My fave streamer is any that works with Roon. I love Roon. Unfortunately, their app doesn’t support users with Neuromuscular Diseases. I am an ALS survivor who has no use of my arms. I am typing using Apple’s Assistive Touch Technology and an eye-gaze system that tracks the movement of my eyes. I have Roon about this, they tell me maybe in future. My voice is too small, I suppose. Love your take on music and listening.😊
Yes the screen is small but 1) a visible clock is always handy 2) the faux VU meter is a nice touch. The screen, though small, can be helpful for the moments when things go awry (switching outputs or other features) and you just want to be sure that yeah there is a track playing as you troubleshoot. As someone who uses different outputs with the Ultra and is trying out different gear I would rather have the screen as an additional reference point than not.
Recently made use of the built in room correction. Did it twice, one channel at a time. Really tightened up the low end in my livingroom. For a low tier HIFI you can not go wrong with this and impressed by WIIMs rate of features and adding thing to existing products free of charge.
Good video. Thorough. I use wiim products as streamer only. Many people do. I think most reviewers miss this point: i have a denafrips outboard dac. With the pro plus i had to use the coax out which made me rely in the wiim’s clock. With the ultra i use usb out to my dac. With usb im using the dac’s clock which makes a BIG difference in sound. The combo of wiim app and now usb output is what makes the ultra such a great product. Everything else is nice but the app in combo with the usb output is what sets this product apart at this price point.
Excellent review! I just want to add that the room correction can be edited by going over to the parametric eq. Once you run the room correction, go to the EQ and you can adjust the parametric curve that it created. You can save it as a separate file to compare to the original as well.
WiiM - Dual V3 Mono's - Klipsch RP600m ii works really nice for my small room. Affordability is subjective, but for myself this setup works very well. I am no audiophile and my hearing is 💩 after being in an automotive plant for 32 years, but sounds damn good to me. 💯🎼🔊🙂
I find it funny that you're a bit obsessed with the usability of the screen. To be honest, yes viewers should see that it's use is limited, but I appreciate the fact that its there, if you do find a use for it. Good review and I appreciate the advice you give for upgradability and also that you try very hard to show what performance level it actually has compared to others. Thank you for the really helpful review.
Funny, I almost didn't watch this because I've been using my Ultra for weeks and why bother? But I immediately realized I have never used my touchscreen a single time. Not once. No reason to. Nor do I try to read any information on the screen. I set it where the album art is as large as possible, and left it. I set the screen to go invisible when not in use. I use the phone and remote for all control. And I love it. I use it as a streamer only, USB to DDC to a very good DAC and external preamp. I wouldn't have expected much from the phono stage to begin with. It just wouldn't be the priority, and you're not going to fit a good phone stage in there. Just a chip. Headphones? I listen from a seated position, always. So I don't care. I use Tidal almost exclusively. There are only so many hours in a day. I don't object to touchscreens, headphones, or phono stages. I just don't use them. I just use the streamer. And I am perfectly happy with it. It is capable of sounding very good indeed.
I preordered this and it’s great. I have a pair of studio actives, a sub, a tv with ARC and an untreated room. Also a girlfriend who just turns the tv on and needs it to just work. Couple of notes. The room correction curve takes over your parametric eq so you can adjust it. You can’t have the GEQ and parametric on at the same time. The headphone output is weak. My little FiiO lightning adapter sounds better so plan to add a headphone amp if you’re a wired headphone user. The sub output doesn’t turn off automatically when you’re using the headphone output. WiiM have already updated this to add extra features and I suspect there will be plenty more! It looks smart and I can add a DAC at any time. Late at night output streaming to Bluetooth headphones or to my DX3 pro+ Bluetooth input is a feature I did not know I would use so much before buying.
Regarding the screen, it is all about how you use it. I'd love a screen on my WIIM pro plus with my near field setup. Every time Spotify serves up something new/different I have to open my phone to see what it is. Would be nice to glance at the WIIM sitting right next to me instead.
I got mine on Saturday - it's a lovely thing to have on display, and I love the touch screen as I have a smaller room than Johns. Initially, I thought the sound was a bit hollow, but it's growing on me for sure, and I'm listening to more music from radio sources. The HDMI ARC to the TV is brilliant, just what I needed. I prefer this to the Bluesound Node 2i, which feels a bit cheap in comparison. Also the 2i casing became really tatty and worn, almost sticky, so it's going to be binned.
Have the WiiM Ultra setup in my home office connected to a pair of Swan OS10s, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon all work flawlessly. Also connected to an AppleTV and my LG 32" OLED monitor. Excellent overall experience. Great review John
Nice review, John. Thanks for that. So many side by sides, but I miss one combo which is wiim ultra with Peachtree power DAC. This combo could be an interesting one keeping signal digital all the way through. I used my ultra with audiolab 6000a. Considering that both have the same dac chip, I got more pleasant sound having ultra connected digitally to audiolab (sub connected to wiim for bass management). And this is a great combo for around 1000usd.
This I did not know. I wonder if it would handle the input from an iOS device for Apple music streaming(yes the non bit-perfect aspect of the Apple TV bugs me)
Oo0! Jumped on UA-cam at just the right time. Says your new video dropped 8 seconds ago. Love your content and opinion. Please consider doing a Decware amp review or a tube amp review.
