Help setting up my system

[Discharge]

I'm still very new to this so I was hoping for some advice on how should I run Mordaunt-Short Performance 9 sub, Mumsys e406, Mumsys 2860 plus, Wiim Ultra, KEF 105/3, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable, Cambridge Audio CXC Series 2 CD Transport.

I'm not sure if I should use the Wiim Ultra sub-out or go via the 2860 pre?

 

[dtaylo1066]

I am not sure why you need the C-2860. You can use the WiiM as a remote controlled preamp and send a summed RCA Sub Out to the Performance 9 line in, and send a RCA Line Out L&R to the E-406 and eliminate a piece of gear and some cables. Also, you can adjust the sub out signal and x-over frequency via the WiiM app

In your diagram the WiiM is being used as a dac/preamp without volume as you are sending a fixed RCA out to a preamp. I would eliminate the redundancies, as you have no need for two preamps.

The WiiM is a capable and transparant preamp.

 

[Redacted]

You'll get several conflicting viewpoints, but to me your diagram looks fine, showing your amp pre-outs going into your sub is the key thing. Unless you have clever tools to measure responses, you're going to have to blend the sub in with the mains by using stepped bass tones from a file and gauging by ear how to get a flattish response overall. Your sub has plenty of control over volume and XO point. Start off by looking up the -3dB point of your mains and set that as the rolloff point on the sub. It won't be right at first as rolloffs rates vary, so could get humps or suckouts in the bass response around that frequency. Don't fall into the trap of dialing in too much sub volume. Try some test music files that feature low synth bass or bass guitar or low organ sounds, depending your taste. Low E on a bass is ~43Hz. You'll notice 'boominess' quite easily if haven't blended well, but some rooms are worse then others!

It took me three days to get my speakers and subs setup (by endless manual rinse and repeat).

 

[staticV3]

I'm not sure if I should use the Wiim Ultra sub-out or go via the 2860 pre?

If you want to control volume with the 2860 pre, then the WiiM's Sub out is not an option. You need to use the 2860 Sub out.

If you only have the 2860 pre in your chain for the VU meters and don't actually use it for volume control, then you can use either the WiiM Sub out, or the 2860 Sub out (though personally I'd use the WiiM).

Speaking of, personally I'd remove the 2860 altogether and plug the WiiM Pre out directly into the e406.

 

[Discharge]

Hmm well ive already bought the 2860 pre, I had it in my mind that I would just use the Wiim as a streamer/dac/phono and then at a later point get a dedicated phono stage / preamp via the 2860?

Is there nothing that the 2860 does better than the Ultra?

I'm probably going into the audiophile realm again so correct me if i'm wrong but my understanding is that A designs inherently introduce low-level, even-order harmonic distortion which rounds off sharp transients? This sounds like something which would be audible to the human ear?

I bought into this as my ears are unusually sensitive to high pitched sounds, I can litterally hear bats it's that crazy.

Probably just threw £260 out the window by the sounds of things

 

[staticV3]

Is there nothing that the 2860 does better than the Ultra?

I can't think of a good reason to keep the 2860 besides aesthetics.

If you want to upgrade the phono stage at a later date, then it would still be best to route that through the WiiM to retain its adavanced room correction and sub integration suite.

So something like the miniDSP ADept or Parks Audio Waxwing would be ideal.

And for rounding off sharp transients, the WiiM's Parametric EQ is the ideal tool.

 

[Discharge]

Well i've bought it now and it should be here next week, so it might as well serve an aesthetic purpose rather than an expensive paperweight/something to stub my toe on

This keeps all sources inside the WiiM processing chain, including the turntable and CXC. The WiiM therefore retains volume control, RoomFit, per-source PEQ, crossover filtering and subwoofer level/time calibration I think:

 

[dtaylo1066]

It is not a huge thing one way or the other. You asked, we advised. You may want to listen to it both ways, and determine if you have a preference.

The WiiM phono preamp is OK, something like a Waxwing is superior, but costs more than the entire WiiM. You will need to adjust and dial in the phono input level.

The WiiM's EQ is quite good, even if you use the presets and, as you learn its EQ and room correction tools, it can make a significant difference. If you are as sensitive to noises as you indicate, you will find the EQ quite rewarding to deal with.

I run my WiiM Ultra directly into a Hypex-based amp. It sounds very good. I have yet to get a subwoofer, but will be in the months ahead. I like the fact I can control all aspecs of the WiiM from a remote or app, and I mostly listen via Tidal Connect.