Can a $150 streamer beat $1100 streamer? Cambridge Audio CXN100 vs Eversolo DMPA6 vs WIIM -
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2024
- WIIM Pro amzn.to/3uSNo6k. SMSL SUI amzn.to/3uJAKGS
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WIIM Pro amzn.to/3uSNo6k. SMSL SUI amzn.to/3uJAKGS
Eversolo DMP A6 amzn.to/3wBdifq
Cambridge Audio CXN100 howl.me/clIpROSwbYH
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Hey Randy or anyone...have you tried this iFi Go Link DAC? Thoughts? Does a product like this beat a LG V60 phones quad dac?
You're S.M.S.L SU-8s link = Currently unavailable.
Like to hear sith audio is still around if been missing the great product line from sith!
Waiting to see how these compare to the new wiim ultra..
Best Sith audio ad ever. Great demonstration of the product.
Important, do they have a "blowout" prevention pocket?
Asking for a friend.
I think this is a good comparison - and it would also be very interesting to compare the WiiM, Eversolo, and Cambridge Audio, using their digital output(s) into a DAC; like the Geshelli J2S AKM 4499 with Sparkos op-amp(s).
They would all be identical going to the same dac. Bits are bits.
I have the A6 and had theA8. I returned the A8 as I didn’t need that preamp that you are paying for. A8 is a great all in one legit analog pre-amp, great streamer, with those dual akm4499ex chips. It was too edgy in my system though. I paired the A6 with the Gustard R26. That’s the sound I love!!’ Good old r2r. I do think the Eversolo app is a bit better than the Wiim App, definitely has more bells and whistles. The Eversolo is a more comprehensive device with more options. They support the same streaming services essentially except you can run Apple Music on the Eversolo since it is an Android device. Streaming via smb is something the Wiim still cannot do (fileshare). Eversolo also supports NFS. Being in IT for many years now, I would say the Eversolo is the preferred device of tech geeks..lol.. Wiim needs to start supporting streaming from file shares or other ways.
I'm not tech savvy at all, so forgive my ignorance, I can play music files from my laptop to the WiiM Pro, a NAS I believe, what other options would I gain with the Eversolo besides that and streaming?
@@pnichols6500Protocol support such as SMB, NFS. Wiim only supports UPNP, More music service streaming support for the Eversolo, better build quality. Better internal components used for the Eversolo. Support for internal and external storage devices. Etc etc. I own a few Wiims and they are great for what they do. I just prefer using the DMP-A6 going into a Gustard R26. The Eversolo DMP-A6 is overall a better device, but I understand for a lot of people simple is better for them.
Great video Randy. I loved the using it right now bit. I think dollar for dollar the Wiim pro and SU-1 will get all my old ears can enjoy, but I appreciate that there are other products that take it to another level.
The ability to stream Apple Music directly and in hi-res seems like a pretty big check mark in favour of the Eversolo
Tell ya what else is attractive with the EverSolo: having a self contained HDD and letting the device do its own rips in a format you know will work. So far that’s the only problem I’ve had with the WiiM. It recognises all the files but the data collection off the disc is done by a PC instead of the device itself. That means there can be occasional problems with the app recognising what’s playing. It seems to have a hard time decoding the artwork too. Otherwise the WiiM is a runaway winner here.
But I’ll get an EverSolo one day.
All I can talk about are the streamers, myself, and a buddy of mine have owned these streamers (EverSolo and CXN v2). We both decided that the WiiM Pro, in my case, and the WiiM Pro Plus in his case, were the streamers to keep. We both use outboard DACs, PS Audio here, and my buddy likes to switch them up. It is the WiiM OS, it is easy to use and rock solid. And I appreciate the built in EQ, never has streaming music ever sounded so good!
The Eversolo is more flexible and has a good amount more options and possibilities for use than the Wiim products. The wiim is still good for basic use though for sure. I guess everyone's use case may be different
@@Final_Resolution The Eversolo has its benefits, but what good are they when it has buggy software? That is where the WiiM streamers shine. Add an inexpensive linear power supply, and the WiiM, for the money, SQ wise, is going to be hard to beat for most anyone looking to do simple hassle free streaming.
