This follows a previous thread where I asked about CCA and Beolab 3 and non B&O Sub-woofer

The scope has widened a bit so I’ve started a new question here, in that I also would like the option of simultaneous streaming to my CCA setup in the kitchen (as well as the living room system under discussion).

I think I’ve boiled things down to two options below – any better ideas?

1/ Using Playmaker:-

-          CCA into Playmaker RCA inputs

-          Playmaker RJ45 to Beolab 3

-          Playmaker 2^nd RJ45 to sub-woofer RCA input using RJ45 to RCA adaptor

-          Since this is pure Chromecast audio in both living room and kitchen, I can do multiroom streaming by grouping the CCA’s (using apps Google Home and Hi-Fi cast)

2/ Using Beosound Essence

-          The Essence combines – ie replaces -  both  the CCA and Playmaker

-          So - Essence RJ45 to Beolab 3

-          Essence 2^nd RJ45 to sub-woofer RCA input using RJ45 to RCA adaptor

-          Since the Essence behaves as a CCA, I can group the Essence and the Kitchen CCA in Google Home and do multiroom streaming as with option 1/ - IS THIS CORRECT?

Advantages of Essence vs Playmaker

-          The only effective difference (in this setup) I can see is that the DAC on the Essence is better than that on the CCA. I think I’ve read that the Essence DAC is actually very good?

-          Except that with the Essence I can also add a turntable using the RCA inputs (having gone through a Phono stage first) (Can't with Playmaker as the RCA inputs would be used by the CCA)

And – I can see no advantage of Essence Mk 2 here?

What do you think – anything missing?

I do realise that a non B&O sub will mean that there would be no sub controlled bass cut on the Beolab 3’s. However I can approximate that by having the Beolab 3’s in free space but set to the corner position.

Thanks