What external DAC to improve the Ultra?

[DamagedGoods]

Many listeners don’t know what to expect to hear because they listen to hundreds if not thousands songs. Now, if you like me who listen on 5 musics everyday for several decades can definitely tell what have changed.

You’ve limited your listening to five songs for several decades? Now that’s a dedicated audiophile. I personally value music higher than audio.

 

[DamagedGoods]

The difference is if you listen to your equipment with music or listen to music with your equipment.

If you value music over equipment then you buy any transparent DAC out there and be done with it. And if you want to enhance your listening experience you can follow my steps. Put 50% of your budget and time on your room.

 

[Wiimer]

You’ve limited your listening to five songs for several decades? Now that’s a dedicated audiophile. I personally value music higher than audio.

He (she) only loves things he can truly love.
It's like wearing favourite pair of shoes for decades. Or like loving one partner forever. (Actually, there are five...)

Maybe

 

[hgo58]

If you value music over equipment then you buy any transparent DAC out there and be done with it. And if you want to enhance your listening experience you can follow my steps. Put 50% of your budget and time on your room.

I have but not in the common way. My external DACs are in my speakers. Going digital all the way to the speakers (optical output from WiiM Ultra). The floor standing speakers have the DSP/DAC and analog parts perfectly tuned to the physical drives and cabinet. The room is big and muted.

It got the sound I need and it is better than most of the setups I have heard in test rooms at retailers.

 

[DamagedGoods]

I have but not in the common way. My external DACs are in my speakers. Going digital all the way to the speakers (optical output from WiiM Ultra). The floor standing speakers have the DSP/DAC and analog parts perfectly tuned to the physical drives and cabinet. The room is big and muted.

It got the sound I need and it is better than most of the setups I have heard in test rooms at retailers.

Sound like you’ve done what you’re supposed to! Whenever I change speakers next time, I want to try active speakers. I’ve been eying Buchardt for a few years now. But that will have to wait until the kids occupy the basement and I have to move my primary setup to the living room.

 

[DamagedGoods]

He (she) only loves things he can truly love.
It's like wearing favourite pair of shoes for decades. Or like loving one partner forever. (Actually, there are five...)

Maybe

Or like wearing the same five pairs of underpants for decades. Why change a winning concept, right?