@@michaelwright1602 Agree. I have a Wiim Pro in my headphone setup, and a DMP-A6 for my 2-channel and I find the Wiim Software just works better. It's more stable, works with Tidal Connect better, and is less fussy on a wireless network. The only reason I got the DMP-A6 was because I needed a streamer with USB output so that I could connect it to my Denafrips Iris DDC. I'm also using outboards DACS on both systems (Schiit Bifrost 2/64 for headphone setup and Denafrips Ares II for the 2 channel. I like the way the Wiim Pro handles MQA files via Tidal connect as it shows the bitrate after the first unfold, whereas the DMP-A6 doesn't. The DMP-A6 also seems to get stuck on reporting the bitrate as 192khz when in fact it isn't, and I have to disconnect Tidal Connect and then reconnect for it to correct itself. And yes, I am using the latest "official" firmware from Eversolo.
@michaelwright1602 which linear PSU would you recommend for the Wiim Pro?
@@TheJeramus I'm using the LHY 5v power supply. There is also the ifi 5v power supply that is sold on Amazon for $79 that works as equally well.
Love your content! I am a longtime audio and home theater enthusiast, but very new to this "audiophile" gear. I recently upgraded my turntable to a Fluance RT-85 and needed a phono preamp, which I had never used. My prior turntable was an Audio Technica LP-120 and was plugged into the phono input of my Denon Atmos AVR. I was enjoying the sound of vinyl, especially jazz, but was ready to upgrade. I added the ifi Zen Air phono preamp and bought their silent power supply to go with it. I would have gone with the nicer model, but it's not available and I don't need to extra adjustments on the Zen vs the Zen Air. Anyway, I am blown away with the improvement in sound quality and the almost complete lack of background noise. So happy I found your channel.
I don't understand what these streamers are for. Don't all of our "smart" devices have built in support for streaming audio? I can stream Spotify via my TV app, my AVR app, my Xbox app, my 4K blu-ray player app, or via Spotify connect on my iPhone or via airplay to my TV. Why would I need to get a streamer? What am I missing or not understanding? I am thinking about getting my son in audio and was looking at getting him some lower cost stuff like a preamp and an amplifier. If the amplifier has bluetooth, why can't he just listen to spotify via bluetooth in that case? Why would he need a dedicated streamer?
Good morning ☕️❄️
I’m running the OG Wiim Pro into my new Denafrips 12-1 DAC …and it’s pretty damn nice.
Btw, Amazon Music HD/UHD.
I'm running a WiiM Pro into Dena 12th-1 DAC streaming Qobuz. Upgraded from CXN v2, the predecessor of the CXN100. As the 12th-1 breaks in, it becomes more of a noticeable upgrade over the CXN v2. Very pleased, especially with live acoustic "Unplugged" albums. The instrument placement is excellent, and the depth of the soundstage is deep.
I went from the Topping E50 to the Dena 😉
@@carminedesanto6746 Thanks for sharing.
Was that a huge improvement like 5x better ?
How would describe it to someone who owns a E50.
@@deadline7610 It has become a whole lot more smoother and more defined …
to the point where the dip in my LCDX headphones ( yes, Randi liked it more than the Emp’ Elite) was less noticeable..as though the output is just no where as compressed as the topping …now it’s all about the output .
The Denafrips ( as Randy reviewed) offer a distinct analog feel ..and if that’s appealing to you ..then it’s for you .
In this hobby there’s something for everyone..as to the price …in this game it’s only a thing governed by your own comfort…both financial and spiritual.
@@carminedesanto6746Thanks.
I assumed incorrectly your were using the dac in a stereo/home surround setup.
I "hear" that gives even better sonic upgrade from headphones.
Have you tried it that way
Bought the WiiM Pro Plus. It isn't my primary source, but boy it does a cracking job for the money. App interface is also excellent.
Tend to think this is mostly a DAC competition rather than the software which is what makes it a streamer. My takeaway was the Wiim had the best software, and you should send the digital signal to your Geshelli.
I have a Wiim Pro going into a Denafrips Ares II that then goes into a Fosi V3. I have the Fosi ZA3 on order.
I think this is the big question.I think most are using the WiiM as a streamer only.
I personally want to know if there are sonic differences between the WiiM and other units using it as a streamer only.
