WiiM Mini DAC and AUX IN

[ylysak]

Hello! I have a small question, probably a bit silly, but I’m not entirely sure.
I have connected my Wiim Mini to my active speakers via the AUX OUT port, so for digital music (Spotify, Bluetooth, AirPlay, etc.), it uses the built-in DAC, which limits the audio quality.

I’ve also connected a turntable via the AUX IN port on the Wiim Mini (so I can use the same active speakers and control the volume).
However, I’m not entirely sure: Is the signal from the turntable (AUX IN) being processed by the Wiim’s DAC and then sent to the speakers (as I can change the volume and mute the signal using the buttons), or is it just bypassing the AUX IN to AUX OUT as an analog signal?

I’m considering buying an SMSL SU1 DAC to connect the Wiim Mini via S/PDIF, to achieve bit-perfect decoding from digital sources. And I’m unclear if this will have any impact on the turntable signal from the Wiim Mini’s AUX IN.

Thank you for your help!

 

[hgo58]

The Aux input is converted to digital (ADC) then modified for volume and EQ snd finally converted to analog Aux out (DAC).

Why do you think it limits the audio quality? For the kind of input you use, the WiiM DAC is all you need.

 

[ylysak]

The Aux input is converted to digital (ADC) then modified for volume and EQ snd finally converted to analog Aux out (DAC).

Why do you think it limits the audio quality? For the kind of input you use, the WiiM DAC is all you need.

Thank you for clarifying! So, this type of connection works fine — great to know.

Regarding "limits the audio quality," I probably didn’t phrase it correctly — sorry about that.
I’ve seen many reviews and comments about the Wiim Mini, and most of them suggest connecting the Mini to an external DAC using the optical out, as the built-in DAC in the Mini isn’t considered the best, and an external DAC might improve sound quality. So I’m currently researching this topic.

 

[hgo58]

Thank you for clarifying! So, this type of connection works fine — great to know.

Regarding "limits the audio quality," I probably didn’t phrase it correctly — sorry about that.
I’ve seen many reviews and comments about the Wiim Mini, and most of them suggest connecting the Mini to an external DAC using the optical out, as the built-in DAC in the Mini isn’t considered the best, and an external DAC might improve sound quality. So I’m currently researching this topic.

Ok. Good. Yes, the DAC in the mini is not as good as some expensive ones. However, for the type of sources you describe to be using, I don't think you will be able to hear any difference.

The quality of the speakers are much more important for a good sound.

 

[canard]

the really limited adc ..and...the limited dac... it's starting to be a bit much
;-)

 

[hgo58]

the really limited adc ..and...the limited dac... it's starting to be a bit much
;-)

I don't understand. Could you please explain what you mean in full sentences.

 

[canard]

I don't understand. Could you please explain what you mean in full sentences.

(I will answer you maybe in the other thread...but will be even more clumsy badly translated... )


but just that the ADC is really not good below what we could find 15-20 years ago on basic sound cards of the time... and the DAC very limited..so the sum of the two will not be qualitative..and therefore will degrade the signal provided... that's all... but it's a 90 dollar machine.. no problem ;-)