pwstereo 649 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Not trying to encourage anyone to use Kogan, but I know that Chromecast Audio is now rare, they have some refurbs in stock for $44.00 https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/google-chromecast-audio-refurbished/ 3 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
koputai 808 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 I wouldn't buy dogs#!^ from Kogan, they'd substitute for something even worse after taking my money and saying the dog is delaying delivery. Kogan are quite possibly the worst company I've ever dealt with. Cheers, Jason. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 2, 2020 Author Share Posted October 2, 2020 (edited) @koputai I'm no Kogan fan either, they've been shown to be less than scrupulous over the years, but these aren't a big investment, and they're hard to find anywhere. Edited October 2, 2020 by pwstereo 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr 57 563 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 I did buy one some six months ago, it worked for three weeks. Contacted them, no dramas, replacement sent out. I think there’s twelve months warranty on them. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bunno77 1,365 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 @pwstereo thank you very much 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rantan 9,850 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 17 minutes ago, Bunno77 said: @pwstereo thank you very much +1. Thanks to the OP for the tip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m3lvy 4 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Thanks for this. I love these things and will be my 3rd. Also hate Kogan but worth the pain/risk. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ethro 38 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Also available from dick smith if you dont want to buy from the Kogan website 🙃 https://www.dicksmith.com.au/da/buy/google-chromecast-audio-refurbished/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 2, 2020 Author Share Posted October 2, 2020 6 minutes ago, ethro said: Also available from dick smith if you dont want to buy from the Kogan website Dick Smith online was purchased by Kogan when they went bust, so same same. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ethro 38 Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 25 minutes ago, pwstereo said: Dick Smith online was purchased by Kogan when they went bust, so same same Yes, i know.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lebowski 705 Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 Secondhand price for these on eBay and gumtree is out of control so have ordered one from Kogan. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bunno77 1,365 Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 1 minute ago, lebowski said: Secondhand price for these on eBay and gumtree is out of control so have ordered one from Kogan. Can't even find them now Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Monk 2,643 Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 Yeah, unfortunately I ordered one of these too. And I really wish it wasn't from Kogan. I don't have a high opinion of them. And I also got my money back from the last too good to be true deal from eBay @pete_mac, so no need to say I told you so. 😛 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
silrod 3 Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 (edited) Has anyone tried the Xaomi equivalent? I saw a good review of it. https://darko.audio/2020/10/15-more-thoughts-on-the-xiaomi-mi-box-s/ Edited October 5, 2020 by silrod Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 5, 2020 Author Share Posted October 5, 2020 I've not used the Mi Box S. It looks far more akin to an Apple TV or the new Chromecast with Google TV, or older Chromecast Ultra. The price is way higher through the Xaomi AU online shop too. It looks like a good option despite the higher price and redundant* 4K video functionality (* from a CCA replacement point of view). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aussievintage 3,567 Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 On 02/10/2020 at 10:26 AM, pwstereo said: Not trying to encourage anyone to use Kogan, but I know that Chromecast Audio is now rare, they have some refurbs in stock for $44.00 https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/google-chromecast-audio-refurbished/ I have to worry about what they mean by "refurb". What could you do? Nothing but clean and rebox, and maybe run a cursory test on them. I wonder how many items returned with intermittent faults will go out the door again to unsuspecting customers? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 5, 2020 Author Share Posted October 5, 2020 15 minutes ago, aussievintage said: I have to worry about what they mean by "refurb". What could you do? Nothing but clean and rebox, and maybe run a cursory test on them. I wonder how many items returned with intermittent faults will go out the door again to unsuspecting customers? The page on the site states: All refurbished models undergo full testing All refurbished models undergo a final factory inspection All refurbished models are fully functional with genuine parts and the original battery All refurbished models come with a 12 month warranty Cosmetic imperfections like scratches, dents or marks do not affect the operation of the device I'm not defending/endorsing/promoting Kogan, I know they have a dodgy reputation, but when a product is hard to get and these are available at a reasonable price it seems silly not to mention it. