Issue with Distortion at Very Low Volume When Using WiiM Ultra with External DAC

[AssafAviv]

Hi everyone,

I own a WiiM Ultra and have encountered an issue when connecting it to an external DAC (Topping E70 Velvet) in the following setup:

• Volume is controlled via the WiiM app (I have only power amplifier and not an integrated or dedicated pre-amp).

• The signal is sent digitally to the DAC (usually over USB).
• The DAC is set to Fixed Volume mode.

The problem arises at very low volume levels (around volume level 1 in the WiiM app). In this range, the audio sounds distorted. However, when I increase the volume significantly, the distortion disappears.

Interestingly, this issue does not occur when I connect the WiiM directly to my amplifier via an analog connection.

I first noticed this problem while listening to music late at night at a low volume to avoid disturbing my family. The distortion is particularly noticeable when playing CD-quality tracks (16-bit, 44.1kHz).

To rule out other potential causes, I tested a similar digital audio configuration using a PC/Mac, as well as an optical connection from my TV directly to the DAC. In both cases, the issue did not occur.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? It’s really frustrating, and I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Valentino]

May I ask what volume level you have when listening actively to your favorite music?

 

[AssafAviv]

Sure, something between 15 to 25.

 

[harkpabst]

Sounds like you should decrease the output voltage of your Ultra (independently of if there is another issue).

 

[hgo58]

I just tried with my DAC via optical (it has no USB). No distortion at all, even at 1%.

My DAC defaults to volume 12 (of 40) when turned on. Playing at 30-80 on Ultra volume.

With Ultra on 1 and DAC at 40 it still sounded good.

 

[hgo58]

Sounds like you should decrease the output voltage of your Ultra (independently of if there is another issue).

I don't think it's on line out but digital output from Ultra to DAC.

 

[Valentino]

The behavior is weird. I suggest that you raise a ticket through the Wiim Home app.

 

[harkpabst]

I don't think it's on line out but digital output from Ultra to DAC.

True, I've been mixing up threads.

 

[Smartplug]

Sure, something between 15 to 25.

If you use coax or optical do you get the same issue? Try that so you can tell where the issue lies ahead. I have 3 dacs connected on usb hub zero distortion.

 

[slartibartfast]

If you use coax or optical do you get the same issue? Try that so you can tell where the issue lies ahead. I have 3 dacs connected on usb hub zero distortion.

Ha e you tried setting the WiiM volume to "1" though?

 

[AssafAviv]

I just tried with my DAC via optical (it has no USB). No distortion at all, even at 1%.

My DAC defaults to volume 12 (of 40) when turned on. Playing at 30-80 on Ultra volume.

With Ultra on 1 and DAC at 40 it still sounded good.

Just put your DAC at full volume (fixed) and play at volume 1 in the WiiM the following song (a good example), and listen to the right speaker - Joao Jilberto - Izaura (https://tidal.com/track/362326485?u)

 

[hgo58]

Just put your DAC at full volume (fixed) and play at volume 1 in the WiiM the following song (a good example), and listen to the right speaker - Joao Jilberto - Izaura (https://tidal.com/track/362326485?u)

Just tried that. No distortion at all.
See comment #5.

 

[Smartplug]

Ha e you tried setting the WiiM volume to "1" though?

No, I will check set on 1 if it’s something that’s audible.

 

[AssafAviv]

If you use coax or optical do you get the same issue? Try that so you can tell where the issue lies ahead. I have 3 dacs connected on usb hub zero distortion.

Yes exactly the same issue

No, I will check set on 1 if it’s something that’s audible.

Believe me, it’s audible. Just give it a try.

 

[hgo58]

Yes exactly the same issue

Believe me, it’s audible. Just give it a try.

As it's not something I can hear with my DAC I think it's to do with the DAC Topping E70 Velvet. Is it possible for you to try another DAC?

 

[AssafAviv]

As it's not something I can hear with my DAC I think it's to do with the DAC Topping E70 Velvet. Is it possible for you to try another DAC?

Yes, I’ve also tried with another DAC (SMSL), and the issue persisted. I’ll attempt to upload a video or something to demonstrate it to you.

 

[hgo58]

Yes, I’ve also tried with another DAC (SMSL), and the issue persisted. I’ll attempt to upload a video or something to demonstrate it to you.

It's okay. I believe you. Just trying to help by saying it is not something I can reproduce with my setup. Maybe others can.

 

[AssafAviv]

OK, just for the record, have you tried to play the same song? volume 1 in wiim, full volume in the dac, and put your ear in the right speaker. you should hear the distorted guitar

 

[hgo58]

OK, just for the record, have you tried to play the same song? volume 1 in wiim, full volume in the dac, and put your ear in the right speaker. you should hear the distorted guitar

I don't hear any distortion and don't need to put my ear to the speaker. It plays loud even with WiiM at 1.

As I wrote before, this is on optical. Maybe different on USB?

 

[Smartplug]

Just put your DAC at full volume (fixed) and play at volume 1 in the WiiM the following song (a good example), and listen to the right speaker - Joao Jilberto - Izaura (https://tidal.com/track/362326485?u)

I just tried that as well zero distortion whether music playing or not. It was set to 1. No hiss, no distortion. The dac I used for that matter was smal do200 mikii. Coax, usb and optical produce zero distortion. My ultra is not connected to tv or any source aside from its built in streaming. What amp do you have? I ask because you tried another dac and was same outcome. If all fail, send message to wiim via app it will send your log to them to check. If determine it was ultra is the problem it will be replace free of charge. I think they have 5 years warranty.