For me the most impressive part about the WIIM system is easily the software and firmware. Having suffered through so much bad software design and support from Chinese manufacturers in the past it’s refreshing to see how good Wiim is. Some western audio companies could take a cue from Wiim as well. My ifi Zen Stream for example hasn’t had the level of software support that I wished it had and as a result I’ve been using it less and less.
Same. I bought the Ultra because it just works, the app is great and I don't have to fuck around for 20 minutes trying to get the Zen stream to work. The ifi app is atrocious. I run the Ultra through the Zen signature dac and it's pretty good, doesn't sound quite as good as the stream/dac sig - but I also use the iPower power supply which probably makes the difference. Regardless, no headaches with the Ultra.
I think the touchscreen is a nice addon, visually and practically, often you don't want to use or search for the remote or smartphone, and if the unit is stacked in a bookshelf or higher up ,, you would be more inclined to use it more often..
May I ask if you had the chance to plug an external usb hard disk to the Ultra? Having 4 TB of flac files I am very interested in how the app works, if it can manage such a large database and how the user experience is. I couldn't find this aspect in any review.
I got it a month ago, using the Cambridge Audio CXA61's DAC via optical, paired with some Focal Aria 906 speakers. It’s so much fun! The app is really impressive. This is my first step into the streaming world, and I couldn’t be happier (for now). I even got a cheap 8" Android tablet to use as a display and remote on my desk. The trigger function makes the setup feel complete-no need to touch that brick of a CA remote, lol. Thanks for your review! 🤠
I must admit, tho, I got mine when it was released, and when I tested it, I noticed that if you switched outputs (I was using Tidal), it would pause the song. Made it challenging to A/B the internal DAC to my Cinema 30. I sent a suggestion through the app, and they responded and said they would look into adding its function to keep playing. Only a few days later, there was an update; wouldn't you know it, they added it! No longer pauses the song. Very impressive. Still might return it tho if they don't swap it out. (Yes the Cinema 30 is better, lol)
Great balanced documentary length review and even then not all features are touched upon. What a versatile ultra modern machine. Well done. I would use the sub out and streamer function into the Audiolab DAC on the amp, I think.
And do you like it? I bought klipsch the 5s a week ago. I love them with my turntable, but im struggling with streaming music via Bluetooth. Got the latest update and still I'm not quite happy with the sound of speakers in low and mid registers. I listen mostly to rock, funk and jazz music. Jazz sounds beautiful. Funk, rock and alternative sound slurred:( Thinking bout getting wiim pro plus to make streaming music sound better
Agree that one will use the app to access the device most of the time than the touch screen. But the touch screen is still good and necessary as no one should be beholden to app. For example, if you've a visitor to your home, the visitor can still operate the hifi system without needing to install the app or use your mobile phone.
I have this on a bookshelf at shoulder height. Works great. It does need new clock options though as neither of the two options are not subtle, I keep the screen off when not in use, which is permitted in the app.
I've got the WiiM Ultra next to my bed so the touchscreen is perfect. However since owning it I've added a Topping A50 III headphone amp because like you, I didn't really rate the headphone output. This was something I didn't notice at first. My personal gripe is the brightness levels when adaptive brightness is selected. On mine, even in a completely black room, it varies the brightness.
A streaming preamp (with variable digital out!) with HDMI sold it for me. I see a lot of comments tempering the value proposition and I don't get it. Is there something I'm missing? I look at this plus a Schiit Vidar and choose-your-favorite DAC...that's compelling value AND flexibility compared to most integrated amps we've been getting.
Basic room correction seems good value given the price. Slightly O/T, I have a Wiim Mini in my living room, and an Apple music library in my kitchen on my mac. Sadly the only way I seem to be able to stream is the lossy (as you mention) AirPlay 2
I have yet to watch this, but I might return mine. If you bump the power cord or try to move the WiiM, I get a lot of loud static through the speakers. It's easily repeatable. I emailed them, and they just sent a canned response. I told them to nevermind; I am just returning it. Only then did a person actually respond to my ticket asking for a video. So, before you buy, think about long-term support from a new small company.
Absolutely agree with you guys. I’ve heard these they are Sublime. Electronics were McIntosh 350watt stereo integrated amp. Also listen with and without REL 510 subwoofers. As you said Pure Finesse. 👍😎
Well I would love to say that I am so sophisticated that I feel that the Wiim Ultra has a trashy sound from the DAC and preamp. But I've been using it as an all in one going to my amp. And I feel the sound is terrific. I was using a Anthem AVM50 as a preamp and DAC previously. I think the AVM has some limitations. The Anthem sells for around $4,000 new. I would expect it to outperform a $329 gadget, but to my ear it doesn't. I am using som terrific speakers. I have the B&W801D4s. I'm willing to spend more for great sound but I would have to hear it before I change it.
Hi John, thanks for your amazing work and presentations. Is it possible to connect a usb SSD library and send the data via optical out to another dac and view what's playing on a TV with the HDMI ARC with the Wiim Ultra ? Thanks !