@@JonMoralesLAOh boy are you in for a treat when you hear how the ZA3 sounds. I have both amps you mentioned and there is more of an open and dynamic sound from the ZA3.
@@j-rod6420 that's the question I have been asking. I have been streaming from a laptop into my DAC or I sometimes use my old phone and just plug it directly into my DAC and I hear no difference . I have been asking this question but it's all about making money he's a salesman at the end of the day
@@Gadgetdad007 Have you tried the Sparkos OpAmps in either the V3 or the ZA3? What’s really crazy is that I have a Arcam AVR10 which for 2 channel music blew the pants off the Denon 3800h it replaced. And now I’m finding that the Fosi V3 actually sounds better than my Arcam in my setup. That kinda blows my mind.
These are the kinds of commercials I can listen too. Great job Randy!
Sith Audio. I love them, their product is a must for me. All day, every day and the n on through the night.
I entirely agree with C.A.M. regarding simplicity.
I am technically minded, but much prefer products designed for maximum ease of use so long as they perform well too.
I had a Bluesound Node, then switched to the DMP-A6, now I’m using a streamer by Innuos. I prefer Innuos’ software and I’m really happy with the sound. I highly recommend the brand for anyone looking for a high quality streamer.
Pulsar?
@@Final_ResolutionYes, I got a Pulsar. I didn’t really want to compare the sound from the Pulsar to the Node or DMP-A6 because it is obviously in a different price category. My friend got a Pulse Mini after using my Pulsar. It uses the same software and still sounds pretty good.
The Node and the Chord Qutest DAC I was using paired well together. The Eversolo and Pulsar sounded pretty bright with the Qutest. I swapped out the Pulsar for another DAC and the sound improved tremendously. This really can be a frustrating and expensive hobby sometimes 😂
Nice video. I paired a WiiM pro plus with a Marantz amp from 1995 and I love the sound.
Ditto, nineties amp (£40) and the WiiM Pro Plus.. Got the WiiM app on an old ,dedicated, tablet and everything works so well- and I'm not so clever in that department. I resisted streaming, because I didn't rate the sound (Spotify), but with this set up and a Tidal sub I'm hooked.
The lack of Amazon Music HD native support on any streamer is a deal killer for me.... WiiM with Alexa Cast allows me to stream high res using Amazon Music app itself !!! It's also tough to compare a $100 item to something 8 to 10X....
Hi Randy. I hope that you are well. So London has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, or so. It's a truly multicultural city, with over 100 different nationalities living there. I can't speak for the way people are in London now. But if you're talking to a traditional English gent, we/they really still appreciate a proper shop(you call them dealers). If something goes wrong with a product, British men like to have a place where they can take a product and talk to a human. Especially when you are spending the type of money that hi fi costs. Personally, I would always pay more for service, than buy direct. It's just not worth the stress. This is why shops are still everywhere in the UK. We have soany hifi stores that there is never a problem getting good service.
Hifi
I am a total newbie who resisted streaming because Spotify sounded dire on my p.c speakers. I bought the WiiM Pro Plus, and a nineties amp, which sounded fantastic, even through my budget speakers. I love how everything works so well in the WiiM app, I have an old tablet dedicated to audio, and can access my music p.c library too. I might add that I'm not too clever in that department, but it's all intuitive, and easy to set up. I've now hooked it up to a Mojo, which sounds even better, a bit warmer than the WiiM dac, though I can easily go back to that and still enjoy it. That's more than can be said of all my old gear, which sounded so bad I had to give it away.
These WiiM streamers and the older or vintage gear really pair up nicely. Even without an outboard DAC. I think the WiiM streamers are the favorite over at Audio Karma.
My take: get the WiiM pro plus.
If you're curious down the line, do a level matched blind test with a high quality external DAC with the help of a friend.
Keep what sounds best 👍
As an owner of a full stack of Cambridge Audio gear I would go for the CXN 100. However as I already have the combination of CXN V2 and DacMagic 200M I don't see a reason to buy one. They sound perfect to me in combination with my other CA gear (CXA 81 and CXC V2) and my JBL L52 Classic speakers.
Btw. even though the CXN 100 doesn't come with a remote control. The remote from Cambridge's CX2 series does work with it.
