30-Minute Connection Guide

A time-boxed checklist: confirm at least one working frontend path in 30 minutes. Not a replacement for full docs.

Overview: Connect frontend playback devices.

Before you start

Prep	Notes
Hardware	Headphones, speakers, or USB DAC; cast test needs Renderer
Software	ECHO installed; ≥1 MP3 in library
Network	Cast: PC and Renderer on same segment
Rule	Local first, Connect second; one variable at a time

0–10 min: Local baseline (required)

1. Physical: headphones or DAC connected (Local output).
2. Windows: mmsys.cpl → default device → test tone (Windows audio setup).
3. ECHO: System; device matches Windows.
4. Isolate: EQ, DSP, ReplayGain, DSD, HQPlayer off.
5. Play MP3.

Checkpoint A: local MP3 works → continue.
Fail: skip Connect. See Audio output · no sound.

10–20 min: Local advance (optional)

If USB DAC and Checkpoint A passed:

1. Switch WASAPI Shared, same DAC, MP3 again.
2. Stable → stop; unstable → back to System.
3. Do not enable Exclusive / ASIO / DSD here.

20–30 min: Connect cast (optional)

Only if living-room output needed and Checkpoint A passed.

1. Streamer on; Media Renderer enabled (Device types).
2. VPN off; Private network; firewall allows ECHO (LAN guide).
3. MP3 selected → Connect → Refresh → Connect.
4. Empty list → fix network, not ECHO output modes.

Checkpoint C (optional): MP3 cast works.

Outcomes

Result	Meaning	Next
A only	Local OK	Desk listening ready
A + C	Local + cast OK	Scenarios
A fails	No baseline	Fix local before HQPlayer / ASIO
C fails, A OK	Network / Renderer	LAN · DLNA

Deliberately skip (time box)

• ASIO / Exclusive / DSD first setup
• HQPlayer chain
• Remote library + cast combo
• Router reconfiguration

Further reading

Topic	Doc
Full local	Local output
Full Connect	Connect page
FAQ	FAQ