DACs

[Gonepostal]

Good Morning to all
I’m going to ask a question that’s probably been asked many times before, but here we go.

I currently use a WiiM mini into a topping E30. This sounds good to me, but as always the question is what if…..

I’m stuck on whether I should try to upgrade the DAC, I’m thinking IFI Zen 1 signature, CA DAC magic 200 or a higher speck Topping the E70/90.

Or, would I be better suited buying the WiiM pro plus or CA mxn10 etc.

I guess the question I’m asking is, would it be better from a SQ wise updating the DAC and using the WiiM mini or buying the WiiM ultra or CA mxn10

And lastly, would I even hear any difference by changing the DAC to make it worthwhile.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[RoA]

I have a WiiM Pro+ and it is a great little device for flexibility, cheap too. It's built in DAC is fine but I found that improvements (differences?) are possible with all my other DAC's and that includes an old DIYAudio lowly 9018 ESS based DAC which I had for years, a 9038 ESS Sabre built in to one of my amplifiers and a Chord Mojo 2.

Whether a DAC upgrade is worth the outlay only you can answer but I would certainly recommend the Pro+ just for it's features. Perhaps wait until they are discounted again which will happen again.

 

[Gonepostal]

I have a WiiM Pro+ and it is a great little device for flexibility, cheap too. It's built in DAC is fine but I found that improvements (differences?) are possible with all my other DAC's and that includes an old DIYAudio lowly 9018 ESS based DAC which I had for years, a 9038 ESS Sabre built in to one of my amplifiers and a Chord Mojo 2.

Whether a DAC upgrade is worth the outlay only you can answer but I would certainly recommend the Pro+ just for it's features. Perhaps wait until they are discounted again which will happen again.

I’m not sure that I need the features of the Pro plus. The mini does all that I need. I use my iPad to stream with Tidal Connect and play BBC sounds via airplay.

How much would I need to spend to improve the Dac in the Topping E30, in your opinion.

 

[RoA]

That really depends on what you like. I prefer ESS DAC's or the Chord as I find the AKM in the Wiim too soft. Mind, your Mini may have a different one and your system is of course different to mine too.

You really do not have to spend much these days. Sabre (ESS) if you like a bit more drive and edge, AKM for smooth and Ladder DAC's for a warmer, softer, wider but less focused sound. I am generalising but you get my drift.

I recently bought a Fiio HP amplifier/DAC and the included CS DAC is almost as good as the Mojo's.

 

[Gonepostal]

That really depends on what you like. I prefer ESS DAC's or the Chord as I find the AKM in the Wiim too soft. Mind, your Mini may have a different one and your system is of course different to mine too.

You really do not have to spend much these days. Sabre (ESS) if you like a bit more drive and edge, AKM for smooth and Ladder DAC's for a warmer, softer, wider but less focused sound. I am generalising but you get my drift.

I’m currently using an optical cable from the mini into the Topping and then an RCA to my amplifier. I was under the impression that this ensures I’m using the DAC inside the Topping and not the mini.

 

[RoA]

That is correct. What is it you hope to improve?

 

[Gonepostal]

That is correct. What is it you hope to improve?

I really don’t know. When I decided to try streaming I did it n a budget initially, hence I got the Topping from eBay for approx £70.

I’ve now experienced how convenient and enjoyable it is and naturally think could it be improved upon with a better DAC. It may be that DACs really don’t sound that much different, I don’t know.

 

[RoA]

Go to retailer that can show a few different models and has a good return policy would be my advise. Having said that most DAC’s are now very good. Its mature technology. That includes your Topping and the one in the Wiim. Whilst differences are audible they are usually relatively subtle and also depend on whether or not your system can fully resolve them.