I use my own ears to adjust the sound frequencies, which of course is a matter of one adjustment at a time over time. I understand that most people are not as crazy as I am, but if you are, then you will get the sounds you like no matter what equipment and room.
As i LOVE the flexibility of the Wiim app and all the EQ setting,would you say it makes sense to put in a system with 2k€ DAC,5k AMP and so on. Because as i see it,wiim is the only one offering it,as the bluesound node icon is not out yet
I had the Wiim amp but found the volume indicator sluggish and difficult to read. Wiim Ultra touchscreen brings up a large numerical volume value once you start adjusting. That and album art justify the touchscreen inclusion
Squatting, crouching, kneeling when you don't have to normally is a massive positive. Unintentional as it may be, we don't move, flex or stretch enough. We should embrace every second that is forced upon us.
So true. The current healthcare mantra is " sitting is the new smoking." I may at times be moving about with music on (cooking dinner, fiddling with a project) so even though the screen is small, I could walk to it to check what's playing, versus searching and picking up the phone for info. A screen does add complexity for the component (something else to fail), but is worth considering. And for the price, adding in the Chord dac for a boost looks appealing as a worthy upgrade. Thanks John !
Does 2.1 music can be stream from pc using hdmi or usb locate at the rear of wiim ultra ? Many graphic card has now 2 hdmi connectors ...motherboard has also hdmi manage by some cpu instruction..
Finally... A well-balanced review. It's a mixed bag, The touchscreen is silly, and the phono stage and headphone out is blah, but there's no denying it's value.
@@handcoding I own one and I like it... I guess I just don't see the utility of a screen (touch or otherwise) on this kind of device. From my listening position, I can't see anything on the screen. I control everything in the app on my phone so I don't need to get up and crouch next to the streamer to control it. I think my use case if pretty common. Maybe there are other use cases where the device is within reach at eye level?
Stop being silly. It looks good, and it shows cool music-art👍 Depending on your room size.. Its useful or not at all (but guests likes it and yes I also like it on my way to the kitchen/toilet etc😀). Love wiim and this is a very nice product, but.. 😉
I still think these touch screens should be removable like a smart phone size device, and charges when re attached .. it's do able as smart phone type devices are pretty cheap.. Have a great day everyone 👍
I just got a refund on mine. I'm blown away that so many of my favorite reviewers rave about it, but the Ultra sounded awful for me. Coax out to my Audio Ntoe dac via DLNA or usb hard drive sounded drastically worse than just a cheap usb to coax converter from my pc with jriver. I have to believe it's faulty on top of usb out not working wiht my Mojo Audio usb dac and also getting clicks and pops with the hdmi. B/c of those things, i assume the entire thing is faulty including the sound quality. It was so bad vs pc audio that i can describe it as playing mp3s through cheap speakers. I have fully transformer coupled amps and tube dac and omni directional speakers, all from Japan. Sounds amazing using JRiver with USb. I wanted the Ultra mainly for the hdmi to use my hifi system for movies as well. That actually worked great until that sound quality degraded as well and then i got the clicks and pops.
I love mine too. Using it with some powered speakers in the kitchen along with Plex via it's media server. Serious upgrade from my raspberry pi with dragonfly. On another note, as it's being used in the kitchen I use the screen all the time.
I have a WiiM Pro, and with the Android version of their app I did room correction (straightforward to do) and felt that whilst interesting the EQ went too far (no doubt Peter Comeau would agree). I was able to fairly easily edit the EQ - I basically just halved every correction amplitude, and find the resulting curve rather effective. I will play around with it further in time, but am in no hurry.
He really likes the Wiim. I had both the Wiim Ultra and the Eversolo A6 at home for 2 weeks. For me the Eversolo is the winner on all fronts…. except the price. I kept the Eversolo and I’m happy.
I agree that Eversolo is def. better as a streamer/pre-amp, but if you plan to use them as a streaming transport using USB Audio out (assuming you have your external DAC), WiiM Ultra is a hands-down winner.
I can confirm the THX Onyx works with the USB out at 192/24. Dragonfly Red recognised but will not play even at 44/16. Hopefully Wiim will address this.
I love my Pro plus and would defo have upgraded to the Ultra if it came with either Airplay 2 or a dedicated Radio Paradise App like Naim streamers do. (which is what I use Airplay for with the ProPLus + iPad/iPhone).
You should make a video about the new Dac & Amp Atom2 stack from JDS Labs. Many people say that the sound of this Atom2 Amp and Dac is purer than those of iFi Zen Audio, and also that it contains almost no distortion even at very high volume.
Great video as ever - many thanks. As someone who bought the WiiM amp I concur the on-board screen would seen superfluous. I’ve linked up my Mac mini via hdmi to my tv and have a slightly clumsy but nevertheless nifty workaround ‘now playing’ screen for Audirvana (audio out to the WiiM amp via uPnP) whilst the Apple TV app takes this role for Apple Music. Both Audirvana and WiiM are app controled and offer phone or iPad now playing as a matter of course. A **huge** disappointment has been the removal of Airplay ‘casting’ around the house - first Airplay 1 then Airplay 2 - from the WiiM, a severe dent in functionality and utility. No reasons given. Any alternatives or solutions out there?
