View Full Version : Getting Spotify on Laptop to amp - simpleton needs advice
Pigmy Pony
18-03-2019, 20:39
Hi all,
As it stands, I listen to Spotify from my laptop by using headphone outlet to RCA plugs in my amp. Is there a better way sound quality-wise? I have a little SMSL DAC (SD-79311). the laptop (Samsung Notebook) has a USB 3.0 port, the DAC has ports for optical and coaxial.
No sniggering at the back!
stairpost
18-03-2019, 20:46
I use a little Behringer USB dac when I want to listen to my laptop. About £20 and a very noticeable improvement over the headphone socket.
Different dac that has usb or a usb to spidif convertor to change the usb of pc into coax or tislink
Pigmy Pony
18-03-2019, 21:16
I see a Behringer UCA202 on Amazon, for £17 quid, is that it? And I see it says "hardware interface - USB 2.0" My laptop apparently is 3.0. Is that a problem? All this info is just numbers to me, and a bit more than my brain cell can handle.
stairpost
18-03-2019, 21:30
I see a Behringer UCA202 on Amazon, for £17 quid, is that it? And I see it says "hardware interface - USB 2.0" My laptop apparently is 3.0. Is that a problem? All this info is just numbers to me, and a bit more than my brain cell can handle.
That's the badger! I was using it with my Asus laptop that is USB 3.0 with no issues.
Stryder5
18-03-2019, 21:45
If I understand your issue, you want to listen to Spotify on your system not from your laptop?
If this is true then a simple way is to use a Chromcast Audio. ( I know they are discontinued but you can still get them).
This is a small disc about 50mm diameter. You connect this via optical or to your DAC, then to amp. Also direct to amp via analogue. This gets Spotify direct from your router, your laptop acts as remote control.
Oh the CCA is about £30 new.
You will be impressed by the quality.
If I misunderstood your requirements, sorry.
Gary
Pigmy Pony
18-03-2019, 23:07
Interesting...
I had pretty much decided to go for the Behringer, as recommended by Stairpost, but I think I may have one of those Chromecast thingies knocking about. I'll ask the boss about it in the morning. I only plan to run this through my rather modest second system, so I'm sure improvements can be made without too much expense.
I'm ok with stuff providing all I have to do is plug 'em in :)
Many thanks guys.
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 07:39
It has to be Chromcast Audio, not Video.
Gary
Interesting...
I had pretty much decided to go for the Behringer, as recommended by Stairpost, but I think I may have one of those Chromecast thingies knocking about. I'll ask the boss about it in the morning. I only plan to run this through my rather modest second system, so I'm sure improvements can be made without too much expense.
I'm ok with stuff providing all I have to do is plug 'em in :)
Many thanks guys.
You’ll also need a Mini Toslink to Toslink cable to be able to output better ( Digital ) audio to your DAC.
Note that using this digital out already assigns the CCA to output higher quality audio over the rca connector.
If you only use the supplied rca cable it will be no better than your laptop.
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 10:29
You’ll also need a Mini Toslink to Toslink cable to be able to output better ( Digital ) audio to your DAC.
Note that using this digital out already assigns the CCA to output higher quality audio over the rca connector.
If you only use the supplied rca cable it will be no better than your laptop.
I would disagree with this as the CCA is used as source not the laptop
I know they are discontinued but you can still get them
Are they? They seem to still be on sale: https://www.google.com/chromecast/audio/explore/
Are they? They seem to still be on sale: https://www.google.com/chromecast/audio/explore/
yup, but sure there will be plenty stock... audio one we are talking about. think the video one is being kept
Damn - you're right: https://www.androidcentral.com/chromecast-audio-being-discontinued
What a bugger. I'd better buy myself a spare before they disappear.
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 13:06
MyMemory were advertising at £20, but that was a week ago.
Gary
I would disagree with this as the CCA is used as source not the laptopSo you think RCA out on CCA is better than RCA out on laptop?
Fair enough. Not tried a laptop to amp but I have tried CCA via RCA and thought it average at best even for the £25 I paid for it.
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 15:20
So you think RCA out on CCA is better than RCA out on laptop?
Fair enough. Not tried a laptop to amp but I have tried CCA via RCA and thought it average at best even for the £25 I paid for it.
Can I ask what settings you used in Google Home when you tried it?
Gary
Can I ask what settings you used in Google Home when you tried it?
GaryBecause I was using the toslink cable - Full Dynamic Range is auto selected, which I'm sure is the best it can give.
You can't select it when using the 3.5 - RCA cable which is why I was using the mini toslink to my SEG DAC.
wee tee cee
19-03-2019, 15:37
Im going to have to get another CCA.....plumbed it into my front room system at the weekend.
Got into trouble from my son at 1am, apparently dancing with his mum and playing Stevie Wonder a tad loud is embarrassing when his mates are round!!!
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 16:59
Im going to have to get another CCA.....plumbed it into my front room system at the weekend.
Got into trouble from my son at 1am, apparently dancing with his mum and playing Stevie Wonder a tad loud is embarrassing when his mates are round!!!
:dance::carrot::respect:
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 17:00
Im going to have to get another CCA.....plumbed it into my front room system at the weekend.
Got into trouble from my son at 1am, apparently dancing with his mum and playing Stevie Wonder a tad loud is embarrassing when his mates are round!!!
:dance::carrot::respect:
Im going to have to get another CCA.....plumbed it into my front room system at the weekend.
Got into trouble from my son at 1am, apparently dancing with his mum and playing Stevie Wonder a tad loud is embarrassing when his mates are round!!!Not 'alf [emoji23]
Landloper
19-03-2019, 19:47
Hi all,
As it stands, I listen to Spotify from my laptop by using headphone outlet to RCA plugs in my amp. Is there a better way sound quality-wise? I have a little SMSL DAC (SD-79311). the laptop (Samsung Notebook) has a USB 3.0 port, the DAC has ports for optical and coaxial.
No sniggering at the back!
Hello Steve; I used a Behringer UC222 Audio Interface and found it quite a surprise for a unit to be had for under £20. It was the link between my laptop and headphone amplifier. It made a decided improvement over using a 3.5mm to 2 RCA interconnect. They can be had cheaply and are easy to sell if doesn't suit you. It is only USB from the computer as far as digital goes [as far as I can remember].
Stryder5
19-03-2019, 19:51
Because I was using the toslink cable - Full Dynamic Range is auto selected, which I'm sure is the best it can give.
You can't select it when using the 3.5 - RCA cable which is why I was using the mini toslink to my SEG DAC.
Oh OK, thought you said RCA earlier.
"Not tried a laptop to amp but I have tried CCA via RCA and thought it average at best even for the £25 I paid for it."
If it didn't work for you no problem.
Gary
Oh OK, thought you said RCA earlier.
"Not tried a laptop to amp but I have tried CCA via RCA and thought it average at best even for the £25 I paid for it."
If it didn't work for you no problem.
GaryDon't get me wrong for the money it's an easy solution to stream [emoji6]
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.