Advice On Selecting equipment.

[Exodus]

Hi, New to the forum and my first post.
I'am looking to purchase the WiiM Ultra and Vibelink Amp. Using the usb on the ultra for an HDD for my ever increasing music library.
I'am yet to decide on a music streaming service to use.
I have read reviews and comments on people using the SMSL PO100 pro or Fiio K11 R2R, Topping E70 Velvet DAC.
Would i be able to use any of the above mentioned with the WiiM Ultra and Vibelink Amp or would i not see any increase in sound qualty and just stick with the Ultra and Vibelink Amp?.
And finally would i still be able to connect my HDD (music library) to the ultra?.
Any thoughts and suggestions would really help.

 

[Ronnie D]

Ultra and Vibelink Amp?

Both have a good dac, so perhaps try them before ordering another

And finally would i still be able to connect my HDD (music library) to the ultra?

Yes! The hdd will plug directly into the USB in the ultra, do a scan and you're good to go.
As far as streaming services, I will leave that question open to others
Good luck
Ronnie

 

[Burnside]

Re streaming services, the best idea would be to take advantage of their free trials (in succession, not at the same time) then decide which you prefer

 

[harkpabst]

And personally, I would not spend any money on an external DAC with the WiiM Ultra and WiiM Vibelink Amp. And certainly not on one of the cheap ones.

 

[Mr Ee]

Welcome.
My tuppence (and my opinion / experience) - stick with one of the digital inputs to the vibelink; imo this sounds really good, way better than the analog input regardless of what dac I used.

Edit: someone's bound to ask what dacs I've tried.
Ultra, RME ADI 2 dac fs, Fiio K11 R2R
All 3 sound great into my Hegel amp. All 3 sound very mediocre into the vibelink.
Digital into the vibelink sounds great.

 

[HoosierHiFi]

Greeting Exodus. Everybody is different. Try different options and decide which one you like best. Not to be contrarian but I prefer using the SU-1 with my ultra-vibelink. I also use a PO100 pro for a hardwired digital input (for sources that are not natively available in the app). I will say minus the external dac I do prefer the digital input on the vibelink. Lots of combinations to test so have fun and good luck finding your preferred setup!