#Google chromecast audio portable
#Google chromecast audio for android

Chromecast is warmer and has a more prominent midrange so the violin in Hilary Hahn’s Violin Sonatas 1&2 Partita No.1 sounds richer and weightier. Comparing the same Tidal playlist used for the Group Test – but via Chromecast instead of Bluetooth – is interesting.

#Google chromecast audio portable

Initially, I connect the Chromecast to a DALI Katch portable speaker as its own literature makes reference to this very partnership. The setup software shows Google’s vast resources and know-how, and is simple to get up and running. A Chromecast can be selected as an individual device or grouped together (along with any other devices at home that are already Chromecast compatible) to create a multi-room system.Īesthetically, the small plastic disc-shaped chassis isn’t terribly attractive, but as it has no controls on the device itself there is no reason to have it out on display. This is partnered with Google’s own software, which means that it will show up as a selectable device in the control apps of most streaming services and other services like Youtube and internet radio apps. It will show as a streamer and work in the same manner as a conventional network audio player.

#Google chromecast audio for android

The Chromecast can be controlled via third-party control apps like Bubble for Android or Kinsky for iOS. Power is supplied via a USB micro Type-A port. As well as establishing an analogue connection, the socket can also accommodate an optical digital cable via an adapter and stream to a suitably equipped DAC. It comes supplied with a short 3.5mm jack-to-jack cable to get you connected.

Internal decoding is carried out by an unspecified DAC, which outputs to a 3.5mm stereo jack. It is a 24-bit/96kHz-capable device with support for all the commonly encountered audio formats except DSD. It has a growing range using its own Cast streaming platform and for £70, the Chromecast Ultra supports video, but we’re more interested in the Chromecast Audio at just £30. Our recent Group Test of entry-level network music players ( HFC 442) showed there are some very impressive low-cost models to help you get started in streaming, but Google perhaps offers the bargain of the lot.

Could this be the best-value network music player available?