USB out not recognizing DAC max resolution capabilities

[KimG]

Hi,

I have my WiiM Ultra connected to an Arcam Radia A25+ built-in DAC. The DAC is capable of 384kHz/32-bit but the WiiM Ultra is only recognizing max 96kHz/24-bit despite the WiiM Ultra capability of 192kHz/24-bit.

Windows works with and recognizes up to 384kHz/32-bit as it should so 192kHz/24-bit should not be a problem.

I use a short high quality USB cable (same as for the Windows computer). Have tried power cycle & reboot the WiiM Ultra. Dis/re-connect the DAC all with the same result, max 96kHz/24-bit.

UAC 1.0 maxes out at 96kHz/24-bit so it might be stuck with that despite being UAC 2.0 compatible.

Anyone have any ideas about what could be the cause?

 

[Burnside]

Raise a ticket to WiiM when you connect the DAC so they can inspect your device logs for clues

 

[Aquaman]

Perhaps a stupid question, but why is everyone wanting to use the USB output to their external DACs? Why not go via optical of coax?

 

[KimG]

Raise a ticket to WiiM when you connect the DAC so they can inspect your device logs for clues

Thanks, now done! Did write the ticket with the DAC connected.

 

[Wiimer]

Thanks, now done! Did write the ticket with the DAC connected.

My Topping D30 pro DAC only allows me to select 32-bit, so I previously submitted a ticket regarding this issue. This is the response I received from the team at that time.

This issue occurs because the UAC you are connected to only supports 32-bit, which is why it cannot be selected.

Post in thread 'WiiM Ultra Firmware v5.2.708441 - Feb 22, 2025'

Feb 26, 2025

Just checked on my D30 Pro... it's the same. Just 32bit.

View attachment 17708

Thank you so much .
I am a little relieved that you are the same as me.
I received the following reply from the support team.

"This issue occurs because the UAC you are connected to only supports 32-bit, which is why it cannot be selected."


This is a bit odd since the D30 Pro's USB is supposed to 16-32 bit, but this seems to be normal.

Btw when I connect the Bluetooth adapter to the Ultra's USB it shows this. There seems to be no problem here.

• Wiimer

• 

 

[KimG]

Perhaps a stupid question, but why is everyone wanting to use the USB output to their external DACs? Why not go via optical of coax?

Not a stupid question. For me it's because it's the most modern form of connection with the highest theoretical capabilities.

I will likely go back to COAX if it takes a long while to sort this issue out. Personally I've had bad luck with optical, broken connectors due to plastic snapping off after just one reconnect so I avoid it after that.

I did think the USB out sounded a tad bit sharper (on familiar material) compared to COAX but it was not double blind tested so I might be wrong there

 

[KimG]

My Topping D30 pro DAC only allows me to select 32-bit, so I previously submitted a ticket regarding this issue. This is the response I received from the team at that time.

This issue occurs because the UAC you are connected to only supports 32-bit, which is why it cannot be selected.

Post in thread 'WiiM Ultra Firmware v5.2.708441 - Feb 22, 2025'

Feb 26, 2025

Just checked on my D30 Pro... it's the same. Just 32bit.

View attachment 17708

Thank you so much .
I am a little relieved that you are the same as me.
I received the following reply from the support team.

"This issue occurs because the UAC you are connected to only supports 32-bit, which is why it cannot be selected."


This is a bit odd since the D30 Pro's USB is supposed to 16-32 bit, but this seems to be normal.

Btw when I connect the Bluetooth adapter to the Ultra's USB it shows this. There seems to be no problem here.

• Wiimer

• 

Thanks, will write back in this thread what WiiM responds to me. USB seems quite complex to implement for all the different devices to work as intended.

 

[KimG]

@Wiimer Recently got response from WiiM customer support (super quick, thanks WiiM) and having ongoing troubleshooting. According to the logs the DAC is recognized as UAC 1.0. Since it's capable of UAC 2.0 in Windows it seems the DAC is stuck in compatability mode on the WiiM Ultra. Will update further when I hear back from WiiM again.

 

[goodmore]

Perhaps a stupid question, but why is everyone wanting to use the USB output to their external DACs? Why not go via optical of

Why use another DAC at all? Just use the Ultra DAC and analog out to the Amp. From what I have been reading the DAC in the Ultra is top of the line.

 

[Aquaman]

Why use another DAC at all? Just use the Ultra DAC and analog out to the Amp. From what I have been reading the DAC in the Ultra is top of the line.

My words.
But this obviously doesn‘t float everybody‘s boat.

Having said that, I‘m currently running my Ultra via its Coax out into my Lyngdorf SDA-2400‘s in-built DAC.
Why? Because it sounds just as well as when I‘m using analogue RCA, but it‘s one cable less.