What's the best alternative to Google Audio Chromecast ?
- Thread starter MrBlobby
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I must admit, I am not very aware of what Google Audio Chromecast did, however, from reading a few things online I gather that it was a device that you could send audio to that would then send it to a speaker through a 3.5mm headphone jack? If that's the case then I would recommend a Bluetooth alternative such as this from amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avantree-B...s-Headphones/dp/B01N5KKUR0?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2
I have this and it is awesome - https://www.sevenoakssoundandvision...MIyO2T97WK5wIVCbLtCh1Vag3ZEAQYBCABEgIz-vD_BwE
The Chromecast cost about £20 and this cost almost £1000 it's not really an alternative is it.
Soldato
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Welcome to GD
Would an amazon echo dot do the trick somehow? That has a 3.5mm line out
Failing that, the only thing I can think of is one of those bluetooth adapters
Soldato
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What are you actually trying to achieve with it? An Echo Dot or Echo Input can stream bluetooth audio from another device, and both have a 3.5 mm jack.
Thanks anyway
Play BBC radio from my phone using the listen again Andriod app
Really? Says who? I'd be most upset if this is the case
Bluetooth quality is terrible, it's not the same as Chromecast.
Really? Says who? I'd be most upset if this is the case
Bluetooth quality is terrible, it's not the same as Chromecast.
I was interested to know if bluetooth was the same quality thanks. Yes they're not made any more one sold on ebay for £220 !
Chromecast are made just not the Chromecast Audio.
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All smart speakers that will play BBC radio wont they? Our sonos and various echo's will.
The latest echo dots are a bargain and for such a small speaker the sound is actually ok.
The latest echo dots are a bargain and for such a small speaker the sound is actually ok.
I just found an article. Honestly with Google continually screwing over GSuite users with regards to the Home setup, and other functionality, and now this, I'm honestly thinking of ditching their whole eco system 
I have my CCA plugged into my amp via the optical out which means my amp handles the DAC, which means I'm not reliant on a terrible DAC on my phone or the one on the CCA. This is hands down thebest for audio quality, what the heck am I going to use? No way I'm using BT.
I have my CCA plugged into my amp via the optical out which means my amp handles the DAC, which means I'm not reliant on a terrible DAC on my phone or the one on the CCA. This is hands down thebest for audio quality, what the heck am I going to use? No way I'm using BT.
Soldato
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Just get Amazon something. You won't need it to play from your phone, you just ask it for radio, "Alex, play Radio 2" and it will do it.
Just play it without the Bluetooth then as above.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/help/questions/supported-devices/voice-device
"Yes, you can play all of our live and on-demand content on Amazon Alexa and on Apple HomePod via AirPlay. Live stations and podcasts on Google Home can be played by casting from the BBC Sounds app. We're also working on supporting even more devices."
Just play it without the Bluetooth then as above.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/help/questions/supported-devices/voice-device
"Yes, you can play all of our live and on-demand content on Amazon Alexa and on Apple HomePod via AirPlay. Live stations and podcasts on Google Home can be played by casting from the BBC Sounds app. We're also working on supporting even more devices."
Soldato
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Google Home Mini.
How do you mean? Via 3.5mm jack? So you "cast" to the Alexa which plays the audio via the 3.5mm jack to your amp? That's better but you're still relying on the Alexa to do the DAC rather than your amp. So the quality won't be as good.
Are people suggesting devices like Alexa and GH not realising a Chromecast Audio is for plugging into a superior audio device such as a standalone amp? A GH Mini isn't going to cut the mustard!
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streaming radio, is having top quality really much of an issue in this case?
Another expensive (but not £900) alternative...
I was in a similar position, I had a Rotel RA-1060 amp and ended up consolidating that, a hifi bluetooth box, and Google cast stuff by getting a NAD C338. Does everything I need in one box. I love it, probably as much as @McGray loves that Marantz.
I got it for €380 unused open-boxed from a shop. I'd never go back to Bluetooth regardless of quality, it's a clunky way of streaming music when you do it from a phone for the most part.
I was in a similar position, I had a Rotel RA-1060 amp and ended up consolidating that, a hifi bluetooth box, and Google cast stuff by getting a NAD C338. Does everything I need in one box. I love it, probably as much as @McGray loves that Marantz.
I got it for €380 unused open-boxed from a shop. I'd never go back to Bluetooth regardless of quality, it's a clunky way of streaming music when you do it from a phone for the most part.
Soldato
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It's the radio, it's always mediocre quality anyway.
Connect Alexa to the speakers via the 3.5 mm jack, connect Alexa to your wifi, ask Alexa to play Radio 2. Done.
Your phone isn't involved in this situation.
No to be fair. But I'm extrapolating the situation as it's my main way to play music (GPM > CCA > Amplifier)streaming radio, is having top quality really much of an issue in this case?
Yeah that's fine but like I said it's a drop in quality. Who knows if it'll be noticeable or not but still, the points stands.