XMC-1 Chromecast noise

[swhitney2003]

I've noticed an issue with two XMC-1's (first one I RMA'd for a different issue, second one I have now)... whenever the Chromecast is plugged into the XMC-1 I get an occasional high pitched buzzing/beeping type of sound that lasts for seconds at a time. It seems to happen far more frequently when actually watching content on the Chromecast vs sitting idle. I think it is related to the Chromecast's network activity. The noise is audible regardless of input selected, and the noise maintains a constant volume level regardless of volume control. It's almost as if you can hear the bits and bytes going by.

I am using the included power supply for the chromecast, and the chromecast is plugged into the 4-6" extender/wifi antenna. I tried without the short extension and the noise is still present. XMC-1 is connected to XPA-5 gen1 amp via XLR cables

Anyone else using a Chromecast plugged into their XMC-1? Emotiva support on the phone/email was of no help on this issue. I'm curious if anyone can give some feedback on their experiences.

Edit: Also, I've used this Chromecast with the UMC-1 and an Onkyo receiver with no issues.

[ÈlTwo]

I use an Amazon Firestick plugged directly into the XMC-1, and I have no issues, no sounds, no buzzing or beeping.
It's not a Chromecast, but it does have an external power supply.

[bootman]

I have a chromecast plugged directly in to the XMC and XLRs to a gen 1 XPA-5. (same as you)
I didn't recall hearing anything strange like that last time I used it but I will try it this weekend and report back.
I'm not using the usb power supply that it came with just one i had from an old cell phone charger.
Maybe try swapping that first?

[msamblanet]

I also have a chromecast plugged directly into the XMC - I have never noticed any noise from it...

XLRs out to 2 different amps (one of them an XPA-5 gen 2)

My Chromecast's USB is plugged into the XMC rear USB port for power.

One other possible delta is I run all the gear I can - including amps and XMC - off of dedicated 240v circuits - although I doubt this is the difference

Another possibility - I wonder if the Chromecast may have some sort of adaptive radio power and if your wifi signal is weak, maybe it is running the radio hotter? Is the router a long ways away? Any chance you can move it temporarily closer to test?

[swhitney2003]

The sounds are very faint, typically only noticeable during quiet movie scenes, quiet music, or when nothing is playing at all.

I've tried plugging into a couple other USB wall warts and the USB on the XMC-1, with and without the short HDMI extension, and the back of my AV rack opened (wifi signal gets a lot better with it open), and moved the wifi access point closer (into same room). I still have the noises. After running through these different setups I noticed the noises are present while the chromecast boots up. I'll add "scratching" to the list of sounds I'm hearing.

I'm wondering if I just have a bum chromecast that only the XMC-1 won't play nice with.

[wilburthegoose]

I have a Chomecast too without any issues.

Do you have the same issues if you plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV and use ARC for sound? I know that's not what you want to do - just a debugging idea.

[swhitney2003]

TV doesn't support ARC that I know of, but it does have an optical output for DD 5.1 audio.

I could try buying a new Chromecast for $30 or use this as incentive to get the new Roku 2 which helps me in other ways (ability to use hardwired ethernet, ability to use harmony remote).

[wilburthegoose]

Roku > Chromecast