It depends on the application in question, of course.

But Playmaker offers:

• AirPlay (as well as DLNA)
• IR control from B&O remote
• Powerlink output (that will switch on connected Beolabs)
• Variable level output (if operated in that mode)
• Additional separate analogue input.
• User interface (touch sensitive front panel for volume and mute)

I forgot a couple of other Playmaker advantages:

• Ability to hard wire network through RJ45 (EDIT: Without need for an adaptor 😕)
• Standard 'figure-of-eight' power connection - no need for adaptors or separate power supplies.
• Stylish looks 😁

The Chromecast can also be connected to a wired network with optional adapter.

Zwets wrote:

The Chromecast can also be connected to a wired network with optional adapter.

Oh yes, I didn't know that.  I see that you can purchase a separate ethernet adaptor that enables the Chromecast's micro-usb port to double up as both power and Ethernet.

How about a Playmaker with a Chromecast Audio connected to the line-in!

The line-in of the Playmaker has autosense - means the playback via a Chromecast Audio will start automatically. 

MM

h1npw wrote:

Hi

I'd like to start a discussion on the pros and cons of each device. I use Chromecast in several different systems, and I'm very happy with how it performs. Would a Playmaker offer me anything more?

Cheers

Nigel

Hello to all of you, 

Please excuse my question if it has been already answered to but I did not find the reply.... I Have a pair of BEOLAB 18 with a Transmitter 1. I use for the moment a Chromecast Audio linked via optical port to the Transmitter 1. I also have an old Playmaker 1 but I bought the Chromecast because a Bang & Olufsen dealer told me it streamed better quality music...and I use QOBUZ...but I miss the possibility to skip songs as well as to adjust the volume and to mute it whether it is on the Playmaker 1 or my old Beolink 1000...

Could anybody tell me if the information I was given is correct that is to say that the sound quality is not as good with the Playmaker than with the Chromecast because I have read that DNLA could be comparable to it ? And please tell me in that case what should I do ?

Thank you

Marc

Assuming QOBUZ streaming (up to 192 kHz / 24 bits) is your only source, i.e. no DLNA server in your setup, no Airplay, I would keep the CC Audio that, if not too old, can handle high-resolution audio up to 96 KHz / 24 bits and you'll keep the volume/track control from your QOBUZ app.

I don't know the exact specs of the Playmaker, but if you prefer to stream Airplay to it from a QOBUZ device, e.g a phone, a tablet or anything else, then expect 48 KHz /  24 bits, which is under the CC Audio HiRes specs.

That said, it's worth to note that according to Beolab 18 specs, when wired the speakers are supporting sample rate 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 96k/PCM16-24 bit, and when using wireless connectivity, the supported sample rates are for Wireless Power Link (24 bit / 48 kHz) and WiSA (24 bit / 96 kHz). I guess the TR1 uses WPL.

In summary, if you want to get the best of your BL 18 / QOBUZ, and if your ears can make the difference, then a high-end QOBUZ compatible DAC / Streamer with each BL 18 wired to it would be the best technical solution, I guess. Otherwise, what you have is good IMHO, unless someone else in this forum has another opinion to share.

When I first got my Beoplay S8, I connected it to my LG E9 with TOSLINK and streamed through the Spotify app on the TV while I was searching for a used Chromecast Audio, because having the TV on just for music isn't ideal. When I finally got one and connected it to the second TOSLINK input on the Connection Hub, I noticed a difference in the audio quality (using Spotify), it sounded more flat which was pretty disappointing and I've never used it since. I read on