WiiM Ultra

[Evo42]

If the CXA80 supports a fully analog signal chain from Line in to Speaker out, then I would use the WiiM's excellent built-in DAC via Line out.

If the CXA80 digitizes analog inputs no matter what, then WiiM->Sub out->Sub and WiiM->Coax/Toslink out->CXA80 would be preferable.

Hmm good question will look into that, do you how I could find that out? Thanks!

No lately issues would arise afaik since the WiiM would serve as clock for both the Sub out and Mains out (no clock drift), and since the WiiM supports time-aligning Sub and Mains in its settings.

Great thanks

 

[staticV3]

Hmm good question will look into that, do you how I could find that out?

A sharp kink in the Analog in->Analog out frequency response is a tell-tale sign of digitization:


In each case, you can see how disabling digitization results in a much smoother high frequency roll-off.

The CXA80 has a Direct mode, which according to the manual "gives the audio signal a more direct path to the power amplifier".

If the CXA80 does tone controls digitally, then this setting would disable digitization.

If the CXA80 instead uses analog circuitry for tone controls, then it most likely never digitizes the analog inputs in the first place.

Direct mode then just bypasses this analog tone chip for slightly higher SNR.

 

[Evo42]

Interesting!

 

[staticV3]

Interesting!

In any case, I would recommend turning on Direct mode on your CXA80 and using the WiiM's onboard DAC via Line out, as well as the WiiM's DSP for sub integration and room correction.

Just keep in mind that then, you can no longer use the CXA80 for volume control. Volume on the CXA80 needs to be set once before room correction, then never touched again as that would disrupt the sub<->mains balance.

This also means that you should turn off the CXA80's Clipping function, which may change the Amp's volume without user input.

All this effectively turns the CXA80 into a somewhat overpriced Power Amp

 

[Evo42]

Thanks that's great advice. Been looking for an option to add bass management and eq. Then realised the ultra had a sub out and it got me thinking.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks that's great advice. Been looking for an option to add bass management and eq. Then realised the ultra had a sub out and it got me thinking.

Since implementing bass management and EQ using the WiiM would necessitate stripping most of the CXA80's functionality, basically turning it into a simple Power Amp, you may want to consider just selling the CXA80 and buying a WiiM Amp or WiiM Amp Pro instead.

It would be a smaller, more elegant one-box solution with similar output power for your Mains.

Only disadvantage is that while you can change and upgrade the Power Amp with the WiiM Pro or WiiM Ultra as your requirements change, with the WiiM Amp or WiiM Amp Pro, you'd be bound to the built-in Amp with no way to upgrade.

 

[Evo42]

Massive drop in sound quality though wouldn't and not comparable power. I could just apply bass management which would retain the character of the amp wouldn't? I listened to a wiim amp B2B with a Yamaha n600a and difference was massive.

 

[staticV3]

Massive drop in sound quality though wouldn't and not comparable power.

Power is very comparable to the CXA80 (identical at 4Ω, ~10% quieter at 8Ω).

Sound quality I would expect a draw honestly.

That you heard a massive difference may indicate faulty test conditions like improperly matched levels or sighted test conditions.

 

[Evo42]

Same speakers started at same volumes and worked way up. The wiim amp sounded thin in comparison lacked depth and punch. I didn't think the wiims cheap class d amp competes with quality class a amps.

 

[staticV3]

I didn't think the wiims cheap class d amp competes with quality class a amps.

Preconceptions like these are why it's so important to listen blind, not knowing which Amp is playing.

Otherwise, you will always hear what you want to hear

 

[Evo42]

Well I was hoping the wiim would have sounded more comparable as I was looking at it as option for a friend but there was such a noticeable difference especially when higher in volume I suggested they look at the Yamaha instead. My experience seems align with reviews as well. I haven't read anywhere that it competes with more expensive quality class A amps even on here.

 

[Phorize]

Wiim doesn't compare well to RME.
The Loudness setting on the RME makes a big difference in audible quality. Not to mention better hardware and a ton of features Wiim doesn't offer. Plus, a remote on the RME that's a joy to use. It's crazy that anyone would even consider this comparison. I own Wiim and RME ADI-2 DAC FS. Wiim is fine for streaming but I wouldn't trust it as my only preamp on a nice speaker setup. The RME offers high quality balanced DAC, Preamp and headphone duty that compares very well with the best of them. Plus the new RME app takes control via computer to a whole new level.

Add to that RMEs demonstrable commitment to maintaining products long term, and not issuing endless new interations just for the sake of marketing.

 

[gwing]

I currently have a Chromecast audio connected via optical and using the DAC the Cambridge audio cxa80 amp.

I am wanting bass management to essentially apply a high pass filter to my speakers and bass to the sub.

In that case I suggest keeping things simple. Just use the Ultra and send analog L/R channels to your existing amp plus line level analog sub output to your sub, providing it is an active sub that is.

 

[Evo42]

In that case I suggest keeping things simple. Just use the Ultra and send analog L/R channels to your existing amp plus line level analog sub output to your sub, providing it is an active sub that is.

Like originally suggested, wiim to line in on amp and use the sub out on wiim?

 

[Nutul]

Like originally suggested, wiim to line in on amp and use the sub out on wiim?

Exactly.

 

[Evo42]

Yeah I will keep EQ flat and just apply a crossover. Maybe some room correction below 100hz or something.

I might wait for the ultra amp as I was looking for a solution that might be more efficient for low level listening and not run the Cambridge all day everyday just when we want to crank the music up a bit. We tend to have music going all day but at more background levels.

 

[ejr]

Got this from WiiM today, regarding the Ultra :

"The WiiM Ultra supports balanced outputs, and we will support USB output in about a week, so please stay tuned."

No info yet on how balanced output will be implemented. (I prefer XLR connections.)

 

[Nutul]

No info yet on how balanced output will be implemented. (I prefer XLR connections.)

There is no difference between XLR and, for example, TRS balanced cables; they are absolutely the same, just the connector used is different.
There are adaptors, as well as already made XLR => TSR cables... (usually audio devices require those, as TRS is "more standard" in the audio production sector) If the device has a small footprint, TRS are a better choice, as they demand less room, and can allow for smaller casing.

 

[Brantome]

Got this from WiiM today, regarding the Ultra :

"The WiiM Ultra supports balanced outputs, and we will support USB output in about a week, so please stay tuned."

No info yet on how balanced output will be implemented. (I prefer XLR connections.)

I think you’ve caught someone on a bad day (or their first day) as there’s no sign of XLR connections on any image of the Ultra I’ve seen (but it will have L/R volume balance control ) , and as for supporting USB output in a week, that’s perhaps a bit moot as none are yet available other than on pre-order…

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Anyone interested in balanced outputs, you can always use the digital out to a DAC with balanced outs. If you’re that keen on balanced implementation, you’ve most likely got one of those already.

If not, you can buy one for not much over $100. An Ultra with balanced outs would probably have cost $50 more anyway.