SMSL SU-1 DAC with Ultra?

Appears it is not just me - CheapAudioMan tells about clock issue in Ultra limiting its potential and uses an SMSL PO100 to reclock the output. by using USB out to avoid the Ultra clock, and using external DAC is improved sound. The XMOS chip in the PO100 is the same as the SU-1 the XMOS XU316
 
David Sydney said:
Appears it is not just me - CheapAudioMan tells about clock issue in Ultra limiting its potential and uses an SMSL PO100 to reclock the output. by using USB out to avoid the Ultra clock, and using external DAC is improved sound. The XMOS chip in the PO100 is the same as the SU-1 the XMOS XU316
Click to expand...
Too bad by using USB out, the Subwoofer out will not work
 
So, he basically says that his DAC cannot cope with the amount of jitter on the Ultra's optical output. That same amount of jitter, which has been objectively measured to be very low (even if the SMSL PO100 Pro has even somewhat lower jitter, indeed)?

Jitter over digital outputs for different WiiMs

Let's talk about the jitter over digital outputs. I will use the Holo Audio Spring 3 DAC which is a true NOS DAC and has an unique ability to turn off its PLL. This way I can compare a raw performance of the outputs in j-test. Ultra, toslink: Ultra, coaxial: Pro, toslink: Pro...
forum.wiimhome.com forum.wiimhome.com
www.audiosciencereview.com

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...
www.audiosciencereview.com www.audiosciencereview.com

He also assumes (no proof given) that the SMSL SU-1 is suffering from the same PLL deficiencies, so buying two SMSL boxes is always better than buying just one?

Interesting. :)
 
Testing as I type: SU-1 with the PO100 pro in front. Ultra to PO100 connected and powered via USB and the PO100 to the SU-1 via an optical cable. Had to connect my sub to one the modded Fosi ZA3 instead of the Ultra, I think that that is by design due to internal routing. Firmware updated the SMSL devices due to some popping sound when loading/playing the next song (Tidal). This seems to be solved, still testing.

Sound: first impression that I hear a tad more details and I’m experiencing a nicer stereo image. I think you could say that I’m a bit more into the music… I consider this an upgrade in my setup!

Ps: I will take out the PO100 Pro and test again, to see if that makes a noticeable difference.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5840.jpeg
    IMG_5840.jpeg
    1.6 MB · Views: 13
Quanticus said:
Testing as I type: SU-1 with the PO100 pro in front. Ultra to PO100 connected and powered via USB and the PO100 to the SU-1 via an optical cable. Had to connect my sub to one the modded Fosi ZA3 instead of the Ultra, I think that that is by design due to internal routing. Firmware updated the SMSL devices due to some popping sound when loading/playing the next song (Tidal). This seems to be solved, still testing.

Sound: first impression that I hear a tad more details and I’m experiencing a nicer stereo image. I think you could say that I’m a bit more into the music… I consider this an upgrade in my setup!

Ps: I will take out the PO100 Pro and test again, to see if that makes a noticeable difference.
Click to expand...
How did u update the firmware? Can't find it.
 
Quanticus said:
Testing as I type: SU-1 with the PO100 pro in front. Ultra to PO100 connected and powered via USB and the PO100 to the SU-1 via an optical cable. Had to connect my sub to one the modded Fosi ZA3 instead of the Ultra, I think that that is by design due to internal routing. Firmware updated the SMSL devices due to some popping sound when loading/playing the next song (Tidal). This seems to be solved, still testing.

Sound: first impression that I hear a tad more details and I’m experiencing a nicer stereo image. I think you could say that I’m a bit more into the music… I consider this an upgrade in my setup!

Ps: I will take out the PO100 Pro and test again, to see if that makes a noticeable difference.
Click to expand...
The more equipment the better?

Each conversation will just add more noise and distortion. But maybe that is what makes it sound better?
 
Modecorp said:
Has anyone tried the SMSL SU-1 DAC with the Ultra and if so, what were your thoughts? Im loving my Ultra so far, but I am curious to how much more it could be improved with the addition of a relatively cost effective external DAC.
Click to expand...
Yes I have it connected to my Wiim Utra. Its a huge improvement compared to the internal DAC. I am using QED performance graphite digital optical cable and the Audioquest Golden Gate rca cables. Sounds more open, dynamic great treble, mid an bass. For that 69€ a great investment.
 
jhroeland said:
Yes I have it connected to my Wiim Utra. Its a huge improvement compared to the internal DAC. I am using QED performance graphite digital optical cable and the Audioquest Golden Gate rca cables. Sounds more open, dynamic great treble, mid an bass. For that 69€ a great investment.
Click to expand...
Doesn't really matter which fancy optical cable you're using as it has been recommended many times to connect external DAC's over USB, allowing the DAC to rely on its built-in clock circuit.

+ the bass AND mid AND treble sound more dynamic? You couldn't be any more specific? :)
 
Jeff29 said:
I have received my smsl su-1 dac connected via coaxial input and a ifi P2 power supply via the USB port and i am very impressed by the listening that i find smoother and more opened than the internal dac of lmy wiim Ultra which already quiet good .
Click to expand...
Is the power supply required? Or would it work by being powered via USB?
 
jhroeland said:
Yes I have it connected to my Wiim Utra. Its a huge improvement compared to the internal DAC. I am using QED performance graphite digital optical cable and the Audioquest Golden Gate rca cables. Sounds more open, dynamic great treble, mid an bass. For that 69€ a great investment.
Click to expand...
1) Including the Cables, it is MUCH more than a 69€ a investment.
2) Since you are having to disassemble/reassemble gear with no opportunity for Volume Matching, it is very likely that your "Improved Dynamics" are simply a small dB difference in the overall Volume level.
 
pieterv1 said:
Doesn't really matter which fancy optical cable you're using as it has been recommended many times to connect external DAC's over USB, allowing the DAC to rely on its built-in clock circuit.

+ the bass AND mid AND treble sound more dynamic? You couldn't be any more specific? :)
Click to expand...
By using USB, the subwoofer control don't work. Hope @WiiM Support can update this feature in the next firmware update.
 
Been using Wiim Ultra with the internal DAC for a week. Today I switch back to SU-1 , and I am convince that SU-1 sounds better. Its just sound so much musical to me. Can't wait for the USB with Subwoofer update for the Wiim Ultra
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Ultra with AKM variant?
Replies
19
Views
1K
Smartplug
S
E
Wiim Ultra - question about using optical in and optical out simultaneously
Replies
15
Views
1K
hgo58
hgo58
L
Upgrade from Wiim Mini with Schiit Modi DAC
Replies
2
Views
359
jed1
J
manyung1987
Turning Wiim Ultra to a DDC and DAC ?
Replies
13
Views
772
manyung1987
manyung1987
Vignus
Wiim Ultra with external DAC: what output?
Replies
18
Views
2K
DG77
D
Back
Top