Good thing with it it’s cheap and offers a compact device that’s user friendly and streams music . I just wanted something that offers usb output so I can use my diy dac . If you want high end all in one unit probably best just to get something else more expensive.
My external dac, reclocker etc uses low noise regs with separate pre regged supplies . I like this dac so would use it how it is with any streaming device, I’m in no rush to gut the ultra maybe later if worthwhile the effort
My external dac, reclocker etc uses low noise regs with separate pre regged supplies . I like this dac so would use it how it is with any streaming device, I’m in no rush to gut the ultra maybe later if worthwhile the effort
Ditto, I will probably not open it since I only use it's USB out. As a transport only I don't think there is allot to gain by upgrading the power supply.
smsl sells it's upmarket dacs with linear power supplies, pretty much the same as their switched mode dacs
Also depends on the power distribution and local regulation. looking further into the new EverSolo A10 details from their promotional material - Big chunky linear supplies to start with but then switchers down the chain for various circuits???
The whole thing looks large and heavy 43cm across, the visuals ‘compensated’ by a bigger display for good measure. they ditched AKM on their short lived A8 for ESS Pro chips and added the expensive OCXOs … some ideas for WiiM modders 😉
The whole thing looks large and heavy 43cm across, the visuals ‘compensated’ by a bigger display for good measure. they ditched AKM on their short lived A8 for ESS Pro chips and added the expensive OCXOs … some ideas for WiiM modders 😉
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in theory there shouldn’t be a difference spdif vs usb but most implementations for spdif do not get better treatment of the signals, more like an afterthought feature really to accommodate another input. Consumer grade spdif doesn’t even have isolation. I will try on my DAC next time once the DDC side for a really good Spdif is completed.
I will give that a go , tbh I don't expect it to be too bad . The reclocker etc has separate supplies . The i2Soverusb takes a fair bit of current
No. I try about all devices till 1500 Euro since digital audio players started to exist. Can afford it but would feel ashamed about the decadence. I like the minimal/spartan approach and use my stuff for its purpose so focus on user friendliness and content. It is not a means to display wealth. Also today hardly any higher quality in higher priced audio gear.
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The biggest bummer for me is no Airplay on the ultra. I’m using the Airplay 2 Oro Plus with good enough results but I would like a sub out.
I got into DIY audio about 15yrs ago. Not because it was cheap, but because it allowed me to develop a craft of assembling various modules, and then creating or modding a readily available case into a finished, polished project. I've built all manner of projects from power supplies, regulator boards, preamps, power amps, and even DACs and streamers. I've been fortunate to have the time now(in retirement), and means to reap the rewards. Whether the hobby is dying or not, I can't say. It's not dying around my shop yet. 🙂
Not sure about this but the internal DACs of the Ultra seem to be clocked by the A98 module itself, possibly PLL synthesised one?
HNY folks,
As I see it, I went to a point I hate all the internal devices that communicate with external Network as Roon, Wiim and so on if that feature can not be switched off.
I stream only from my data library cause I don't need HQ or MQA streaming service with my old PCM DACS. So there is no big difference with an RPI for I, as anyway like most all is isolated and reclocked after. But for sure as a DAC we can discuss... crazy price. Some say the Cambridge with the said less good ESS chip sounds better for 400 pounds ! But is not as easy for streaming...
@LTK , It could be fun if you ranked the Wiim Ultra as a DAC player too whatever you use it as a transport today.
Curious to see how it performs because you have a very broad collection of DAC Technology : TDA1541A, Marcel FIR DAC, and this one with ESS38 chip.
About the NUC, anyway it is noisy as it has smps regs inside the pcb too, so needs the same isolation and reclocking efforts. The plus of some devices today is the options of MICs plug in to correct the room... I don't know if it is gadget or no but I am sure it is more a mess when a diyer take the DIY path to do it with his NUC. Question stays the quality of Mics capture and Mics USB quality with such cheap devices.
For sure the NUC or powerfull RPI is attractive to try to make the max on digital domain (delay?)
PWM DIY DAC anyone ?
Also some new stuff for JP, I don't know if I already linked it : https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroSM13.html (had the internal memory and SDD port; linear supply) ; a competitor to the eversolo perhaps.
What they do nowadays for the price is impressive : you needed the amp and the scd player too ? : https://en.shanling.com/product/439 500 USD !
A company that is not a new one in sound reproduction market.
As I see it, I went to a point I hate all the internal devices that communicate with external Network as Roon, Wiim and so on if that feature can not be switched off.
I stream only from my data library cause I don't need HQ or MQA streaming service with my old PCM DACS. So there is no big difference with an RPI for I, as anyway like most all is isolated and reclocked after. But for sure as a DAC we can discuss... crazy price. Some say the Cambridge with the said less good ESS chip sounds better for 400 pounds ! But is not as easy for streaming...
@LTK , It could be fun if you ranked the Wiim Ultra as a DAC player too whatever you use it as a transport today.
Curious to see how it performs because you have a very broad collection of DAC Technology : TDA1541A, Marcel FIR DAC, and this one with ESS38 chip.
About the NUC, anyway it is noisy as it has smps regs inside the pcb too, so needs the same isolation and reclocking efforts. The plus of some devices today is the options of MICs plug in to correct the room... I don't know if it is gadget or no but I am sure it is more a mess when a diyer take the DIY path to do it with his NUC. Question stays the quality of Mics capture and Mics USB quality with such cheap devices.
For sure the NUC or powerfull RPI is attractive to try to make the max on digital domain (delay?)
PWM DIY DAC anyone ?
Also some new stuff for JP, I don't know if I already linked it : https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroSM13.html (had the internal memory and SDD port; linear supply) ; a competitor to the eversolo perhaps.
What they do nowadays for the price is impressive : you needed the amp and the scd player too ? : https://en.shanling.com/product/439 500 USD !
A company that is not a new one in sound reproduction market.
Satisfied with the Eversolo and its internal storage which is a relevant feature to me so I decided not to have an Ultra. No need for a new device (yet) but always interested in new developments so thanks! It seems the wrinkles in audio players are being ironed out lately and this mainly by relatively new chinese brands and not the classic audio brands.
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