Chromecast and external DAC

Lot easier than I expected. Node 2 sounds more crisp with more detail and overall just a bit livelier but only a little bit. Definitely not day and night difference and certainly not 15 times better but clearly audible nonetheless. Part of it could be the difference in cables but I think the difference is more than just cables. 
I still think the hardwired USB iPhone connection is better by a tad. Certainly cannot blame it on my WiFi sincespeedtest just showed 208 Mb/s download speed 
loomisjohnson, thanks for the encouragement. I would have continued to wonder how they compared. 

thanks, kalali. sorta what i expected--that little chromecast w/optical is still a helluva cheap thrill

@kalali you just opened a can of "upgraditis" for me, I do not care much about price, Tidal and CC is just a legit substitute for bittorents to know which CDs/LPs to buy. Now I have to actually look into this new (for me) streaming thing, shoot!!! ;-(

How has your Chromecast Audio experience been for you so far?
I had a left over Google Home Mini from Christmas so I got it all setup
bought 6 of the Chromecat Audio’s[Gamestop $25.97 Best Buy matched the price]
.I had to add it to an input on My Onkyo Receiver[Toslink] as the Chromecast Audio and regular Chrome cast on My 4K Sony will not Play together yet[supposed to be able to use them together in a future update]
I downloaded Google Home to My Samsung Android Tablet for main control
.I used one of the Ca’s on the aux input of the Bose Soundlink,
2 of them to plug into my JBL LSR305 powered Monitors[they needed 1/8" to 1/4" adapters],
I plugged 1 into my Klipsch Computer Speakers and
I used 1 to plug into a Kustom PA50 Mini Pa.
I reset all to the Hidef setting[it should be on by default IMHO]
I set up a Kitchen group
Front Room Group
Outside Group and a Whole House Group
I can adjust All Volumes at once or
each one by itself.
Not sure why Google hasn’t updated to allow The built in Chromecast on my TV to integrate with the CA’s.
It would also be nice to assign a Left and a Right speaker for a stereo sound group.So far it is pretty sweet and a perfect way to put that old garage stereo/mancave stereo to use in a Modern fashion.
Old Boombox=Check!
Bluetooth Speaker[with Aux in]=Check
Car Stereo with Aux in=Check
I want to try one of the external phone battery bricks and see how long the Chromecast Audio lasts "Wireless and Unplugged",
so if you have a battery powered speaker you could add the CA and the power brick..a little Velcro and you could reach any part of your Domain.
I just upgraded the wifi to the lynksis Velop mesh network.I used 2 and plan on buying a third and 4th just to totally cover the whole house and yard with Wifi-ness.
It does really well now but I want to set one up by the TV/Stereo cluster

When it comes to using Chromecast or Chromecast Audio, the usually thing I would like to do is to cast Spotify to Chromecast, since Spotify app is available for Chromecast and I can directly use Chromecast or Chromecast to stream Spotify songs and playlists to any devices compatible with Chromecast. 
If you are also interested in casting Spotify music via Chromecast, there is a source page for your reference: How to Cast Spotify to Chromecast