WiiM Ultra Phono Stage

[harkpabst]

Looks the sampling rate and accuracy of WiiM’s phono stage are low, felt the sound switched from vinyl to CD.

The sampling rate is well defined and never low, it's the same as for the line input, indeed. Not sure what you mean by accuracy.

Did you try changing the line input resolution? 24 bit 192 kHz might be the highest setting, but not necessarily the best.

Just curious, but are you comparing the same recordings between vinyl and CD?

That's a valid question as well.

Makes a humming, scratchy sound, even at low volume.

This leaves me a little puzzled. "Humming" and "scratchy" are concerning very different frequency ranges in my book. When you say "even at low.volume", does changing the volume (on the Ultra,.I hope) make any difference at all? If it doesn't it's most likely an external source of interference causing the noise.

It's been pointed out several times now that the Ultra's phono input might be more prone to EMI (or RFI if you prefer that term) than other devices. Make sure to use quality shielded cables and connect the ground plugs, no matter what (the cable supplied with the record player should do, though). Make sure the turntable is not connected to any Bluetooth receiver. Keep all AC adapters of all other devices as far away as possible. Ideally, disconnect everything but the TT, the Ultra and the power amp from the mains to see if the noise disappears. Then connect other devices, one by one. Power line network adapters and faulty power bricks have been shown to be responsible for noise in the past.

 

[Cal_Cobra]

The sampling rate is well defined and never low, it's the same as for the line input, indeed. Not sure what you mean by accuracy.

Did you try changing the line input resolution? 24 bit 196 kHz might be the highest setting, but not necessarily the best.


That's a valid question as well.


This leaves me a little puzzled. "Humming" and "scratchy" are concerning very different frequency ranges in my book. When you say "even at low.volume", does changing the volume (on the Ultra,.I hope) make any difference at all? If it doesn't it's most likely an external source of interference causing the noise.

It's been pointed out several times now that the Ultra's phono input might be more prone to EMI (or RFI if you prefer that term) than other devices. Make sure to use quality shielded cables and connect the ground plugs, no matter what (the cable supplied with the record player should do, though). Make sure the turntable is not connected to any Bluetooth receiver. Keep all AC adapters of all other devices as far away as possible. Ideally, disconnect everything but the TT, the Ultra and the power amp from the mains to see if the noise disappears. Then connect other devices, one by one. Power line network adapters and faulty power bricks have been shown to be responsible for noise in the past.

I set the phono input resolution to max, and am using the supplied cable, which works fine on the integrated amplifier. The only things plugged in where the turntable, Ultra and amplifier, all on the same plug, so no floating ground issues.

I read the Ultra may be more susceptible to EMI, so I'll play around with that over the weekend and see if there's any magic combination of variables that resolve the noise issue. Ideally I'd like to use the phono input on the Ultra, and keep the RCA input free for another source.

 

[Fralle]

I wouldn't try to use the Phono MC setting, but when used with an MM or MI or high output MC cartridge the phono pre is really sounding very nice. I don't think anything in the price range you mention would be any better.

Whatever you connect to the Ultra's line input will be digitised immediately, just like the Phono input.

Bumping this thread since I cant find any MM or MC setting or any kind of setting except gain for the phono stage. Where can I find this?

 

[Burnside]

Bumping this thread since I cant find any MM or MC setting or any kind of setting except gain for the phono stage. Where can I find this?

Use audio input, choose phono and a new entry “phono stage input type” will appear above “per source volume control” in the options at the bottom of the screen

 

[Gr80]

Has anyone experienced the following isseu?
there is nothing plugged into the wiim, phono input selected, volume set to max, there is noise can hear and see on VU meter if I gently tap the Wiim case - the turntable is not connected and even then this happens (and this is also the case if it is connected) so it is definitely not the phono catridge picking it up.
I don't think the electronics could be that sensitive to vibrations - would anyone try the same thing with their ultra?

The phono stage is very sensitive. I wouldn’t be too concerned. Try plugging in a line level source into phono input, you’ll get violent assaulting audio with just a crack of the volume control and possibly blown speakers and amp.

 

[zh_chx]

Just curious, but are you comparing the same recordings between vinyl and CD?

It means WiiM phono stage generated more electronics noise.

 

[Robbyrtp]

If you tap the WiiM and the turntable is on the same equipment stand you will more than likely get this effect.

 

[Burgo]

Just got my Ultra 2 days ago and everything is fine apart from MC phono input, with which I've got a slight issue . I'm using an Entre MC cartridge in a Mission 774 arm on an LP12 deck and plugging it straight in with the Ultra set to MC I get a low rhythmic, cycling, crackling sound.

If I use the MM input via a Lentek MC head amp then no noise and all is good.

I'm not sure what's happening - unless it the mismatch between the Entre output of 0,2 mV (3.54cm/s, 1000 Hz) and the Utra's expectation of around 0.5mv & /or a capacitance issue in the leads causing a problem.

Also, FWIW my Ultra also picks up a tap on the case and translates to an audible bump through the speakers - and the deck's on a totally different platform on a marble tiled floor so don't think it's picking up the vibration.

Any ideas??