Hi to everyone! I'm planing to buy AIO device and currently the choice is between WiiM Amp Ultra and Eversolo Play (non CD version). I need some clarifications regarding Eversolo for which I cannot find reliable answers in Internet. Based on some Internet research I see that Eversolo is not releasing the HDMI ARC if it is switched to another input. In order to release the HDMI, it should be powered cycled. Until that the TV keeps routing the signal to the HDMI receiver. Also, is it possible to route the RCA or PHONO input to the digital out (for example if I decide to attach external amplifier). I know that SUB out won't be active in this case, but this is not a problem.
I have the Play (CD version) and have my TV connected via hdmi using earc and can switch sources without issue. It might be a problem with certain models of TVs or something, but I have a newer (two years) very cheap TV, in the kitchen (for news and weather type watching) that doesn't interfere with switching sources to anything else in any problematic way. Both devices you've referenced do ADC conversion and can output digital signals. I use Play to USB audio out to other equipment (DAC, preamp, amp) because I don't like the volume output of the amp portion of the Play. Others are happy with it connected to speakers as intended. Neither device has analog out beyond the speaker connections. You can sideload apps to the Play, but I don't think you can to the Wiim device. Hope this helps.
Yes, of course you can route the RCA or Phono or any source w/in the EP to either of the two available digital outputs (either Coax or USB). That's what they're there for. But of course you'd need an external DAC (either stand-alone or one included in your amp or int. amp) to convert that digital signal into analog audio so you'd be able to actually hear it.
Thank you for the answers. When I heard in one Youtube video that is not possible I totally removed the Play from the equation, but now is back. I'll try to listen it in my local dealer (if they have it in stock) and then decide. Since I'm deeply in Apple ecosystem heaving Apple Music and Airplay is very nice. Currently I'm using SMSL A300 paired with SMSL SU-6 and even if A300 is far from good amp the sound quality is good enough to me. Unfortunately, it is not very user friendly combination, so that's why I'm trying to replace it with AIO device. Thanks again!
I had the SMSL A300 amp, but with the SMSL SU-1 DAC and must admit that for the money they are rather good. However, they were sold on prior to relocating to Poland. Like you, I’m looking at the Eversolo Play if the Wiim Amp Ultra as an all in one system tho replace these. My source is either Qobuz or Jazz24 Radio. Which one did you decide on in the end and what are your thoughts after using it for a while?
Hi, Finally I decided to keep SMSL A300 and to pair it with WiiM Ultra. I would say I'm not quite positive about Ultra. It has some issues with HDMI ARC (which was the main reason why I chose it over cheaper WiiMs) and, well this can be highly subjective, but I think the sound is worse compared with SMSL SU-6, but really don't decide based on that statement!. I also don't see too much added value of the screen. From what I heard Eversolo screen implementation is way more useful. Apart of that Ultra is fine - great integration with most of the streaming services, acceptable room correction and PEQ. Also, I've build my own trigger controlled power strip, so now Ultra trigger is powering up the amp and I'm enjoying the music without focusing on the negative parts . In general amplification part of WiiM should be better, but if you really can hear that is another story. Maybe if you have demanding 4 ohms speakers and if you don't use Apple Music WiiM will be better.
Thanks for your very prompt and honest answer. Sorry to hear that the Wiim Ultra didn’t fully work out for you. Interestingly, the Ultra and the SU-6 share a similar DAC chip, the Sabre (Ultra) ES9038 Q2M and (SU-6) ES 9038Q2M. Whereas the SU-1 and the Play share a similar DAC chip, the AKM (Play) AK4493SEQ and (SU-1) AK4493S. Before I got the SU-1, I tried a number of different DACs, including Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100 (Wolfson WM8742 DAC), Topping D10 (9038Q2M DAC) and Khadas Tone Board 1 (9038Q2M DAC). Of these, I did prefer the SU-1, just preferred the SU-1’s presentation to the others, just subtle differences. From what you’ve said and what else I’ve read the Play may be better suited for me. Larger screen (my eyes aren’t as good as they were as I do have some vision loss), the AKM DAC chip, my phone, touchpad, watch, TV and laptop are all Apple. Speaker wise, was thinking of pairing the Play with the new Eversolo SE100 speakers which are 4 Ohm and 88dB sensitivity or the Dali Sonik 1 or the Oberon 1 which are 6 Ohm and 86dB sensitivity. Funnily enough, the new system will be my second system which will be going into my new office / man cave. The furniture will be IKEA Kallax, so one of the deciding points will be the speaker size to fit in the Kalkax internal cube. All the mentioned speakers will fit, but nice to see that Eversolo use the Kallax in their advertising. Also, the SE100s have a front facing bass reflex port, whereas the Dali’s have rear facing bass reflex ports. So this may help with the decision making. I was previously looking only looking at the Wiim Amp Ultra and suitable Kallax sized speakers until a friend mentioned the Play and SE100 combo, so that meant some further investigation, which has been fun. My total budget is for the new system is around 1000 GBP / 5000 PLN.
