this post was submitted on 30 Apr 2025
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AirPlay 2 DAC + amp suggestions (lemmy.world)
submitted 8 hours ago by Etnaphele@lemmy.world to c/hifi@lemmy.world
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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:

  1. Replace the Eve Play with a Wiim Pro or Pro Plus, while keeping the Technics amp
  2. Replace both the Eve Play and the amp with a Wiim Amp (not Amp Pro as it lacks AirPlay)
  3. 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!

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[–] Chee_Koala@lemmy.world 1 points 7 hours ago* (last edited 7 hours ago)

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

If you like the look and sound of your current amp/speaker combo, I wouldn't change it.

an old amp is still perfectly viable or a Wiim Amp could give any improvements?

If you like the sound of the old amp, I wouldn't change it.

do you have any other suggestions?

  • https://argonaudio.com/products/solo This could be an alternative, I use their simpler amp and I like it.
  • If you get a new amp/streamer combo it would reduce the size of the setup.

context: I like high quality audio but am not really an audiophile. I mean I have HS7 studio monitor speakers as my main listening source but my second hand 50 euro retro Jamo tower speakers also sound fantastic to me :)

[–] JASN_DE 1 points 7 hours ago

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

That's unfortunately not true. There's nothing inherently wrong with using older speakers, but check that they actually work correctly and are still technically sound:

  • the driver coils sometimes burn out, meaning that particular one stops working

  • the driver diaphragm might tear (rare), or the suspension might tear (more common than the other). The suspension rings are especially vulnerable if they're made from foam, which was widely used in older and/or cheaper models.

  • cables or welds might corrode/break/tear internally or at the terminals, meaning drivers or the whole speakers no longer work.

The drivers are usually the parts with the biggest damage potential, as they actually contain moving parts. But as long as everything is still working fine, there's usually no need to replace the speakers.