Thank you soix and mahler123, the Gustard and Cambridge Audio have some nice features indeed.
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.
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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. 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. Just one idea to ponder FWIW, and best of luck. |
Thank you mahler123 and soix. I have the WiiM Ultra setup (easy peasy even for a non-tech person like me). With the Ultra's EQ set to Flat, my initial impressions are the WiiM Ultra and the HEOS LINK are surprisingly similar in sound quality in the bass and mids. The Ultra has more sparkle in the highs. I'll try to come back and report if there is a clear winner after a week of listening to both. I like high resolution, clarity and detail, with a touch of warmth. I listen to classic rock, acoustic guitar, female vocals, jazz, classical, big band, pop, R & B, even some electronic music such as Solar Field's album "Until We Meet the Sky". At the present time my budget for an external DAC would be $1,000 USD but could possibly stretch to $2,000 if my system would benefit from spending the extra $$. Are there any good values in a better streamer w/internal DAC for similar money ?
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+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 |
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. |
+1 @gkelly Since you don't have a separate DAC, sounds like you will be using the DAC in the streamer. If so, then go with the WiiM Ultra over the Pro or ProPlus. The DAC is better in the Ultra. And at $264 this week on Amazon Prime Days, it's a no brainer and should work while you save up for a better streamer and separate DAC. |
My sister went from a mini to the ultra was very happy with the results of the ultra. And Lucky for us it’s prime day and there is quite a nice discount on the ultra and the mini, but let’s shoot for an ultra and be done. good part is you can return if not an upgrade to your HEOS. I ran HEOS In a Marantz SR5015, Got the mini and completely blew me away. So much so that I saved up and got the Pulse. hope this makes sense and I haven’t given you too much
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