Wiim Ultra vs Wiim Ultra + External Dac (Blind Test Results)

[GXAlan]

One of the criticisms/weaknesses of the group here is extreme bias that any sort of detectable difference in electronics is chalked up to poor controls or poor test conditions.

There was a whole thread where someone heard the difference between disc and file playback and the OP was criticized needlessly when reviewing the user manual pointed out that disc playback utilizes an upsampling/remastering algorithm and file playback via USB did not get upsampled.

We should be trying to figure out what possible scenarios could lead to these differences to be heard.

Here, if we look at the OP’s amplifier, it’s got a pretty low input impedance.

If the system uses capacitors for DC protection, and if the WiiM Ultra is going to the unbalanced TRS jack with only 4.7 kOhm of input impedance, that could lead to bass roll off compared to the D90 III which is running true balanced…

 

[solderdude]

After completing the test, I’m now faced with this dilemma: should I keep the Topping D90 III DAC, or return it and try a different DAC with a different technology (like the Denafrips Ares II) for another round of testing, purely for the fun of ‘chasing the perfect audio’?

When you are happy with the results and feel the test was valid you could keep the DAC.
When you have the funds and your friends will still be friends when you put them through the same wringer time and time again to 'very subtle and only noticeable in critical listening sessions' then by all means why stop here ?

Chasing the perfect audio, however IMHO, should not consist of picking DACs but picking recordings and above all transducers (in their circumstances).
A much bigger but more rewarding bees-nest when chasing perfect audio as the differences between competent DAC's are so small. Note... what's competent to person A may not be that for person B and not all DACs (or filters) are created equal.

I appreciate the effort even if it could be done a bit more scientific. This is REALLY hard to do 'correctly' b.t.w.

 

[Matt_Holland]

I've noticed that as well, but I don't think the responsibility rests entirely on one side. In my view, people could benefit a lot from recognizing when someone has more expertise on a subject and just listening, even if the person comes across as arrogant or patronizing. Most of the time, it's not intended that way - it's simply that they want to stay on topic and make their point efficiently. It's rarely meant to be insulting. I think too many people are overly sensitive and take things personally when they shouldn't.

I agree the responsibility should be on both sides and did point out the unfortunate way that the OP reacted.

On the whole ASR is a place of friendliness, learning and support, but this thread is not the best example that.

 

[davmol]

...
Me: On the same day, I did the test and only picked the Topping DAC 5 out of 10 times.
...
After completing the test, I’m now faced with this dilemma: should I keep the Topping D90 III DAC, or return it and try a different DAC with a different technology (like the Denafrips Ares II) for another round of testing, purely for the fun of ‘chasing the perfect audio’?

Going back to the original dilemma, given that you personally did not detect any difference at all, and it is an expensive DAC, I would return it. Still might be fun to try some other types of DAC, along with the improved controls, as long as you enjoy doing it.

 

[Mr.A]

might be fun to try some other types of DAC, along with the improved controls, as long as you enjoy doing it.

That’s exactly what I’m doing. The process of testing and experimenting is a significant part of what makes the hobby enjoyable for me.

 

[Brian Hall]

Still waiting for an explanation as to what the reasoning would be for the 50% probability that the WiiM’s volume level was higher, yet listeners still preferred the Topping DAC 72% of the time.

Simple. If the Wiim's volume was louder it would have been preferred by the majority.

 

[Lautreamont]

Simple. If the Wiim's volume was louder it would have been preferred by the majority.

Another variable is if the volume of the louder dac is above someone's preferred volume for listening to music, and the quieter dac more closely apporximates the volume level they prefer, they may pick the quieter dac and not realize why. I enjoy louder music, so I would prefer a louder dac, but my wife does not, and she might lean towards a quieter dac.

 

[Purité Audio]

Generally the louder unit is preferred and it only has to be the tiniest bit louder, why level matching is so important.
Keith

 

[Connor1a]

It's interesting how some people get upset or try to lecture you just for sharing a personal experience. In the end, I'm not trying to convince anyone or impose an opinion, just sharing what I've experienced. Everyone is free to draw their own conclusions, or not.

I’m new to this hobby as well. I found your experience valuable to read.