NAD C399 internal DAC vs Wiim Pro Plus external DAC

[liviurosioara]

Hi,

I would like to seek for your advice on getting the best results. I own a NAD C399 (integrated DAC) and a Wiim Pro Plus streamer. I am wondering in what combination will I get in theory the best possible sound.

Option 1: NAD C399 with Wiim Pro Plus connected via digital (Toslink) and using the internal DAC of NAD C399 - for this case I did not see any available measures that test the NAD C399 DAC performance, but there were measurements for NAD M33 which gave 108 SINAD.

Option 2: NAD C399 with Wiim Prop Plus connected via analog line-in (analog bypass on), meaning using the Wiim's DAC. The measurements of Wiim Pro Plus DAC gave 114 SINAD (excellent)

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Grotti]

Neither 108 nor 114 dB SINAD would probably be distinguishable in a proper level-matched blind test. Since you are able to compare the two setups, you could easily find out, which one you prefer...

 

[Antlestxp]

Why use the wiim when the Nad can stream natively?

 

[SMc]

Why use the wiim when the Nad can stream natively?

Other features? I didn’t notice eq or room correction mentioned in the NAD’s description.

 

[Antlestxp]

Other features? I didn’t notice eq or room correction mentioned in the NAD’s description.

Nad uses dirac, one of the best room correction systems you can get

 

[SMc]

Nad uses dirac, one of the best room correction systems you can get

The OP already has a Wiim but didn’t mention the MDC2 add-on necessary to use Dirac.

 

[Antlestxp]

The OP already has a Wiim but didn’t mention the MDC2 add-on necessary to use Dirac.

it was a question for OP. I was not asking for opinion since you are not the one using the equipment. I can guess on my own.

 

[liviurosioara]

I already had a Wiim Mini before buying the NAD C399 and I kept using it via optical, it was simple and also great. I don't like so much room correction so I could not justify spending extra 5-600 euro for the MDC2 add-on, plus it doesn't support Amazon Music.

I upgraded to Wiim Pro Plus, I tested a Topping DAC and finally the Eversolo DMP-A8. To me the last one (connected via line in, analog bypass) sounds significantly better and warmer compared to NAD's internal DAC. Also the Topping D70 Pro Sabre is great.

 

[Antlestxp]

I already had a Wiim Mini before buying the NAD C399 and I kept using it via optical, it was simple and also great. I don't like so much room correction so I could not justify spending extra 5-600 euro for the MDC2 add-on, plus it doesn't support Amazon Music.

I upgraded to Wiim Pro Plus, I tested a Topping DAC and finally the Eversolo DMP-A8. To me the last one (connected via line in, analog bypass) sounds significantly better and warmer compared to NAD's internal DAC. Also the Topping D70 Pro Sabre is great.

Thanks for the response! I purchased my c399 not knowing you could order it without the module. The local nad dealer seems to pop modules in everything they sell.