High quality music

[Dr.]

Hello,

This is a very controversial subject.

I have not tried the CromeCast Audio(CCA). I can tell you that that passing on bit-perfect songs is very important, but the way you pass the information is just as important.

I have read that the CCA passes the music bit perfectly via optical (Toslink), but not sure how it passes the bits on and that can make a big difference.

I am in a massive upgrade phase and have experienced improvements in the phantoms every step of the way.

I am taking it slowly and going step by step to ensure the changes settle in before adding the next upgrade so I can tell if next addition or upgrade is worth the time and effort.

I leave +/- 14 days between changes by that time the equipment settled and I am used to the new sound of songs I like to listen to, some songs I've been listing to for 30 years, and I know them well.

My last stage will be to get the files to the phantoms in a higher quality format, (192/24)

But I am still trying to find a way to play 192/24 to the Phantoms via RJ/Ethernet from my Roon nucleus.

Currently trying to find out is the Sonore MicroRendu or the SOtM SMS-200Ultra Neo will able to do what I want.

Back to you Question (sorry for the diversion)

If the file format on both devices is at the lower bit rate that the iPhone uses to send the file to the Phantoms it will only make a small difference.

I have experienced some small improvement in the stereo imaging, clarity and it also sounded a bit fuller (on my other system). But my ears may perceive things slightly different than yours.

I believe this was due to the change in the way Airplay and Roon RAAT handles the music files. The differences are bigger once the file format on the hardware is higher than the iPhone passes on to your system.

I am enjoying the upgrade and every improvement I hear.

Hope this was helpful.