Do I need a preamp and other stupid questions

[TheSonic]

I’m a recovering audio technophobe and seems like this is the place to get unstuck. If I need to post specs on anything please let me know. Please forgive the budget nature I’m just starting out!

Equipment so far (and return windows fairly open still):

WiiM Pro Plus
FIIO K11 R2R (arriving soon)
Fosi Audio Two V3 dual monoblock (db gain selectable 25/31)
Tannoy Saturn s8

Currently I have the Pro Plus connected to the amps via RCA with the DAC arriving soon. Remote “volume” is via Tidal Connect/Wiim.

1- Will attenuation still be handled via Wiim Pro Plus once I connect the DAC? Remote volume control is a must.

2- I’m considering a Wiim Ultra to get a USB out port @ 32/384 (vs 24/192 out via coax of Wiim Pro Plus) to connect to the external DAC.

3- What function would purchasing a preamp serve? I’m mostly concerned about remote volume control, but I’ve read that impedance matching is important.

Does the equipment I have mesh up even if I presumably use the streamer to change volume? (I’m fuzzy on this, is impedence effected? Gain structures too low for reasonably good sonics, etc?)

 

[TheSonic]

Am I on the right track? I will surely upgrade as I go. The thinking behind separates is that I can replace pieces if I see a deal, get the itch or something bricks itself.

 

[kyuu]

I'm curious what the purpose of the Fiio K11 R2R is since you've already got a perfectly good DAC in the Wiim Pro Plus.

 

[Rednaxela]

Have you done a forum search on R2R?

I'm not an expert but it's generally not seen here as the best a man can get.

Fiio K11 R2R vs. SMSL DO100 Pro?

I currently use an SMSL DO100 Pro as my DAC and am thinking of adding a Fiio K11 R2R specifically for music. I recently tried a turntable in my system and enjoyed the sound of vinyl. I'm hoping an R2R DAC will get me closer to that presentation. I'm having a little trouble with my DAC sounding...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[kemmler3D]

Agree that the fiio is pretty redundant here, but if you want to use it you can connect it via optical.

 

[TheSonic]

I'm curious what the purpose of the Fiio K11 R2R is since you've already got a perfectly good DAC in the Wiim Pro Plus.

There’s an annoying ringing or something of the sort. I’m running a WiiM Pro Plus direct via Blue Jeans RCA to V3 Monos. I tried adjusting the EQ in the WiiM, the various processing settings (fast/slow, NOS) and it still reminds me of a cheap brass bell glaring through the reproduction.

I’ve spent some time now with the K11 R2R via Optical out on the WiiM Pro Plus. The ringing is gone but it’s not as finessed in the highs and bloated in the lows. Overall somewhat “mixed up” sounding too.

Almost reminds me of my cheap Yamaha AVR receiver where there’s less distinction in staging, transients are lost, just more of a lo-fi sound (stage width and height also contracted). Perhaps some is to blame on the Optical out of the WiiM?

I’m fairly confident this budget R2R isn’t for me. I ordered a WiiM Ultra. I’m hoping this will improve things. Next step is better amps.

 

[kyuu]

Oh. You can do what you want with your setup, but just fair warning this isn't that kind of audio forum.

 

[wadude]

Sorry to hear you’re not enjoying the Pro Plus. I had mine hooked up directly to a Buckeye amp through RCAs and it sounded fantastic. If you use AirPlay you may want to check if that feature is available on the Ultra, or other WiiM products you are interested in.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
You'll get a lot of similar advice here: the WiiM Pro Plus is an excellent streamer with a really good DAC. You won't get anything that sounds better (plenty will measure better, but the improvement will not be audible).

No worries if you swap the Pro Plus for a WiiM Ultra - different features which you may appreciate. No improvement in sound.

No need for an external DAC. No need for a preamp (unless you need more inputs).

Take some time to consider this. I deliberately put it quite bluntly. Think about why most people here will say something similar.

You won't change the sound by changing electronics.
Obviously, if you use the WiiMs room correction or PEQ features (and you should experiment) then that will change the sound.

Relax with your new gear, enjoy the music.
If you still want changes then start looking at your speakers and room positioning etc

 

[TheSonic]

I appreciate that this forum is based around what is scientifically measurable and was hoping there might be some technological insight given why the ringing/harsh tonality is only present when V3 monos and Pro Plus are together. For instance, the AVR Yamaha and Pro Plus, tube amp and Pro Plus, or Pro Plus-optical-K11 R2R and V3 Mono all were without this specific issue.

Of course seeking that answer would have to allow for the possibility that such a condition to arise out of the tech itself. Or perhaps just a greater understanding of combinations or wherefrom ringing in D class/digital streaming tends to originate? Unless of course this has never been anyone else’s experience in hifi and I just have a unique combo of equipment and drivers or a defective product.

 

[JeremyFife]

It's a fair question, and one I don't think I can answer.

In general terms, streaming via a WiiM into class D works well. That suggests something about your specific system.

I did have one thought: what power supply do you have for the Fosi's? Is it the shared unit - which Fosi later provided a filter for.

Otherwise I'll leave it to other members more experienced in tracking down faults.

Good luck

 

[TheSonic]

It is the shared unit 48v/10a with a filter.