Wiim Ultra as Streamer Only --> RME ADI-2 FS DAC?

[David9323]

Hi, all.

I'm currently running ROON on an Intel NUC straight into an RME ADI-2 FS dac and then out via XLR to my monoblocks. I want to be able to run HDMI Out from my TV on my main system so I can take advantage of the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the TV. (I realize it's not surround on my 2.0 system, but the sound quality is definitely better with Atmos on than through the TOSlink out I'm currently using, which doesn't allow Dolby to pass through). The Wiim Ultra seems the perfect solution, but I imagine the RME is a better DAC than the Wiim Ultra's built-in DAC and would like to bypass it, using the Wiim as a streamer only.

Do I do this via the hardware or the software? That is, how do I make sure the signal is going straight into my RME ADI-2 without first going through the Wiim DAC?

Thanks!

 

[Greenman]

Hi, all.

I'm currently running ROON on an Intel NUC straight into an RME ADI-2 FS dac and then out via XLR to my monoblocks. I want to be able to run HDMI Out from my TV on my main system so I can take advantage of the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the TV. (I realize it's not surround on my 2.0 system, but the sound quality is definitely better with Atmos on than through the TOSlink out I'm currently using, which doesn't allow Dolby to pass through). The Wiim Ultra seems the perfect solution, but I imagine the RME is a better DAC than the Wiim Ultra's built-in DAC and would like to bypass it, using the Wiim as a streamer only.

Do I do this via the hardware or the software? That is, how do I make sure the signal is going straight into my RME ADI-2 without first going through the Wiim DAC?

Thanks!

I don’t have an ultra, but I think it’s just a matter of choosing the correct outputs on the Ultra. Analogue outputs have gone through the Ultra DAC (if via digital input). Digital outputs on the Ultra will not pass through the DAC

 

[TimW]

As far as I understand, the Wiim Ultra can accept Dolby Digital 5.1 but it can't decode Dolby Atmos.

I'm confused about why you think Dolby Atmos will sound better with your 2-channel system. Is there going to be some sort of processing applied by the TV?

A DAC is a Digital to Analog Converter. If you use the Analog outputs of the Wiim, you are using its DAC. If you use the Digital outputs of the Wiim (Optical, Coaxial, or USB) then you are not using its DAC because there is no conversion to analog taking place. You select which output you want and the output level in the Wiim app.

 

[David9323]

Thanks to both respondents. I understand now.

 

[Audiophilipp]

Just for anyone who is thinking about this option. I have both the Wiim Ultra and an ADI-2 FS. The Wiim ultra is connected via HDMI Arc to my LG G4 which works like a charm. Before I had the Adi Dac via optical cable directly connected to the TV and the sound quality was perfect, but the functionality with the adi remote lacked of comfort. The Wiim is just perfect in terms of usability but it lacks of sound quality. Now I have connected the Adi Dac via optical to the Wiim and to my surprise it manages the volume control through the optical connection. Now I have the best of both worlds, the sound is superp again and the volume control via HDMI arc. PEQ is used in Adi Dac and turned off in Wiim. Wonderful solution, but expensive. I would have preferred an all in one solution but the TV is wall mounted and all devices hide between the small gap between wall and TV. Just for anyone wondering the Adi is connected via XLR to a purifi et400a. Adi and purifi turn on via a 12v triggered plug.

 

[ahofer]

BTW, there is a plug-in for Roon that can control the volume on the ADI DAC.

rooADI - Device Volume Control for RME ADI-2 family DACs

Dear Roon users, with rooADI I provide a Device Volume Control from Roon for all DACs of the ADI-2 Family! The ADI-2 family of DACs from RME consists of ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro and ADI-2/4 Pro. Using one of these famous ADI-2 DACs with Roon the only disadvantage is that it did not offer Device...

community.roonlabs.com

Also, the SofaBaton remotes can be programmed for the RME controls.

I think your method of controlling the volume (WiiM optical —> ADI) may defeat the dynamic loudness on the ADI, but I’m not positive. It is level-sensitive, but I think it only responds to the ADI’s volume setting, not the digital input level. I could be wrong.

 

[MC_RME]

BTW, there is a plug-in for Roon that can control the volume on the ADI DAC.

rooADI - Device Volume Control for RME ADI-2 family DACs

Dear Roon users, with rooADI I provide a Device Volume Control from Roon for all DACs of the ADI-2 Family! The ADI-2 family of DACs from RME consists of ADI-2 DAC, ADI-2 Pro and ADI-2/4 Pro. Using one of these famous ADI-2 DACs with Roon the only disadvantage is that it did not offer Device...

community.roonlabs.com

Also, the SofaBaton remotes can be programmed for the RME controls.

I think your method of controlling the volume (WiiM optical —> ADI) may defeat the dynamic loudness on the ADI, but I’m not positive. It is level-sensitive, but I think it only responds to the ADI’s volume setting, not the digital input level. I could be wrong.

No, you are right. It depends on the volume set at the ADI.

 

[ahofer]

No, you are right. It depends on the volume set at the ADI.

Here's hoping you guys are working on that roon-ready streamer (with display out)....