Ultra use case question

[TinnitusMaximus]

Hi all,

I have a few questions about my use case for the Ultra, which I am very close to purchasing.

My only feature gripe with the Ultra is no PC USB input, like in the Bluesound Node Icon, for example.

So if I want to connect my PC to the Ultra I would need a DDC/ USB bridge OR a dodgy USB to optical converter into the Ultra's optical SPDIF input. Unless there is another way?

I intend to use the Ultra as below:

Ultra (as streamer/preamp/EQ/Room correction etc.)>DAC(Gustard A26 with fixed output) balanced output> Headphone Amp > headphones
Ultra > DAC (line out) > Power amp (Roksan K3) > Passive speakers

1. Will the above use case work?
2. I also have a powered subwoofer I might want to connect to the Wiim. Will that work as well with the above?
3. Will going to an external DAC remove or negate any of the EQ/Room correction/DSP stuff that the Ultra is doing?
4. Any advice to connecting a PC with only USB out to the Ultra?

I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

[TinnitusMaximus]

I think I have already solved my fourth question. I think I will get the SMSL PO100 Pro to go USB > optical, unless there is a better alternative.

 

[Wiimer]

I think I have already solved my fourth question. I think I will get the SMSL PO100 Pro to go USB > optical, unless there is a better alternative.

Hi,

Then I think it's all solved.

1. Will the above use case work?

Yes

2. I also have a powered subwoofer I might want to connect to the Wiim. Will that work as well with the above?

Yes (Excluding USB output)

3. Will going to an external DAC remove or negate any of the EQ/Room correction/DSP stuff that the Ultra is doing?

No

 

[TinnitusMaximus]

Yes (Excluding USB output)

So to confirm, only USB out won't work with the subwoofer connected to the Ultra?

So Ultra > line out > DAC > amps would be the optimal way to go?

Thanks!

 

[d6jg]

So to confirm, only USB out won't work with the subwoofer connected to the Ultra?

So Ultra > line out > DAC > amps would be the optimal way to go?

Thanks!

Not line out
Ultra > Optical/Coax > DAC > Amp

 

[TinnitusMaximus]

Not line out
Ultra > Optical/Coax > DAC > Amp

Ah gotcha, digtial > digital. Any difference/preference as far as coaxial vs toslink optical?

 

[Mr Ee]

Ah gotcha, digtial > digital. Any difference/preference as far as coaxial vs toslink optical?

Pros and cons to each, but personally I've decided I really can't tell them apart into competent dacs.
Wiims come with an optical cable, that might be reason enough to use that.
For me, it's what cables I have and what makes music most convenient to listen to.
e.g. my main system is coax into my amp as I then just have to change the input by 'one' in either direction to switch between music and tv.

 

[Jamp7]

You may have a nice sounding setup for using usb from your PC to go to your streamer such as Ultra. If that is the case then carry on...
When I bought my Ultra, I put my music on a flash drive. I used to run USB from my MAC to my DAC. I then used Audirvana Origin to manage my music and to clean up the sound that goes to my DAC. After purchasing the Ultra and getting my music off my PC onto a flash drive, the sound is great with no need to clean it up. A larger hard drive or a music server could also be used instead of a flash drive.