Audiophile music streamer for $40??!! Better than Google Chromecast Audio?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ม.ค. 2025

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  • @MS-jj9hm
    @MS-jj9hm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great information, thank you for your great videos. We look forward every week to watch your videos.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks a lot! I'm happy to create content that people find useful.

  • @liutony4872
    @liutony4872 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a Chromecast 3 and a Chromecast for Google TV and other set top box, recently bought a HDMI hub/audio extractor, the extractor has many designs variations but most of them support at least RCA. Some other extractor has optical/coaxial/3.5mm jack as well. The extractor also has a HDMI pass through to connect to TV/Monitor, so essentially I can use CGTV as a streamer. All streaming app works, even the Apple music app (side loaded I think). You can even cast from phone/tablet to CGTV and audio is routed to a pair of speakers via the extractor.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the well-thought-out and thorough comment. I presented the optional DAC in case if people want to kick the sound quality up a notch. I have to say that DACs do contribute to sound quality; however, the difference that they make is not as pronounced as something like upgrading the speakers.

  • @mahnazmahnaz5719
    @mahnazmahnaz5719 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A very honest exposure. Thanks.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you very much for the very kind comments; I really appreciate it.

  • @mahnazmahnaz5719
    @mahnazmahnaz5719 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Super informative video. so this is exactly the information that I need.

  • @bigjohn2811
    @bigjohn2811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This can be done with any Android TV device. You can buy them for $15 or less at retail. Also if the device has a extra USB port for connecting external devices like USB drives, you might be able to connect a DAC to the USB port. This will allow you to bypass extracting the audio from the HDMI port.

    • @toxotis70
      @toxotis70 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How do you do that? I have a zidoo media player…

    • @HarithAhmadDaud
      @HarithAhmadDaud 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Problem is, not many smart or android tv can output more than 48khz sampling rate through their optical out. My setup is Apple Music Lossless 192khz/48khz/44.1khz --> Chromecast 2nd gen --> Sony smart tv (not android tv) --> optical out from tv to old sony receiver optical in, shows up 48khz on receiver's display.

  • @eegeeveegeeartacademy4129
    @eegeeveegeeartacademy4129 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Amazing! Thank you for sharing your information.

  • @RaphRBD
    @RaphRBD ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh great! That's exactly the type of setup I needed to hear about. General question to anybody that will read this, how much of a difference do you think it will make that the signal goes through wifi in comparison to the wiim pro for example where you have the option to plug directly to your router via a ethernet cable? I think the difference would mostly be for audiophiles who have experienced ears and want the pure signal.

  • @HarithAhmadDaud
    @HarithAhmadDaud 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This extractor setup is interesting as most tv will likely resample any signal to 48khz and send it out through optical out. I experienced that first hand. Even if I play 96khz through Hi-Fi Cast app or Bubbleupnp or even Apple music, it shows up 48khz on my receiver's display. I know for a fact my receiver's optical input can receive 96khz as it is stated in the owner's manual.

    • @trevorbartram5473
      @trevorbartram5473 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I believe I read that Android has only ever supported 48KHz (an AV rate). Everything else inc CD & Hi-Rez is resampled to 48KHz, UGLY. I'm not sure what Chromecast Audio does but it's an Android device so 48KHz & resampling is highly likely. To overcome this Wiim Mini is the best option, if you own a smart phone, if not Wiim is difficult too.

  • @obdtm
    @obdtm 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good video Khashayar. Thanks!

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks a lot! Please stop by more often.

  • @shoreguyeast
    @shoreguyeast ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Schiit converter in N/A anymore. What do you suggest now?

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for your comment. So, is it not working anymore?

  • @mun33y
    @mun33y ปีที่แล้ว +1

    By doing it this way, is the sound quality as good as the CCA?

  • @wcharad
    @wcharad ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey there
    I purchased a speaker which has Chromecast built in, It is Harman Kardon Citation 200. I'm wondering is it possible to play hi-res audio from a streaming platform like Tidal on it? And how? by hi-res I mean for maximum of 24-bit 96kHz
    Also it has AirPlay built in, so is it possible to play Apple Music Lossless up to 24-bit 48kHz?
    Thanks, from IR

  • @Northernlanes
    @Northernlanes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm using a WiiM Mini streamer and a Topping E30 DAC, similar high quality results but audio only (I use a Fire TV Stick for video)

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Terrific! Yes, the Topping E30 is a terrific DAC and certainly provides you with a HiFi experience. When it comes to streamers, what I care about the most is really their usability and how well they can be used to cast music onto my system; an external DAC can always transform their sound quality.

