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Chromecast and external DAC

I’m trying to set up a budget system to stream Tidal and Chromecast Audio caught my attention. I have a Schiit Multibit on the way and was wondering if anyone uses Chromecast Audio as the streaming source and if so, have you tried using an external DAC with it. It apparently has optical and a micro USB ports and I would be interested in using the USB port on the Modi.
Anyone tried such a set up? How’s the sound quality?
Thanks in advance.
128x128kalali
willemj
1,036 posts
 
You will be amazed how good it is. The analogue output is fine for 16/44, but struggles a bit at 24/96. With its bitperfect digital output it really is a no compromise solution up to 24/96, and for only $35. If you use more than one, you can even synchronise them for multiroom use (if that takes your fancy).
In our bedroom we use the digital output into a small Ava Maestro 50 amplifier with auto on off. The amp and Chromecast sit out of sight, and are switched on automatically if and when there is a signal from the app. The TuneIn Internet Radio app has a sleeptimer that turns the system off automatically after a set interval. Unfortunately not all apps have this option.
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kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
I just picked one up earlier this afternoon. Can’t believe how small it is! Unfortunately I couldn’t find the optical cable locally so had to order it online. Real anxious to try it with the Modi Multibit and see how it compares with my Bluesound Node2.
Thanks again for all your help. 
mr_bill
347 posts
 
Get Lifatec

this little thing is crazy good. 
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

Got the Chromecast gadget set up and so far only listened through  the analog output and it sounds real good. I had been using a similar  arrangement using the analog/earphone output of my iPhone and with the obvious benefit of wireless access/control, I can't say if the internal DAC in the dongle is better than the iPhone DAC but its definitely not worse. This is a temporary set up until I get the optical cable and run it through the Modi Multibit which I'm hoping will sound better. All in all, its a really great device even at double the price.

I'm particularly happy about being able to stream Tidal HiFi using this device even if it probably doesn't go any higher than 24/96. Definitely good enough for this system since its main use will be vinyl. By the way, the CDs already sound better running the player through the Modi right out of the box. But that's a whole different discussion.

mr_bill, wtf - No doubt lifatec glass cable is good but for now I'm trying to manage the cost for this moderate system so ~$100 just seemed a little out of proportion. But it'll be on my list, maybe next month.

willemj, I know you've been talking about how good is this Chromecast Audio and based on my brief experience so far I tend to agree with your sentiments.

I'll do some A/B testing with the Bluesound in my main system when I get the optical cable.

Thank you all again.

willemj
1,036 posts
 
Good to hear you are happy. However, I noticed I forgot to include the link to the measurements of the analogue output: http://archimago.blogspot.nl/2016/02/measurements-google-chromecast-audio.html It is fine at 16/44 but measurably struggles at higher resolutions. With the analogue output there is something else to be aware of, however, since Google confuses the issue. There is an option for what they call High Dynamic Range, and you would think that is good news. However, in reality dynamic range is just the same as the default setting. The only difference is a higher output voltage. Standard is some 1.2 Volt if I remember correctly and HDR is the CD red book standard 2.0 Volt. As it so happens, that 2.0 Volt is pretty high for many analogue input stages, potentially leading to clipping of the input signal (my hunch is that a lot of what people call digital harshness is actually this input clipping). So in many systems the default may actually be better than the tempting High Dynamic Range. With the digital output this is not an issue, of course.
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