PlayStation 5 + SMSL SU1 vs Wiim Pro - what offers better audio quality?

[sensite]

Hello everyone,
I’m trying to decide which setup would give me the best possible sound quality in my system, and I’d appreciate your technical input.

My system:
Amplifier: Yamaha RS-700
Bookshelf speakers: Dynaudio Excite X12
Subwoofer: Klipsch Synergy Sub 10
Music source: Apple Music

I’m considering two different ways to stream music:

PlayStation 5 + SMSL SU-1
- PS5 used as a streamer running Apple Music
- USB out to SMSL SU-1 DAC
- Analog out to the Yamaha RS-700

Wiim Pro (no external DAC)
- Streaming Apple Music directly on the Wiim Pro
- Using only the Wiim Pro’s internal DAC into the Yamaha

My main questions are:
From a pure audio quality perspective, which option is likely to be better?

Is the PS5 + external DAC inherently superior to using the Wiim Pro’s internal DAC?

Are there any limitations with using a PS5 as a music streamer that could affect audio quality?

I’m mostly listening to lossless Apple Music, with rock, electronic, and acoustic music.

 

[kyuu]

There's unlikely to be any audible sound quality difference between the two setups. The SMSL SU-1 technically has a better DAC than the Wiim Pro, but nothing that's going to make an audible difference. I would go with whatever setup is more convenient and/or cost-effective for you and just enjoy the music.

 

[oleg87]

The main issue I see with the PS5 is that (at least mine) is rather noisy even just sitting there idle. Not really something I love in my listening area.

 

[staticV3]

From a pure audio quality perspective, which option is likely to be better?

The WiiM Pro, as it enables loudspeaker correction and taming room modes, both of which dwarf the effect that more SINAD can achieve.

 

[kyuu]

The WiiM Pro, as it enables loudspeaker correction and room correction.

I did forget about this aspect: EQ and room correction are much more important considerations than the SINAD of the DAC (assuming it isn't in broken territory).

 

[meesbaker]

You cant stream Apple Music directly on the wiim as far as I know. There is no in app support in the wiim app you have to basically stream from the phone and airplay to it.

 

[tccalvin]

I would advise against using the PS5 as an audio source via USB.

From what I know, the USB output of the PS5 is limited to UAC1, 16bit, 48kHz.

My PS5 setup uses an ASTRO HDMI-to-Optical splitter in order to preserve the full 24bits. Even then, I believe the sample rate is fixed to 48kHz.

I would lean towards the WiiM since it can output bit-perfect audio. If you could pair it with an external DAC I think it would offer the best performance possible.

 

[Pecrobet]

There's unlikely to be any audible sound quality difference between the two setups. The SMSL SU-1 technically has a better DAC than the Wiim Pro, but nothing that's going to make an audible difference. I would go with whatever setup is more convenient and/or cost-effective for you and just enjoy the music.

Agreed! It's always best for you to experience both and determine which one you prefer. We all have personal preferences. I would recommend buying both to see which one you like better and return the other one.