WiiM Ultra into separate preamp - good idea or not?

[unmutual]

I have bought the WiiM Ultra mainly for streaming and PEQ / bass management. I already have a Fosi P4 preamp.

I am worried about the risk of the Ultra playing at full volume accidentally if I go directly from the Ultra to the power amp.

What is the best setup? Keep the Fosi P4 in between or not?

 

[staticV3]

I have not heard of a WiiM product changing volume by itself.

Though if you're worried about fat fingering a touchscreen slider (that is easier done than turning a knob), then sure. Better to leave the Fosi in.

 

[Vincent Kars]

Not, no need for 2 pre-amps.
If you are really scared, get a passive attenuator like the Mackie Big Knob

 

[Audio Science Pal]

I have bought the WiiM Ultra ...

I've been using my Wiim Ultra connected directly to the big power amp for half a year now. Everything is good.

 

[SimonM]

Not, no need for 2 pre-amps.
If you are really scared, get a passive attenuator like the Mackie Big Knob

No need for an additional attenuator.

You have three choices:

a. Set the output to fixed (100%) and feed the output to your preamplifier input - behaves just like another input source e.g. a CD Player.
b. As above but set the output to 2V rms, 1V rms etc. using the attenuator built in to the WiiM. Alternatively set the output to less than 100%.
c. Disconnect your preamplifier output and use the amp input directly and use the WiiM to adjust the volume e.g. using the WiiM App etc.

WiiM recommend the first option. You also have all your other inputs available on main amplifier as well as the ones on the WiiM, if required. If you didn't need an attenuator when you used a CD player then you also won't need one to use the WiiM as another type of source.

If the other inputs to your amplifier are at a lower level then you can balance this using the second option.

The third option lets you use the WiiM App to control the volume e.g. without having to manually use the main amp volume or a remote however you loose the other inputs on your amp when the preamplifier is disconnected. If other inputs are now connected to the WiiM then your output possibilities are increased e.g. to devices your main amp may lack e.g. wireless headphones etc.

 

[wav3form]

I purchased a Wiim Ultra to replace my now defunct iFi Zen Stream (which I loved) and I'm running it into my McIntosh C2800 pre (with the DA2 DAC). I set the volume to 100% since I'm not using it as a preamp but I can see your concern. I'd be concerned too with a digital volume control... hell the encoder in my car randomly likes to go to 100% and always scares the crap out of me.