Question on Wiim PS Audio DAC hookup

dromunds
dromunds Posts: 10,159
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: 27,527
    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: 4,859
    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: 780
    Or you can go USB wiim out to dac in USB
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    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: 10,159
    Thanks fellas!
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,159
    I’ve never used XLR cables? How much audible difference is there compared to RCA cables?
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,859
    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: 4,852
    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

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    edited May 25
    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: 10,159
    Enders, I sent you a PM regarding the Ifi and the Chinese linear PSU
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    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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  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,839
    The Wiim Pro Plus is a great little streamer. I use one in my basement workroom and it was what I grabbed to get into music streaming. I've only really used it's analog outputs and for the price, it's really good. Very smooth sounding, but not exactly detailed. The Eversolo A8 I purchased to replace it in my 2ch system easily bested it.

    Dumping the digital signal off to a higher end DAC would be a great way to get into streaming without dumping a ton of $$$ into it.

    FYI, the Pro Plus is currently on sale on Amazon for $186.
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,852
    I didn't want to say anything negative to my friend who brought the WiiM Ultra (he doesn't go on this forum lol) but he is stuck with the internal power supply whereas with the Pro Plus you can use a low noise one of your choice.
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,159
    Thanks all
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,573
    edited May 30
    If anyone is looking to buy a Chinese LPS, this place is fantastic!!!

    I've bought two Zero Zone brands and they are excellent and use quality parts. Super fast shipping. I use one 19V LPS for my Roon Nucleus One and a 24V LPS for my Pass Diy Korg Nutube B1 pre-amp.

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    edited May 30
    heiney9 wrote: »
    If anyone is looking to buy a Chinese LPS, this place is fantastic!!!

    I've bought two Zero Zone brands and they are excellent and use quality parts. Super fast shipping. I use one 19V LPS for my Roon Nucleus One and a 24V LPS for my Pass Diy Korg Nutube B1 pre-amp.

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/

    H9

    Thanks! Looks much nicer than the ones I got, but I bought them as a lot of 3 for a steal, especially once you factor in shipping and taxes at that time.

    ulalek7e2mtl.jpeg
    "....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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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,573
    The big difference is the ones you bought have a chip for voltage regulation whereas most, if not all, the FYF units have discrete voltage regulation.

    Their shipping is a bit higher, but I received both of my units within 5 days. In many cases that's faster than I can send letter across town with the USPS.

    Keep them in mind if/when you need a higher performance unit. I was really leary at first because I thought they might be like AliExpress, which can be hit an miss. I actually read a few recommendations off Audiogon. That's how I stumbled onto them.

    I will always buy my LPS's from them. They have lots of other parts, kits and fully assembled products.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,952
    edited June 1
    heiney9 wrote: »
    The big difference is the ones you bought have a chip for voltage regulation whereas most, if not all, the FYF units have discrete voltage regulation.
    H9
    I think you are confused by FYF's description of a "fully discrete" power supply. I looked at them and they ultimately uses the same TO-220 style 3-leg voltage regulators as the one shown by EndersShadow. I wouldn't call that a chip. It's a standard Analog Devices LT1086 1.5A voltage regulator.
    There are some "discrete voltage regulators", but I'd wager they are not included in any of FYF's kits or completed units because they are usually around $50 each and I don't see anything like that in their kit photos.
    This is what I'm talking about.
    https://sparkoslabs.com/product/ss1117xx-discrete-voltage-regulator/
    esy55hlx1qi8.png

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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    Hey @dromunds...... what did your buddy think? Or is the demo/trial run still ongoing?
    "....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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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,573
    edited June 2
    billbillw wrote: »
    heiney9 wrote: »
    The big difference is the ones you bought have a chip for voltage regulation whereas most, if not all, the FYF units have discrete voltage regulation.
    H9
    I think you are confused by FYF's description of a "fully discrete" power supply. I looked at them and they ultimately uses the same TO-220 style 3-leg voltage regulators as the one shown by EndersShadow. I wouldn't call that a chip. It's a standard Analog Devices LT1086 1.5A voltage regulator.
    There are some "discrete voltage regulators", but I'd wager they are not included in any of FYF's kits or completed units because they are usually around $50 each and I don't see anything like that in their kit photos.
    This is what I'm talking about.
    https://sparkoslabs.com/product/ss1117xx-discrete-voltage-regulator/
    esy55hlx1qi8.png

    Ok, voltage "regulator" was used to specifically. The LPS he shows is far more basic than the one I have here.

    Which has better filtering, lower ripple, over voltage, over current, short circuit regulation. MOSfet transistors in parallel.

    In his I see a single monolithic I/C chip that does it all. In mine I see a discrete circuit of components that do the same things, only probably to a higher degree since the parts that form the LPS are discrete and not reliant on a single monolithic chip.

    That was my only point. And they are very inexpensive for the quality and performance you receive. I was in no way trying to belittle his purchases, just showing in the future FYF supplies more bang for the buck. Buy from them or don't.

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/products/100w-hiend-version-linear-power-supply-for-audio-device-dc19v-5a-with-emi-filter?VariantsId=11009

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/products/50w-linear-power-supply-audio-with-protection-dc5v-9v-12v-15v-16v-18v-19v-20v-24v-28v?VariantsId=10843

    H9


    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,159
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Hey @dromunds...... what did your buddy think? Or is the demo/trial run still ongoing?

    I need to get over there, the trial run is still ongoing, I’ve been busier than a two-peckered billygoat but hopefully Friday I’ll go over, and then I’ll be talking to him about power supply
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,739
    edited June 2
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Ok, voltage "regulator" was used to specifically. The LPS he shows is far more basic than the one I have here.

    Which has better filtering, lower ripple, over voltage, over current, short circuit regulation. MOSfet transistors in parallel.

    In his I see a single monolithic I/C chip that does it all. In mine I see a discrete circuit of components that do the same things, only probably to a higher degree since the parts that form the LPS are discrete and not reliant on a single monolithic chip.

    That was my only point. And they are very inexpensive for the quality and performance you receive. I was in no way trying to belittle his purchases, just showing in the future FYF supplies more bang for the buck. Buy from them or don't.

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/products/100w-hiend-version-linear-power-supply-for-audio-device-dc19v-5a-with-emi-filter?VariantsId=11009

    https://www.fyfaudio.com/products/50w-linear-power-supply-audio-with-protection-dc5v-9v-12v-15v-16v-18v-19v-20v-24v-28v?VariantsId=10843

    H9

    Those are for sure nicer than what I got and the price for the second isn’t too bad even with shipping.
    dromunds wrote: »
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Hey @dromunds...... what did your buddy think? Or is the demo/trial run still ongoing?

    I need to get over there, the trial run is still ongoing, I’ve been busier than a two-peckered billygoat but hopefully Friday I’ll go over, and then I’ll be talking to him about power supply

    Schweet!!!
    "....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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