  • @joelrunyan1608
    @joelrunyan1608 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Don't most televisions hand audio extractors?

  • @johncoscia5258
    @johncoscia5258 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    l stream with a PC ear jack into my AVR, I use my television hdmi screen and so how do pc's DACs rate ? Sounds better than blue tooth. But i found you because l have a Chromecast HDMI that l still might do it your way. Thanks .

  • @luda9201
    @luda9201 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you get a like just because of "skit" audio, great video thank you

  • @samrichardson9827
    @samrichardson9827 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't we just plug the TOSLINK-out from the audio extractor straight to our AV Receiver's TOSLINK-in ? why going through a DAC in-between ?

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  ปีที่แล้ว

      Well, that particular external DAC by Schiit is very high quality and sounds a lot more transparent compared to its built-in counterpart. But, theoretically speaking, you could just bypass an external DAC and go straight into the digital input of your receiver. Cheers.

  • @biggstile
    @biggstile 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Can you connect to two at the same time?

  • @manikdesilva1
    @manikdesilva1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video thanks! In this solution is a TV needed after the initial setup if we are only interested in music streaming ?

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for your question. No, you do not need to have your TV on in order to use your Chromecast. The only thing you need is some means of connecting your Chromecast to your Integrated or Receiver/Amplifier. If there's no built in DAC in your amplifier, then go with the audio extractor and connect it to your external DAC and then go to the RCA input on your device.

    • @manikdesilva1
      @manikdesilva1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheSonicGardens fantastic. I managed to get the solution working using the google TV device. This a great inexpensive solution. Cheers!

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@manikdesilva1 Fantastic! I'm so glad to hear that it worked out for you. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Kash

  • @Unicorn-ST
    @Unicorn-ST 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    😀 This is just what I am doing for a long time.
    I am doing in diferent ways:
    I have one Chromecast connected directly to an HDMI input in my AVR that has a more than good DAC and sound.
    In another system I am using exactly what you show. An audio extractor, but the one I use is really nice because it has 2 HDMI inputs, the analog output, an optical SPDIF output and one HDMI output. Wth a button to select the HDM1 or HDMI2 inputs, that allows me to connect an additional device besides the Chromecast.
    Finally I decided to get something that doesn't need two power connections and I am using a Xiaomi Mi Box S, that has Chromecast included. And this has several advantages and one dissadvantage.
    The advantages are that, I have to manage only one power connection and one device, I am using the 3,5 mm jack connection in the Mi Box S that is a combined analog and optical output and I am connecting the optical output with a DAC, but I also use the HDMI output to connect my TV therefore I can use the Mi Box Chromecast connection to stream music using my phone or tablet as controller wiithout the need to switch on the TV, but I can also use the internal MI Box Apps (Spotify, Tidal, TH-cam Music, Plex,...) connected to the TV and managing it with the MI Box S remote control to select the music I want... and also I can use a USB hard drive or other USB stick to play local music. And as extra ball, I am using a USB hub with ethernet connection therefore I am using it wiring connected to internet, with a USB memory connected also to the hub and also a combined mini keyboard with touchbar for controlling it.
    Do you want more?...
    With the MI Box S remote control I can use both voice orders and also Google Assistant
    The dissadvange is that I haven't been able to use the Xiomi Mi Box S with the Google Home multi-room ability that is something you can do with the Chromecast... it would be already perfect.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wow that's really eye-opening and thank you for sharing this with me. I'd head of Xiaomi Mi Box, but I've never owned one and based on what you've shared here, it sounds like a very interesting product. As you also pointed out, the audio extractor needs to be plugged in and this may present some disadvantages. For me, the main reason that I use the audio extractor is to have the ability to connect to a good quality DAC, like Schiit Modi 3 or my trustly old Arcam DAC. Thanks again for leaving such detailed and lengthy comment.

    • @Unicorn-ST
      @Unicorn-ST 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheSonicGardens Thank you to you for the nice and good explained videos.

