HDMI Splitter and a DAC?

[mlg]

FIOS Gigabit Connection
Roku Ultra Streamer HDMI to
OREI Splitter
HDMI Video out connected to 10+ yr old Sony Bravia (content through Google TV)
OREI 2x RCA out connected to 15+ yr old LINN pre-amp/ADCOM Amp
15+ year old floor standing Allison speakers
Also have aging audiophile CD Player and BlueRay Player connected to the Linn

I don't want to replace my audiophile equipment because I cannot afford more than consumer grade at this time.
Biggest issue is a lack of newer input options on the Linn Amp. It only provides RCA inputs.
I watch some TV (Apple TV+, MAX, BBC, etc). The Bravia is excellent.

I listen to a wide variety of music which I stream through the ROKU Ultra via the HDMI splitter. VTuner mostly and a few other music services. I'm using my old LG V40 phone (wireless router signal), connected to the Linn for Qobuz and Tidal. The phone has an excellent DAC and produces good quality sound. It is so good that LG has somehow been forced out of the cellphone market.
The music I'm streaming through the Roku and splitter into my Audio system sounds full but a bit lacking in clarity. I'm wondering whether I should insert a DAC after the splitter before it's connected to the Linn Amp? And if so - would appreciate a few DAC recommendations directed toward increasing clarity.

I want to add that I have a smaller similar setup at the other end of the house. It is much newer and am listening to Vanatoo powered speakers with built in DACs. I am able to get more clarity through this.

Thanks a lot for reading this long description. And thanks again for suggestions.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @mlg! Welcome to ASR.

Adding a DAC alone is unlikely to affect sound quality significantly.
If you'd like to try regardless, then the SMSL SU-1 would be a good place to start.

The best way to improve sound quality and sound clarity would be to add EQ to your system.

Ideally, Parametric EQ combined with in-room frequency response measurements (HouseCurve iOS App/miniDSP UMIK-1/Micbooster EM258/...)

For adding EQ capabilities, the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus would be the way to go.

 

[Keith_W]

Welcome to ASR! The problem with "clarity" is that multiple phenomena can contribute towards lack of clarity. Here are a few examples:

- frequency response that is lacking treble
- too many reflections
- time alignment problem and phase issues
- resonances (both speaker cabinet resonances and things vibrating in your room, e.g. windows, furniture, etc)
- speaker distortion, dynamic compression
- high noise floor in the room

There can be no cure without a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, obtaining that diagnosis is difficult - you need to measure, and then you need to learn to interpret. We can help with the interpretation, but it is you who has to measure. It is not as simple as changing a DAC, I can guarantee that you will waste money and get no benefit. You will hear otherwise from other forums, you can choose who you want to believe

 

[mlg]

Hi @mlg! Welcome to ASR.

Adding a DAC alone is unlikely to affect sound quality significantly.
If you'd like to try regardless, then the SMSL SU-1 would be a good place to start.

The best way to improve sound quality and sound clarity would be to add EQ to your system.

Ideally, Parametric EQ combined with in-room frequency response measurements (HouseCurve iOS App/miniDSP UMIK-1/Micbooster EM258/...)

For adding EQ capabilities, the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus would be the way to go.

Hello,
Thanks very much for your recommendations and explanations. I just purchased the Wiim Pro Plus and will receive it Wednesday. I have one question:
Should I keep the splitter which separates the audio connected? If so, I can connect the splitter to the Wiim Pro Plus via RCA or Spdif. The connection to my Linn PreAmp would have to be RCA.

I was delighted to see that the Wiim Pro Plus streams VTuner. This means I don't need to use my Roku Ultra for the music I listen to a lot.

 

[staticV3]

Should I keep the splitter which separates the audio connected?

Yes.

Tha way you can stream music directly to the WiiM and watch movies through the Roku.

Both will be EQed by the WiiM.

 

[mlg]

Yes.

Tha way you can stream music directly to the WiiM and watch movies through the Roku.

Both will be EQed by the WiiM.

Just checking - the Wiim goes AFTER the splitter and directly into the preamp?
Thanks so much.

 

[staticV3]

Just checking - the Wiim goes AFTER the splitter and directly into the preamp?
Thanks so much.

Yup!

Roku->Splitter->TV and
Roku->Splitter->WiiM->Pre

If you'd like, you could even skip the Linn and plug the WiiM straight into the Adcom Amp.

The WiiM has preamp functionality and can be controlled via IR Remote (or the App).

 

[mlg]

The results are excellent! The Wiim Pro Plus noticeably improved detail in the music and "mud" is gone. I also find it so much smoother to access most of the music streams I listen to directly from the Wiim. Although I haven't yet tested the room, I did experiment a bit with the equalizer which I can see will be able to make subtle adjustments as needed.

The improvement - makes me wonder about the smaller unit I have at the other end of the house. This also has a Roku, HDMI splitter and the sound is connected to powered Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus speakers using an optical cable. According to Vanatoo these speakers have a built-in DAC and they do sound delightfully good for the price.
Are you, by any chance familiar with these Vanatoos and do you think they might benefit from another WIIM?
Once again, thanks so much for your help an your spot on suggestion.

 

[staticV3]

Are you, by any chance familiar with these Vanatoos and do you think they might benefit from another WIIM?

The T0+ uses DSP, which means that the internal DAC cannot be bypassed.

The best sound quality will be achieved using Toslink input, as this will at least bypass the internal ADC.

If you'd like to add a WiiM to that system as well, then I would stop at the WiiM Mini or at most the basic Pro.

Pro plus makes no sense here as you couldn't make good use of the upgraded DAC.

 

[mlg]

The results are excellent! The Wiim Pro Plus noticeably improved detail in the music and "mud" is gone. I also find it so much smoother to access most of the music streams I listen to directly from the Wiim. Although I haven't yet tested the room, I did experiment a bit with the equalizer which I can see will be able to make subtle adjustments as needed.

The improvement - smoothed out with noticeable increase in clarity, makes me wonder about the smaller unit I have at the other end of the house. This also has a Roku, HDMI splitter and the sound is directly connected to powered Vanatoo

 

[staticV3]

The results are excellent! The Wiim Pro Plus noticeably improved detail in the music and "mud" is gone. I also find it so much smoother to access most of the music streams I listen to directly from the Wiim. Although I haven't yet tested the room, I did experiment a bit with the equalizer which I can see will be able to make subtle adjustments as needed.

The improvement - smoothed out with noticeable increase in clarity, makes me wonder about the smaller unit I have at the other end of the house. This also has a Roku, HDMI splitter and the sound is directly connected to powered Vanatoo

Double post?