Does the DacMagic adds much to the sound instead of the Dac in de CXNV2? Ess vs Wolfson. Yes the Wolfsons are older, but do sound very analog ict Ess
@@laurensvandenbroek1580 the Wolfson twin DAC sounds very good. However I prefer the sound of the twin Saber DAC in the DacMagic 200M. They sound clearer and punchier here. It's also the same DAC that the CXN 100 and my Bluesound Node X are using.
I have an 851N in my main system and picked up a used CXN (v1) for my studio. Great units! I especially enjoy the display, I/O, and DSD playback. I hope anyone using these is relying on the Stream Magic app, as the other Cambridge app is more than a little inferior in my use case.
@@charlienyc1 I usually only use StreamMagic for listening to Internet radio stations. As I am using Roon for everything else 😀
Best. Sith. Audio. Ad. Ever. EvereverEVER.
Sith’s “Little Secret” sound perfect for us “Rockers with Walkers” or Mick Jagger on stage!
“if you’re an astronaut and want to drive across the country”. 😂
@@fonkenful that’s in reference to the crazed chick astronaut stalker that did just that, I’m pretty sure
@@Oldcrow77 I knew that. Didn’t see any reference in “For All Mankind”
Firstly love your channel , yes I’ve subscribed and ticked 👍
But
I disagree ..Of the Eversolo A6 is ( like a phone ) and we all have a phone AND the Eversolo has a sat facility to real time mirror the the ES6screen ( to your phone ) so you can dig it your armchair with your phone and control every single aspect of the ES6
So I fail to see how this machine and indeed the ES8 are not the best / simplest user interface’s out there ..Nothing compares ..Just saying 👍
From purely a sound perspective, would the WIIM through a better dac like your Geshelli J2S AKM 4499 even the score? Honestly I don't need to touch my streamer and in reality I'm controlling the thing with my phone so I'm just looking for a good sounding streamer and I'm gonna bring my own dac anyway.
Go WiiM Pro and be happy. I'm running a WiiM Pro into a Denafrips 12th-1 and LOVE the sound. The WiiM app is pretty good.
I don’t how you keep a straight face at times. Nice to see Sith Audio back 😂😂 I own the wiim pro and su-1. Using on my second system. It’s fantastic. Thanks for the review. Well done.
Hahahah I didn't even make it through the "sponsor" intro before mashing the like button!
have Node X and I love it. I fought between the Eversolo and Node X and I chose the Node.
I think the Node X should have been included here, on price alone.
Nice comparison. Tend to agree that simplicity, well thought out UI/UX and elegant execution are key to a product getting a lot of use.
I got the CXN100 and AXN10 today at my moms, since she wanted a radio again (and they removed FM from the cable some time ago here in The Netherlands). Now she have a less refined system then I have, but I find the XCN100 a bit bass-heavy. Now I did not had much time to listen the same recordings on both models, but I find the AXN10 not bad at all. I wonder if you had this system at your place also, since I found it quite good for the money. If you just play from your tablet/phone the device does quite nice.
Ahhh, I wish this was like the older shoot out videos with the wobbly table! This was a perfect opportunity for it 😂
I’ve got the WiiM and the Cambridge … both great .. the WiiM is functionally great just lacks a bit of punch … the Cambridge is sublime (clinical and punchy) and love it … I really notice the difference with the CSS self build speakers … they sound great with the WiiM but with the Cambridge … OMG so good
I really like the way you did this comparison. Streamer Dacs is a great choice of subject and I like your frank and fun take.
I am glad to see the return of SythAudio sponsorship to your show!
I bought the Cambridge Audio MX10N...really impressed with the build quality & sound quality, i like ESS Sabre DAC's so am happy with the internal ones fitted, works first time every time, Tidal Connect sounds half decent now...for the price & for the things it does it is a bargain & i can't see a tiny screen from 4m anyway so i would rather use my tablet to control my choice of music or for album artwork, photos etc...
Review is spot on. Cambridge is much more enjoyable to use. Eversolo is driving me nuts. Wish I had listened to you before I pushed the Add to Cart.
I'm running the Wiim Pro Plus with a Chord Qutest DAC, running on battery power. Very happy with the combo, and it didn't hurt that I got the DAC used at about a grand.
Great comparison! Thank you Randy.
