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
foamcutter OP
28 posts
 

Thank you gkelly and jeffbij, Wiim Ultra is on the way.

blackbag20's avatar
blackbag20
582 posts
 

And you can always improve the DAC these days quite inexpensively ... Gustard, Topping ... the Wiim Ultra is a great product

soix
10,243 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. 

foamcutter OP
28 posts
 

Thank you blackbag20 and soix, I've been wondering if an external DAC should be  purchased soon. I know the DAC is the digital/analog converter but that's where my knowledge ends.

mahler123
3,625 posts
 

+1 @soix 

 

I would have saved my Pennies for a better DAC.  However I am happy with my Wiim Plus in a secondary system using the DAC in my Anthem SVR.  For $100 it’s an incredible deal

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