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cheap HDMI audio extractor
CC3 -> HDMI -> cheap HDMI audio extractor -> toslink -> SMSL DAC -> RCA -> rega io amplifier
I'm assuming that because the signal is being passed along the chain digitally (via HDMI then toslink) that there is no conversion at all until it comes out of the DAC as analogue. it does sound less thin to me (with fuller mids, less forward vocals) with this setup but could just be confirmation bias. only fooled around with it for 30 mins since it arrived this am. will give it a further test later on. who knows with this stuff
CC3 doesn't serve as high a bitrate as the CCA, as far as I'm aware. it's limited to 16/44 (whereas I think the CCA does 24/96?)
I'll probably end up getting a bluesound node 2i at this rate
cozzzzzzzz-
I normally assume HDMI audio is wrapped up in HDCP and cannot be fully converted accurately. But perhaps the Chromecast isn't actually wrapping the signal it has in HDCP.
Not that I've investigated this much.
What I do know is that the SACD player I used to have with an HDMI output could only be paired with a A/V amplifier, and if I tried to jump to a coax or tape output it would prevent that... basically enforcing copy protection somewhere, presumably because the HDMI signal had HDCP.
I kinda avoid HDMI for audio now as it feels a bit opaque, I'm not quite sure what it will let me do.
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Have a play around with bit-rates before you splash for the Node, see if you can try different sources like a smart TV or phone / tablet via usb if you can do so without too much hassle or expense.
The only reason I say that is I rigged up my dragonfly via usb to take advantage of full MQA unfolding for an album I’d previously enjoyed on IEMs at normal lo-res cellular streaming. It was underwhelming on MQA 24/196, whatever it is, through my living room system, then I swapped to a 16/44 album which was recorded more carefully and it sounded so much more alive and detailed. It seems hard to believe that you’re not missing anything with all the bitrate hype but I’ve driven myself mad with it and found that 16/44 is all you need.
For me the drawback with Chromecast is that it loses synch with my phone, resulting in me swearing which is why I prefer other streamers but it’s nothing to do with SQ any more, in fact I’ve just bought my 3rd CCA to complete my multi-room setup which works brilliantly.
Velocio
Stevethecoffee
Chromecast 3 outputs HDMI, that DAC doesn't have HDMI input.. what else is in the equation?
I'm always looking for a replacement to the Chromecast Audio, not because mine has issues but because it will eventually suffer bitrot from no longer being supported.
There's this: https://www.essenceelectrostatic.com/product/hdacc-ii-4k/ but it seems a bit excessive.
And this: https://www.kanexpro.com/item/?id=HAECOAX but who knows whether this is good or not.
And this: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=590187330024 which looks great, but would prefer spdif. But apparently this is the only way to get a coax output from a SACD.