2. digital
  3. 195061-196983

Denon HEOS LINK or Wiim Music Streamers?

I currently have a Denon HEOS Link and use Tidal for streaming music. It sounds pretty good but I have not heard any others and I'm wondering if I'm missing any sound quality. Looking at the Wiim Ultra or Pro Plus as they are relatively inexpensive but seem well-liked.  My current setup:  Van Alstine SET 400 amp, Van Alstine T-10 RB tube pre-amp, Denon HEOS LINK Streamer, Rotel RCD 991 CD Player, and SALK HT2-TL speakers.  I do not have a separate DAC.  WiFI is a must as I can't run cables in the house. The LED display of the Wim Ultra would be nice but sound quality and Wifi are the primary considerations. My Van Alstine pre-amp only has RCA inputs and outputs so my streamer choices are limited. I don't mind saving up for something better either. And we are MAC based.  Thanks for any insight.

foamcutter

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,248 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for I think the Gustard R26 is worth a look.  It has good detail but not harsh and as an R2R DAC it sounds a little warmer and organic than some single bit/delta sigma DACs although that’s a generalization and there can be overlap depending on the design of the DAC.  If you get it through Amazon you have a 30-day return window if it doesn’t work out. 
https://www.amazon.com/Gustard-R26-Discrete-R2R-DAC/dp/B0CPWPFXVC

You’ll need an SPDIF (RCA) digital cable to go from your Wiim to the DAC, and this Pine Tree Audio cable is a good start at $45 for 2 feet, but you’ll likely wanna upgrade that (and your streamer) at some point because it is important. 
https://sites.google.com/view/pine-tree-audio/interconnects/single-ended/nexus
 

Just one idea to ponder FWIW, and best of luck. 

soix
10,248 posts
 

If you share what sound characteristics are most important to you you’ll get lotsa good recommendations for DACs here.  Also share your budget and if you’re looking for new or used. 

soix
10,248 posts
 

You have a nice system and are doing it a disservice by not having a good DAC.  Using the DAC in a cheap steamer is a mismatch and a performance bottleneck relative to the rest of your system IMHO.  DACs are important, and there are tons of excellent options out there these days.  Sorry, just being honest here. 

More to discover