I am all for the screen and album art. Take a deep breath and accept that maximizing consumer value in a product, no matter how idiosyncratic it may seem to you, is net positive. I would love it on my desk or bedside table without fiddling woth my phone.
Love the detail you go into, but when did you have to become an audio engineer to have to play back some content, the many formats, streaming standards etc confuse the hell out of me, who thought I was fairly technical, but these videos are a mystery to me. I just want a simple set up of plugging a streaming device into my existing set up and off I go. I long for the days when it was just a case of plugging in a squeezebox and off you go.
First you thought about it, then you touched it, and now you listened to it, how does it sound in several rooms? Jokes aside, matches my experience in comparison to the node-x. Rapid software updates, volume indication flipped over as example.
Just waiting for my Wiim Pro Plus to arrive tomorrow! Bought that based on your earlier review. Had been considering a Node or the Ultra. Why did I go with the Pro Plus? AirPlay 2. That’s it. No AirPlay 2, no buy. I am not (always) looking for audiophile purity. I just want something good/very-good, and not too expensive, to bring streaming to my old Energy C2 speakers hooked up to a vintage Carver amp. If I want better quality I will certainly hook up a digital source, but for everyday use I just need the convenience of AirPlay 2 in a household already full of HomePods, Apple devices, and a 20 year old Apple iTunes/Music library. I’m not interested in switching/adding streaming services. I would have bought the Node or Ultra to get more connectivity (sub out would be nice) in case I move the streamer to a different system, but not without AirPlay 2. I’m certain the Pro Plus will beat the AirPort Express I have been testing the setup with! When it comes to technology, convenience trumps quality for the majority of use cases.
Super video and excellent content Can you please help me with a decision 1. Can I connect my Audiolab 6000CDT to the Ultra ? Which input in the Ultra would be used ? Thanks 🙏
I use the Wiim EQ to get the sound from the headphone output to my liking. I would recommend trying this before buying more gear. I am using it with AKGK701s. Also, my listening position is a foot from the Ultra in my home office, so I can use that touchscreen without any problems. 😀
Question, if playing Apple Music from an Apple TV 4K what’s the max audio resolution? If you play from an iPhone to the Apple TV is the resolution lower?
Desktop use aside.... Desktop use is the main use case for these bits of equipment IMO... Exactly the same for my Eversolo.. I use it on my work-from-home desk
Very helpful review. I have a defective Powernode N330 - disappointing at 4 years old. To replace it, I plan to use the WiiM Ultra into an integrated amplifier (SMSL AO300 with an integrated DAC, the CS43131 by Cirrus Logic). Should I fix the output and use the power amplifiers volume control? This seems like it should be sonically optimal, but is ergonomically or practically less appealing. If I do use the WiiM as the volume control do you have any advise on how to set volume on the SMSL amp? It also seems possible to do room correction and feed the digital signal via TOS-Link to the SMSL and still use its DAC? Other readers feel free to chime in ...
My main interest in the Wiim Ultra is the room correction, eq features and crossover pass filters. Screen irrelevant to me. I want to add a streamer to my stereo rig, but like the idea of room correction if it works well. I want a user-friendly app p also that’s simple & convenient. I’m considering the Ultra and the Cambridge Audio AXN-10. I’ve heard raving reviews on the Cambridge DAC Magic app and it’s at the top of my budget limit to spend on a streamer. 👍🏼🎶
Great review, i do have a question regarding the wiims connectivity. I ordered a pair of klipsch the nines and was thinking of getting a wiim ultra to have connect and use as a streamer. Would it be wise to do this since I believe the wiim dac and built in dac will over process the music? Should I just go with separates instead?
If you use the WiiMs optical or coax output into the speakers optical/coax input you will use the DAC inside of the speaker. If you use the RCA output on the WiiM to the RCA input of the speakers you will use the WiiMs DAC. Then just use whatever DAC you like the most! All the best!
This product is fantastic for the money. I switched from the blue node sound. App is just better than the blue OS imo. Crazy cheap for the features and performance.
If one uses an Apple TV to stream music would you suggest buying this music streamer or any other streamer you have tested? Is there any reason to have Apple TV for music and a high end streamer ? Do you have a video on this comparing functionality and music quality of the apple streamer vs streamers you think are comparable? Thx
1. Apple codec the AAC over airplay are not lossless. Not sure if our ears matters what differences we heard. 2. If you get this WiiM ultra it’s just to work as a hub where you want to connect stuff like vinyl, cd player etc all the same time, like what the video mentions as a pre amp. 3. Subwoofer management, no idea if you have one or not or in future. These just some input that came to me. By the way yes your question makes me ponder before at times, I am using, smart tv, WiiM pro plus to chi-fi amp to a bookshelves speaker. (For music listening) I am also having an Apple TV old gen 2 with a silver remote, it connects to my smart tv using hdmi, and optical from Apple TV output to a humble old 5.1 system. Only time I use Apple TV is for AirPlay from phone to tv like Amazon plus videos etc (as my smart tv have Netflix) Tell me a bit more of the new Apple TV plus, sometimes I wonder should I upgrade it?
