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Upgrade from Chromecast Audio

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Posted on November 30, 2021 at 10:28:48
CheapDabbler
Audiophile

Posts: 30
Joined: April 9, 2018
 I have been using Chromecast Audio to stream Qobuz and Pandora for a few years. I have a cost conscious system of used Klyne, Forte, Spendor. Would it be better to buy a DAC for the CCA or a Bluesound Node?
Thanks

 

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RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on November 30, 2021 at 11:00:27
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I have a Chromecast Audio but I haven't used it in quite a while.

As I recall, you can use the 3.5mm jack as an analog signal output but it doubles as a mini TOSLINK digital optical output. How are you using yours?

With a mini TOSLINK to TOSLINK optical cable you can attach the Chromecast Audio to an outboard DAC for a potentially significant improvement vs the analog output.

See the link below. There are several brands of mini TOSLINK to TOSLINK optical cables from about $5 to $50.

NOTE: The Chromecast Audio can handle up to 24 bit / 96 KHz music which isn't bad at all but others including the Bluesound Node will handle even higher resolution. But in my experience, even 16 bit / 44.1 KHz CD quality is excellent.


 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on December 1, 2021 at 09:44:04
CheapDabbler
Audiophile

Posts: 30
Joined: April 9, 2018
 Thanks for the response. I know the Chromecast can be run through an outboard DAC. My question is whether I might be better off buying a DAC or buying a Bluedound Node and using it alone with its built in DAC.

 

Can't help you with Bluesound Node. Others might chime in...., posted on December 1, 2021 at 10:03:34
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 "My question is whether I might be better off buying a DAC or buying a Bluedound Node and using it alone with its built in DAC."

Tough question for me because:

- You can make the Chromecast Audio sound better with a good outboard DAC. No question in my mind about that.

- The Bluesound Node is popular but the software can be pretty buggy from what I've read, but I have no firsthand experience. The DAC within the BS Node is likely to be better than what's in the Chromecast Audio.

So the questions I might ask are: Am I completely satisfied with the way I interact with and select my music through the Chromecast Audio? If so, I might lean toward an outboard DAC. Am I willing to try a different approach with the BS Node?

Sorry I can't offer firsthand experience with the BS Node but many inmates here have them.


 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on December 1, 2021 at 12:52:37
MaggiesAndCats
Audiophile

Posts: 697
Joined: August 31, 2009
Contributor
  Since: July 16, 2010
 I got a Bluesound Node a week or so ago and can give you my first impressions. I mostly stream Amazon Music HD and that is what I am using while running the Node through its paces.

I've had no problems with the Node software or the BluOS app so far. The Node did an update when I first connected it and did another one the other day. The app feels slightly clunky, but the more I use it the more I like it. The clunkiness is mostly related to its interface with Amazon Music HD, but it does work. If you don't use Amazon Music HD it's a non issue. The interface with TuneIn and internet radio is very good.

As to the Node DAC, I've only compared it to a Schiit Modi, their low end unit. I used just one or two songs and switched back and forth several times. For the price, I like the Modi a lot. I prefer the DAC in the Node but it's not a huge difference, more in personal preference. That said, I like the Node DAC and could easily live with it. I ordered a Schiit Bifrost 2 and should have it December 7th, so I'll be continuing my DAC evaluation.

You can't stream Pandora directly through the BluOS app, but you can send any audio to the Node using Bluetooth. The Node has Bluetooth aptX HD, which claims to give CD quality sound. I used it to stream Amazon Music HD CD quality music from my Android phone to the Node and it was surprisingly good. Not quite as good as streaming through an Ethernet cable, but still very listenable. I also sent a Pandora stream over Bluetooth and it sounded fine.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm still a newbie at streaming and still have more to learn about the Node. As Abe said, if you like the Chromecast interface a DAC might be the way to go.

Regards,

Steve

 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on December 1, 2021 at 14:10:49
CheapDabbler
Audiophile

Posts: 30
Joined: April 9, 2018
 Thank you.

 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on December 31, 2021 at 12:47:54
dandaroy
Audiophile

Posts: 503
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: June 24, 2003
 I have this setup. Google Chromecast Audio via optical to my heavily modded MHDT Orchid DAC. When I play a song from Tidal and then playing it through a CD transport into the same DAC, the CD sounds better mostly in presence and in the midrange vocals.

So the culprit could be the Chromecast audio, or use of optical vs coax, or that I am streaming over Wi-Fi. I do not know which one is causing it. I thinking of getting a Bluesound Node or a Allo digione. The latter concerns me about the setup. I would prefer a more plug and play and my streaming needs are mostly going to be redbook CD quality through Tidal.I love physical media and not ready to give up hundreds of CDs and vinyl I have.
-------
I. Dandaroy

 

If you're willing to go beyond plug and play, posted on January 7, 2022 at 14:33:05
raingerz
Audiophile

Posts: 547
Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: July 20, 2013
 A Raspberry Pi4 would be perfect for your needs. You don't need an Allo; you can just connect via USB. There are many people on this board who can help you set it up, especially Cut-Throat. My sense is that it sounds better than the Bluesound for sure, and probably equals the Allo while being easier to set up and less expensive.

 

Sorry, late to the party as usual. Nt, posted on January 7, 2022 at 14:35:34
raingerz
Audiophile

Posts: 547
Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: July 20, 2013
 Nt

 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on January 22, 2022 at 17:51:47
Doublej
Audiophile

Posts: 678
Location: Boston
Joined: January 11, 2009
 I postulate that you will get better sound quality with a $600 DAC fed optically from the CCA than you will with a $600 Bluesound Node.

 

RE: Upgrade from Chromecast Audio, posted on January 23, 2022 at 18:41:10
CheapDabbler
Audiophile

Posts: 30
Joined: April 9, 2018
 Thanks to all.

 

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