the problem with the stream cutting out is because of interference from other devices, microwave ovens and cordless phones in my case. That's a problem that is easy to fix by choosing a different channel in the Airport Utility software that comes with the device.

With so many devices competing for wireless frequencies it's inevitable that there may sometimes be conflicts. Fortunately, the utility software makes it easy to switch to a clear channel.

The quality is excellent using the optical output to an external DAC.

Man, with all these wireless ooglemeiers spewing EMFs all over the place, you guys are liable to grow a third eye. Maybe that's how that kid in China got those 16 extra fingers and toes.

I have no issues with mine cutting out, quality of the digital out is excellent. Analog out is fine for non critical listening

Sounds like I will try one. I am not a computer tech kind of guy so all I need a wireless card in my PC and the AE?
I am going to run it to a DAC that I am already using the toslink input on. Would I be better off using the usb to the DAC or use something to convert the optical output to coaxial for input to the DAC?

An Airport Express IS a wireless router, so depending on your layout, you may not need another one.

It's a fantastic music streamer, as is an Apple TV if you want visuals to go with your music, but Apple TV does need a router.