Question on Wiim PS Audio DAC hookup

dromunds
dromunds Posts: 10,155
in 2 Channel Audio
I have a PS Audio Gain Cell DAC that I purchased in the forum, and a buddy of mine is considering its purchase. He mostly streams, which I was going to get into but have not yet done so, and thus I’ve never even used the PS Audio DAC. He has a Wiim Pro Plus and a Marantz PM-10 integrated amp. The amp only has analog inputs if I remember correctly. Really nice amp. Not familiar with the Wiim or its outputs. My question is given his equipment, what would be the optimal way to hook up the PS Audio DAC for an audition? Thanks.
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Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 27,486
    Don, it appears that DAC has both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs. Same with the Marantz. Why wouldn't that work?
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,848
    I would go coaxial out from the Wiim streamer to the Gain Cell DAC then analog out from the DAC to the Marantz PM10.

    The power supply on the Wiim Pro Plus is a pretty cheap design. The Wiim Ultra is better.
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  • rebelsoul
    rebelsoul Posts: 776
    Or you can go USB wiim out to dac in USB
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,732
    edited May 23
    Emlyn wrote: »
    The power supply on the Wiim Pro Plus is a pretty cheap design. The Wiim Ultra is better.

    A Ifi wall wart makes a difference as does a linear PSU, neither are that pricey.

    I run a WiiM Pro Plus with a Chinese linear PSU direct to my Pathos and it sounds quite good.

    Also like the EQ it has built in but I’m sure there are minor compromises in making but I’m ok with them.

    q7qc7nigok14.jpeg


    The WiiM has analog and digital outs, so I’d go with whatever digital out you prefer (spdif or coaxial) and then not use the EQ.

    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,155
    Thanks fellas!
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,155
    I’ve never used XLR cables? How much audible difference is there compared to RCA cables?
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,848
    In this application XLR vs RCA shouldn't make a difference if the cables are he same brand/quality.
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,839
    Auditioned the WiiM Ultra combined with the Denafrips Enyo 15th when a buddy brought them by. I'd say it beat my SBT plus iFi nano idsd with more detail, especially cymbals. The Ultra has a USB out so I was able to use that. It didn't work with the EDO applet in the SBT. I should've tried a coaxial or toslink but didn't think of it.
    George / NJ

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,732
    edited 11:41AM
    dromunds wrote: »
    I’ve never used XLR cables? How much audible difference is there compared to RCA cables?


    Ignore me
    Post edited by EndersShadow on
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,155
    Enders, I sent you a PM regarding the Ifi and the Chinese linear PSU
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,732
    dromunds wrote: »
    Enders, I sent you a PM regarding the Ifi and the Chinese linear PSU

    I replied. Gotta love “Chynnna” products….. It’s a “WHUUUUGEEEEE” market
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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