GarthTheChicken
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I would like to see an add on box for pro/pro plus/mini that provides a sub out and peq or rc and other specific dsp to allow better integration
What products you'd like to see WiiM produce?
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slartibartfast
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FYI the SMSL Q5 Pro didn't measure well at ASR or probably anywhere else someone bothered to measure it.You can take an example from them, but the Wiim amplifier should be different from it.
It can be a choice: FDA integrated amplifier and mono power amplifiers. Eversolo is still an analog amplifier and there are many similar ones. There are many analog class D devices based on Hypex, Purifi etc. to choose from.
But if Wiim were completely digital FDA, it would be above the competition. It would not need a DAC, because it would be a DAC itself. Even Mini could be a good source with a preamplifier.
I am currently looking for such a used amplifier FDA, but it is very difficult, because people do not sell them. That says something. I've only seen one Sabaj A30a, but I don't like it.
If Wiim announces such a project, I do not buy an amplifier, I just wait for Wiim
ArthurStereo
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It's important how it plays. And my Q5 connected with measured PEQ correction in Wiim crushes most cheap amplifiers. Tube amplifiers are all distortions, and they play beautifully.
Some people don't want to discuss, but they do it anyway and always have to have the final say.
A friend wrote to the manufacturer and seller of amplifiers, the French Audiophonics.
I am not an electronics expert or engineer and I will not write any more on this topic, but I will paste the manufacturer's response:
"Before buying, I asked the Audiophonics technical department about the principle of operation of the VMV A2, and precisely whether and which DAC is located here:
I received this answer:
Hi,
There is none, it is FDA, not class D (no intermediate conversion to analog).
Here is how it works:
I remain at your disposal for any questions.
Best regards,
David Aubert"
I also know that most people are delighted with the VMV A2 and almost no one wants to resell it. That says something.
I'll probably buy his. Unless Wiim makes his own.
Some people don't want to discuss, but they do it anyway and always have to have the final say.
A friend wrote to the manufacturer and seller of amplifiers, the French Audiophonics.
I am not an electronics expert or engineer and I will not write any more on this topic, but I will paste the manufacturer's response:
"Before buying, I asked the Audiophonics technical department about the principle of operation of the VMV A2, and precisely whether and which DAC is located here:
I received this answer:
Hi,
There is none, it is FDA, not class D (no intermediate conversion to analog).
Here is how it works:
I remain at your disposal for any questions.
Best regards,
David Aubert"
I also know that most people are delighted with the VMV A2 and almost no one wants to resell it. That says something.
I'll probably buy his. Unless Wiim makes his own.
Luckily, I'm not into discussion for discussion's sake. I'm just talking about facts. And this ...
Some are building narrative like this:
Bad to mediocre: Class D
Good to very good: Class A/B
Excellent to perfect: FDA
(Through in valve amps - irrespective of the working principal used - wherever you want.)
This is simply not the truth. Period.
... is not a fact, it's marketing speech. By no means does class D imply that the input signal was analogue. Different companies use different terms for their PCM to PWM conversion but none of this does away with the fact that the power section is still called class D.
Some are building narrative like this:
Bad to mediocre: Class D
Good to very good: Class A/B
Excellent to perfect: FDA
(Through in valve amps - irrespective of the working principal used - wherever you want.)
This is simply not the truth. Period.
I'd be happier with an amp void of controls, but instead a massive desktop remote control. Like in this case (it's a QUAD 66 PRE and its desktop system remote):
If brought up to date (touchscreen, jog wheel, buttons), utilizing Bluetooth and IR, this could be a killer feature! One even could add bindings with home automation.
@harkpabst: Maybe he wanted to say it the other way around: "Class-D amplifiers are not digital amplifiers"...
Burnside
Major Contributor
Yeah - it's an ambiguous statement as the rider in brackets could refer to FDA or Class D. It's poorly expressed.
ArthurStereo
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The entry in brackets refers to FDA. It's clear to me. No signal conversion to analog in the FDA amplifier.
A person is wondering about the operation of the FDA SMSL VMV A2, whether it is the same as class D. They told him that it is not class D, but FDA.
The FDA amplifier does not need to have any analog inputs, because it only works on a digital signal. The FDA does not have an internal DAC. Analog inputs are only additional, usually of lower quality (then it must have an additional A/C converter).
The class D amplifier works on an analog signal and can have an additional DAC - D/A module.
I read somewhere that there has been a long-standing dispute about the terminology and it is still confused, but now it should be clear. I am still reading arguments about this on various forums. The principle of operation can be explained in the .pdf file.
