Stereo build - Preamp recommendation

[vilarn]

Hi guys,

So I currently have the following hardware on my build, need a preamp recommendation to complete it.

Source: AT-LP5X with VM95ML
Wiim Pro (can be replaced, as I feel the sound quality seems to be lacking, or it could just be my current amp (NAD C316BEE v1).

Wharfedale Super Linton
AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S250NC (ordered)
ifi Zen Phono 3

What other hardware do I need to complete my build? Thank you for your time.

 

[Rednaxela]

Welcome!

From your opening post it is unclear to me what sort of 'completing' you seek? Could you perhaps elaborate?

 

[vilarn]

Hi! Yes, sorry for not being clear.

So from my understanding I need at least a preamp with a volume control.

But if I would be to replace the wiim pro, would it better to get a streamer with a preamp?

Edit: So I guess what i am really asking is what kind of preamp should I get that would be able to play my turn table and also stream spotify.

 

[Rednaxela]

Thanks.

In what way does your current WiiM not meet these requirements?

 

[vilarn]

Thanks.

In what way does your current WiiM not meet these requirements?

I can't quite put a finger to it. It could just be the source is low quality or my setting isn't right. I mainly use spotify.

But irregardless, I will still require a preamp if I were to use back the Wiim pro?

Wiim pro - preamp - audiophonic AP300

followed by another set up for the turntable

LP5X - ifi zen phono - preamp - audiophonic AP300

am i understanding it right? Thanks

 

[Rednaxela]

There must be something I am terribly overlooking, but what prevents you from running the TT stuff through the WiiM and use it as the ‘preamp’ for everything?

Is it a perceived lack of sound quality?

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, that sounds like a nice system

I assume that you know that the WiiM Pro is a streaming DAC / pre-amp already? It has input switching and volume control.

What are you looking for? What features or functionality do you think you are missing?
Some people like the idea of a physical volume knob (I thought I did, until I realised I just use the remote!) which is fine if that's what you want personally.

A preamp is only needed if you need more inputs (doesn't sound like you do) or you want to boost the input signals to your power amp (again, I don't think you need that). Or, if you just want one for no good reason - it's your system after all.

Options as I see it;
#1 Stick with the WiiM Pro => Audiophonics, be happy
#2 Sell the WiiM Pro and the Zen, get a WiiM Ultra (phono stage + volume knob) with the advantage of a better DAC and much better ADC
#3 Consider a headphone amp with balanced output, like the Topping L70: WiiM Pro => L70 => Audiophonics

Advantage of #3 is that you get a good headphone amp if you ever want that, plus you drive your power amp with a balanced signal (nice to have, rather than any real practical benefit).

Personally, I'd go #1 (or #2 if I needed that knob).

Whatever you do, keep the turntable routed into a WiiM so that you get the option for room correction / PEQ - that's where your sound quality improvement comes from.
Also, good practice, get used to turning the WiiM on before you turn on the power amp - that way you can check that the volume level is as you expect and there are no nasty (full volume) surprises. You can set a max volume limit in the WiiM if you want that extra safety control.

Don't overthink, enjoy your music

 

[Mikig]

if you want to keep the Wiim Pro, you can use the analog input it has and combine it with a phono preamp for turntables. Otherwise you can opt for a preamp that has a turntable input. You can find all kinds, new, and even used. If you like the idea, you can also get some old glories at a good price.

 

[vilarn]

Wow thank you all for all the replies. It actually answers and led me to know what I need now.

I bought the wiim pro mainly as a streamer, so was completely unaware of its compatibilities such as input switching and volume control (I just use my integrated amp that I have now). Silly me.

How is the wiim room correction, should I be looking trying to incorporate Dirac Live or other kind into my system?

From my understanding the wiim pro DAC chipset is pretty entry level? I am not sure if I am happy with the overall sound quality of it, or just me just having a placebo effect. So with that being said, upgrading the DAC is there 2 ways?
1) wiim ultra
2) dedicated dac and reuse wiim pro

Thanks you all for your kind guidance. Learning alot here

 

[JeremyFife]

Wow thank you all for all the replies. It actually answers and led me to know what I need now.

