Connecting the Wiim Ultra to an integrated amplifier.

[ThermoNuclear83]

Good morning everyone. I recently purchased a Wiim Ultra that I connected to my integrated amplifier. I have two options for connecting it to the amplifier: 1) I connect it to any RCA input as if it were a CD player. 2) I can connect it directly to the power amp, bypassing the preamp and therefore adjusting the volume exclusively from the wiim ultra. What do you think would be the best way?

 

[HansD-NL]

Welcome. If you only use your integrated amplifier to connect your Wiim Ultra and don't need any of its other functions or outputs (tape/recorder etc) then connecting straight into the power amp section is a nice option but always be aware that your amplifier is now fully open and pay attention to the volume settings on the Wiim.

 

[harkpabst]

Also, should you plan to add a subwoofer to your setup the volume must be controlled by the WiiM Ultra exclusively. The volume on the integrated amp must always be kept the same or the balance between mains and sub will be disturbed.

Connecting the WiiM Ultra to the power amp section directly ensures that this is the case as a side effect (since there is no volume control).

 

[Ivan]

If you have the possibility to connect bypassing the pre amp section it would be better, because the Ultra it's already a pre amp. So you can control the volume directly from the Ultra.

 

[pieterv1]

If you have the possibility to connect bypassing the pre amp section it would be better, because the Ultra it's already a pre amp. So you can control the volume directly from the Ultra.

+1

This will offer the best ease of use, but you'll also be bypassing any eq and possibly loudness circuits if your amplifier offers those.

Me personally, like many others, I use the Ultra connected straight to a power amp and it does an admirable job as (digital) preamp.

 

[slartibartfast]

+1

This will offer the best ease of use, but you'll also be bypassing any eq and possibly loudness circuits if your amplifier offers those.

Me, like many others use the Ultra connected straight to a power amp and it does an admirable job as (digital) preamp.

That is exactly what he is proposing, using the Ultra as a preamp

 

[harkpabst]

That is exactly what he is proposing, using the Ultra as a preamp

Hence the "+1", I guess.

 

[pieterv1]

That is exactly what he is proposing, using the Ultra as a preamp

Yes? I'm confirming Ivan's information/answering OP's question

 

[slartibartfast]

Yes? I'm confirming Ivan's information/answering OP's question

Yup I am the one who was confused. I saw "bypass any EQ" and didn't read the second half of the sentence "if your amplifier offers those" .

 

[ThermoNuclear83]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Now I just need to figure out what input signal power my amp can handle in the power amp section. I currently have the output level of the Ultra set to 800mV but would like to know exactly.

PS: My amp also has a Pre Out section and the signal comes out at 750mV from there

 

[slartibartfast]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Now I just need to figure out what input signal power my amp can handle in the power amp section. I currently have the output level of the Ultra set to 800mV but would like to know exactly.

PS: My amp also has a Pre Out section and the signal comes out at 750mV from there

Choose the output level that isn't going to kill your ears or speakers when you set the volume to maximum

 

[Ivan]

i suppose, but if you find the tech spec of your ampli is better, that if your pre is a 750 mV out, you can set the Ultra at 800 mV

 

[ThermoNuclear83]

Same

i suppose, but if you find the tech spec of your ampli is better, that if your pre is a 750 mV out, you can set the Ultra at 800 mV

I suppose same thing.