    • @Unicorn-ST
      @Unicorn-ST ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Searching for a different thing, Google shows to me again this video, and I have been watched to it again 😉and I noticed something I didn't commented last time.
      The Chromecast Audio internal DAC (AK4430) isn't the best but it isn't so bad, I have compared with other ones as my SMSL SU-8, a Chord Mojo, a DragonFly Cobalt,... and teh Chromecast AUdio DAc is more than decent, but this is when you configure it as "complete dynamic range".
      I have 5 CCA and 2 standard CC using all of them as audio streamers, and also the Xiomi MiBox S that I commented.
      In the other side, the CCA is limited to 24 bit 96 kHz audio, but it manage high resolutions or even DSD, simply it downscale to 24-96, but in the other hand, the standard Chromecast has fixed in 48 kHz and sometimes it jammed with very high adio streaming.
      I would like to test the "new" Chromecast with TV because it supports a lot of audio codecs and I will check if it admits HiRes audio.

  • @drazenvukmanic60
    @drazenvukmanic60 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello! I'm very happy with my new streamer. I bought E30 and Neoteck HDMI Audio Extractor. E30 has remote for on/off. What is the better for Chromecast and Extractor, every time switch on/off or allways are on? Because I can plug it in my Yamaha AX-892 amplifier on back side.

  • @barkanellichasingdreams4142
    @barkanellichasingdreams4142 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have Apple tv, chromecast with Google TV, and Roku. The Chromecast with Google TV on slightly older JVC and the sound isnt very good.
    🙂 What is my options?

  • @IaudioX5L
    @IaudioX5L ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i dont understand why i need to find a way to separate the video and sound stream from each other from the google Chromecast. i works fine by me just listeing to the audio and keep the screen off.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for your comment. Yes, you could do that as well; however, this is just another option that will enable anyone wanting to use the Chromecast without going through their TV's for listening to music. Cheers!

    • @IaudioX5L
      @IaudioX5L ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheSonicGardensMy Chromecast is connected to my AVR. So I am not going through my TV.

  • @MrKkprince
    @MrKkprince 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WHY not simply attach the Chromecast via hdmi to a TV and get the AUDIO from the TV optical out ?

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hello, thanks for the comment. The reason as to why you don't want to do that is to eliminate the need to have your TV on in order to stream your music. For me, the TV introduces a source of distraction that I do not want to deal with when I listen to music attentively.

  • @wotanwalhall6642
    @wotanwalhall6642 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great channel.
    I've already considered this solution, too. Maybe there are two downsides compared to Chromecast Audio:
    - You need two power supplies (one for Google Chromecast, one for the Audio Extractor) instead of only one. (Maybe a little unconvenient but probably not a big deal if you have enough power sockets available.)
    - The sample rate of the Chromecast Audio is 96kHz. I'm not sure, but I think Google Chromecast only supports 48 kHz. So if you stream music with 96 kHz (e.g. via Amazon Music or Tidal), Google Chromecast outputs this stream to the DAC not with 96 kHz but with only 48kHz. Do you agree with that?

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hi Wotan, thank you very much for your comment. I agree that with the audio extractor, you have one separate interface to deal with and one additional thing to plug into your outlet. So, that's one compromise to take in that respect. But, I'd be inclined to take that compromise for the cost effectiveness of the whole setup :) . As far as the sampling rate being offered by the Chromecast audio, thank you for telling me that as I never knew that then onboard DAC of the Chromecast audio can handle high res sampling rate. But, I have to say that I didn't have any good experience with the built in DAC of the Chromecast audio and after a few days, I switched over to my Schiit Modi ( which of course doesn't do DSD or MQA). But, now that you've told me about the high res potential of the Chromecast Audio, I'm going to try it and put it through its paces and see how well it handles high res. Will be in touch. Regards, Kash

    • @charliehatton3781
      @charliehatton3781 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheSonicGardens Did you try the Chromecast audio vs Chromecast? Currently I stream to a Chromecast on a tv that outputs to a receiver via optical cable, I want to start doing Hi-Res audio but I'm not sure if this set up will be able to.

  • @AnonymousNinja82
    @AnonymousNinja82 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I only have my Chromecast connected to my HDMI port. what's with the extra hardware. That's not needed.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, thanks for your comment. That extra hardware is needed if you plan to connect your Chromecast to an external DAC. Also, most Integrated Amplifiers do away with the HDMI input and it's mostly receivers that are equipped with an HDMI port. So, that extra hardware in those cases become a necessity.

