(Advice, please) Balanced DAC/Preamp with Safe Volume Control – Preventing Sudden Volume Spikes

[rdaow]

With the Wiim Ultra and its volume limit + output voltage setting. Do you still find It a risk to run it directly into a power amp?

I find it a risk, yes, as with any software controlled volume. I have seen one thread on the Wiim forum about it, although I've not had such experience with my Ultra. Unfortunately I also bought a very powerful power amp (2x NCx500 modules) so I have to set both my Ultra and my preamp to very low volume levels for normal listening.
On the other hand, blowing out the speakers would be a nice opportunity for upgrade.

 

[Esque]

I find it a risk, yes, as with any software controlled volume. I have seen one thread on the Wiim forum about it, although I've not had such experience with my Ultra. Unfortunately I also bought a very powerful power amp (2x NCx500 modules) so I have to set both my Ultra and my preamp to very low volume levels for normal listening.
On the other hand, blowing out the speakers would be a nice opportunity for upgrade.

Saw that post as well. However he used a separate DAC connected through usb. He was not utilizing the onboard outputs.

I've checked on mine and while it's possible to control volume on a separate usb DAC. I wouldn't recommend it either way. You don't have the output voltage settings, and when it resets to default. It will obviously put it full volume.

So in the end, that's to blame on the DAC connected to it, than the Ultra. Not having the volume on fixed, while using a usb DAC on the Ultra also resulted in audible pops and crackles in my case.

 

[Toni71]

I've bought a Fosi P4 for the time being. Like advised earlier also a fine preamp. And indeed it is.

(We are still working out furniture placement after a redacoration)

 

[Toni71]

This week, I sent back the Fosi ZP3. I didn’t like the volume implementation. I’ve also disconnected the Topping DX5 II and bought a Wiim Ultra. What more do I need? Music is playing nicely. Once the Fosi Q8 or an updated ZP3 arrives, it’ll be time to play around again.

 

[lawnchair04]

This week, I sent back the Fosi ZP3. I didn’t like the volume implementation. I’ve also disconnected the Topping DX5 II and bought a Wiim Ultra. What more do I need? Music is playing nicely. Once the Fosi Q8 or an updated ZP3 arrives, it’ll be time to play around again.

How was this been working out for you? How have you managed the concern about digital volume spikes? Have you played around with alternatives any more?

 

[Toni71]

After selling my two Arendal subs last year, which I somewhat regret, I thought the KEF Reference 5 Meta, which I bought afterward would provide enough low-end for my music. Unfortunately, they do not.

A man and his audio hobby. (and less money, after the KEF purchase), I bought two XTZ 12.17 Edge subs, which are affordable subs in the Netherlands, and ordered a Denon X3800H last month to use as a preamp (with room correction). However, this device had a long delivery time, and now the order has been canceled. I’m currently waiting for the Onkyo P-80, which should be available next month, a 2.2 preamp. Back to a 2.2 setup.

There are probably fewer components in the preamp (which means less heat) compared to an AV receiver, which can run hot during use (been there, always with extra fan cooling). Plus, streaming with Qobuz or Tidal Connect would be supported in the preamp. On top of that, the unit would look nice in the living room setup.

(somewhat done with Topping and Fosi gear, although the dx3 pro+ is working fine here, this, and less gear in the setup would be nice)

 

[jmdesignz2]

I am running the Wiim ultra > USB> DX5II > Hypex Buckeye NCX500

what did you not like about the DX5II ? I definitely prefer the music with the DX5II vs the Ultra by itself

 

[Toni71]

I don't hear a sound difference between the Ultra and the DX5 II. Both sound the same to me (good). There is also my personal opinion that there is often a 'beta tester' experience with these DACs and gear. The DX5 II also had its issues. The Fosi ZP3 audio volume spike, in particular, was the moment I was somewhat done with this stuff. Playing around with speakers, which have cost me a fortune (at least for me), just isn't worth it anymore.

