Arcam AVR300 no sound

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

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25 May 2011
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I bought a used Arcam AVR300... I have my chromecast connected to tape optical input.. Seems to work fine, but as soon as I press direct mode, the audio stops.. I want direct as I use the 300 for 2 channel stereo.

I don't have composite compatible TV to be able to play with the menu :( so having to do all via front display which is an absolute Chore.

Is it faulty or something I'm missing ?

Thanks :)
 
I have an AVR350 which is very similar. If you wanted to use direct mode I would advise using a 3.5mm jack (chromecast end) to x2 RCA wire, and then plug the RCA connectors into the analogue CD input on the AVR.

Stereo Direct Mode would then work.
 
The quality of the sound in stereo direct mode is considerably better than using digital processing, generally speaking when using a stereo source.

I would also agree with Dave too in that the AVR DAC will be better than the Chromecast.

You could try out the different methods and see what you prefer.
 
From reading direct mode only seems to work via RCA inputs.... What should I do? , buy a optical to RCA converter? And run that via chromecast----------Arcam.. Would that still allow use of the arcam DAC as I defo want to use that.

If you could advise best way to use chromecast via optical with using direct mode and using Arcam dac

Thanks all
 
nightrider1470 said:
From reading direct mode only seems to work via RCA inputs.... What should I do? , buy a optical to RCA converter? And run that via chromecast----------Arcam.. Would that still allow use of the arcam DAC as I defo want to use that.

If you could advise best way to use chromecast via optical with using direct mode and using Arcam dac

Thanks all
Click to expand...

You can't use the Arcam DAC in stereo direct mode as they are shutdown. You could buy an optical to RCA converter but cheap ones will have an inferior DAC to the AVR300.

I would try running an analogue feed in stereo direct and compare it running the optical with direct mode off.

If you are only using the AVR300 for stereo it may be better to sell it and buy a stereo amp and a good DAC.
 
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but - direct mode means do not use the dac in the arcam, and the analogue inputs are then fed directly to the pre/power amp in the arcam.

You want to use the arcam dac, so you need an optical input via a mini to normal toslink lead from the Chromecast - do you have that type of cable ?
(they are not delivered with the chromecast itself) maybe OC sell them, so no amazon link.
 
jpaul said:
but - direct mode means do not use the dac in the arcam, and the analogue inputs are then fed directly to the pre/power amp in the arcam.

You want to use the arcam dac, so you need an optical input via a mini to normal toslink lead from the Chromecast - do you have that type of cable ?
(they are not delivered with the chromecast itself) maybe OC sell them, so no amazon link.
Click to expand...

OP already has the optical cable but wants to use it in stereo direct which has already been established as not possible.
 
Dangerous Dave said:
OP already has the optical cable
Click to expand...
I realise he said he had an optical cable ... but since both the analogue and optical go into the same plug in the chromecast there is some ambiguity

edit: and as you say, it is not possible since direct means don't use arcam dac, which he wants to use.
 
jpaul said:
but - direct mode means do not use the dac in the arcam, and the analogue inputs are then fed directly to the pre/power amp in the arcam.

You want to use the arcam dac, so you need an optical input via a mini to normal toslink lead from the Chromecast - do you have that type of cable ?
(they are not delivered with the chromecast itself) maybe OC sell them, so no amazon link.
Click to expand...

Yes I have mini optical from chromecast to the 300... So I'm best to forget about direct mode then.. . I only listen to two channel music... Shame as I want the best sound quality possible.

I also own a primare I22 power amp which is meant to be great.... Maybe I can put that in the mix?

I had a cheap dac before this with the primare, but just wasn't enjoying the sound from the cheap dac.. I decided to use my AVR300 as the dac instead..... Maybe there is a stereo setting on my AVR300, but don't think it would be as good as direct mode... Abit confused to be honest
 
jpaul said:
I realise he said he had an optical cable ... but since both the analogue and optical go into the same plug in the chromecast there is some ambiguity

edit: and as you say, it is not possible since direct means don't use arcam dac, which he wants to use.
Click to expand...

Its not that I defo want to use it, but I thought the direct mode was the better sound choice for flac music etc. .

Maybe I can use DSP stereo or something
 
If you have the money, getting something like an M-DAC by Audiolab as a future upgrade, you could use the stereo pre outs and hook them up to the AVR's CD analogue input with stereo direct. You can disable the volume control on the M-DAC so it just acts as a source.

Then use the digital out from the chromecast into the M-DAC.

That would likely sound really good.
 
the chromecast will handle the flac decode and sending the pcm 96khz/24bit signal through optical,
however (just remembering an earlier thread I had with scam) users have actually had problems with the optical output - see ,
and here

I'm getting audible amounts of jitter using a CCA and the FiiO D03k DAC. The overall sound quality is an appreciable improvement from the built-in DAC, but I can't live with the jitter. I've been looking for a solution -- what makes more sense to try, a jitterbug device (how would this filter jitter from the optical connection if it connects to the USB power?) or upgrading to DAC that does not let as much jitter through. Would love some input as I'm new to audio gear, but am trying to keep the value engineering I have going...so if there's a different DAC I would want to stay below the price point of something like the Schiit Modi (not sure which one I'd get).
Click to expand...

so the analogue maybe the better choice ! .. you might experience sound glitches with optical

that also discusses linear supplies re. your other thread
 
I feel abit snookered here. .. I have a chromecast , AVR300, primare I22. And need to buy something else as there is no obvious link for using 2 or all 3 of them.

How about something other than chromecast that has RCA output into the AVR300?...

Surely someone can find a root for the 3 devices I have listed?... I don't mind spending abit more money, but not £600 for another DAC, unless I trade my primare I22 in against it.

This AVR300 is one complicated beast...

Just to add more confusion!¡!!! I have a Marantz sr7011 but would need to use 30m speaker cables to bring that in the mix.. . Maybe marantz sr7011 -----_---------- preouts primate -------- 30m cables to my speakers..

To much gear know idea!!
 
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You’re making this needlessly complex and definitely don’t need to buy anything else!

What speakers have you got connected up? Stereo only or full surround sound.

Run the chromecast into the avr300 using digital optical. The arcam DAC will be better than the chromecast so use that. You might need to get into the on screen menu somehow to get stereo only mode - you definitely don’t have composite? If not, can you configure the chromecast to output 2.0 via the digital optical connection?

You can use the power amp with the arcam av amp as the avr has a full set of pre outs.

In summary:

Chromecast >>optical>> AVR300 >>RCA (L+R front pre out)>> I22 >> speakers
 
Yes - Archimago couldn't, the first ref could

Since NightRider has a sr7011 sounds as though he can make some A/B comparison anyway ;) some piano music ?
(I suppose 30m is a bit far to run a high quality Van-damm RCA cable to permanently use the sr7011)

There still are not too many sources for 96Khz music anyway ? ( I currently have a Tidal MQA try-out running but other than that ? )


 
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