I’d like to add an endpoint to the old stereo setup (using a JVC receiver from the 80s) I have in my garage workshop. I have WiFi and an Ethernet connection out there. I’d like cheap and easy. Is a Chromecast Audio the best solution? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
I can think a few different ways you can go. Since you’re receiver is probably lower fidelity than the current crop of low cost DACs, you’ve got plenty of choices:
- Chromecast Audio would be good. Not made anymore so that’s an EBay item.
- DIY raspi with DAC hat. Can use a raspi 3 since you have ethernet (wifi is better on the 4) and a $50 HAT from HiFi Berry or Allo. pi+DAC+case is probably around $130.
- Used Squeezebox Touch: Touch screen and runs Squeezebox which Roon supports. Selfish plug since I have a used one I listed for sale on Roon.
- Any number of ChiFi DACs. Topping, SMSL both have dacs in the $100 - $200 range on Amazon.
- Schiit Audio has a couple of low cost DACs although their measured performance has varied over time.
Edited to note that 4&5 still both need a streaming end point and cheap one would be a raspi.
Any of those choices should be in the $80 to $200 range depending on what you find on EBay.
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I have purchased a few raspi with HAT add-on, easy to burn, install OS on pi and stream music. There is a HAT with digital coax audio output, which nicely integrates with a pair of DSP speakers i own in one room.
Check out the Elac Discovery Z3 for an all in one box solution. The online prices are all over the place from 149. used on Ebay up to 799. The manufacture site has them for 399.00. Got my last one for 299. I considered it inexpensive for a Roon Read hi-res 24-bit/192kHz-capable endpoint. Works perfectly with Roon.
If you might want to ditch your existing gear for a single all-in-one box, you could consider a Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i. About $300 new, $250 “recertified”. Roon-ready.
You can properly find an airport express for 20-30 bucks on eBay
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A RasPi plus a basic USB DAC dongle (should be less than USD20) is cheaper than using a HAT, and works fine with Ropieee.
That is my garage solution, feeding an old Logitech ipod dock. Works a treat.
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It’s a pretty good solution. You may need a mini-plug to twin-RCA cable to adapt the output, but in the CCA you get the WiFi endpoint, DAC, and pre-amp stage all combined. I bought a few when they stopped selling them, just because they’re so handy.
And Roon likes the Chromecast protocol, so works well with it. So you can use voice commands with Google Assistant on your phone or a Mini to control the volume and pause/resume the CCA, or replay a track or skip to the next one, too. Handy if you’ve got both hands busy working on something.
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If you looking at the Squeezebox protocol route, then you can slice further cost off by going for a Pi Zero and a DAC hat - that’s what I’m currently running in my “working from home” office, and it’s working surprisingly well. Just make sure you buy the PiZero with the headers. Looks a bit odd with the hat being twice the size of the processor board, but…
Just buy the Chromecast Audio puck of eBay, still around $50 for as new one.
I have four and they are flawless in application.
I use two exactly as you need, going into old receivers using a 3.5mm to twin RCA cable that is about $22 for a basic Audioquest brand or $5 for a el cheapo China one.
you will not regret it!
Just grabbed a Chromecast Audio off ebay. Thanks everyone.
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I used to use a couple Auralic Aires Minis. Great streamer/DSCs and Roon Ready too. I have two I no longer use and will be listing them on USAudiomart.
You will be very happy with that for your needs.
Good luck!