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aussievintage 3,567 Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 Just now, pwstereo said: The page on the site states: All refurbished models undergo full testing All refurbished models undergo a final factory inspection All refurbished models are fully functional with genuine parts and the original battery All refurbished models come with a 12 month warranty Cosmetic imperfections like scratches, dents or marks do not affect the operation of the device I'm not defending/endorsing/promoting Kogan, I know they have a dodgy reputation, but when a product is hard to get and these are available at a reasonable price it seems silly not to mention it. I am a cynic, but full testing = turned it on and it worked final factory inspection = looked at it - exactly what does looking at a simple device like chromecast tell anyone? fully functional with genuine parts = I doubt they replaced any parts, so this a repeat of #1 refurbished models come with a 12 month warranty = they hope some don't bother returning the faulty ones Cosmetic imperfections like scratches = yep they may have scratches. I agree, so what Personally, I don't buy refurbished stuff like this. Sure, worth the risk if you need one, they are a great little device (I have one bought new) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blybo 4,617 Posted October 5, 2020 Share Posted October 5, 2020 On 02/10/2020 at 10:26 AM, pwstereo said: Not trying to encourage anyone to use Kogan, but I know that Chromecast Audio is now rare, they have some refurbs in stock for $44.00 https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/google-chromecast-audio-refurbished/ Thanks. Hate these guys too but I've just bought 2 for my kids to connect to some older mini systems I've set up for them, and combined cheaper than 1 used 1 on ebay. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 5, 2020 Author Share Posted October 5, 2020 43 minutes ago, aussievintage said: full testing = turned it on and it worked Personally, I don't buy refurbished stuff like this. I hope you are wrong, but acknowledge it may be true. The best toaster I ever bought and used was a refurb 🙂 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JimmT 1 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 Hi Guys, Do you know if they include an AU power adaptor? or you need to supply that your yourself? Cheers James Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lebowski 705 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 2 minutes ago, JimmT said: Hi Guys, Do you know if they include an AU power adaptor? or you need to supply that your yourself? Cheers James I’ll let you know later today as mine is on it’s way from Australia Post 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr 57 563 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 Re power supply, mine came with USB cable to provide power. Works a treat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 6, 2020 Author Share Posted October 6, 2020 1 hour ago, JimmT said: Do you know if they include an AU power adaptor? Whan you buy one from a retailer in a box, it comes with a grey power adaper for our powerpoints. The power adapter has a USB A outlet for the 5V power, you could use a generic mains-USB 5V PSU like a phone charger. A grey USB cable is also supplied. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lebowski 705 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 @JimmT mine arrived today. This is what you get for your $44 👍🏼 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 6, 2020 Author Share Posted October 6, 2020 5 minutes ago, lebowski said: This is what you get for your $44 So a generic PSU, not the grey one with Chromecast logo. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lebowski 705 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 1 hour ago, pwstereo said: So a generic PSU, not the grey one with Chromecast logo. Correct. I’ve just set it up, connected to an old Sansui G6000 and Usher S520’s, streaming Spotify and sounds good. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
manchu 523 Posted October 6, 2020 Share Posted October 6, 2020 On 05/10/2020 at 2:27 PM, silrod said: Has anyone tried the Xaomi equivalent? I saw a good review of it. I’ve got different model mi box and its not great because it can’t be added to a speaker group like CCA or CC. The same might be true for all Android TV devices claiming built in chromecast. I’m hoping an update will fix one day. These CCA’s from kogan are fine in my experience. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alva 0 Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 (edited) Dick Smith also have a few refurbs for sale, Edited October 9, 2020 by Alva Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 2 hours ago, Alva said: Dick Smith also have a few refurbs for sale, As discussed above, that's the same place. Kogan = DS online. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jventer 1,667 Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 I bought from Kogan. It arrived earlier this week and works well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DPhil 31 Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 I took delivery of one of these on Thursday, and either it's faulty or I am. While it works nicely with Spotify and ABC Listen apps on my iOS devices, it is most recalcitrant about engaging with the Tidal app - especially when connected to an optical input. On the odd occasion that it works, success is short-lived. Reboots and factory resets of the CCA have made no difference, so unless someone convinces me the fault lies with the user, I'll be sending it back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
