Wiim Pro vs Pro plus vs Ultra for streaming only

[venkyrenga]

I currently have a Wiim Pro with Allo Shanti low noise power supply and using it only as a streamer. I have an external dac.

In my case is it worth upgrading to Pro plus or Ultra for a better sound quality?

Thanks in advance.

 

[renpar61]

If you connect to an external DAC Pro and ProPlus are the same thing.
With Ultra you gain the USB port (better connection to DAC imho), but you lose AirPlay. So it depends.

 

[venkyrenga]

If you connect to an external DAC Pro and ProPlus are the same thing.
With Ultra you gain the USB port (better connection to DAC imho), but you lose AirPlay. So it depends.

That is exactly what I thought but this article had me thinking.

"But there’s more to it than just the DAC chip. The clearer attack and low noise of the WiiM Pro Plus also come down to a more sophisticated clocking circuit and power supply. This has been improved over the standard WiiM Pro model and makes a noticeable difference."

WiiM Pro Plus Review: The Ultimate Music Streamer on a Budget

Discover why this popular hi-res music streamer could be one of today's best bargains. Read our WiiM Pro Plus review to find out more...

www.av.com

 

[hgo58]

That is exactly what I thought but this article had me thinking.

"But there’s more to it than just the DAC chip. The clearer attack and low noise of the WiiM Pro Plus also come down to a more sophisticated clocking circuit and power supply. This has been improved over the standard WiiM Pro model and makes a noticeable difference."

WiiM Pro Plus Review: The Ultimate Music Streamer on a Budget

Discover why this popular hi-res music streamer could be one of today's best bargains. Read our WiiM Pro Plus review to find out more...

www.av.com

That is only relevant if you use the internal DAC.

Improved clocking can maybe be measured as lower jitter but cannot be heard.

The power supply has no influence on the digital part at all. That is also the case with the WiiM Pro. No need for any special power supply.

 

[renpar61]

That is exactly what I thought but this article had me thinking.

"But there’s more to it than just the DAC chip. The clearer attack and low noise of the WiiM Pro Plus also come down to a more sophisticated clocking circuit and power supply. This has been improved over the standard WiiM Pro model and makes a noticeable difference."

WiiM Pro Plus Review: The Ultimate Music Streamer on a Budget

Discover why this popular hi-res music streamer could be one of today's best bargains. Read our WiiM Pro Plus review to find out more...

www.av.com

hgo58 is right, not a factor if you use digital out

Also, you didn't specify which DAC you are using, the one in the Ultra is pretty good, probably better than a lot of budget DACs out there.
I have an Eversolo Z8 which by itself is more than double the price of the Ultra. I compared the two, Z8 is better but not by much, had me consider if the external DAC in my system was redundant.

 

[venkyrenga]

hgo58 is right, not a factor if you use digital out

Also, you didn't specify which DAC you are using, the one in the Ultra is pretty good, probably better than a lot of budget DACs out there.
I have an Eversolo Z8 which by itself is more than double the price of the Ultra. I compared the two, Z8 is better but not by much, had me consider if the external DAC in my system was redundant.

I am using the DAC in Audiolab 9000a amplifier.

 

[hgo58]

I am using the DAC in Audiolab 9000a amplifier.

If implemented properly the ES9038Pro in the Audiolab should be a bit better than the ES9038Q2M in the WiiM Ultra.

If you can hear the difference, I don't know?

So I would stay with the setup you have for now.

The Ultra with the rumored new fitting power amp could however be a low cost alternative?

 

[j84]

If you connect to an external DAC Pro and ProPlus are the same thing.
With Ultra you gain the USB port (better connection to DAC imho), but you lose AirPlay. So it depends.

Hi what about adding SVS sb2000sub to this setup? Does it mean using a external DAC is pointless? since you can't bypass the DAC inside the wiim if you add a subwoofer to the setup

 

[hgo58]

Hi what about adding SVS sb2000sub to this setup? Does it mean using a external DAC is pointless? since you can't bypass the DAC inside the wiim if you add a subwoofer to the setup

No. The digital output do never use the DAC. The DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is for analog output only.

The Subwoofer output do of course still uses a DAC, as it is analog.

 

[j84]

No. The digital output do never use the DAC. The DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is for analog output only.

The Subwoofer output do of course still uses a DAC, as it is analog.

Thanks. So you don't need a external DAC if you only stream music?

Plan setup - wiim ultra or pro plus(streaming only), a external DAC that has preamp, speakers, subwoofers

I want to bypass the DAC inside the wiim and you use the external DAC

 

[hgo58]

Thanks. So you don't need a external DAC if you only stream music?

Plan setup - wiim ultra or pro plus(streaming only), a external DAC that has preamp, speakers, subwoofers

I want to bypass the DAC inside the wiim and you use the external DAC

Not really sure what you mean?

You never need an external DAC for the WiiM but can always use one if you like.

A DAC is only a Converter although some people also calls a digital pre-amplifier for a DAC. The WiiM is a streamer, pre-amplifier and DAC. All in one.

 

[j84]

Not really sure what you mean?

You never need an external DAC for the WiiM but can always use one if you like.

A DAC is only a Converter although some people also calls a digital pre-amplifier for a DAC. The WiiM is a streamer, pre-amplifier and DAC. All in one.

Thanks. What is the benefits of using a external dac with the wiim ultra? Some say it improve the music?

 

[hgo58]

Thanks. What is the benefits of using a external dac with the wiim ultra? Some say it improve the music?

I don't see any but some people say that they can hear a difference, when using an external DAC, and prefer that.

In other cases you may have an amplifier or active speakers that also includes a DAC and you prefer to use that, simply to avoid double conversation.

 

[j84]

I don't see any but some people say that they can hear a difference, when using an external DAC, and prefer that.

In other cases you may have an amplifier or active speakers that also includes a DAC and you prefer to use that, simply to avoid double conversation.

Thanks. Is just that I want to add a subwoofer to my setup and have to use sub out on the wiim. I want the external DAC/preamp to have full control. I don't want to use the digital volume control of the wiim

 

[hgo58]

Thanks. Is just that I want to add a subwoofer to my setup and have to use sub out on the wiim. I want the external DAC/preamp to have full control. I don't want to use the digital volume control of the wiim

See post in thread 'Wiim Ultra with external DAC: what output?' https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/wiim-ultra-with-external-dac-what-output.5487/post-167202