What external DAC to improve the Ultra?

[harkpabst]

Especially if the comparison takes ages to switch from one to another device and get the same track listening point...

That's really not the point, but just a matter of the right setup for comparison.

If there is an audible difference but you can only detect it under certain circumstances, then it still is a difference. If one is "better" than the other is another question.

 

[merifon]

That's really not the point, but just a matter of the right setup for comparison.

If there is an audible difference but you can only detect it under certain circumstances, then it still is a difference. If one is "better" than the other is another question.

The point was that if there are very subtle differences, they are "dazed and confused" by the coarse and not so long lasting aural memory. I don't know how many reported self tests, are set to instant comparison...
I can easily remember and tell how two different speakers set sound, even waiting for switching the connection. Lot harder speak about similar dac and they nuances, without set up a sistem to change them quite instantly.
For example, I have a lot of doubts about those who claim that there are huge differences between power cables, after a very long replacement process.
However, the measures have the advantage of saving time, at least avoiding taking into consideration devices, with serious shortcomings and despite the price, there are...

 

[alpha_zulu]

Lot harder speak about similar dac and they nuances, without set up a sistem to change them quite instantly.

I'm completely with you on that. But what I can imagine is the following: Things that sound totally similar when you switch directly could give you a different auditory impression in the long term. That doesn't make comparisons any easier. Just a theory.

 

[Dennis from Venice]

I’m not either. I don’t have Superman levels of hearing. Just normal 53 year old ears.

I didn’t think I would hear a difference but I did. When I played Tubular bells with a Gustard DAC and compared to the Ultra there was more crispness and realism in the Gustard. But for most recordings it was a wash.

 

[Smartplug]

When some claim sounds “better” can have many different meaning unless it was specified.

 

[amix]

People think they can hear all kinds of things. But when challenged to demonstrate this in a controlled blind testing environment it never plays out.

Please reference the meta-research, that concludes this. Or a size of such researches, that are large enough to be safe and sound.

The minimum sample size for representative research is 100 to 300 samples per group (experimental and control group), both groups must be of the same size. According to a quick AI lookup (Microsoft Copilot) these people should be between 18 and 30 years of age. So, a reliable test would need to have minimum 200 to 600 sampled, ideally in different racial and sexual groupings. Before the test even could start, each individual would need their hearing to be tested.

I am not against repeatable results, that are scientifically proven. However, I have problems with the quick "Did you double blind A/B test?" bullet, that gets shot around here so quickly, since it should be clear to everyone, who chooses the scientific approach, that this approach is expensive in both money and effort and thus impossible to achieve by us forum users (maybe somebody lurks around, who can/did do that, but I guess you all get what I mean).

 

[amix]

This tells me you’re not confident to face me and afraid of loosing. Let’s meet face to face and do blind folded. This will settle this once and for all. Are you up for a challenge?

Oh oh! Duel approaching!

 

[slartibartfast]

Please reference the meta-research, that concludes this. Or a size of such researches, that are large enough to be safe and sound.

The minimum sample size for representative research is 100 to 300 samples per group (experimental and control group), both groups must be of the same size. According to a quick AI lookup (Microsoft Copilot) these people should be between 18 and 30 years of age. So, a reliable test would need to have minimum 200 to 600 sampled, ideally in different racial and sexual groupings. Before the test even could start, each individual would need their hearing to be tested.

I am not against repeatable results, that are scientifically proven. However, I have problems with the quick "Did you double blind A/B test?" bullet, that gets shot around here so quickly, since it should be clear to everyone, who chooses the scientific approach, that this approach is expensive in both money and effort and thus impossible to achieve by us forum users (maybe somebody lurks around, who can/did do that, but I guess you all get what I mean).

Did anyone ever claim the money James Randi offered in his cable challenge?

 

[Burnside]

Did anyone ever claim the money James Randi offered in his cable challenge?

This suggests the challenge died with him… https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/1-million-cable-challenge.23932/

 

[slartibartfast]

This suggests the challenge died with him… https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/1-million-cable-challenge.23932/

Someone revived it though

 

[harkpabst]

Someone revived it though

The "Scientific Audiophile". Certainly a brilliant pick for placing dodgy advertising.

 

[lisa]

I could buy the PS Audio Digital Link III DAC (year 2008). Do you think I would have an upgrade over the internal DAC of the Wiim Ultra?

 

[hgo58]

I could buy the PS Audio Digital Link III DAC (year 2008). Do you think I would have an upgrade over the internal DAC of the Wiim Ultra?

It will probably sound different, so it's up to you to say if it's an upgrade

 

[rod]

CheapAudioMan said the SMSL SU-1 was a little bit better than the internal. But if you want a significant better one you can aim a little bit higher.

Amazon.com

Well if you listen to him then be prepared to spend nothing but money.