Echo Dot vs Chromecast Audio sound quality connected to a stereo system?

[tman202]

Has anyone tried both? Kicking myself for not comparing them side to side into a stereo system when I had the chance this week.

Wondering if maybe the Dot has a dynamic limiter like the CCA but is not defeatable in settings, or a lesser DAC etc.

[ClassicalGas]

I'm in trial periods of Spotify and Google Play Music, and I'm an Amazon Prime member. I'm trying to decide whether to subscribe to Spotify, Google or Amazon Unlimited. My unscientific comparisons of symphonic music and opera streaming through Chromecast shows a slight detectable advantage for Spotify and Google over Amazon. I also have an Echo Dot connected to the same hi-fi system with B & W floor-standing speakers. When I alternated Spotify streaming through Chromecast and Echo Dot the Chromecast seemed superior. Echo Dot was a bit muddy with less detail, especially during loud, full orchestral passages. Even during quieter sections Echo Dot seemed to have a loss of puchiness with less detail. I have no way of knowing whether Spotify is streaming at a lower rate through Echo Dot, or if the Dot has inferior components, DAC or other. But my choice is to subscribe to Spotify and avoid playing through Echo Dot for close listening. That's a shame, because I like the Alexa voice control very much. To match the functionality with Chromecast you need to purchase a Google Home and a separate Chromecast for each stereo location (I have three in two homes).