WiWiim Ultra connection to an integrated NAD 3030 v2 amp

[hervechatagnier]

As of now, my Wiim Ultra is hooked up to my NAD 3020 integrated amp using standard RCA cables. Two questions:

1. Is there a way to use a coax cable to hook up the Wiim Ultra to the amp without bypassing its DAC? I was told that if I used a coax cable, I would bypass Wiim's DAC and the NAD DAC would take over. It seems to be the case. I really like the DAC in the Wiim Ultra, less so the one in the NAD.
2. I am using an RCA cable to hook both up in order to use the Wiims DAC and not the NADs DAC. The RCA cables came with the Wiim Ultra. Is it worth it (sound wise) to spend more money to use better RCA cables (ie Audioquest)?

I don't care for an optical connection.

Thanks from a sortanewbey.

 

[hgo58]

Welcome to the forum.

1. Is there a way to use a coax cable to hook up the Wiim Ultra to the amp without bypassing its DAC? I was told that if I used a coax cable, I would bypass Wiim's DAC and the NAD DAC would take over. It seems to be the case. I really like the DAC in the Wiim Ultra, less so the one in the NAD.

The DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) provide the analog output. Using the digital Coax output don't use the DAC. So the digital audio signal is either converted by the WiiM or by the NAD. If the analog input on the NAD is not converted back to digital, then you should use the RCA output of the WiiM. If it is converted by the NAD, then you cannot avoid the DAC in the NAD and should use the Coax.

2. I am using an RCA cable to hook both up in order to use the Wiims DAC and not the NADs DAC. The RCA cables came with the Wiim Ultra. Is it worth it (sound wise) to spend more money to use better RCA cables (ie Audioquest)?

The cables provided by WiiM are all just fine. No need to change those.