Hegel Adds Google Chromecast To H600
All Image Credit: Hegel
According to the Hegel web site the H600 currently supports Apple Airplay and Tidal Connect with future firmware updates for; Spotify Connect and Roon. Hegel has now released a firmware update for its H600 integrated amplifier that adds support for Google Chromecast. This should please many streaming enthusiasts with the bulk of streaming being spread between the Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready and Apple AirPlay / Google Chromecast apps.
So what does this firmware upgrade add to streamers enjoyment?
- It provides support for Apple Music, Deezer and Qobuz apps running on Android devices as well as the many releases exclusive to Mixcloud and SoundCloud.
- In comparison to Apple Airplay it allows the streaming end point to receive the data stream directly.
- It does not use any form of lossy compression like Apple AirPlay 2 streaming apps do when streaming to other Apple Airpaly 2 devices.
From the Hegel web site news announcement:
“Hegel is proud to announce that the first of these upgrades is Chromecast built-in™. Because Chromecast built-in fits perfectly with our philosophy of great sound and ease of use. With Chromecast built-in on Hegel H600, your phone becomes your remote. Simply tap the Cast button from apps you already know and love. No new logins or downloads are required. Use your phone to search, play, pause, and turn up the volume from anywhere in the home. While you’re streaming, you can keep using your phone for other things – scroll through social media, send a text, and even accept calls. You can even enjoy music throughout your house when you use multi-room casting with Chromecast-enabled speakers. Chromecast built-in works with hundreds of apps and new apps are being added all the time.”
Using the Chromecast built-in is very simple, all that is required is a short setup procedure. Just download the Hegel Setup app on Google Play or Apple® App Store® and follow the instructions in the app.
For those avid streamers who enjoy gapless playback Chromecast firmware doesn’t support that mode of playback .
Note: This upgrade is not compatible with the H590 or any other *95 or *90 amplifier and according to Hegel’s website, the H600’s Roon Readiness is still “in progress”.
