Review and Measurements of Chromecast Audio Digital Output

[Booker]

Is the CCA still considered a bit-perfect device? My unit is not able to pass the bit-perfect test with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS by playing the test files provided by RME like 44.1kHz/16-bit and others compatible up to 96kHz/24-bit. The players I used were roon (DSP off) and mconnectPlayer (full version).

Using the ifi ZEN Streamer connected via coax SPDIF or USB, the test always passes. The same is true when files are played directly from the iPhone via CCK cable to the USB input. A hint? Volume in Google Home is set to 100%, no bass/treble control.

 

[gvl]

Is the CCA volume at 100% and tone controls are centered?

 

[Booker]

Yes, volume at 100%, no tone controls applied. Even AirPlay from mconnect via ifi ZEN Stream passes the 44.1kHz/16-bit test.

 

[mike7877]

What the heck is this?!?!?!?!

-350dB noise floor whaaaaaaaaaaat

 

[staticV3]

What the heck is this?!?!?!?!

View attachment 399832



-350dB noise floor whaaaaaaaaaaat

It's an analysis of a digital test signal which itself does not contain any noise.

The only limiting factors are the FFT parameters, so noise floor can be pushed down to ridiculous levels.

 

[mike7877]

It's an analysis of a digital test signal which itself does not contain any noise.

The only limiting factors are the FFT parameters, so noise floor can be pushed down to ridiculous levels.

So the longer you run it the lower it goes? How long for -350? lol

 

[Booker]

No playback - SPDIF opt. 16 bits on status screen.

However, SPDIF opt. 24bits is displayed on the status screen during playback of 44.1kHz/16bit material.

Could this behavior be a reason for not passing the bit test integrated in the RME ADI-2 DAC FS? And if so, is there a way to avoid it?

 

[Brab]

I use both Chromecast Audio and Google TV Chromecast with internet radio stations which allow casting directly from the internet rather than screen mirroring via a browser. What stream quality am I getting with this type of connection? Thanks.

 

[Apesbrain]

What stream quality am I getting with this type of connection?

Quality is set by the stream provider. For the stations I typically play, 128-192 kbps. Generally, 192 sounds fine. If you search, you can find some 320 and lossless options.

 

[Brab]

Thank you! Do the Chromecast devices reduce the stream quality?

 

[staticV3]

Thank you! Do the Chromecast devices reduce the stream quality?

I can test it if you'd like.

What program or website are you using to cast the radio station to your CCA? And which radio station?

 

[Brab]

I can test it if you'd like.

What program or website are you using to cast the radio station to your CCA? And which radio station?

Right now, https://www.npoklassiek.nl/online-radio-luisteren/gedraaid. Thank you!

 

[staticV3]

Right now, https://www.npoklassiek.nl/online-radio-luisteren/gedraaid. Thank you!

Does this website have native Chromecast support?

I can't find it, maybe I need an account?

 

[VientoB]

It's an analysis of a digital test signal which itself does not contain any noise.

The only limiting factors are the FFT parameters, so noise floor can be pushed down to ridiculous levels.

Are the large (relative to background) spikes jitter components?

I'm still using two Chromecast Audio in my house. One in the living room and one in the bedroom. It's a travesty they no longer make them.

 

[staticV3]

Are the large (relative to background) spikes jitter components?

The spikes are part of the J-Test signal.

 

[Brab]

Does this website have native Chromecast support?

I can't find it, maybe I need an account?

Yes. Click on the kijk live/camera icon and the Chromecast icon will be on that page.

 

[Brab]

Does this website have native Chromecast support?

I can't find it, maybe I need an account?

Just noticed that the native Chromecast icon for this station is only available on my Chromebook, but not on my android phone. The other way I access radio stations is via an excellent app, Vradio, which amongst many other great features, provides native Chromecast.

 

[Apesbrain]

Thank you! Do the Chromecast devices reduce the stream quality?

They shouldn't. The original Chromecast Audio supported up to 24/96 PCM. The Chromecast Ultra might be limited to 24/48, but that's still beyond typical internet ratio bitrates.

 

[staticV3]

Just noticed that the native Chromecast icon for this station is only available on my Chromebook, but not on my android phone. The other way I access radio stations is via an excellent app, Vradio, which amongst many other great features, provides native Chromecast.

The Chromecast icon appears in Chrome on my PC and I can click it to cast to my CCA, but no matter what I try it does not play.
Casting other sources works just fine, so not sure what is causing this.

 

[mSpot]

Just noticed that the native Chromecast icon for this station is only available on my Chromebook, but not on my android phone.

I see the Chromecast icon on my Android phone. You need to tap on the playing window so that all the player controls appear, and it will include the Chromecast icon. On a computer, this station in Chrome browser on Windows has a Chromecast icon, but the MacOS Chrome browser doesn't show the icon.

I can test it if you'd like.

How do you test what streaming quality the CCA is receiving?

FWIW, these are the NPO Klassiek streams known to Roon, although the station may use something else for Chromecast.