Thank you for the review. I'm considering this for headphone listening (currently have a laptop connected to an ifi zen dac v2). Do you think I'd get a similar headphone experience directly into the Wiim Ultra or would it be possible/better to connect the Wiim to the zen dac then to headphones? Thanks
My fave streamer is any that works with Roon. I love Roon. Unfortunately, their app doesn’t support users with Neuromuscular Diseases. I am an ALS survivor who has no use of my arms. I am typing using Apple’s Assistive Touch Technology and an eye-gaze system that tracks the movement of my eyes. I have Roon about this, they tell me maybe in future. My voice is too small, I suppose. Love your take on music and listening.😊
Hopefully some of the new accessibility features like Eye Tracking and Vocal Shortcuts coming to iOS 18 this fall will help with navigating the app!
I have something similar to ALS and also love Roon. Where do you have difficulties using the app?
So weird cause I just left the exact same comment on another channel. Roon Roon Roon!! 😊
Yes the screen is small but 1) a visible clock is always handy 2) the faux VU meter is a nice touch. The screen, though small, can be helpful for the moments when things go awry (switching outputs or other features) and you just want to be sure that yeah there is a track playing as you troubleshoot. As someone who uses different outputs with the Ultra and is trying out different gear I would rather have the screen as an additional reference point than not.
Recently made use of the built in room correction. Did it twice, one channel at a time. Really tightened up the low end in my livingroom. For a low tier HIFI you can not go wrong with this and impressed by WIIMs rate of features and adding thing to existing products free of charge.
Good video. Thorough. I use wiim products as streamer only. Many people do. I think most reviewers miss this point: i have a denafrips outboard dac. With the pro plus i had to use the coax out which made me rely in the wiim’s clock. With the ultra i use usb out to my dac. With usb im using the dac’s clock which makes a BIG difference in sound. The combo of wiim app and now usb output is what makes the ultra such a great product. Everything else is nice but the app in combo with the usb output is what sets this product apart at this price point.
That’s helpful info! Thanks! 🙏
Does the clock make that much of an audible difference?
Excellent review! I just want to add that the room correction can be edited by going over to the parametric eq. Once you run the room correction, go to the EQ and you can adjust the parametric curve that it created. You can save it as a separate file to compare to the original as well.
WiiM - Dual V3 Mono's - Klipsch RP600m ii works really nice for my small room. Affordability is subjective, but for myself this setup works very well. I am no audiophile and my hearing is 💩 after being in an automotive plant for 32 years, but sounds damn good to me. 💯🎼🔊🙂
I find it funny that you're a bit obsessed with the usability of the screen. To be honest, yes viewers should see that it's use is limited, but I appreciate the fact that its there, if you do find a use for it. Good review and I appreciate the advice you give for upgradability and also that you try very hard to show what performance level it actually has compared to others. Thank you for the really helpful review.
The amount of hours and enthusiasm put into making your video reviews is noticeable.
Always enjoy them.
Excellent work!
I would like to see you and the British Audiophile collaborate on recommending systems at different price points.
That would be awesome.
Funny, I almost didn't watch this because I've been using my Ultra for weeks and why bother?
But I immediately realized I have never used my touchscreen a single time. Not once.
No reason to.
Nor do I try to read any information on the screen. I set it where the album art is as large as possible, and left it. I set the screen to go invisible when not in use. I use the phone and remote for all control.
And I love it. I use it as a streamer only, USB to DDC to a very good DAC and external preamp. I wouldn't have expected much from the phono stage to begin with. It just wouldn't be the priority, and you're not going to fit a good phone stage in there. Just a chip. Headphones? I listen from a seated position, always. So I don't care. I use Tidal almost exclusively. There are only so many hours in a day.
I don't object to touchscreens, headphones, or phono stages. I just don't use them. I just use the streamer.
And I am perfectly happy with it. It is capable of sounding very good indeed.
Great review John. I'm liking the extra B-roll at the end - can never have too much 😊
I love your videos.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
I preordered this and it’s great. I have a pair of studio actives, a sub, a tv with ARC and an untreated room. Also a girlfriend who just turns the tv on and needs it to just work.
Couple of notes.
The room correction curve takes over your parametric eq so you can adjust it. You can’t have the GEQ and parametric on at the same time.
The headphone output is weak. My little FiiO lightning adapter sounds better so plan to add a headphone amp if you’re a wired headphone user. The sub output doesn’t turn off automatically when you’re using the headphone output.
WiiM have already updated this to add extra features and I suspect there will be plenty more! It looks smart and I can add a DAC at any time. Late at night output streaming to Bluetooth headphones or to my DX3 pro+ Bluetooth input is a feature I did not know I would use so much before buying.
Regarding the screen, it is all about how you use it. I'd love a screen on my WIIM pro plus with my near field setup. Every time Spotify serves up something new/different I have to open my phone to see what it is. Would be nice to glance at the WIIM sitting right next to me instead.
I got mine on Saturday - it's a lovely thing to have on display, and I love the touch screen as I have a smaller room than Johns. Initially, I thought the sound was a bit hollow, but it's growing on me for sure, and I'm listening to more music from radio sources. The HDMI ARC to the TV is brilliant, just what I needed. I prefer this to the Bluesound Node 2i, which feels a bit cheap in comparison. Also the 2i casing became really tatty and worn, almost sticky, so it's going to be binned.
