Chromecast HDMI vs Chromcast Audio optical out.... is there a difference?

[lattiboy]

Hey there,

I currently use a 2nd Gen Chromecast running through an Oppo BDP-103 to stream music to my main system. I also have a Chromecast Audio and DAC I could use, but the ease of use of the single Chromecast for Audio and Movies is really nice.

Is there any sound quality difference between HDMI and optical? If so, would it even be noticeable?

thanks!

 

[Erik Tracy]

Not entirely sure, but I think the Chromecast Audio has the better DAC and capable of hirez streaming, whereas the video capable Chromecast can't.

 

[jazzmans]

They are the same DAC chip.

doesn't that depend on which generation? there's 3 generations of chromecast, and 2 of chromecast audio.

 

[lattiboy]

I was under the impression both hdmi and optical bypass the internal dac.... right? Otherwise AVRs would be kinda pointless

 

[Poultrygeist]

The internal CCA DAC is not high quality. But you might expect that from a device that sold for $15 over the holidays. Using it's mini optical output does bypass it and adding almost any external DAC provides an upgrade in SQ.