Hi how can i connect subwoofers to my plan setup without using the sub out on the wiim ultra streamer?

[J84]

I was told in another forum it's better to get a sub that has a XLR in and XLR out for my plan setup.


I want to only use the wiim ultra as a streamer. I want to control the volume using a external DAC . The external DAC has a preamp.

I hear if the subs is connected to the sub out on the wiim ultra, i will have to use the wiim ultra to control the volume of the subs because the volume control of the subs is different from the setup?

if the subs are connected to the sub out on the wiim ultra will it affect the music? I want to bypass the DAC in the wiim ultra

Set up - streamer - wiim ultra, dac - E70 velvet, power amp - 2× topping B200, speaker - wharfedale linton,

subs - was supposed to be 2 × sb2000pro

someone said this - E70 can use XLR and RCA outputs at the same time. XLR to B200, RCA to sub.

Will doing the RCA to sub affect the music?

Or is it best I look for subs that has a XLR in and XLR out? It's seems only the sb4000 and above that have XLR in and XLR out.

 

[Mort]

if the subs are connected to the sub out on the wiim ultra will it affect the music? I want to bypass the DAC in the wiim ultra

I saw this on Reddit. You can't use the wiim subwoofer and bypass the DAC. Also the E70 is not adding anything but an additional volume control for the mains.

No the RCA will not affect the subs but you'll be sending the full signal to the sub which will sound terrible.

 

[MarkS]

I was told in another forum it's better to get a sub that has a XLR in and XLR out for my plan setup.

This offers theoretical advantages only, nothing you will actually be able to hear.

I want to only use the wiim ultra as a streamer. I want to control the volume using a external DAC . The external DAC has a preamp.

Why? Again, this will not improve the sound in a way that any human can actually hear.

I hear if the subs is connected to the sub out on the wiim ultra, i will have to use the wiim ultra to control the volume of the subs because the volume control of the subs is different from the setup?

Yes.

Or is it best I look for subs that has a XLR in and XLR out? It's seems only the sb4000 and above that have XLR in and XLR out.

It's best to give up the notion that you need to use XLR connections. If the Wimm has room correction (I believe it does ...), that will give you the best sound.

 

[J84]

I saw this on Reddit. You can't use the wiim subwoofer and bypass the DAC. Also the E70 is not adding anything but an additional volume control for the mains.

Thanks. Will doing a E70 XLR to B200, then RCA to subs like affect the music?

 

[Mort]

Thanks. Will doing a E70 XLR to B200, then RCA to subs like affect the music?

Yeah I edited my post to say that will sound terrible not because of XLR vs RCA but because you'll be sending the full range signal to the subs. You need bass management.

 

[J84]

This offers theoretical advantages only, nothing you will actually be able to hear.

Why? Again, this will not improve the sound in a way that any human can actually hear.

Yes.

It's best to give up the notion that you need to use XLR connections. If the Wimm has room correction (I believe it does ...), that will give you the best sound.

Thanks. I want to bypass the DAC inside the wiim ultra. I want to use the E70 DAC

 

[MarkS]

Why? It will not improve the sound.

 

[J84]

Yeah I edited my post to say that will sound terrible not because of XLR vs RCA but because you'll be sending the full range signal to the subs. You need bass management.

Oh thanks. What about subs with XLR in and XLR out? Will it also sound terrible?

I think the KH750 DSP has a XLR in and XLR out

 

[J84]

Why? It will not improve the sound.

Some are saying they can hear a difference using a external DAC with the wiim ultra.

 

[Mort]

Oh thanks. What about subs with XLR in and XLR out? Will it also sound terrible?

I think the KH750 DSP has a XLR in and XLR out

No sorry. It's the same issue.

The right way to use subs is to somehow limit the frequencies. You have to do this with bass management which can be simple or complex. The E70 it's just the wrong tool to use with a subwoofer.

I hear that you are attached to the E70 and it's a fine device but it's not going to work with a sub unless you put a third device after the E70. It would be pointless however

 

[J84]

No sorry. It's the same issue.

The right way to use subs is to somehow limit the frequencies. You have to do this with bass management which can be simple or complex. The E70 it's just the wrong tool to use with a subwoofer.

I hear that you are attached to the E70 and it's a fine device but it's not going to work with a sub unless you put a third device after the E70. It would be pointless however

Thanks. Can you recommend me a right tool use with a sub like sb2000pro?

 

[Mort]

Thanks. Can you recommend me a right tool use with a sub like sb2000pro?

There are lots. If you don't like the Wiim sub out, many including me like various minidsp devices. Ddrc-24, flex and a few more.

 

[MarkS]

Some are saying they can hear a difference using a external DAC with the wiim ultra.

Audiophiles say all sorts of nonsense. Here at ASR, we believe such claims if and only if they are confirmed with carefully controlled blind listening tests. Which they never are.

 

[JeremyFife]

Just use the WiiM Ultra, you can't improve audibly on its DAC and it has subwoofer management. Don't worry about xlr/rca.

Alternatively, I agree with Mort that a miniDSP product is the way to go.

It's hard to let go of some of this 'received wisdom' but let it go.

 

[J84]

There are lots. If you don't like the Wiim sub out, many including me like various minidsp devices. Ddrc-24, flex and a few more.

Thanks

 

[Mort]

Some are saying they can hear a difference using a external DAC with the wiim ultra.

Not because of transparency or fidelity. Wiim DAC is great, really.
There are other reasons to skip the Wiim DAC however. For instance, having two subs and wanting to control them independently

 

[voodooless]

Just use the WiiM Ultra, you can't improve audibly on its DAC and it has subwoofer management. Don't worry about xlr/rca.

The thing is that the B200 probably does not have enough gain to play at full volume when conected single ended. 22 dB is not enough.

Simple solution is to just get the WiiM Amp Ultra, and not to worry about anything else

 

[voodooless]

I think the KH750 DSP has a XLR in and XLR out

It’s a DSP sub, so any sound will be digitized, processed and output via its internal DACs. Sure you could do that, but that’s a lot of trouble, and not needed, since the WiiM can do the bass management. Coincidentally the KH sub can also be connected digitally. That would skip one transformation. You could conceivably use this thing instead of the DAC, but I would not recommend it.

 

[Mort]

The thing is that the B200 probably does not have enough gain to play at full volume when conected single ended. 22 dB is not enough.

Good point. That much gain may not be needed though, right? Still, I like to get full capability myself, so I have a 5v DAC after my Wiim Ultra.

It’s a DSP sub

To the OP, this reminds me that DSP subs would be a potential way to use your E70 for a 2.2 setup. It would be a pain and go in the face of everything recommended for convenience and efficacy, but it's possible to get it to work.

 

[voodooless]

Good point. That much gain may not be needed though, right?

It will only drive the amp to about 24V. Is has a 60V supply, so clearly there is quite a bit missing.