electrotek 14 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 CCA doesn't play well with Tidal: https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/chromecast-audio-tidal.791689/page-2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DPhil 31 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 40 minutes ago, electrotek said: CCA doesn't play well with Tidal: https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/chromecast-audio-tidal.791689/page-2 Thanks for the thought. I've seen this discussion, but my issues seem to differ a bit in that 1) they're not confined to high-res Tidal files, and 2) on occasions the CCA has continued streaming a track sequence independently of what I'm asking it to do via the app, even though the latter indicates we're still connected. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aussievintage 3,567 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 7 minutes ago, DPhil said: occasions the CCA has continued streaming a track sequence independently of what I'm asking it to do via the app, even though the latter indicates we're still connected. Chromecasts (the video ones) aren't the most stable. They are OK mostly, but on the odd occasion, I have had to reboot mine when it got confused. I haven't used my CC audio as much, but they are all just small basic computers and I would expect problems occasionally. That's where the refurb thing gets a bit fuzzy. A given device may only play up in certain circumstances and using certain software - and not have ANY problems show up in their testing. Maybe another one will be more stable... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DPhil 31 Posted October 11, 2020 Share Posted October 11, 2020 45 minutes ago, aussievintage said: they are all just small basic computers and I would expect problems occasionally. That's where the refurb thing gets a bit fuzzy. A given device may only play up in certain circumstances and using certain software - and not have ANY problems show up in their testing. Maybe another one will be more stable... Thanks - that makes sense. It'd be an impressive little device if I could get a less temperamental specimen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 11, 2020 Author Share Posted October 11, 2020 16 hours ago, aussievintage said: Chromecasts (the video ones) aren't the most stable. They are OK mostly, but on the odd occasion, I have had to reboot mine when it got confused. Agreed, I reckon I'd have to power cycle my Chromecast Ultra a couple of times a year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aussievintage 3,567 Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 36 minutes ago, pwstereo said: Agreed, I reckon I'd have to power cycle my Chromecast Ultra a couple of times a year. As it happens, I had to do this just last night. Both the CC and the tablet connected to it got terribly confused, and both dropped off the Wifi, and refused to reconnect until rebooted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blybo 4,617 Posted October 13, 2020 Share Posted October 13, 2020 (edited) I just got mine and set it up into the front MP player 3.5mm input on my Moon Neo ACE as a trial before setting up for my kids. As I'm using the analogue 3.5mm input the Chromecast is using it's own input and doesn't it just sound horrendous! Absolutely no bass, lot's of background hash and way worse than using my iPhone to play Spotify via my integrateds bluetooth input, which I already thought too poor to listen to. Not impressed at all. Could it simply be the cheap generic usb charger supplied or is the on-board DAC known to be crap? Is there something I'm missing as I'm new to the google stuff? I have a Spotify premium subscription which sounds great on other playback means. Both my kids hand me down mini systems are purely analogue and I don't want to go ahead with buying 3.5mm to RCA cables if this is the best I can hope for. Edited October 13, 2020 by blybo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pwstereo 649 Posted October 13, 2020 Author Share Posted October 13, 2020 1 minute ago, blybo said: Could it simply be the cheap generic usb charger supplied or is the on-board DAC known to be crap? Is there something I'm missing as I'm new to the google stuff? I have a Spotify premium subscription which sounds great on other playback means. I'd say none of the above. It isn't the best thing in the world, but it should sound good. I'm using the genuine CCA PSU on mine, 3.5mm stereo out to powered speakers. Anything I cast sounds good; TuneIn Radio, Spotify, YouTube (before they broke it to Audio only devices), and anything else I play from phone to the CCA. Maybe yours is faulty? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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