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DAC/Preamp quandry

I used to have a great group of friends, most with very nice equipment, much better than mine.  They were mostly older than I, but also had more money to put into their systems.  But now, all who were in this circle have either moved away or passed away.  And since I have no dealers within about 200 miles of me, I've found myself leaning much on the opinions in this group and of course the normal AS and SP reviewers. 

Here's the background.  In the mid 90's I upgraded my system to Vandersteen 2CIi, McCormack 0.5, which has been upgraded with new a power supply and boards. I also have a Marantz CD player.  I am a retired electrical engineer and built my own preamp.  It was a temporary endeavor but turned out to last longer than I planned.  I've been pretty absent from the audio scene for the above reasons - however, since streaming has entered the scene, I've decided to move in that direction and upgrade a few things.  I'd like to continue to use the McCormack amp and the speakers while stepping into the new to me streaming/preamp world. 

I was just about to order the Wiim Ultra, and then a preamp.  I am considering the Schiit Kara F or possibly the Freya+ F  

However, while waiting a few weeks on a supposedly WIIM Amazon prime sale, I'm reconsidering (I do this a lot).  I've been reading about the Eversolo A6 and A8 and I'm wondering if I'm compromising myself.  I would have about the same dollar amount in the A6 Masters Edition as the Ultra and one of the Schiits.  The A8 is about $800-$1200 more than I was planning on spending, but I might be convinced to go that direction if the full streamer/DAC/Preamp combo satisfied my needs, likely for a long time. 

I'd love to be able to compare these combos for at least a few days, but that can't happen.  So, if you have some experience with these products and what might make sense for my current and possibly future needs, please feel free to comment.

 

 

 

 

  

scooterbug
patrickalston
175 posts
 

Skip the WiiM.  It’s a budget-oriented all-in-one with a basic volume control--it is not for resolving systems.   It’s cheap and a good temporary solution.   

The A8 (which is what I use until I buy an Innuos) is in a different universe than the WiiM and offers a superior DAC/streamer/preamp built around flagship AKM silicon chipset, a heavier chassis, and a fully balanced analog stage.  It’s a fine mid-tier solution.  If it’s beyond your budget today, perhaps you find one used, save-up until you can purchase new, or if you’re impatient, use Affirm to purchase today (and you may be eligible for 0% interest).  

The A8 is the better value.  Life’s too short to start at the bottom.  There’s a CPO unit on TMR for $1699 which is close enough to the price of a new unit, that I would just buy new.  

My main point:  Research and make an informed decision.  Use AI to help you understand.  Here’s an AI comparison (read in two columns):  

 

  Eversolo DMP-A8 WiiM Ultra
  $1,980.00Best for high-end DAC/streaming performance $329.00Best for budget streaming with solid features
Core Hardware    
DAC Architecture AKM AK4499EX + AK4191EQ (flagship) ESS ES9038Q2M (midrange)
Analog Stage Fully balanced, discrete, high-current Single-ended consumer-grade
Chassis CNC aluminum, vibration‑controlled Lightweight plastic/metal mix
Streaming & OS    
Operating System Android 11 custom audio OS WiiM OS (lightweight)
App Quality High-end, deep control Simple, reliable
Roon Ready Yes Yes
Connectivity    
Digital Inputs USB, AES/EBU, Coax, Optical HDMI ARC, USB, Coax, Optical
Analog Inputs Balanced XLR + RCA RCA + Phono
Outputs Balanced XLR + RCA RCA only
Use Cases    
As a DAC Reference-grade Good for the price
As a Streamer High-end Excellent value
As a Preamp Legitimate preamp replacement Basic volume control
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
871 posts
 

Not going to beat the OP up with AI slop. Buy the WiiM. They are great. I have 2. Both Ultras. If you intend to use them for their DAC section, it takes quite a while to burn in. Maybe buy a used one that has some burn in on it. 

scooterbug OP
16 posts
 

The more I dig in I'd really like the A8, apparently the A6x does not have analog RCA inputs and the preamp is passive.  However, a good used A8 would be great, since new it is over my immediate budget.  

The other option is to get the Wiim and opt for something like the Emotiva XDA-3, which would allow me to stay in budget.  It has a few more analog inputs but still a compromise, possibly wishing I had waited.  I'm not at all familiar or have heard much about the Emotiva equipment, so I had not even considered it.

At any rate, thanks for in inputs, I really appreciate it.  I'll learning a lot.

yyzsantabarbara
5,564 posts
 

I was just about to order the Wiim Ultra, and then a preamp.  I am considering the Schiit Kara F or possibly the Freya+ F  

I owned both of these preamps, the Kara F 2x. I like the $500 Schiit Valhala 3 OTL/OCL preamp more than those 2. It is really sold as a headphone amp (so-so). As a preamp I think it is superb, but it only has a single RCA input and no remote. I have a custom-made switch ($800) for more RCA inputs. Best preamp I have owned including 2 that cost $7k. The only other preamp I like a lot was the Benchmark LA4.

I am using 2 custom tubes with the Valhalla 3 that cost a total of $150.

patrickalston
175 posts
 

@wturkey wrote "Not going to beat the OP up with AI slop. Buy the WiiM"

Sure, the WiiM is a great value and if the OP prioritizes features and price over sound quality, then he could buy the WiiM Ultra but (and I'm not throwing shade) let's not confuse its capability with serious sound.  I spent three weeks with the WiiM when my system was down.  So, I'm familiar with it and was happy when when my system was repaired.   My approach to component selection is to research and select a pieces for the long term as opposed to a stepping stone approach akin to training wheels before moving up to big boy components that deliver lasting value long after the price is forgotten. 

BTW, not sure how providing an AI chart that compares features would "beat the OP up."  He's asking for guidance/suggestions and that's what I offered based on my  personal experience with the A8. 

@Scooterbug, further, you may want to also consider the Matrix Mini‑i Pro 4.  It's under $1000.  It uses balanced outputs (XLRs).So, if your system doesn't use XLRs, then you can get adapters.  It's not s good as the A8, but it's supposed to be several steps above (in terms of sound quality) the more budget-friendly WiiM Ultra. If you buy the an A8, then you don't need a preamp.  The A8 has an analog volume control (WiiM uses an inferior Digital volume).  WiiM + Emotiva XDA-3 is about $1200.  A used A8 for a few dollars more beats the WiiM + XDA-3 combo.

 

 

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