Wiim Ultra output voltage

[Malte74]

Hi everyone!
I have a Wiim ultra with a couple of power amplifiers connected to it (one for the front and one for driving two large passive subwoofers). I have no issue with the output input matching, no hiss on idle and no distorsion from overdriving amplifier inputs but I'm curious which, in theory, should be the best output voltage between 1V or 2V.. I understand that lowering output to 1V cost some SNR but since I do most of my listening with the volume between 30-50 (50 is loud..) with 2V and 1V lets me use much more of the volume (50-75/80) I guess I can take some of the lost SNR back in that end?
Is there an argument for one being better than the other? When listening and comparing 2V might, just might, be a touch meatier and more dynamic while 1V might, just might, win on clarity and soundstage but since I have to adjust volume to what is close enough between the two everytime I switch is not exactly A/B so it's hard to tell. I know I should listen and choose what I prefer and that is what I'm doing (2V just because it changes volume quicker when using the tv remote in hmdi-mode) but I'm here to learn and I repeat the question: Is there some technical reason to why one of the options would be better, even If inaudibly so, than the other?
Regards/Martin

 

[hipoagumol]

As long as your amplifiers are ready to receive 2v input signals (if they are modern, they do, if they are vintage then maybe not) then 2V is the correct choice of out voltage for Ultra as it maximizes SNR earlier in the audio chain.
Copilot put in more technical wording:

At the output of the Ultra's DAC:

• 2 V gives you ~6 dB better signal‑to‑noise ratio than 1 V
• This is because the analog noise floor stays the same, but the signal is larger

This is why higher line levels became standard in hi‑fi over time (CD players settled on ~2 Vrms).

2 V reduces downstream gain requirements
With 2 V:

• Your power amps need less gain to reach the same loudness
• Less gain means less amplification of their own input noise and distortion

This is especially relevant with:

• Multiple power amps
• Long interconnects
• High‑sensitivity speakers or subs

So on paper, 2 V wins.

 

[Valentino]

What is the sensitivity of your amps? Check specs.
I always recommend setting the Ultra output voltage equal to or below the amp’s specified sensitivity. Thus the amp cannot clip, even with the ultra volume at 100%.
Worth noting that above 50% 1% change equals appx. 0.3 dB, so at 50% you’re at -15 dBFS.

 

[mlsstl]

The way I do.it is to use the output voltage that gives my loudest desired listening level at about 75% to 80% max volume. That leaves a bit more still available for softly recorded material and also leaves plenty of volume control range when I'm not listening at my max loudness. (I find it annoying when I hit my loudest desired level at 30% or 40%)