Have the WiiM Ultra setup in my home office connected to a pair of Swan OS10s, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon all work flawlessly. Also connected to an AppleTV and my LG 32" OLED monitor. Excellent overall experience. Great review John
How do you integrate Apple TV and for what purpose? If you connect AppleTv hdmi out to wiim’s hdmi then what?
That says it all: "Everything arriving at the Ultra passes thru the dac circuit and then move on" Haha!
Nice review, John. Thanks for that. So many side by sides, but I miss one combo which is wiim ultra with Peachtree power DAC.
This combo could be an interesting one keeping signal digital all the way through.
I used my ultra with audiolab 6000a. Considering that both have the same dac chip, I got more pleasant sound having ultra connected digitally to audiolab (sub connected to wiim for bass management). And this is a great combo for around 1000usd.
I have got this combo (WiiM Ultra & Peachtree Gan1) running with the KEF LS 50 Meta and the KC62 and it sound great.
I have found that the rear USB port can also be used as a USB input for my music library storage device which is convenient.
This I did not know. I wonder if it would handle the input from an iOS device for Apple music streaming(yes the non bit-perfect aspect of the Apple TV bugs me)
The bottle got recycled. It was a flip top style, with a ceramic cap with a rubber stopper and wire bracket (like a Grolsch beer bottle).
There are lots of choices (just what you want - lol).
It doesn't matter if you get another brand.
Only if we did a side by side tasting, could I tell a difference and have a preference.
Nice video old chap, I'm a human bartender from Arizonia, names Jackie Daytona
I'll happily continue on with the Wiim hockey puck. Thanks for the thorough review!
Oo0! Jumped on UA-cam at just the right time. Says your new video dropped 8 seconds ago. Love your content and opinion. Please consider doing a Decware amp review or a tube amp review.
For me the most impressive part about the WIIM system is easily the software and firmware. Having suffered through so much bad software design and support from Chinese manufacturers in the past it’s refreshing to see how good Wiim is. Some western audio companies could take a cue from Wiim as well. My ifi Zen Stream for example hasn’t had the level of software support that I wished it had and as a result I’ve been using it less and less.
Same. I bought the Ultra because it just works, the app is great and I don't have to fuck around for 20 minutes trying to get the Zen stream to work. The ifi app is atrocious. I run the Ultra through the Zen signature dac and it's pretty good, doesn't sound quite as good as the stream/dac sig - but I also use the iPower power supply which probably makes the difference.
Regardless, no headaches with the Ultra.
Great review as usual! But I feel that you are nitpicking too much for that price point.
Nice to see EWF's 'In The Stone' making a brief appearance.....one of the best intros ever 🙂
I think the touchscreen is a nice addon, visually and practically, often you don't want to use or search for the remote or smartphone, and if the unit is stacked in a bookshelf or higher up ,, you would be more inclined to use it more often..
May I ask if you had the chance to plug an external usb hard disk to the Ultra? Having 4 TB of flac files I am very interested in how the app works, if it can manage such a large database and how the user experience is. I couldn't find this aspect in any review.
I got it a month ago, using the Cambridge Audio CXA61's DAC via optical, paired with some Focal Aria 906 speakers. It’s so much fun! The app is really impressive. This is my first step into the streaming world, and I couldn’t be happier (for now). I even got a cheap 8" Android tablet to use as a display and remote on my desk. The trigger function makes the setup feel complete-no need to touch that brick of a CA remote, lol. Thanks for your review! 🤠
I must admit, tho, I got mine when it was released, and when I tested it, I noticed that if you switched outputs (I was using Tidal), it would pause the song. Made it challenging to A/B the internal DAC to my Cinema 30. I sent a suggestion through the app, and they responded and said they would look into adding its function to keep playing. Only a few days later, there was an update; wouldn't you know it, they added it! No longer pauses the song. Very impressive. Still might return it tho if they don't swap it out. (Yes the Cinema 30 is better, lol)
Tried the Ultra in connection with a small Atoll MA100 Amp. Nice sounding Combination for the Price.
Great balanced documentary length review and even then not all features are touched upon. What a versatile ultra modern machine. Well done.
I would use the sub out and streamer function into the Audiolab DAC on the amp, I think.
🙋♂️JOHN ,THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO BE AN AUDIOPHILE 👍😎💚💚💚
Seriously helpful. Well done, Thank you!
Mine is right beside me on a side table, so screen is both easily visible and useful
I have the Ultra running with my Klipsch the fives in my toy hauler.
And do you like it? I bought klipsch the 5s a week ago. I love them with my turntable, but im struggling with streaming music via Bluetooth. Got the latest update and still I'm not quite happy with the sound of speakers in low and mid registers. I listen mostly to rock, funk and jazz music. Jazz sounds beautiful. Funk, rock and alternative sound slurred:(
Thinking bout getting wiim pro plus to make streaming music sound better
Agree that one will use the app to access the device most of the time than the touch screen. But the touch screen is still good and necessary as no one should be beholden to app. For example, if you've a visitor to your home, the visitor can still operate the hifi system without needing to install the app or use your mobile phone.
