Review and Measurements of Chromecast Audio Analog Performance

[MediumRare]

I wouldn't underestimate the important of using the supplied Chromecast Audio power supply. When I tested it in 2016, I did my first run using a computer to supply power. SNR was -85dBA with 16 bit audio. So I redid it using the included PS. It jumped to -97dBA. When I used 24 bit signals, it scored better than -104dBA.

That said, I'm in Australia so the PS may not necessarily be identical (although I do think that it's multivoltage).

Yes, 5V/1A output is necessary to get to 2V output, makes a huge difference.

 

[jeepwrangler]

I'm kind of going crazy here. I have a CCA connected to an SMSL AD18 over Toslink.
I'm adding a sub which leaves me with only 1 Toslink left, which is occupied by my TV.

I have a few options:

1. - Just connect the CCA to the SMSL via AUX. My issue is that the SMSL converts AUX analog to digital then back to analog, which could affect sound quality.
2. - Buy a Toslink to Coax converter. I'm not sure if that'll introduce jitter or quality issues, though.
3. - Instead just plug in my TV via AUX, but who knows how garbage the DAC in my TCL TV is?

Any suggestions?

 

[RosalieTheDog]

I'm kind of going crazy here. I have a CCA connected to an SMSL AD18 over Toslink.
I'm adding a sub which leaves me with only 1 Toslink left, which is occupied by my TV.

I have a few options:

1. - Just connect the CCA to the SMSL via AUX. My issue is that the SMSL converts AUX analog to digital then back to analog, which could affect sound quality.
2. - Buy a Toslink to Coax converter. I'm not sure if that'll introduce jitter or quality issues, though.
3. - Instead just plug in my TV via AUX, but who knows how garbage the DAC in my TCL TV is?

Any suggestions?

Nr. 2 for your TV. That's what I do with my DAC with one optical and one Coaxial input: Chromecast via Toslink, TV converted to COA in DAC. Works fine. I got one of those €20 converters from Audiophonics.

 

[Jimbob54]

Nr. 2 for your TV. That's what I do with my DAC with one optical and one Coaxial input: Chromecast via Toslink, TV converted to COA in DAC. Works fine. I got one of those €20 converters from Audiophonics.

+1 on this. The converters I used worked fine (but need a micro USB power supply). Means you can use the oft unused coax sockets on kit. I can't promise it doesn't introduce measurable defects but I couldn't hear them if so.

 

[Balle Clorin]

Full dynamic range is a feature of the CCA that's disabled by default. It can be enabled in the Google Home app (screenshot attached).



If we're being picky, this has the potential to affect the results. Either way, thanks for confirming.

Thank you!! My sound just got much better
( just hooked up Chromecast to a headphone system )

 

[Willem]

Mind you, the setting Full Dynamic Range when using the analogue output actually has nothing to do with dynamic range, but is just a level switch. Regular output is some 1.2 V and the FDR setting is the Red book standard 2V. If you are using the optical digital output you don't have to choose, of course.
Full Dynamic Range will subjectively sound better for no other reason that that it is louder, as that is how the brain works. The default 1.2V setting is more appropriate if the analogue input of your amplifier is a bit on the sensitive side (as many are), so it was not a bad idea to make it the default.

 

[Balle Clorin]

I thoght maybe the Chromecast Audio was OK in the analoge domain for frequency response, I tried to loop it using a REW sweep file in Roon and from Chromecast output to USB soundcard. soundcard is calibrated to be flat.... alsoi let Chromacas gi via a crappy tubeamp same result. The peak is probably a calibration glitsch.
Using high dynamic range(1 or 2 V output) does not matter
CCA almost meets a -3db criteria, but not high end this..

Better results here...

MEASUREMENTS: Google Chromecast Audio - Part I: Analogue Output

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

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+ treble on Google Home EQ panel

 

[Balle Clorin]

Louder always sound better