Hi, I also use Kallax for my turntable, but I feel it a little bit...wobbly. There are kind of dividers which can be used to split the Kallax space and to make it a bit more sturdier (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-insert-with-4-shelves-white-40423719/ or https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-insert-with-1-shelf-white-20423720/). About DAC - I'm also surprised to be honest, but SU-6 is definitely better DAC than the one in WiiM especially for optical input. Speakers I cannot comment - never tried any of them, but purely ascetically (which for me has equal importance) Dali is better, but Eversolo speakers can be better because of the impedance. You can check also AsciLab F6Bs : https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/ascilab_f6b/ From what I heard Eversolo is load dependent, but is it really audible is unlikely. You can find detailed measurements here: https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...y-streaming-amplifier-measurements&Itemid=154 To be honest, partially the reason why I didn't buy Eversolo was the fact that I have already an amp which actually I like. I'm also deep in Apple ecosystem and I solved missing Airlay of WiiM using Lyrion running on my NAS. Since Lyrion can stream to WiiM using Squeezelite client I don't miss the Airplay.
Thanks for your thoughts. I only stream Qobuz and Jazz24, but used to have a LP12, so understand about the rigidity of Kallax for a record deck. This is the Kallax unit I’m getting, which also incorporates a desk, so the streamer / amp and speakers will go in the internal cubes. I am swaying to the Play and SE100 combo, as they will be matched and with a higher impedance be easier to drive. The Dali speakers were my original choice based on style and size to fit the Kallax. Initially the Kupids, but they have a much lower impedance of 83 dB, but they are 4 Ohms One thing is that the Play doesn’t have is a BT transmitter as I like to use my Apple AirPods Max in the early morning so as not to wake Mrs DG. But then I could just use my iPhone as I do now or get a USB / Coax BT transmitter if really necessary.
I have the Eversolo Play CD player along with Indiana Line Nota 260X speakers, and it's a very good combination given the speakers' high sensitivity of 92dB and 4 ohms. They're quite good speakers; they sound great.
If you want to stream over Bluetooth you can use FiiO BTA30Pro (https://www.fiio.com/bta30pro). I have it in my bedroom and it is pretty much OK. Unfortunately it transmits only SBC, so sound quality can be not that good as your iPhone, also it is not that cheap. You can use any of the digital inputs as a source and it can be controlled via FiiO Control app. It is powered by USB-C and it can accept the audio stream in the same time (in my case it is powered by RPi Zero 2).
The BT transmit function is available with the Play - you need to install an alternative Settings app which enables the tx feature ( https://www.google.com/search?q=Alt...GACAA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#lfId=ChxjMe)
Many thanks for your reply and information. If I do get the play, I think that I would just use it as it is then. Seems too much hassle to try and make it transmit BT. If I still need to use headphones I will just use the AirPods Max with the iPhone 16 Pro Max as that is seamless and easy.
Just a quick comment if I'm understanding this particular situation: The Eversolo Play does have a Trigger In port. If your TV has a USB port, I wonder if one could use a USB-to-12V trigger cable.... When the TV turns on, the USB port powers up, sending a signal to the EP to turn on. The only thing is USB is 5V. The cable won't actually convert 5V to 12V but many amps with 12V trigger inputs actually work with a range (sometimes 3–15V). Hey, just trying to think out of the box; worth a shot, right? Hmm, come to think of it -- perhaps even a smart plug and/or Echo-Alexa routine tying the TV and EP together....?
Update; Had a brief demo of the Wiim Amp Ultra and the Dali Oberon 1 speakers. Also had a look and feel of the Eversolo Play, but couldn’t demo unfortunately. Of the two preferred the look of the Wiim Amp Ultra, just appealed to me more. After this, I have decided to get the Wiim Amp Ultra with the Dali Sonik 1 speakers. (Sonik 1 is a newer and upgraded version of the Oberon 1 apparently). Speakers wise, chose Dali over the Eversolo speakers as they are not as big and will leave space around the speakers in the Kallax cube, whereas the Eversolo fills it. Plus Dali comes in more suitable finishes, rather than just black. Sorry, Eversolo.