I am wearing 2 pairs of Sith "Audiophile Little Secrets" as I write this. Both are full of Sith Bakery chocolate. I am big boy and I have a job to do. You know I love me some Cambridge.
Thanks also for this video. Greetings from Bietigheim-Bissingen (Germany). :)
SMSL = Best Bang for US Cheap Audiophiles Buck 💵
Sony CD Transport, Clean It Up & SEND IT to The Ole Lexman R115 and Upgraded Wharfdales Linton 2's and Yer GOLDEN 🎩
I use the Eversolo as a pure digital streamer. The app is really easy once you play with it. I also like clinical sound ... I have a Technics SUg700mk2 that reads the digital signal from the DMPa6 and applies the Jeno engine to it. It is pitch perfect ... played with Sonetto 2s and a REL t7/x sub. If you switch from PCM to DSD decoding, you will get that sound you describe in the Cambridge Audio streamer.
Technics knocked it out of the park with the SU-G700m2. I have one and most likely will never get rid of it. Interesting you chose to go with the Eversolo over the Wiim. I’d imagine the JENO engine would make the sound the same between the two? If it was for aesthetics Eversolo definitely looks way better than the Wiim.
I love asthetic of the eversolo ... basically the display and the ui ... yes I guess its a lot to pay, but it also has opfions to decode digital audio compared to the WiiM
Hilarious Sith product - thanks!
The ironic thing about cheap audio reviewers is that as their experience and knowledge grows, and manufacturers send them increasingly better gear, they're soon no longer cheap audio reviewers.
I use a WiiM mini with an Echo show 5 for voice control into a Pioneer Elite AV Receiver With two Boston speakers and a Velodyne sub . Sounds and works great with Amazon music HD
As Apple Music user, the only streamer I recognise is Apple TV 4K. It has a remote, and a huge screen, works with iPhone too. Yes, it’s not super high res but CD quality is more than enough for me. Especially that I don’t hear the difference between the two.
Been waiting for this comparison. Thanks Randy.
I had a cxn v2 and sent it back after a few weeks. Currently running a wiim pro and j2 w sparkos. For the 1,000$ I think the current setup sounds way better
Curious about the power supply used for the Wiim and SMSL. It matters in my experience.
Hilarious intro!
@cheapaudioman I have been enjoying your channel since you launched. I love your approach to presenting and reviewing. I hope you won't mind a little suggestion though. I think you mean plethora rather than cacophony. A large or excessive amount of something rather than a harsh discordant mixture of sounds.
Great opening! 😂
Great video as always Randy. I really would've liked to see how the Wiim Pro paired with the Geshelli J2s/Sparkos would compare. Mainly because that's what I have! My J2 has the only 1 sparkos because I use the RCA out to my amp and the aluminum case.The Wiim and Geshelli the way I have it would be price competitive at about $800 combined. I personally am extremely happy with it, but I am curious to how it stacks up
Wiim pro plus!!!! Run my sony 400 disc changer as well as my nas through this beast. Gives me remote volume control through my vintage marantz.
I vote for:
Advance Paris X-Stream 9
.
superb sound quality, natural.
DAC:
first edition had AKM AK4490,
now the website shows Cirrus Logic CS4398
the AKM implementation has superb sound,
the Cirrus Logic i haven't heard myself.
I got the A6 Master Ed just as a streamer , into my Denafrips DDC - Pontus 2. All I can say is,it’s much better than my IPhone 15 Pro. It sounds superb , connected via LAN ( better than wifi). But this is no budget set up.
Sith Audio, #1 in high end electronics, since 2010!
Thanks for the good comparison
Great video. I'd be curious if there was a difference between the MXN100 and the CXN100. Other than the screen...
How about WiiM Pro with a better DAC like the Geshelli Ak4499 with sparkos opamp? How would you compare this combo to the Eversolo DMP A6 or Cambridge cxn100 sound wise
A lot of audiophile interested in these streamer already have decent DAC and they just need good streamer. We should have review testing only digital out from each streamers and compair the sound quality on same DAC. Other reviewer said with digital out Wiim pro with LPS sounds as good as DMP-A6. Price difference between Wiim and DMP-A6 was big and we could at least buy better DAC with mony saved.
