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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.
Stevethecoffee-
thanks, yeah, I've been trying to do that today with various levels of success. tried old MBP into the DAC over USB but that didn't give me any sound and the MBP was so decrepit it was fucking me off so ditched that. currently listening via tidal app on smart TV, connected via toslink to the DAC. doesn't seem any different to the CC3-HDMI extractor-DAC setup so far... which makes me think the CC3 sound quality is not compromised.
a cursory google on the HDCP point velocio was talking above wasn't helpful - conflicting views on whether (i) even cheapo HDMI extractors can resolve/remove HDCP envelopes these days; against, (ii) people saying the CC3 only sends data out wrapped in HDCP when it gets a signal from its receiver that it's required.
who knows. I think I'll just trust my ears - to the extent that's possible... always find myself second guessing with some of this stuff
cozzzzzzzz
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