Turning Wiim Ultra to a DDC and DAC ?

[manyung1987]

As the Wiim Ultra has an optical input and a USB output, any one think of using it as a DDC and DAC ?

1. For adding USB input, SMSL has just release a handy USB to SPDIF converter








2. For adding coaxial input, just add a coaxial to optical converter



3. For adding I2S output, use SMSL PO100 Pro




4. For adding AES output, add a Matrix Audio X-SPDIF3




With these little hacks, your Wiim Ultra will also support USB, coaxial inputs and I2S, AES, coaxial outputs !!!

 

[Bozzz]

As the Wiim Ultra has an optical input and a USB output, any one think of using it as a DDC and DAC ?

1. For adding USB input, SMSL has just release a handy USB to SPDIF converter

View attachment 14454




View attachment 14455

2. For adding coaxial input, just add a coaxial to optical converter

View attachment 14456

3. For adding I2S output, use SMSL PO100 Pro

View attachment 14457


4. For adding AES output, add a Matrix Audio X-SPDIF3

View attachment 14458


With these little hacks, your Wiim Ultra will also support USB, coaxial inputs and I2S, AES, coaxial outputs !!!

Interesting. I’m asking a fiio k11r2r. Will look into it

 

[Robbyrtp]

I’ve tried connecting the PO100 between my DAC in my amp and a Douk Q11 and the sound is very very low.
Please let us know how you get on with it.

 

[manyung1987]

I’ve tried connecting the PO100 between my DAC in my amp and a Douk Q11 and the sound is very very low.
Please let us know how you get on with it.

I connect the USB output of Wiim Ultra to my Matrix Audio X-Spdif 3 DDC
And then use I2S connection to my SMSL M400 DAC.
In the USB path, there are also iFi iSilencer and iPurifier3.
The sound is decent.

 

[manyung1987]

Full Path:

iPad Mini 7 (for Apple Music) > Type C Hub> iFi iDefender Max > iFi iSilencer Max > SMSL PO100 > Wiim Ultra > iFi iSilencer > iFi iPurifier 3 > Matrix Audio X-Spdif 3 DDC > SMSL M400 DAC > SMSL SP400 Preamp > Subwoofer > Power Amp > Main Speakers

 

[Burnside]

Full Path:

iPad Mini 7 (for Apple Music) > Type C Hub> iFi iDefender Max > iFi iSilencer Max > SMSL PO100 > Wiim Ultra > iFi iSilencer > iFi iPurifier 3 > Matrix Audio X-Spdif 3 DDC > SMSL M400 DAC > SMSL SP400 Preamp > Subwoofer > Power Amp > Main Speakers

If I had to go to that extent, I honestly would give up…

 

[manyung1987]

If I had to go to that extent, I honestly would give up…

I am currently thinking about using RME ADi-2/4 Pro in the system, as the crossover DSP for the subwoofer and main speakers (using AES output to DAC for main and XLR output for the sub)

It's actually quite enjoyable when designing the Hi-Fi system.

 

[hgo58]

Full Path:

iPad Mini 7 (for Apple Music) > Type C Hub> iFi iDefender Max > iFi iSilencer Max > SMSL PO100 > Wiim Ultra > iFi iSilencer > iFi iPurifier 3 > Matrix Audio X-Spdif 3 DDC > SMSL M400 DAC > SMSL SP400 Preamp > Subwoofer > Power Amp > Main Speakers

And each part adding to distortion and noise to the signal. No wonder it only sound decent.

 

[Chopin]

If I were music I could not avoid thinking you do not want me to get through. ;-)

 

[manyung1987]

And each part adding to distortion and noise of the signal. No wonder it only sound decent.

I use wiim ultra only for room correction function for Apple Music.
The rest part of the signal path aims for lowering any jitter that may occurs during transmission, and doesn't have any adda conversion before DAC
so doesn't introduce distortions to the signal.

Before DAC, the Matrix Audio X-Spdif DDC will optimize and reform the signal,
"Impurity" from the front-end device will be isolated, and provide pure digital audio signal to the back-end equipment.

During listening,
I found clearer details, better dynamics and sound separation
Position is more focusing, and sound stage is more open

As signal resolution is preserved digitally, also smooth hearing feel

 

[hgo58]

I use wiim ultra only for room correction function for Apple Music.
The rest part of the signal path aims for lowering any jitter that may occurs during transmission, and doesn't have any adda conversion before DAC
so doesn't introduce distortions to the signal.

Before DAC, the Matrix Audio X-Spdif DDC will optimize and reform the signal,
"Impurity" from the front-end device will be isolated, and provide pure digital audio signal to the back-end equipment.

During listening,
I found clearer details, better dynamics and sound separation
Position is more focusing, and sound stage is more open

As signal resolution is preserved digitally, smoother listening feel

Looks like an expensive way of achieving that. Most of it looks like snake oil to me.
But if you are happy then fine.

 

[manyung1987]

Looks like an expensive way of achieving that. Most of it looks like snake oil to me.
But if you are happy then fine.

It's harmless and no inappropriate to experiment theoretically in audio system.
Always test and re-verify the result and the reasons by yourself
Your ears don't tell lies.

 

[Wiimer]

Your ears don't tell lies.

My ears cannot lies, but I know that my eyes and ears can be fooled very easily.

 

[manyung1987]

Thinking about feeding the audio interface digital signal into the wiim ultra.
Wonder if there will be latency.
The focusrite gen3 only has coaxial out…
A coaxial to optical converter is needed for doing this
Or upgrade to gen4 which has optical out