The linear power supply makes a world of difference with these WiiM streamers. Add one, and these WiiM streamers punch way above their weight. Me and a buddy of mine have owned quite a few streamers, Cambridge, Node, Eversolo and the Mercury v2. All are gone, the WiiM Pro and Pro Plus are KING.
I second that, just looking for the best streamer, don't care about the rest of the bells and whistles.
@@michaelwright1602 Is there any sound difference between Wiim pro and Pro plus when you use digital out?
@@jkim4712 I would say probably not, but there could be just a slight better sound with the Plus, but is it worth the extra cost? It would probably depend on the system and DAC. Which one? I would get the Plus and call it good.
@@michaelwright1602 Thanks for answer, I already got the Wiim pro with LPS, wondering if there could be some improvement with Pro plus because I saw somewhere Plus model got better clock.
Thanks Randy!
Wiim Pro + Ares II + Rotel 1592 MK2 + Klipsch RF7 MK3. I ended up using Logitech Media Server for playback of both local files and for Tidal. The Wiim app is decent too, but I really enjoy the Roon-lite feeling of LMS!
EverSolo it is for me. It just looks better and the sound difference to the Cambridge is not worth the price.
The WiiM Pro Plus has essentially replaced my Node as the software is solid! I like the app and EQ as well. I have it hooked to my Sansui 8080 and I think it’s hard to beat for the money.
If you’re doing multi room audio WiiM for sure . Also Amazon music , the pro plus also supports roon don’t know if the other two do.
Love the tee shirt by the way. My screen name makes that very clear...
Very informative, thanks!!
Funny that you spoke about incontinence because your reviews sure trigger that response.
An astronaut driving across the country in a diaper reference. Deep reach, nice.
The good old days of NASA! Oh the memories... ;-)
That’s how we oldsters roll. Old references, I mean.
“Remove the barriers between me and the music”. That’s a quote which resonates with my own philosophy. These quotes are rare. Another that hit the spot with ne, was from A J from Soundfield Audio. “A well designed speaker will load the room correctly. Room treatment disguises a poorly designed speaker’s inadequacies”.
This video got me thinking about how I want to integrate digital into a hybrid vintage setup, the Cambridge looked like the perfect solution, but then I did more research and thinking about eARC, which is available on my TV, so that *should* be a decent source from Tidal on the TV no? But, there's no ARC in the CXN100. The Eversolo DMP 8 does have ARC... but it's expensive... and means running other cables for other devices. Now I'm wondering why my TV SHOULDN'T be my streamer to a dedicated DAC connected to my vintage receiver? Randy, what are your thoughts on using ARC/eARC TVs as streamers? For those folks who don't mind the TV being on for this activity of course....
WiiM support is usually excellent. I also had mine replaced, when in fact it turns out it was an ID10T error on my behalf!
Return of the Sith, nice!
Hey thanks for the video. I am wondering why haven’t added the bluesound products into the mix?
Can you review the SMSL AO300 and/or Loxjie A40 please?!
Good old Randy is back!
I like you video because I'm going yo buy a streamer audio. Best regards from Mexico City.
My pants could do with some treatment. They sometimes sound a bit squelchy and farty. What frequencies do these Sith Audio pads absorb. Should I buy second hand ones?
I think they all do a job, personally I like the wiim for the simple choice of using whatever DAC you like . I have the Cambridge V2 and running balanced into amplification it really is superb, rca not so much but it's ok .
So much gear coming into the market, hopefully some reviews on the new Wharfedale super Denton, I heard this speaker at Bristol, but the room was so crowded it was impossible to get a decent listen . At 1k UK price I'm wondering where it will fit in, so many good speakers sub 1k right now .
I wonder if Randy would do a channel on audio gear, say ten years old and more .
What is the difference you hear between the RCA and Balanced on the Cambridge? I have the CXN100 connected to a Rotel RA1592 mkII using RCA and also have it connected through digital coax and switch between the inputs on the Rotel to compare the DAC in each. The Cambridge has a little more punch at the very bottom but the sound stage is smaller, the mids and highs sound compressed. Digital from the Cambridge into the Rotel using the Rotel's internal dual TI chipset has less in the bottom but the sound stage is huge in comparison with more space in the highs and the vocals are brought forward significantly. Wondering if the balanced inputs might keep the low end and open the sound stage up.
