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.