Connecting external dac to ultra

[harkpabst]

... the drive works, although it doesn't show USB out in the Wiim application ...

That's the expected behaviour.

I suggested this as a test if the USB hardware in the Ultra is working at all. Apparently it is.

 

[Grze Gorz]

That's the expected behaviour.

I suggested this as a test if the USB hardware in the Ultra is working at all. Apparently it is.

OK, today I will check all connections again and let you know

 

[Grze Gorz]

Unfortunately, in my case the USB output does not work when connected to Fiio K11 R2R - I have already performed all possible tests... it still does not detect this connection

 

[Grze Gorz]

Probably not much help except to say it ought to work; usb from my ultra to my k11 r2r works fine.
tbh, not sure what to suggest... I'm assuming you've set the fiio to usb input!

Maybe try pulling the power from both devices for a minute or so to 'reset' them?

Can you post a photo of what it shows in your Fiio's wiim application?

 

[Grze Gorz]

there is probably something wrong with the Fiio because I connected it to the laptop and very strange things are happening on the display... it starts blinking quickly and there is no interaction with the laptop... it is going to be returned

 

[Mr Ee]

there is probably something wrong with the Fiio because I connected it to the laptop and very strange things are happening on the display... it starts blinking quickly and there is no interaction with the laptop... it is going to be returned

Sorry to hear that.
If you get a replacement, hope you get to see this!

 

[EddNog]

Unfortunately, in my case the USB output does not work when connected to Fiio K11 R2R - I have already performed all possible tests... it still does not detect this connection

Have you set Input on K11 R2R to USB? With many DACs, the USB module is not activated until USB input is selected, and if the USB module is not activated, the WiiM won't see it.

-Ed

 

[Grze Gorz]

Have you set Input on K11 R2R to USB? With many DACs, the USB module is not activated until USB input is selected, and if the USB module is not activated, the WiiM won't see it.

-Ed

Of course I set it that way. I already sent the Fiio back - its USB port was damaged - I only discovered it after connecting it to my laptop. After connecting coax and optical, it played very nicely. I also ordered: Ifi Zen Dac 3 and Topping E30 II for testing. I'm curious how they will sound in my system - if not better than Fiio, I will order it again.

 

[poldark]

Of course I set it that way. I already sent the Fiio back - its USB port was damaged - I only discovered it after connecting it to my laptop. After connecting coax and optical, it played very nicely. I also ordered: Ifi Zen Dac 3 and Topping E30 II for testing. I'm curious how they will sound in my system - if not better than Fiio, I will order it again.

Interested to hear the outcome of your assessment as I'm toying with ordering the K11 R2R myself.

 

[Grze Gorz]

I ordered a new Fiio ... now everything is OK - it works as it should I now have 3 DACs to test So far neither IFI Dac Zen 3 nor Topping E30 II impressed me .... now I will check directly with Fiio

 

[adias]

I ordered a new Fiio ... now everything is OK - it works as it should I now have 3 DACs to test So far neither IFI Dac Zen 3 nor Topping E30 II impressed me .... now I will check directly with Fiio View attachment 17260

I do not know about that DAC but I am very familiar with high quality R2R DACs. They all require long term temperature stability. To judge that unit keep on at least 48h and listen then. And… if turned off and cooled down, they need another long warmup period.

 

[Valentino]

Some proper audiophilia right there!

 

[Mr Ee]

Some proper audiophilia right there!

It must be true though - my k11 r2r gets really warm

 

[Valentino]

I’m certainly not doubting that an R2R DAC changes behavior with temperature.
Back in the day when I had a big Tandberg class AB power amp things didn’t sound right the first half hour after switching on, and I would think these R2R dacs are even more vulnerable to temperature changes.

 

[slartibartfast]

I do not know about that DAC but I am very familiar with high quality R2R DACs. They all require long term temperature stability. To judge that unit keep on at least 48h and listen then. And… if turned off and cooled down, they need another long warmup period.

So does the performance of an R2R DAC depend on room temperature as well so they sound different at different times of the year?

 

[adias]

So does the performance of an R2R DAC depend on room temperature as well so they sound different at different times of the year?

Within reason (say, ambient between 15-25C) likely not, once the resistor ladder is temp stabilized.

Some high end R2R DACs have components in a controlled ’oven’.

 

[Grze Gorz]

I have another interesting DAC...Fosi Audio ZD3...it sounds very good

 

[hgo58]

I have another interesting DAC...Fosi Audio ZD3...it sounds very good
View attachment 17373

As this DAC don't have better specifications than the WiiM Ultra and uses same DAC chipset, what is the difference in sound quality? Is it better or just different?

 

[Valentino]

In hifi new and different is better isn’t it?

 

[hgo58]

In hifi new and different is better isn’t it?

Maybe? I am just curious about why so many people prefer adding an external DAC to the WiiM Ultra.