A “visitor” or a “wife” 😂
I have this on a bookshelf at shoulder height. Works great. It does need new clock options though as neither of the two options are not subtle, I keep the screen off when not in use, which is permitted in the app.
I've got the WiiM Ultra next to my bed so the touchscreen is perfect. However since owning it I've added a Topping A50 III headphone amp because like you, I didn't really rate the headphone output. This was something I didn't notice at first. My personal gripe is the brightness levels when adaptive brightness is selected. On mine, even in a completely black room, it varies the brightness.
A streaming preamp (with variable digital out!) with HDMI sold it for me. I see a lot of comments tempering the value proposition and I don't get it. Is there something I'm missing? I look at this plus a Schiit Vidar and choose-your-favorite DAC...that's compelling value AND flexibility compared to most integrated amps we've been getting.
I hope you do some Cambridge Amplifier reviews in the future :)
Love mine!
I am playing my Ultra thru an older Benchmark DAC1 and heavily modded HE560 V4, I need look no further this year ❤
Basic room correction seems good value given the price. Slightly O/T, I have a Wiim Mini in my living room, and an Apple music library in my kitchen on my mac. Sadly the only way I seem to be able to stream is the lossy (as you mention) AirPlay 2
I have yet to watch this, but I might return mine. If you bump the power cord or try to move the WiiM, I get a lot of loud static through the speakers. It's easily repeatable. I emailed them, and they just sent a canned response. I told them to nevermind; I am just returning it. Only then did a person actually respond to my ticket asking for a video. So, before you buy, think about long-term support from a new small company.
Absolutely agree with you guys. I’ve heard these they are Sublime. Electronics were McIntosh 350watt stereo integrated amp. Also listen with and without REL 510 subwoofers. As you said Pure Finesse. 👍😎
Those Heresy’s are bad to the bone:) great review as always man.
Well I would love to say that I am so sophisticated that I feel that the Wiim Ultra has a trashy sound from the DAC and preamp. But I've been using it as an all in one going to my amp. And I feel the sound is terrific. I was using a Anthem AVM50 as a preamp and DAC previously. I think the AVM has some limitations. The Anthem sells for around $4,000 new. I would expect it to outperform a $329 gadget, but to my ear it doesn't. I am using som terrific speakers. I have the B&W801D4s. I'm willing to spend more for great sound but I would have to hear it before I change it.
Try Holo Audio Red as a steamer.
Hi John, thanks for your amazing work and presentations. Is it possible to connect a usb SSD library and send the data via optical out to another dac and view what's playing on a TV with the HDMI ARC with the Wiim Ultra ? Thanks !
But you CAN edit the correction curve! 15:06
Very interesting. How?
@@IainMacUKthe correction curve hijacks your PEQ so you just go into the EQ and do what you want.
Yes you can. To a huge degree.
I use my own ears to adjust the sound frequencies, which of course is a matter of one adjustment at a time over time. I understand that most people are not as crazy as I am, but if you are, then you will get the sounds you like no matter what equipment and room.
At this point we need a chart at the end of these videos that John can visually update to show where a new piece of gear stacks up... 🙂
As i LOVE the flexibility of the Wiim app and all the EQ setting,would you say it makes sense to put in a system with 2k€ DAC,5k AMP and so on. Because as i see it,wiim is the only one offering it,as the bluesound node icon is not out yet
Hi John, how is it handling AAC music ? should I re-rip all my music library in Flac ? thanks
I had the Wiim amp but found the volume indicator sluggish and difficult to read. Wiim Ultra touchscreen brings up a large numerical volume value once you start adjusting. That and album art justify the touchscreen inclusion
1:42 ...a more visually satisfying listening experience? errm?
Squatting, crouching, kneeling when you don't have to normally is a massive positive. Unintentional as it may be, we don't move, flex or stretch enough. We should embrace every second that is forced upon us.
So true. The current healthcare mantra is " sitting is the new smoking." I may at times be moving about with music on (cooking dinner, fiddling with a project) so even though the screen is small, I could walk to it to check what's playing, versus searching and picking up the phone for info. A screen does add complexity for the component (something else to fail), but is worth considering. And for the price, adding in the Chord dac for a boost looks appealing as a worthy upgrade. Thanks John !
Does 2.1 music can be stream from pc using hdmi or usb locate at the rear of wiim ultra ? Many graphic card has now 2 hdmi connectors ...motherboard has also hdmi manage by some cpu instruction..
Finally... A well-balanced review. It's a mixed bag, The touchscreen is silly, and the phono stage and headphone out is blah, but there's no denying it's value.
Volume knob is also silly? Just put rack beside chair it is so simple.
What’s wrong with having a touchscreen? And do you also dislike that your phone has a touchscreen?
@@handcoding I own one and I like it... I guess I just don't see the utility of a screen (touch or otherwise) on this kind of device. From my listening position, I can't see anything on the screen. I control everything in the app on my phone so I don't need to get up and crouch next to the streamer to control it. I think my use case if pretty common. Maybe there are other use cases where the device is within reach at eye level?
@@handcodingit's not very useful on a small static piece of electronics that sits across the room from the listening position.