@@mikef2270 I cannot speak for the 100, in the v2 case, there is notable difference, firstly over all clarity top to bottom, bass is more defined and hf has a tad more smoothness, there is nothing wrong with the rca output, at one time i had them running xtz a300 x2 as mono blocks, I was happy enough with that . The difference from rca to xlr on the v2 was just a simple step up . There is nothing to pick apart on the v2 and I would think the 100 is a step up from this . I should mention that qed 40! Rca cables improved the V2 in pre amp stage, take from that what you will, it's all subjective at the end of the day . I've since moved over to Aune s17 for preamp duties, but the v2 is still used as a very good streamer .
Hi, WIIM Pro Plus or WIIM Pro + SMSL SUI in your opinion?
Also, what is the best way to connect the SMSL? Coax?
thanks
I've got both the CXN and the WiiM and I tend to use the WiiM because the app is so much better than the CXN. I also cannot tell the difference musically between the two either and I am running some decent kit - B&W CM10 S2 with Musical Fidelity M5
My usual rant: Why is no company making a large disc sized player? The laser could detect if there's a CD sized or larger sized hole to tell which center head to move upward to play the disc. Laser disc's could be played, CD/SACD/DVD/Blue-Ray discs could all be played. That 1 thing would save physical media. I hate the idea of not having physical possession of my audio and video games. 16k video could fit. No reason physical media has to go away except companies becoming lazy only to find they doomed themselves because they have to do more work to create more components for devices which don't play physical media.
3. The wiim was given away.
2. The eversolo has functionality issues (why is NRD the only big reviewer talking about this?)
1. The Cambridge is in your rack.
Cambridge for the win. A reviewer’s best is what they largely prefer to use.
I bought a bottle of bluish purple pills that keep me listening longer and harder to Randy talk about this thing we do....
Hi randy,,,
Smsl su9 would it be a good one with the wim
Or dacs in these range
Thanks a ton for all the hardwork
Praise worthy indeed
I remember that cross-country driving astronaut.
You should test out some stand-alone Pre-amps. I put a Ladder preamp in my system and the sound went from upfront to open saptial silk.
Oh how I’ve missed Sith Audio!
Question: If I pick the streamer first an want to buy a Freya plus later. What Streamer would you prefer? Is the "pre" coloration of the CA bad If using it with a tube pre amp?
The real question is… do you have access to hi res music, the right speakers and amp and the best room acoustics you can work with to justify a price table greater than the wiim?
Streamers shouldn't influence the sound in any way. Just the DAC inside them and most of us have an external DAC. My question is can I just stream from a laptop like I have been doing or would a wiim with my DAC make any difference
In England, plenty of outlets selling the eversolo 😊
thank u randy.. one question on these streamers and their capabilities
I am looking to replace my current bt adapter with a wiim or wiim pro.
If I run a phono pre into the 'line in' of the wiim will the signal be converted from analog to digital and then back to analog in the line out stage??
Or does the line in bypass the dac somehow
I am seeing mixed info online in terms of signal degradation
I would go to the WiiM Forum over at WiiM's website. To my knowledge the WiiM Pro has an ADC (Analog to Digital Convertor) that may do what you are looking to do. They are quick to answer questions there. It is a great place for everything WiiM.
I appreciate the inclusion of the Wiim in this comparison as the ultra cheap option, but how would you rank the Wiim Pro Plus with the Geshelli Labs J2 socketed with all the upgrades except I don't need the balanced outputs. That would still be cheaper than both the other options and would you think better?
I'm using my WiiM Pro into my Denon stereo receiver via the analog line outs right now and I think it sounds spectacular! If there is any other audio source at close to $100us brand new that sounds as good, I'd love to hear about it. I doubt most listeners in double blind testing could tell the difference between the onboard DAC and those of similar value to the WiiM Pro (smsl su-1).
I’ve never heard any difference between DAC’s.
My tascam digital recorder was $99 and records digital audio perfectly.
"...not a real sponsor" gotta love it
I'm getting NAD M10 V2 tomorrow.
But I want the HiFi Rose RS250A too.
Because I like it simple I just use Chromecast to all of my devices. No settings crap to worry about when playing music.
Are Wiim pro and pro plus better choice the basic wiim when using just optical out? Jitter? Thank you