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
soix
10,325 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
32 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
3,640 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

soix
10,325 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. 

foamcutter OP
32 posts
 

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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