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Which system? Wiim Ultra or Wiim Pro Amp based or stay with Parasound?

kpmnd85

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Dec 28, 2024
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I’m looking at moving (would this be an upgrade?) from my Bluesound Node + Parasound Halo P5 preamp + Parasound A23 amp to a system based around either a Wiim Ultra or a Wiim Pro Amp.
Here are the other parts of the system:
- Kef LS50 Meta speakers
- SVS 1000 sub
- Pro-ject X2 turntable MM cartridge

System 1: Wiim Mini based. Swap the Bluesound Node (2022 version) with a Wiim Mini. Keep the Parasound Halo P5 preamp and A23 amp. Can the P5 preamp could be bettered on both the digital side as well as its built in turntable preamp? Hard to get apples-to-apples comparisons of the P5 vs. Wiim. Seems like the Wiim UI is an upgrade compared to Bluesound.

System 2: Wiim Pro Amp based. The Wiim Pro Amp would need a phono pre amp. Looking at either the Fosi Audio Box 5 or the Cambridge Duo phono preamp. This system would use the internal amps which have 100db of SINAD and 117 watts @ 4 ohms / 59 watts @ 8 ohms. Analog inputs @ 89db SINAD should be good enough for the turntable preamp. Total cost $379 for the Wiim Pro Amp and $150 for Fosi Box 5 Phono preamp. So $529 total.

System 3: Wiim Ultra based: The Wiim Ultra would need amp(s) (or I could use the A23 amps although I was looking forward to reducing physical system size (nice but not mandatory)). I could use two Fosi V3 mono blocks (2 x $126 = $252). Because the Ultra does not have XLR outputs, the best SINAD is 93db. Power is 240w @ 4 ohms and 120w @ 8 ohms. Seems to me that if the Ultra had XLR outputs, (and maybe a better phono preamp) the decision would more easily favor the Ultra over the other approaches. Total cost $329 + $252 so $581.

First decision: Do I make the jump from Parasound to Wiim Ultra or Amp Pro?
Second decision: Ultra or Pro Amp. Could most people notice a difference between a SINAD of 100 vs 93 db?

I’d welcome your thoughts.
 
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The Wiim Ultra gives so many options (vol control, phono input, sub control, DSP), I would go that route. Ultra plus amp(s) of your choice (Fosi V3 monos should work well) to start. You can see how the unbalanced route works at first. Then upgrade to a balanced DAC (e.g., Fosi ZD3) if you feel you are missing something.
 
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@Miercoles2022 Thanks for the suggestion. I hooked up the Ultra and Fosi V3 Monos. The system sounds very good and drives the combination of Kef LS50 Metas and sub. Still learning the Wiim app but it seems to be more intuitive than BluOS and combines the Preamp functionality onto your phone/tablet.
 
Awesome! I’m glad it’s working well for you. How do you feel it compares to your previous setup? I’m presuming (hoping) you like it more.
 
The sound is excellent and at least on par with the more expensive Parasound / Bluesound Node system. And it seems significantly more user friendly thanks to the WiiM Ultra.

I ended up abandoning trying to get Apple Music streaming in High Res and will move to Amazon Unlimited.
 
I am in kind of the same boat right now. Testing the Wiim Ultra and soon the Bluesound Nano Node. Considering ordering the Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2.

The Wiim sounds nice. I like that I can control everything from my phone. I like that it has EQ, room correction, and a 12v trigger. I do feel like it is a bit unrefined at times. It is a little better when running through an external DAC.

I am curious to see how the Bluesound Nano Node stacks up as a streamer to the Wiim Ultra.

The Eversolo is interesting to me as it appears to be an excellent streamer, DAC, and pre-amp. But the price tag is on the upper end of my budget, especially considering I still need to decide on an amp. I tried the Fosi V3 Mono with the ZD3 DAC. It was ok but I am returning it now. I kind of like the Topping B100 with E70 Velvet DAC. I am awaiting the arrival of a Topping PA7+ and E70 (ESS chip) to compare. If I got the Eversolo I would likely just use the internal DAC, at least until I am sure I can't get along with it. LOL.
 
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