But that is not the crux of the matter. The point was to make Wiim think about this topic.
Sorry for the frequent edits, but the translator translates badly and I have to correct it.
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Steve Woodhouse
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Just my personal opinion.
The Amp, and particularly the Amp Pro are astonishingly good products for all-in-ones. I'm not sure about a 'better' all-in-one', as I'm not sure who it'd appeal to.
I may be wrong here, but I suspect most (though I'm sure not all) people wanting something even better than the Amp Pro would want, or at least be more than happy with, separates. So at this point, I think 'better' will mean power amps (to suit your speakers and budget), and an Ultra Pro.
Then maybe re-hash the existing products with a few tweaks.
The only way the Ultra could get better is larger screen, and/OR ability to cast (whether over a cable or wi-fi) with an existing TV/display, maybe greater pre amp functionality, more ins and outs, including HDMI pass through (see above about a display), and balanced outs (I presume the higher end amps would come with balanced ins).
And I'd love to see a dedicated analogue phono and line level pre amp/ADC. Ins for all types of cartridge and standard line level, a cracking good ADC, digital out to go to the Ultra.
The Amp, and particularly the Amp Pro are astonishingly good products for all-in-ones. I'm not sure about a 'better' all-in-one', as I'm not sure who it'd appeal to.
I may be wrong here, but I suspect most (though I'm sure not all) people wanting something even better than the Amp Pro would want, or at least be more than happy with, separates. So at this point, I think 'better' will mean power amps (to suit your speakers and budget), and an Ultra Pro.
Then maybe re-hash the existing products with a few tweaks.
The only way the Ultra could get better is larger screen, and/OR ability to cast (whether over a cable or wi-fi) with an existing TV/display, maybe greater pre amp functionality, more ins and outs, including HDMI pass through (see above about a display), and balanced outs (I presume the higher end amps would come with balanced ins).
And I'd love to see a dedicated analogue phono and line level pre amp/ADC. Ins for all types of cartridge and standard line level, a cracking good ADC, digital out to go to the Ultra.
Steve Woodhouse
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So, not disagreeing. But having a Mini standard DAC in there would add very little indeed to the cost, and would add functionality. i understand many saying they don't need a DAC, but it's so cheap to add, there's barely any point leaving it out.
ArthurStereo
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Yes, I really like the modular concept. All-in-one devices are attractive, but you can't change anything about them. One purchase and the fun's over.
If Wiim made separate modules, you could gradually expand and upgrade the audio system.
Streamers, integrated amplifier, preamp, power amp (or mono's), DAC, phono preamp, low-noise linear power supplies. And let them make their own calibration microphone, since it's such a hassle to install .cal files.
Oh, and I almost forgot, I support the idea of a large remote pad to control the entire Wiim system.
If Wiim made separate modules, you could gradually expand and upgrade the audio system.
Streamers, integrated amplifier, preamp, power amp (or mono's), DAC, phono preamp, low-noise linear power supplies. And let them make their own calibration microphone, since it's such a hassle to install .cal files.
Oh, and I almost forgot, I support the idea of a large remote pad to control the entire Wiim system.
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P.S. This was the post with the "quoting the quote", I referred to in the other thread ;-)Which would be perfectly correct then, yes.
PS:
As stated in the articles I linked to.
ArthurStereo
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I support you and wrote a bit about it in the previous post. I am in this situation now.
I have a Wiim Pro Plus and I am looking for a new amplifier. I could buy a Wiim Amp Pro, but I like AKM DAC and WAP does not have Airplay. That is why I am looking for an amplifier from another manufacturer.
And I would very much like to buy a Wiim amplifier or power amplifier, controlled by one remote control.
I also bought a linear power supply from another manufacturer. If it was in the Wiim offer, I would gladly buy it.
Wiim can become an ecosystem or like Lego blocks.
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Joseespona
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It all depends on implementation. There are class A amps that suck and class D that rock. And vice versa. I was a class A A/B believer until I heard the AGD class D amps. Game changer for me. Better power management and incredible sound. Classifications are meant to tell you the kind of electronics they offer but not the sound
What type of music do you mainly listen to? And what speakers do you use it with?
I would be interested if onboard DSP is powerful enough like Analog Devices' SHARC DSP.
I think I understood that it was not made by a dedicated chip
To me, Airplay vs Bluethooth is not about sound quality. It is about convenience - Airplay is not limited to BT range as long as devices are within a same network. Initiating connection to Airplay is much faster than BT.