Now, with my 2.2 setup, the new Onkyo preamp seems to tick all my requirements.

 

[jmdesignz2]

I don't hear a sound difference between the Ultra and the DX5 II. Both sound the same to me (good). There is also my personal opinion that there is often a 'beta tester' experience with these DACs and gear. The DX5 II also had its issues. The Fosi ZP3 audio volume spike, in particular, was the moment I was somewhat done with this stuff. Playing around with speakers, which have cost me a fortune (at least for me), just isn't worth it anymore.

Now, with my 2.2 setup, the new Onkyo preamp seems to tick all my requirements.

Interesting. I had the ZP3 and returned it due to Random pops when changing inputs

I’m considering using the topping A70 pro which has a r2r volume control as a preamp to ensure the DX5 II doesn’t suddenly go full scale volume

 

[lawnchair04]

After selling my two Arendal subs last year, which I somewhat regret, I thought the KEF Reference 5 Meta, which I bought afterward would provide enough low-end for my music. Unfortunately, they do not.

A man and his audio hobby. (and less money, after the KEF purchase), I bought two XTZ 12.17 Edge subs, which are affordable subs in the Netherlands, and ordered a Denon X3800H last month to use as a preamp (with room correction). However, this device had a long delivery time, and now the order has been canceled. I’m currently waiting for the Onkyo P-80, which should be available next month, a 2.2 preamp. Back to a 2.2 setup.

There are probably fewer components in the preamp (which means less heat) compared to an AV receiver, which can run hot during use (been there, always with extra fan cooling). Plus, streaming with Qobuz or Tidal Connect would be supported in the preamp. On top of that, the unit would look nice in the living room setup.

(somewhat done with Topping and Fosi gear, although the dx3 pro+ is working fine here, this, and less gear in the setup would be nice)

Sounds like quite a journey.

I wasn’t aware of that Onkyo, but man, that and the M-80 power amp look nice! I’m looking forward to seeing some reviews and hopefully measurements. Oddly hasn’t been announced here in Japan yet. Maybe I’ll get to see it debut at the Tokyo International Audio Show in October?

I’m currently running a Wiim Ultra into powered speakers and subwoofer, but I’m considering switching to a passive setup in the next couple of years, and the volume spike issue you mention (and discussed in other threads) concerns me. So I’m exploring options for a preamp that can handle a subwoofer, which seems more difficult to find than I expected. This new Onkyo pair looks like it could be a nice option for a passive setup.

 

[jmdesignz2]

Interesting. I had the ZP3 and returned it due to Random pops when changing inputs

I’m considering using the topping A70 pro which has a r2r volume control as a preamp to ensure the DX5 II doesn’t suddenly go full scale volume

Having now done this it’s very obvious the digital volume control greatly reduced the sound quality and dynamics

My system sounds insanely good now with the R2R volume control of the Topping A70 Pro.

 

[Toni71]

Two audio dealers informed me that the first batch of Onkyos will arrive in the Netherlands at the end of October. When they do, I’ll receive one. There’s a lot of interest in these units; many are already on backorder with the importer.

That doesn’t necessarily say anything about the quality. Of course, I hope they’ve built a nice preamp with quality parts and good measurements, but I’m sure I won’t hear the difference.

I’ve encountered a lot of audio gear throughout my life, including five or six higher-series Onkyo AV receivers.
Looking back, it all sounded good. Probably because, when well designed, we can’t really hear differences between DACs. Most of it comes down to volume differences and placebo effects. What can we even perceive as humans? That’s what I’ve learned, both here and through years of listening to "equipment¨.

(For example: To me, the X3800H and X4700H, sound just as fine in a setup as the AV10. I´ve bought the AV10 because I needed 15 channels and less heat in a receiver).

There aren’t many affordable stereo preamps with dual subwoofer outputs, streaming, and built-in room correction.

Just my thoughts and opinion or bad hearing , kind regards, Toni.