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Post by Chris on May 26, 2018 20:15:11 GMT
I know you all scoff but it's been good. Good SQ,cheap easy and handy.
What can I move on to?
It needs to be istuff compatible,easy and relatively inexpensive. I'm thinking google chromecast audio or the like.
All suggestions welcome!
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Post by Slinger on May 27, 2018 20:32:32 GMT
Daft question maybe, Chris, but if you're happy with Bluetooth why are you dumping it, and what will you be using whatever you replace it with, for?
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Post by Chris on May 27, 2018 21:07:54 GMT
I just think I can do better Slinger. It's good but it is the weak point in my system so if there's a handy Affordable alternative I'm going to give it a try. Think it'll be chromecast audio - and it's just for getting Tidal and Spotify to my amp.
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Post by MartinT on May 27, 2018 21:16:48 GMT
Rather than using Bluetooth to send music to the system, think more in terms of a streamer so that it picks up music directly and your iDevice becomes just a controller.
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Post by Slinger on May 28, 2018 13:05:01 GMT
One thing's for sure, Chris. You're not likely to get a cheaper alternative at thirty quid for a Chromecast Audio.
If you haven't seen it already, there's a useful tip for improving SQ...
It's limited to 24-bit/96 KHz using the internal DAC, and don't forget that the internal DAC makes up a part of that thirty quid total price, so the quality may not be as good as you require. On the other hand, some cheap and tiny DACs can be very good so I'd say it's a "suck-it-and-see" scenario. Usefully, you can use a mini-Toslink cable into your own DAC if you're not happy with the internal offering.
At that price, though, you haven't really got a lot to lose.
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Post by Chris on May 28, 2018 14:06:29 GMT
So it’s upgradable then ....
Sounds just the thing. Cheers Slinger
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abcaudio
Rank: Soloist
Building cables and tea drinking
Posts: 11
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Post by abcaudio on Jun 4, 2018 11:00:08 GMT
Another thumbs up for the Chromecast Audio - it's a great piece of kit. You can take optical out for your DAC too, if you're inclined. (This is a good thing if your DAC is decent - you'll need a mini-toslink adaptor for a couple of £ on ebay - also because noise from the SMPS and switching regulators in the power supply will be ameliorated by the electrical isolation toslink affords.)
I think the CCA is the stone cold bargain of the decade in HiFi terms.
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Post by Tim on Jun 4, 2018 11:33:00 GMT
So it’s upgradable then .... I bought a CCA to try with my set-up, to make things easier accessing Spotify. Presently I cannot have both JRiver and Spotify running on my music server (well I can, but only JRiver will work) as JRiver takes control of the DAC - JRiver has to be shut down for the DAC to be released for Spotify. I thought ahh, a Chromecast can plug into the optical via Toslink on the DAC, as the music server is USB. It does make life easier as all I have to do is change the input from USB to Optical.
I would say try it out as it's very cheap and probably going to be enough for most people and the 'high dynamic range' setting does improve the sound. However, it's sound is inferior to playing Spotify from my music server, noticeably so. It sounds very 'edgy' and digital, with some perceptible digital artefacts, especially on vocals. I was a little disappointed as I guess I was expecting the same or similar performance, improving the power supply may help, but I didn't try that. Had I not tried Spotify on my server and not had anything to compare it with, I'm sure I would have been moderately happy. But Spotify as a lot here have discovered, can be made to sound extremely good from a well set-up player.
Having said that, for 30 quid as abc says, it's a bargain and if you aren't too fussy could well be the ideal solution, so I'd give it a go. It just didn't make the cut for me, but then the audio from my music server is pretty decent, but it cost significantly more than a Chromecast so should be  |
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 4, 2018 13:21:52 GMT
Good God, you sound just like an audiophile Tim. Cold shower for you, my lad!
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Post by Slinger on Jun 4, 2018 13:51:08 GMT
Good God, you sound just like an audiophile Tim. Cold shower for you, my lad!   |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 4, 2018 14:42:27 GMT
Look at Tim's avatar. The horror! |
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Post by Slinger on Jun 4, 2018 15:21:12 GMT
Look at Tim's avatar. The horror! Open Cast (Data) Mining? |
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Post by Tim on Jun 4, 2018 16:21:44 GMT
Good God, you sound just like an audiophile Tim. Cold shower for you, my lad! Nah, I can't be . . . I thought it had already been established here, that if you enjoy listening to music on Spotify, you most definitely aren't an audiophile |
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Post by Tim on Jun 4, 2018 16:22:29 GMT
Look at Tim's avatar. The horror! That's my turntable, what do you mean . . . spinning disc, arm and a pick-up - I mean it's the same and not a laser in sight |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 4, 2018 19:08:39 GMT
if you enjoy listening to music on Spotify, you most definitely aren't an audiophile That's me done, then. Better get my white ear-buds out for extra tizz... |
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Post by Chris on Jun 4, 2018 20:15:50 GMT
What's a good wee DAC I could use with it then? Would that still work the same i.e. Just beam to it?
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Post by MartinT on Jun 4, 2018 21:18:14 GMT
You would need a DAC with Bluetooth ability. SMSL might make one, worth a look on eBay.
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 4, 2018 21:25:51 GMT
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Post by Slinger on Jun 4, 2018 22:08:21 GMT
Martin, Chris, have you looked at the title of this thread? The DAC would be connected directly to the Chromecast via a 3.5mm to Mini-TOSLINK lead. The trick is to connect the DAC to the amp. I don't know, but maybe that's as easy as a pair of leads between the two. How good does this system need to be, Chris, and have you already got an amp for it? If not, then an SMSL Q5 might fit the bill? |
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 4, 2018 22:18:23 GMT
Yes I saw it, but thought Chris was having a change of heart about Bluetooth with his mention of 'beaming' to a DAC.
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