Wiim Ultra connections - Internal or external DAC

[Jasonovich]

I'm lead to believe that the SMSL has a better clocking circuit than the Ultra.

Ok that makes sense, I guess it's worth experimenting and decide which you prefer.

 

[Al ears]

I'm lead to believe that the SMSL has a better clocking circuit than the Ultra.

So you take a digital signal from something that has a decent DAC, reclock it and then send it to another DAC?
That doesn't make financial sense.

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

That doesn't make financial sense.

 

[Jasonovich]

I think there is some merit to this, especially if you have a low end streamer but if you already have a decent setup, how much of a benefit would this bring?
Is it cost effective or like me, you like to tweak things to death! 🙂

I went over to Hoffman's forum, just picking up on other peoples comment.

Streaming: The quality (and implimentation) of your clock is important!

All- I rarely start a thread - i think this is my first. I'm mostly a lurker from time to time - an audiophool like the rest of us. This topic...

forums.stevehoffman.tv

 

[PieterG]

I believe using anything but USB out from the Ultra you'll be using it's clock which totally defeats adding to the something else into the chain with to SMSL as the whole purpose is to use it's clock instead.

More than happy to be corrected if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure I'm right.

Good point.

I figured all digital outs would be passthrough as long as the frequency and bit rate are supported for the selected output. If what you say is correct - and i have no reason to contradict you - then usb is preferred.

I think @TK421 confirmed that the SMSL only accepts usb input, so that problem is solved 🙃

 

[nopiano]

What no Lamb 🤣

Only if you fly from a Welsh airport?! 😂

 

[Witterings]

Good point.

I figured all digital outs would be passthrough as long as the frequency and bit rate are supported for the selected output. If what you say is correct - and i have no reason to contradict you - then usb is preferred.

I think @TK421 confirmed that the SMSL only accepts usb input, so that problem is solved 🙃

I just went back and re-read your opening post, have you tried the Ultra with both RCA out using it's internal DAC vs Optical / Coax out into you amp to use it's DAC instead ..... I'd really give that a proper try to see which you prefer ...and more to the point if you hear any noticeable differences.

I think WiiM products are brilliant and didn't want to move away from them as they integrated so well with my setup and streaming provider ... I did however try a BlueSound Nano and just found in was better overall so reluctantly moved for my critical listening but still use WiiM's for all multiroom / non critical listening.

The differences between most of them though are pretty minimal and they're all brilliant, you need to decide what your ultimate goal is and how anal you are about minimal differences in sound.
'
My Mrs will happily listen to a crackly Bluetooth speaker and picks up on the "feel" and energy of the music ..... I do that as well but I also notice the difference in the warmth, depth, tone and even the ambience of where they're recorded of every note.

Take your time, don't rush, buy and try things where you have the option to return i.e. Amazon .... buy things 2nd hand to try and if you don't like you won't lose much money.

At the end of the day, only your personal trial and error will lead you to what you like best, it took me 2 years to reach my Mecca and I have no intention of changing anything apart from the most compatible streaming provider.

EDIT: And USB out into your Amp as I believe it accepts it????

 

[Witterings]

Only if you fly from a Welsh airport?! 😂

Took a client out for lunch today in London ... had Lamb Shank from Haz in St Pauls ...... nowhere near Wales and no intention of a flight 🤣

Have to add it was F.....g lovely 😀

 

[nopiano]

Took a client out for lunch today in London ... had Lamb Shank from Haz in St Pauls ...... nowhere near Wales and no intention of a flight 🤣

Have to add it was F.....g lovely 😀

It wasn’t Welsh lamb then? Lamb shank is a succulent dish though!