Wiim Ultra to S.M.S.L PO100 to Yamaha A-S301

[JeffD]

I have a relatively modest system-. Wiim with analog output to a Yamaha Wiim A-S301.

As I understand it, I'm using the DAC in the Wiim ultra, and bypassing the Yamaha A-S301 DACby connecting analog outs from the Ultra into the A-S301.

Is this a good idea? Is the Wiim DAC superior to the Yamaha amp DAC? Or, should I connect to the Yamaha via digital ouputs on the Wiim, presumably forcing the Yama to use its internals DAC?

Also, I had thought about inserting a S.M.S.L PO100 into this second scenario? Would that be worth the 70 bucks?

I honestly don't know how "jitters", which the PO100 presumably corrects via a more accurate clock, impacts my current listening, if it even does. I'm not unsatisfied with my current sound, but if this would give me a noticeable increase in sound quality, it might be worth it. I hear lots of positive things, but don't know if it is even worth it with my Wiim Ultra and Yamaha A-S301

 

[BMeek]

Your WiiM Ultra is doing a fine job as streamer / DSP/ DAC --> line out. Be happy! OTOH, its easy to go from the Ultra via Coax to the Yamaha just to see how it sounds to you. Maybe switch back and forth with presets? It may be hard to tell the difference in the sound. Especially after running RoomFit. Have you run RoomFit?

Oh. I don't see any need for the SMSL PO100 from what you've told us.

 

[JeffD]

Ok, I tried, and don't notice to much difference. I guess I was wondering if I was missing something between the DACs. The Yamaha is an older, and presumably lower tech DAC, but I thought using a PO100 in the chain, and outputting to the Yamaha DAC might significantly sound better.

 

[BMeek]

Nope. The SMSL thingy is a connectivity device - adds no value to the audio path in this case. If you wanted to also connect a PC to the Ultra via USB --> optical, I believe the SMSL PO100 would be useful.