WiiM Pro Plus + SMSL SU-1

[Marcdg]

Hi guys. I've been heating mixed reviews regarding adding an SMSL SU-1 dac for the WiiM Pro Plus. Some people say it makes a noticeable difference, and some say it's not worth it. To those who have tried this combo, what are your thoughts?

 

[Deleted member 20976]

Welcome. Why not try yourself? The SU-1 is as cheap as a (quality) DAC can get. My opinion is that it doesn't make any difference but that doesn't mean that you should not try for yourself.

 

[waldo]

The WiiM Pro Plus and the SMSL SU-1 are both equipped with the same DAC chip, and should sound almost the same (barring any differences in hardware implementation).

I own a WiiM Pro (the version before the plus), which uses a different DAC chip, and although I found it satisfactory, I later combined it with an SMSL SU-1 and couldn't be happier with the outcome.

If I had purchased a WiiM Pro Plus, I probably would not bother using it with an SMSL SU-1, but there may be people here who have done that and noticed a benefit. Maybe they'll chime in.

 

[Silvestrus]

I have the exact setup. Sound quality is better when using SMSL SU-1. In direct comparison, internal DAC has too much bass and it is less controlled. Mids are leaner. SMSL has more airy highs. It is improvement to add SMSL SU-1.

 

[hgo58]

I have the exact setup. Sound quality is better when using SMSL SU-1. In direct comparison, internal DAC has too much bass and it is less controlled. Mids are leaner. SMSL has more airy highs. It is improvement to add SMSL SU-1.

Are you sure you understand what a DAC do?

 

[Silvestrus]

Are you sure you understand what a DAC do?

I could ask you the same question. Do you understand importance of proper implementation and analog out section of DAC devices? Are you familiar with term "sound tuning" in HiFi?

But, I had these type of discussions numerous times over the years on various forums. The best advice that I can give to people like you is to borrow couple of DACs and try it for yourself. Some sound similar - like SMSL SU-1 and Topping E30 for example. But there could be significant differences elsewhere.

 

[hgo58]

I could ask you the same question. Do you understand importance of proper implementation and analog out section of DAC devices? Are you familiar with term "sound tuning" in HiFi?

Yes.

There may be differences in the frequency response between different implementations of the DACs due to output filters and use of op-amps. These are however always in the high frequencies, so saying that the internal WiiM DAC has too much bass don't make sense. The frequency response here is defined by the DSP, not the DAC.

But, I had these type of discussions numerous times over the years on various forums.

This is probably because many people don't understand how it works.

The best advice that I can give to people like you is to borrow couple of DACs and try it for yourself. Some sound similar - like SMSL SU-1 and Topping E30 for example. But there could be significant differences elsewhere.

Been there, done that. Except for some of them being noisy (it is many years ago that was a problem) it always comes down to other things than the DAC itself.

 

[Silvestrus]

Yes.

There may be differences in the frequency response between different implementations of the DACs due to output filters and use of op-amps. These are however always in the high frequencies, so saying that the internal WiiM DAC has too much bass don't make sense. The frequency response here is defined by the DSP, not the DAC.

This is probably because many people don't understand how it works.

Been there, done that. Except for some of them being noisy (it is many years ago that was a problem) it always comes down to other things than the DAC itself.

Ok. Easier HiFi journey for you.