  • @kurphkurph
    @kurphkurph 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi thanks for your video, give me some hope. After many years not using the chromecast audio, I took it out yesterday and tried to connect to my Heos 5 again. But the google home app doesn't recognize the chromecast audio now? Does home app stop recognizing the chromecast audio since they stop supporting? Or did I do it wrong? Otherwise, I might have to try your way :(..

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for your question. I would try reconnecting it to your Home App again or perhaps unplug and plug back in again and then try connecting it to the Home App, which is still supporting the Chromecast Audio.

  • @slistone1940
    @slistone1940 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dumb question. I have a chromecast audio. If I plug it into the back of my Macintosh integrated AMP, will I be bypassing the onboard DAC? My digital output on Mac is broken so I have to use the RCA ports and use a tos link adapter to get it to the Chromecast Audio

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for stopping by. Yes, if you're using the RCA port of the MAC, irrespective of the adapter you use, the connection will be that of an analogue one, meaning that digital to analogue processing will be performed on the onboard DAC of the Chromecast Audio. Now, in order to bypass the built-in DAC of the Chromecast audio, you will definitely need to take advantage of its digital audio output and go directly to the digital input of the MAC. ChromeCast Audio's DAC is definitely not a bad one, but when compared to something Schiit Modi 3, it really falls short. Since your digital input of the MAC is not working, then I'd definitely consider an external DAC option, such as a Modi 3 or even Topping E30. Cheers, Kash

  • @Belcanto401
    @Belcanto401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    For those of you who are audiophile, iFi iPurifier is a must for eliminating jitter from the digital out of chromecast audio or chromecast with extractor. You'll find that investment well worth of your money.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for your comment. I will definitely check it out and it may be something that I may review in the future. Cheers!

    • @ericthemauve
      @ericthemauve 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The iFi purifier is for audiophools, not audiophiles.

  • @CarlVanDoren61
    @CarlVanDoren61 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pioneer xc-hm86 chromecast built in. Not capless if streaming, really sucks, DTS Play-Fi is the way!!

  • @tristanhawkins8699
    @tristanhawkins8699 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice idea to save a considerable amount money compared to a Bluesound node. I can’t believe the prices of the 2nd hand chromecast audios.
    The downside of this setup is that it’s creating a nest of wires with it all being plugged in and I’m guessing the sound quality is inferior to a bluesound but given that cost that’s understandable.
    At the moment I’ve got a chromecast audio plugged into some Harman Kardon SoundSticks III in my kitchen so a budget non audiophile setup basically using fancy computer speakers. However, it works well and can be groups into a multi room setup really easily. I’ve pondered getting a dac to add to the setup but I don’t think it’s worth it considering it’s for budget kitchen speakers. If it were for a decent pair of speakers then I guess it might be more worthwhile.

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you very much for the comment. Yes, the cost of the Chromecast audio has skyrocketed over the past few months and that's primarily due to it becoming harder to find. This set up pretty much furnishes the same purpose; although, with a bridge in the form of an audio extractor. I gotta tell you that this Modi 3 DAC makes a world of difference when compared to the built in DAC in Chromecast audio and also the one in this audio extractor. I argue that one of the most important upgrades in anyone's system is in the DAC department. What do you have in your main system as far speakers, amplifiers and DACs?
      Regards,
      Kash

  • @larsw.3240
    @larsw.3240 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazon Music HD is not supported by Chromecast Audio.

  • @noushinbargi3599
    @noushinbargi3599 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    سلام آقا خشایار, چه ویدیوی خوبی! من خیلی چیزها یاد گرفتم! اگه میشه لطفا ویدیوهای کریسمس بزارید, ممنون. 👏😊

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Mersi Nooshin Jan. Kheili mamnoon az lotfe shoma. Hatman. Christmas dar sadre jadval gharar dare. 😁

  • @priyavandhana4289
    @priyavandhana4289 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Congratulations on your channel. I'm not sure what you're talking about, super out of my league. Lol

    • @TheSonicGardens
      @TheSonicGardens  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Priya, thank you very much for stopping by. Happy Thanksgiving and I hope all goes well. I made this video to put it out there that people don't have to spend big to get a good quality music streamer; we just have to get a little creative and put a few things together.😁