Wiim Ultra + Crown XLS1002 + Klipsch RP-600M II — noticeable gains with new amp/DAC?

[serag4fx]

Hey everyone! Happy Black Friday season!

I’m hoping to get some advice from the audio‑savvy folks here

With all the deals popping up, I’m wondering if it’s worth upgrading part of my setup — specifically the amp — or if the difference won’t really be noticeable. My system is a small 5.1.2 Atmos setup, but I’m mainly focused on the streaming side.

Here’s what I’m currently running:

• Wiim Ultra (RCA analog out)
• ART CLEANBox Pro (RCA to XLR converter — I use it because with RCA input I had to raise the gain and could hear hiss from the speakers. With the converter, I can get up to ~85dB at around 11 o’clock on the amp with no hiss.)
• Crown XLS1002 Class D DriveCore amp
• Klipsch RP-600M II speakers
• Klipsch RP-1000SW subwoofer

I’m honestly pretty happy with the sound quality, but I keep hearing that the Crown amp isn’t the best when it comes to fidelity, especially with the gain conversion stage in play.

So I’ve got two questions:

1. Is the Crown really that bad ? Would I notice a clear difference with amps like the Wiim Vibelink, Fosi V3 Monos, Aiyima A20, or E3 A7?
2. Would adding a separate DAC with XLR outputs (like the Topping DX5 II) noticeably improve sound quality thanks to the better DAC chip?

If yes, I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Thanks in advance, and happy deal hunting ️

 

[staticV3]

Hi @serag4fx! Welcome to ASR.

I keep hearing that the Crown amp isn’t the best when it comes to fidelity, especially with the gain conversion stage in play.

If the Amp gets loud enough for your needs without clipping/triggering protection, and there's no audible hiss at your MLP, then nothing more can be gained by upgrading it.

Would adding a separate DAC with XLR outputs (like the Topping DX5 II) noticeably improve sound quality thanks to the better DAC chip?

The DAC chip inside the WiiM Ultra is completely transparent. In that sense, there are no better DAC chips on the market, and never will be.
You already have reached DAC nirvana.

Now it's best to focus on speakers, room treatment, and room correction.

 

[Jokke]

I see a Marantz in your picture.
You did not mention it?

 

[Roland68]

Hey everyone! Happy Black Friday season!

I’m hoping to get some advice from the audio‑savvy folks here

With all the deals popping up, I’m wondering if it’s worth upgrading part of my setup — specifically the amp — or if the difference won’t really be noticeable. My system is a small 5.1.2 Atmos setup, but I’m mainly focused on the streaming side.
View attachment 492163
Here’s what I’m currently running:

• Wiim Ultra (RCA analog out)
• ART CLEANBox Pro (RCA to XLR converter — I use it because with RCA input I had to raise the gain and could hear hiss from the speakers. With the converter, I can get up to ~85dB at around 11 o’clock on the amp with no hiss.)
• Crown XLS1002 Class D DriveCore amp
• Klipsch RP-600M II speakers
• Klipsch RP-1000SW subwoofer

I’m honestly pretty happy with the sound quality, but I keep hearing that the Crown amp isn’t the best when it comes to fidelity, especially with the gain conversion stage in play.

So I’ve got two questions:

1. Is the Crown really that bad ? Would I notice a clear difference with amps like the Wiim Vibelink, Fosi V3 Monos, Aiyima A20, or E3 A7?
2. Would adding a separate DAC with XLR outputs (like the Topping DX5 II) noticeably improve sound quality thanks to the better DAC chip?

If yes, I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Thanks in advance, and happy deal hunting ️

The Crown XLS1002 isn't really bad, but it's not good either, and its measured performance certainly isn't on par with your other components. You probably won't need that much power anyway.
The same applies to the ART CLEANBox Pro. It works well, but it's inexpensive and simply designed, and its measured values aren't top-notch.
In terms of measurement and performance, the 3e Audio A7 offers a really good price/performance ratio and can be operated directly on the Wiim Ultra via RCA. If you need more power, you'd have to look at Purifi/Hypex, but based on what you've written, that shouldn't be necessary. The DAC in the Wii Ultra definitely doesn't need an upgrade.

It won't be a night and day difference if you replace the two devices, but since the Klipsch speakers have a high efficiency and the Crown's measurements are significantly worse, especially in the lower power range, it should be audible.

 

[serag4fx]

Hi @serag4fx! Welcome to ASR.


If the Amp gets loud enough for your needs without clipping/triggering protection, and there's no audible hiss at your MLP, then nothing more can be gained by upgrading it.


The DAC chip inside the WiiM Ultra is completely transparent. In that sense, there are no better DAC chips on the market, and never will be.
You already have reached DAC nirvana.

Now it's best to focus on speakers, room treatment, and room correction.

Thanks for your input! I was hoping to get better quality and take advantage of the current Amazon sales, but I appreciate your response.

 

[serag4fx]

I see a Marantz in your picture.
You did not mention it?

Yeah, it’s the Cinema 70s. I’m mainly using it as a preamp, and the amp section is driving the other five speakers in my Atmos setup since I don’t usually watch movies loud enough to push it past its limits.

I also tried using it as an amp in Direct mode and in 2.1. It definitely has that warmth and classic Marantz flavor, but going directly from the WiiM to the Crown still gives noticeably better clarity.

 

[serag4fx]

The Crown XLS1002 isn't really bad, but it's not good either, and its measured performance certainly isn't on par with your other components. You probably won't need that much power anyway.
The same applies to the ART CLEANBox Pro. It works well, but it's inexpensive and simply designed, and its measured values aren't top-notch.
In terms of measurement and performance, the 3e Audio A7 offers a really good price/performance ratio and can be operated directly on the Wiim Ultra via RCA. If you need more power, you'd have to look at Purifi/Hypex, but based on what you've written, that shouldn't be necessary. The DAC in the Wii Ultra definitely doesn't need an upgrade.

It won't be a night and day difference if you replace the two devices, but since the Klipsch speakers have a high efficiency and the Crown's measurements are significantly worse, especially in the lower power range, it should be audible.

That’s exactly how I feel, and it’s why I asked in the first place. I know the Crown is reliable and gives better headroom, but between the amp not being great and using a simple “cheap fix” like the ART CleanBox for gain, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not getting the best out of my setup.

I’m already saving for better speakers, so I figured I’d ask whether I should just wait until I get them and enjoy what I have for now instead of going down the rabbit hole of small upgrades that don’t make a big difference.

 

[Luvchampagne]

I set up a similar system for my GF.
Crown xls1002
Revel F36
Apple airport express

The Art imho is the weak link.
I tested the F36 with an Adcom GFA555, XLS1002 and Elac DPA2.
Without the ART, I didn't have any issues. Although there were very slight audible differences between the amps, it was very slight. With and without the ART, much more obvious.
I do understand the need for the RCA to XLR conversion. The Crown XLS amps just don't like RCA inputs. I've run into that situation many times and every time the solution is to do that RCA to XLR conversion.
A suggestion would be Aphex 124A.
Can be found used on ebay for about the same price as your ART. Never had any issues with them.
Otherwise, it's a much more costly upgrade to a WIIM with balanced outs.