Poll: Ultra with external DAC

[dangermouse]

I'm with Ethan Winer on this. I've always been of the opinion that digital jitter is something that audiophiles fret over needlessly.

Audio Electronics: Is Digital Jitter Really a Problem?

Since the dawn of the digital era decades ago, the timing error known as "jitter" in A/D/A converters has been accused of harming audio fidelity. Some people claim that jitter adds audible distortion and noise, affects bass fullness, and even harms stereo imaging width and depth. This article...

audioxpress.com

 

[manyung1987]

Jitter will affect the accuracy of decoding of each sample based on the time domain from the audio stream.
Don’t mix up high frequency noise due to other reasons.

Mostly affect the resolution of the music.
And specially noticeable at the articulation and air feelings, as I said before.

I can only congratulate if someone cannot hear and compare the difference, this can actually save a lot of money for him.

 

[Dazza]

Out of curiosity as I have yet to receive mine

Hopefully this will help other Ultra users as well:
- determining wether or not they could benefit from an external DAC
- deciding what would be a good upgrade path for them personally

Using a SMSL SU-9 Ultra with my WiiM Ultra. Using the USB out from the WiiM into the SMSL so the clocking can be done via the SMSL rather than the WiiM. There's a significant improvement over the WiiM used on its own. The SMSL has a significantly better DAC circuit and, possibly even more important, a FAR better clocking circuit.

 

[Smartplug]

Many users pay to much attention on technical detail when their ear are not measuring device that they can hear in blind test. Just turn on the device and enjoy the music.

 

[Valentino]

Using a SMSL SU-9 Ultra with my WiiM Ultra. Using the USB out from the WiiM into the SMSL so the clocking can be done via the SMSL rather than the WiiM. There's a significant improvement over the WiiM used on its own. The SMSL has a significantly better DAC circuit and, possibly even more important, a FAR better clocking circuit.

Do you know how they measure in comparison? I cannot find any data on this version of the SMSL.

(My speaker system needs 8 DAC channels, and the way my MiniDSP Flex Eight handles 24/96 optical input does not have any artifacts one can hear. Luckily one can hear what it does to the received signal.
I use the Ultra Ultra line out to feed my headphone amp.)

 

[Muffinman71]

Many users pay to much attention on technical detail when their ear are not measuring device that they can hear in blind test. Just turn on the device and enjoy the music.

But then why even buy an Ultra? Surely a couple of £30 items cobbled together will be just as good.

I’m being facetious, but it’s a valid point

 

[castalla]

But then why even buy an Ultra? Surely a couple of £30 items cobbled together will be just as good.

I’m being facetious, but it’s a valid point

But you're forgetting the power supply, the cabling, the shelving, etc..... All will determine what you hear. Don't waste hours of possible upgrading and reconfiguring. What's music got to do with it? (as Tina almost sang,) once)

 

[Mr Ee]

What's music got to do with it? (as Tina almost sang,) once)

Made me laugh, especially as 'Tina' was my immediate thought before I even read your next comment.

 

[Burnside]

Made me laugh, especially as 'Tina' was my immediate thought before I even read your next comment.

Who needs a DAC when a DAC can be broken?

 

[MrMan]

We don’t need another Hold skew?

 

[Zap Rekowski]

I can only congratulate if someone cannot hear and compare the difference, this can actually save a lot of money for him.

Thanks! ()