I bought the wiim pro mainly as a streamer, so was completely unaware of its compatibilities such as input switching and volume control (I just use my integrated amp that I have now). Silly me.

How is the wiim room correction, should I be looking trying to incorporate Dirac Live or other kind into my system?

From my understanding the wiim pro DAC chipset is pretty entry level? I am not sure if I am happy with the overall sound quality of it, or just me just having a placebo effect. So with that being said, upgrading the DAC is there 2 ways?
1) wiim ultra
2) dedicated dac and reuse wiim pro

Thanks you all for your kind guidance. Learning alot here

Hi,
The WiiM's room correction is not bad - dependant on the mic in your phone unless you use a dedicate measurement mic. I've seen a range of comments saying it's pretty good to less useful. Remember that you can manually adjust what it comes up with (PEQ) and that you can be led by what you like the sound of. Be wary of adjustments above ~ 400/500 Hz (Schroeder frequency) and don't hesitate to post your findings here and ask for advice.

Have a go with the WiiM room correction first. Dirac adds extra complexity and equipment and cost and a learning curve.

The DAC (and the ADC) in the WiiM Pro is a bit basic. However, there is a huge difference between measurable differences and audible differences. It is quite likely that you will not hear an improvement by upgrading (especially with vinyl, that's just a sad fact).
It is *very* (very!) likely that any dissatisfaction you feel is entirely placebo. That's a tough one to work your way out of though.

I'd suggest that you don't make changes quickly. Get used to your new system (Zen => WiiM Pro => Audiophonics) and play around with room correction and PEQ adjustments. Listen to a lot of music, vinyl and streaming. Our brains hang on to old prejudices and perceptions and it takes time to adjust to the new and let go of the old.
You have a learning curve anyway if you are going to experiment with room correction.

Both units are reviewed and measured here, take some time to understand what is being said;

WiiM Pro

WiiM Pro - Review & Measurements (Streamer)

WiiM Pro - Review & Measurements Hey folks, It is time for my first review of 2023... This one is about a complete objective analysis of the new WiiM Pro streamer. The aforementioned has been recently announced, back in November 2022, and I can see quite a strong hype around it since. That...

audiosciencereview.com

Wiim Ultra

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[vilarn]

Couple more questions.

As an android user I have always used Spotify as my go to, but just realised that I can actually use apple music on the android and it has loseless quality.

Is apple music the best option?

Secondly, I think I will be keep the wiim pro for the timebeing, and i read that getting an external dac can improve things. What external dac would be suitable?

 

[ZolaIII]

Couple more questions.

As an android user I have always used Spotify as my go to, but just realised that I can actually use apple music on the android and it has loseless quality.

Is apple music the best option?

Secondly, I think I will be keep the wiim pro for the timebeing, and i read that getting an external dac can improve things. What external dac would be suitable?

Tidal still and trough Roon ready streamer but it's not cheap all together. Any DAC with optical Toslink input. All do not great WiiM's Pro DAC will really be fine for feeding power amplifier.
Edit: get Fosi phono preamp instead of Ifi.

Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio Box X5 stereo Phono stage. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $109.99. Company manages to bring a touch of class in a category that is universally utilitarian with those rounded corners and orange power button. Flexibility...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
I'd suggest that you pick your streaming service based on the content it offers, any features you like (Spotify has a good recommendation algorithm, although that might not be what you want) and user experience.
It's unlikely that we can hear the difference between 320 kbps and lossless. Evidence is inconclusive, at best.
Consider 'hi res' as a bonus if it comes with the service you like best.

As for a DAC, pick the features you want/need and look at the reviews here (review index, recommended). Don't overpay.
Fosi, SMSL, Topping are all nice.

Don't be surprised if there's no real improvement