How to limit volume in a NC252 / Wiim setup?

[intrance]

Hi!
I consider pairing a NC252 with a Wiim Pro Plus. I'm worried, though, that the Wiim might accidentally fall back to full volume damaging my speakers (Dali Rubicon 5) and my hearing. Is this a valid concern? And if so, how to avoid this? I was considering a pre-amp, but many of them don't seem to have a physical volume control either?
Thanks a lot for any help!

 

[StefanSweden]

Bluesound Node has a limiter in the app. Perhaps Wiim has this to?

 

[intrance]

Yes, I believe it has - I'm just worried that e.g., after a power outage it might forget about it. Am I overly fearful?

 

[somebodyelse]

If you're that worried then get some inline attenuators to limit the maximum.

 

[Boredcarrot]

It is supposed to be usable as a preamp, so I don't think you should have a problem. Mine has never "reset" to full volume even after disconnecting from power. You could always check your volume before playing your source, too, which is a good habit anyway.

 

[Boredcarrot]

Actually I run my WiiM pro plus into my Toppng DX5II DAC (better DAC than the WiiM, anyway) then into my power amp, using the Topping as my preamp. It has a physical volume knob. Wayyyy cheaper than most preamp options, and better too, IMO.

 

[Multicore]

Leaning to trust your equipment is best accomplished through practice. The catcher in baseball has to trust the equipment. When I handle big crazy shelter dogs I have to trust my leash. Driving a car would be hard if you don't trust the brake pedal to do its job.

In the case of your hearing, don't worry because you'll be able to power off the system before damage can occur. As for the speakers, practice with something less expensive , running through every "fall back" scenario you can imagine several times. Learn to trust the equipment.

WiiM Pro Plus is good stuff. I would rather live dangerously(*) than add superfluous gear as a volume control after it.

(*) We'll be cliff paragliding next. Living on the edge.

 

[staticV3]

Hi!
I consider pairing a NC252 with a Wiim Pro Plus. I'm worried, though, that the Wiim might accidentally fall back to full volume damaging my speakers (Dali Rubicon 5) and my hearing. Is this a valid concern?

FWIW, I have yet to hear of a single case where WiiM volume reset by itself.

And if so, how to avoid this?

Connect an attenuator (e.g. Behringer Monitor1) or Preamp (e.g. Topping L30II) between WiiM and Amp.

Though from what I've heard, this is not necessary.

Edit:
Another option is to buy a Hypex Amp that includes configurable gain (L/M/H).

Set it to something low like 12dB and full output out of the WiiM may not even be all that loud.

That way, you wouldn't need an extra attenuator. Volume would be inherently limited.

 

[JeremyFife]

Do you use the WiiM trigger to turn on your amps?

If you do then you probably 'trusting' or adding physical attenuators.
If not then just turn on the WiiM and check volume settings before you turn on the amps. That's good practice anyway.

 

[JayGilb]

You could put an inline slow blow fuse between your amp and speaker.

 

[Multicore]

How about... get a WiiM Mini instead and a Yamaha A-Sn01 integrated amp and plastic optical cable to connect them. Perfect for those who use both speakers and headphones.

 

[Extreme_Boky]

I'm worried, though, that the Wiim might accidentally fall back to full volume damaging my speakers (Dali Rubicon 5) and my hearing. Is this a valid concern?

Check the spec sheet. The voltage gain of the unbuffered circuit is 12dB, which should be sufficient. Page 7 explains how to bypass the gain stage. Just ensure that your source and the interconnect cables are suitable for driving the low "unbuffered" impedance - table 3.5

 

[Andsaku]

Hi!
I consider pairing a NC252 with a Wiim Pro Plus. I'm worried, though, that the Wiim might accidentally fall back to full volume damaging my speakers (Dali Rubicon 5) and my hearing. Is this a valid concern? And if so, how to avoid this? I was considering a pre-amp, but many of them don't seem to have a physical volume control either?
Thanks a lot for any help!

Wiim app has line output level setting, from 200mV to 2V. Just try to decrease from default 1V to 600mV or limit max volume from 100% to 60% in app.

https://www.wiimhome.com/langPdf/en/WiiM Pro Plus UM.pdf page 53-54

 

[Rit]

I had the same concern with the WiiM and a Buckeye/ Purifi amp, using the limiting feature for six months now no issues.

 

[Ropeburn]

If you really don't trust the Wiim limiting feature, the easiest and cheapest versatile method is a passive volume controller. Just get one from your local pro audio supplier, many models available and often 2-3 switchable inputs too, even on the cheap ones. Expensive "hifi" ones aren't worth the money for a simple limiting job.