Need guidance on next upgrade – WiiM Amp Ultra vs Speaker upgrade (Budget 78K)

[morerajendra5678]

Everything seems fine in terms of sound quality M1 is great and although DIRAC is appealing, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stretch my budget—I’m unlikely to get approval for that. What’s worrying me more is the reported hiss issue with the Marantz Model M1. Since this has been discussed globally, it’s difficult to commit to a purchase with the thought that this problem might appear later.

Can current M1 users share their experience? Is the hiss caused by a hardware or software issue? If it occurs in the future, is there any known workaround? If not, how does Marantz handle such cases under warranty, and what might the repair cost be after the warranty expires?

I understand that no device lasts forever and nothing is guaranteed, but with this level of investment, some peace of mind is important.

Also, should I consider the Audiolab 6000A mkii as a more reliable option in terms of build quality? I’ve also read that it can comfortably drive many floorstanders as well. Can I also consider Advance Paris x-i75 as an option?

Audiolab 6000A will lack power.

 

[DB1989]

Everything seems fine in terms of sound quality M1 is great and although DIRAC is appealing, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stretch my budget—I’m unlikely to get approval for that. What’s worrying me more is the reported hiss issue with the Marantz Model M1. Since this has been discussed globally, it’s difficult to commit to a purchase with the thought that this problem might appear later.

Can current M1 users share their experience? Is the hiss caused by a hardware or software issue? If it occurs in the future, is there any known workaround? If not, how does Marantz handle such cases under warranty, and what might the repair cost be after the warranty expires?

Marantz is planning for a firm release for it. It happens only when you wake up the devise from Standby Mode only. There are working arounds for it.

Never heard of any hiss from my M1 in 11 months of experience. Besides me, @Amarendra also runs an M1 and I don't think he's ever faced any such issue either - i'll let him chime in.

Also, should I consider the Audiolab 6000A mkii as a more reliable option in terms of build quality? I’ve also read that it can comfortably drive many floorstanders as well. Can I also consider Advance Paris x-i75 as an option?

The Auidlab 6000A is a fine option. It's a rung lower than the M1 in pure SQ terms but has various other redeeming features over and above the Marantz which include a multitude of inputs.

The speakers have to be capable enough to respond to changes made by DIRAC. There is a limitation to budget speakers in terms of crossover components and cabinet volume and amount of bracing done in cabinet. All these factors contribute to the SQ. Hence if it were me, I won't go in for purchasing DIRAC for Q Acoustics 3050i speakers because there will be very marginal benefit one will notice in setup after spending $250 for DIRAC

It goes without saying that with all else being equal, including DIRAC, a higher end speaker will sound better than a cheaper one because of your aforementioned reasons. However, there can be, and have been well documented instances where in a good well treated room with good placement, a cheap and cheerful speaker can sound better than a much higher end speaker. Calibration of the speaker with the room is key. And guess what DIRAC does?

 

[morerajendra5678]

However, there can be, and have been well documented instances where in a good well treated room with good placement, a cheap and cheerful speaker can sound better than a much higher end speaker. Calibration of the speaker with the room is key. And guess what DIRAC does?

i am yet to see any setup where users have invested $250 in DIRAC for speakers costing 30k to 40K. If you know of any such user please let me know. This is similar to installing 6Lacs+ sound system in Maruti Alto. But do let me know of any user you know.
It is not wise to make someone who is hard pressed for funds invest $250 for DIRAC for a 40k speaker.

 

[DB1989]

i am yet to see any setup where users have invested $250 in DIRAC for speakers costing 30k to 40K. If you know of any such user please let me know. This is similar to installing 6Lacs+ sound system in Maruti Alto.

What's wrong with installing a 6L system in a Maruti Alto?

But do let me know of any user you know.

Me, for starters. You'll find plenty of other users who use DIRAC live on their AVRs with budget speaker lines like the Polk S series, Wharfedale 12 series, Kef Q series, Elac Debut etc which are all in this price range.

It is not wise to make someone who is hard pressed for funds invest $250 for DIRAC for a 40k speaker.

First of all, I'm not making anyone do anything. Please tell me in which post did i suggest he get the M1 with DIRAC for his next upgrade as opposed to speakers.

But in any case, don't knock it till you've tried it. In fact, i'd rather do it with a cheaper speaker than use it with a high end speaker which i'd like to play as pure and unadulterated with the room built around it rather than use room EQ to correct it but you do you.

P.S. - if you find yourself in delhi, drop by. i'll knock your socks off with a 15k speaker and without room correction engaged.

 

[Amarendra]

i am yet to see any setup where users have invested $250 in DIRAC for speakers costing 30k to 40K. If you know of any such user please let me know. This is similar to installing 6Lacs+ sound system in Maruti Alto. But do let me know of any user you know.
It is not wise to make someone who is hard pressed for funds invest $250 for DIRAC for a 40k speaker.

I use Dirac on Wharfedale Diamond 220 in my HT via Denon 3800. I also use Dirac on Marantz M1 with Kef LS50 Metas. Now I am using Dirac on active speakers. It’s more about the room and freq correction than the cost of speakers. It’s not about the cost of speakers (Alto) but about you wanting good / calibrated sound.