HI @LJS,
When using Chromecast the stream is bit perfect and native upto 192kHz/24bit. The downside of Chromecast + Qobuz is that it’s not really designed to run at such high sample rates. The buffer sizes are far too small (hence prone to drop outs) and the Chromecast stack is very inefficient so uses nearly all the CPU time in the streamer. Not only is this bad for unit response times, but not also great for sound quality as the electric noise floor of the product increases as everything works harder.
For this reason + others, earlier this year we integrated Qobuz natively into the platform.
Benefits:
- Proper buffering - We buffer up to 50MB of data at a time so very robust from internet data fluctuations. The average 16/44.1kHz track is fully loaded within 15secs, hence its playback from RAM buffer.
- Efficient - near enough the same as playing a native 192kHz FLAC file from a NAS.
- Faster to connect / play / do stuff.
- Runs from the internal streamers Play Queue. Once the app has loaded in the play queue the streamer just gets on with it independent from the app / things in the cloud etc.
Overall, I would recommend use Qobuz via the Naim app if possible.
Best regards
Steve Harris
Software Director
Naim Audio Ltd.