Streamer vs Chromecast audio

[doifeellucky]

So why would I spend several hundred pounds on the Bluesound Node 2, Pioneer N-50A, or Cambridge CXN instead of just using my recently acquired Chromecast Audio and the Spotify app on my phone?

Will these offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality if the source is effectively the same. Likely amp would be something like the Cambridge CXA60 or Marantz PM6005, with Zensor 3's, Bronze 2's or Concept 20's.

Are these generally needed if using a NAS or some other local storage medium?

Would Spotify connect on a streamer be any different to just using the phone into the Chromecast audio.

I'm building a new system from scratch and need to work out the best option.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Freemomusic]

Hi. I have just built a 2nd system as recently joined Spotify and tried a Chromecast audio through my DAC.

I was amazed at the results so decided to build a 2nd system in my dining room. I tried all the above speakers but all lacked dynamics concept 20 were by far the best, but I noticed richersounds selling off dali ikon so grabbed a pair and so impressed, if you can find a pair grab a listen. The tweeters are seriously amazing. I got the 1s but if you can afford the 6 at 599 then take a listen.

I have them with a sonos connect amp and Spotify now my life is simply music filled.

I then added a sonos connect to my main system for multi room and am very happy I didn't spend big bucks on a streamer.

I hope this helps

Freemo

 

[doifeellucky]

Richer Sounds have the Dali Icon 1 mk2's for £299 so hopefully I can try these when I demo next week. I'll also look at the Sonos Connect.

Thanks

 

[jonathanRD]

So why would I spend several hundred pounds on the Bluesound Node 2, Pioneer N-50A, or Cambridge CXN instead of just using my recently acquired Chromecast Audio and the Spotify app on my phone?

Will these offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality if the source is effectively the same. Likely amp would be something like the Cambridge CXA60 or Marantz PM6005, with Zensor 3's, Bronze 2's or Concept 20's.

Are these generally needed if using a NAS or some other local storage medium?

Would Spotify connect on a streamer be any different to just using the phone into the Chromecast audio.

I'm building a new system from scratch and need to work out the best option.

Thanks in advance.

If the Chromecast was connected into one of the digital inputs on the back of the Cambridge CXA60 for example, I doubt you would hear any significant difference between that and the streamers. (there is also an ethernet adapter for a wired connection for the Chromecast for £15).

If you want to stream from a NAS I think there are apps for this (to use with the Chromecast) but I've not looked into that, but hopefully someone who has will comment on that.

 

[jonathanRD]

Richer Sounds have the Dali Icon 1 mk2's for £299 so hopefully I can try these when I demo next week. I'll also look at the Sonos Connect.

Thanks

I was considering the Sonos Connect, as that would allow me to stream files from my home network (desktop computer), but just to get me started quickly (and cheaply) I got the Chromecast Audio and a Spotify Premium account - all plugged into the back of my amp (using the analogue 3.5mm jack to twin rca connection). Sound quality wise it is fine, and I'm sure it would be better using a didgital connection such as that into the Cambrifge CAX60 for example. But the point is, I don't need to connect to my computer for any music stored there, as I can either use my cd player (I have the cd's) or just simply search for the music on Spotify. So you may consider that you might not need to access your NAS.

 

[Freemomusic]

You're welcome. Not many stores have them left. I ordered mine from Glasgow. Sitting in front of them now enjoying jools Holland.

Re nas yes nas work with Chromecast. I am in the process of ripping all my CDs as apple lossless to place on a nas. If you go this way you can stream you music to any of your Chromecasts at once. But if Spotify then sonos is great optionRemember your speakers could be with you for 20 yrs or more. So get the best you can, don't rush it. I still enjoy my mission 753 bought 22 yrs ago

 

[Phileas]

Does anyone know of a music server (software) that is compatible and gapless?