Setup Help for a Vintage System - Optonica SM4000 and TT

[athflying]

I have an integrated amp (Optonica SM-4000) that is able to function like separates. It has a preamp output and a main input. It's driving some Wharfedale 12.2's. I wanted to add a sub or 2 and would prefer to have some HPF for my speakers. I was going to do an analog crossover but I couldn't find any decent options that weren't considered garbage. The Wiim arrived late last night and I quickly hooked up this AM.

I also use a turntable and the Optonica has a very good phono preamp that I prefer to keep using (I will A/B test against the Wiim). I was planning on having it look like this TT -> Preamp -> Wiim -> Amp. I was wanting to keep the system as analog feeling as possible and let the Optonica function as a preamp even when streaming from the Wiim, but I don't think that would work would it (and retain sub control, etc)? If I have the volume set to fixed on the Wiim....when I use it to stream it's going to be sending 100% to the amp and will never make a loop through the preamp for volume control. I think I will be forced to use the Wiim for volume control and leave the Optonica at a fixed volume.

I believe the best compromise is to go with using the preamp at a set volume to retain it as a phono preamp and have it run to the Wiim, then Wiim to amp. Basically my existing preamp just becomes a phono preamp. The other option is using the phono preamp on the Wiim and basically bypass my current preamp altogether. Sorry, for the ramble...

Any other options for setup I should consider? Anyone with similar setup and what did you end up doing? Any other basic settings I should be looking at? Want to get this dialed in before moving to subs, eq, and room correction. TIA

 

[Mr Ee]

Welcome.

If the purpose of the ultra is HPF for the speakers with a sub then I think the sub has to be connected to the ultra and volume has to be controlled by the ultra.
And yes, you probable don't want 100% volume going to the power amp part of the Optonica!
You could use either / both the Line Out Level and Volume Limit option in Audio Settings in the wiim app to restrict what 100% is, just in case you accidentially swipe the volume up that high.

With the TT going via the ultra's line in, try different input sampling rates and bit depths. 96 / 24 was often recommended here, but the reasons for that may well since have been resolved with firmware updates. The benefits of sub control, eq etc. should outweigh any potential detriment of the ADC / DAC involved.

Have fun!

 

[athflying]

Welcome.

If the purpose of the ultra is HPF for the speakers with a sub then I think the sub has to be connected to the ultra and volume has to be controlled by the ultra.
And yes, you probable don't want 100% volume going to the power amp part of the Optonica!
You could use either / both the Line Out Level and Volume Limit option in Audio Settings in the wiim app to restrict what 100% is, just in case you accidentially swipe the volume up that high.

With the TT going via the ultra's line in, try different input sampling rates and bit depths. 96 / 24 was often recommended here, but the reasons for that may well since have been resolved with firmware updates. The benefits of sub control, eq etc. should outweigh any potential detriment of the ADC / DAC involved.

Have fun!

Yup, did a bunch of research and the above is all true. I don't mind having the TT run through the Optonica into the line in. I would basically set the optonica to a set volume for it and use the Wiim's volume for everything.

Someone suggested a Fosi ZP3 which would give me an all analog setup with a HPF for subs. Looking into that now to see if that's a direction I would want to go. Ordering from Amazon to do some A/B testing.