AirPlay 2 DAC + amp suggestions
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28902620
Hullo! I need some help with my home-theater/music-listening setup:
- I'm NOT an audiophile and very limited knowledge of audio, but I would like to find the best compromise with the hardware I'm dealing with
- speakers: old 2× TSM Puris 400
- video devices: Apple TV 4K + EPSON projector (wall mounted, away from amp and speakers)
- current amp: old Technics SU-X70 (I also use a Technics turntable attached to it)
- current streaming solution: Eve Play as AirPlay 2 receiver for Apple TV
Now, the Eve Play has proven unreliable and the company customer service is terrible. It is also very limited, but I can return it for full refund. I am looking at the following alternatives:
- Replace the Eve Play with a Wiim Pro or Pro Plus, while keeping the Technics amp
- Replace both the Eve Play and the amp with a Wiim Amp (not Amp Pro as it lacks AirPlay)
- Replace my whole audio system with 2× HomePods (pls don't insult me!) or other AirPlay capable speakers (I would give away turntable compatibility this way)
I cannot run cables from my projector to the location of the amp/speakers, so please understand my constraint of having to use AirPlay 2.
Summing up, I'd like to know if:
- an old amp is still perfectly viable or a Wiim Amp could give any improvements?
- anyone has experience with a Wiim Pro or Pro Plus, for both music and movies?
- I think it's worth keeping the speakers: any downsides that I don't know of? I read that speakers don't really get old
- do you have any other suggestions?
Thank you in advance for any tips!
Based on your setup, here's a concise take:
Keep your Technics amp and Puris speakers—they're solid. The weak link is the unreliable AirPlay signal.
The WiiM Pro Plus is your best upgrade. It'll give you stable, high-quality audio via AirPlay 2 to your existing system, fixing the core problem. The WiiM Amp or HomePods would be a downgrade.
On a related note, since you use a projector, the screen is as crucial for visuals as the DAC is for audio. When you're ready for the next upgrade, a proper projection surface (like an ALR screen from VIVIDSTORM or similar brands) can transform picture clarity and contrast, much like how the WiiM will transform your sound.
Focus on the WiiM Pro Plus first. Good luck
Thanks for your reply! A bit of a necropost but appreciated nonetheless :)
In the end I returned the Eve Play for a refund but bought a much cheaper refurbished one the same day: this unit has been pretty solid until now, so the setup remained the starting one.
If the Eve Play acts up again - a very realistic circumstance - I will follow your advice and look at the WiiM Pro Plus or maybe at the Cambridge Audio MXN10 (but the price is a further step up...).
Regarding the screen, I had some units in mind from Celexon but found a 15€ deal on a used/unused screen with enough black offset above to reach down enough for my use case (screen dangles in the middle of the room, so it must be ceiling mounted but come down a pretty long way): I'm satistied for the time being, but I don't really know what I'm missing out!