use additional DAC with Wiim Pro Plus?

[jlgntech]

Just setup new WIIM pro plus to replace failing squeezebox classic (which was outputting to a Schitt Bifrost DAC because one of the squeezebox line outs had failed) . Everything works so far, sounds great but question: Who thinks I would improve sound quality by continuing to use WIIM coaxial > Bifrost > preamp? Any opinions will be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Aquaman]

You should try Pro Plus directly into your power amp.

 

[Multiway]

Definitely try it

 

[Horsey]

You should try toslink into the BitFrost. Try everything.

Because depending on the system, there may be an audible difference.
If not, don't sweat it.

 

[harkpabst]

+1 for try out your options.

You've got nothing to lose but a little time. Even if you don't hear any meaningful difference, that's fine, too. You can keep things simple then.

 

[MCG555]

Actually I am a big fan of the WiiM Pro Plus DAC!
I have a Metrum NOS DAC at home as well - 4 times the price - and I am not using it, as the differences are small. Not sure which one I would pickat a blind test…

 

[jlgntech]

Thanks all, I'll try all possible configurations (though I find it hard to compare difference unless I can switch back and forth, A<>B, easily and many times).

 

[Aquaman]

Test every config for a couple of days without any special focus. You‘ll notice what you like best. This will not be a scientific experiment but you don‘t need to prove anything to anyone.

 

[canard]

Just setup new WIIM pro plus to replace failing squeezebox classic (which was outputting to a Schitt Bifrost DAC because one of the squeezebox line outs had failed) . Everything works so far, sounds great but question: Who thinks I would improve sound quality by continuing to use WIIM coaxial > Bifrost > preamp? Any opinions will be appreciated, thanks.

What types of music do you mainly listen to ? (and from what source?)

 

[jlgntech]

Music source is Lyrion, FLAC and DSF files from a PC, all genres.

 

[canard]

Music source is Lyrion, FLAC and DSF files from a PC, all genres.

a lot of "classical" music or purely acoustic music?

 

[MCG555]

….though I find it hard to compare difference unless I can switch back and forth, A<>B, easily and many times

Same experience in my environment. For me this speaks for the internal DAC as I want to keep it straight and simple and the differences are marginal.

 

[dominikz]

For what it's worth, I'm another proponent of keeping it simple. Simple solutions tend to be less fiddly, and IME work better.
WiiM Pro Plus analog output is very clean, and IMHO there are better ways to spend time and effort than comparing DACs.

People will disagree with me and that is fine too.