Stop being silly. It looks good, and it shows cool music-art👍 Depending on your room size.. Its useful or not at all (but guests likes it and yes I also like it on my way to the kitchen/toilet etc😀). Love wiim and this is a very nice product, but.. 😉
How do you make your tv screen show what you’re streaming?
You said knob feel.
Butthead voice: «he he he»
So did you
What I was waiting for ❤
I still think these touch screens should be removable like a smart phone size device, and charges when re attached .. it's do able as smart phone type devices are pretty cheap..
Have a great day everyone 👍
I just got a refund on mine. I'm blown away that so many of my favorite reviewers rave about it, but the Ultra sounded awful for me. Coax out to my Audio Ntoe dac via DLNA or usb hard drive sounded drastically worse than just a cheap usb to coax converter from my pc with jriver.
I have to believe it's faulty on top of usb out not working wiht my Mojo Audio usb dac and also getting clicks and pops with the hdmi. B/c of those things, i assume the entire thing is faulty including the sound quality.
It was so bad vs pc audio that i can describe it as playing mp3s through cheap speakers. I have fully transformer coupled amps and tube dac and omni directional speakers, all from Japan. Sounds amazing using JRiver with USb. I wanted the Ultra mainly for the hdmi to use my hifi system for movies as well. That actually worked great until that sound quality degraded as well and then i got the clicks and pops.
There is no any clicks and pops so you had clearly broken unit.
I love mine too. Using it with some powered speakers in the kitchen along with Plex via it's media server. Serious upgrade from my raspberry pi with dragonfly. On another note, as it's being used in the kitchen I use the screen all the time.
I have a WiiM Pro, and with the Android version of their app I did room correction (straightforward to do) and felt that whilst interesting the EQ went too far (no doubt Peter Comeau would agree).
I was able to fairly easily edit the EQ - I basically just halved every correction amplitude, and find the resulting curve rather effective. I will play around with it further in time, but am in no hurry.
I found that I can do a better job myself, maybe it's the frequency response of the microphone, which tbh was hit built for high fifelity!
Use a better quality microphone. I have used the Shure MV88 to great results.
He really likes the Wiim.
I had both the Wiim Ultra and the Eversolo A6 at home for 2 weeks.
For me the Eversolo is the winner on all fronts…. except the price.
I kept the Eversolo and I’m happy.
I agree that Eversolo is def. better as a streamer/pre-amp, but if you plan to use them as a streaming transport using USB Audio out (assuming you have your external DAC), WiiM Ultra is a hands-down winner.
I can confirm the THX Onyx works with the USB out at 192/24.
Dragonfly Red recognised but will not play even at 44/16.
Hopefully Wiim will address this.
Personnellement je trouve que pour la somme 399€, il n'y a rien de mieux chez moi ça marche vraiment super bien, avec des Cabasse Pacific
I was eagerly awaiting this …but I’m now going to stay with my Wiim Pro feeding my Denafrips DAC …I’m good 😊
I love my Pro plus and would defo have upgraded to the Ultra if it came with either Airplay 2 or a dedicated Radio Paradise App like Naim streamers do. (which is what I use Airplay for with the ProPLus + iPad/iPhone).
You should make a video about the new Dac & Amp Atom2 stack from JDS Labs. Many people say that the sound of this Atom2 Amp and Dac is purer than those of iFi Zen Audio, and also that it contains almost no distortion even at very high volume.
Great video as ever - many thanks. As someone who bought the WiiM amp I concur the on-board screen would seen superfluous. I’ve linked up my Mac mini via hdmi to my tv and have a slightly clumsy but nevertheless nifty workaround ‘now playing’ screen for Audirvana (audio out to the WiiM amp via uPnP) whilst the Apple TV app takes this role for Apple Music. Both Audirvana and WiiM are app controled and offer phone or iPad now playing as a matter of course. A **huge** disappointment has been the removal of Airplay ‘casting’ around the house - first Airplay 1 then Airplay 2 - from the WiiM, a severe dent in functionality and utility. No reasons given. Any alternatives or solutions out there?
..also, I really appreciate the music recommendations and leads. Nice!
I eventually hooked up the Wiim Ultra to my iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC. Output to Emotiva BasX amp. Dreamy.
Great comparisons. How about my personal setup with a Geshelli J2 dac, which sounds great now... getting the Burson v7 vivid next?
WiiM now have Plex Beta and it works very good.
I am all for the screen and album art. Take a deep breath and accept that maximizing consumer value in a product, no matter how idiosyncratic it may seem to you, is net positive. I would love it on my desk or bedside table without fiddling woth my phone.
Love the detail you go into, but when did you have to become an audio engineer to have to play back some content, the many formats, streaming standards etc confuse the hell out of me, who thought I was fairly technical, but these videos are a mystery to me. I just want a simple set up of plugging a streaming device into my existing set up and off I go. I long for the days when it was just a case of plugging in a squeezebox and off you go.
Gr8 review. How do you think the WiiM would compare to the Marantz M1?
First you thought about it, then you touched it, and now you listened to it, how does it sound in several rooms? Jokes aside, matches my experience in comparison to the node-x. Rapid software updates, volume indication flipped over as example.
Just waiting for my Wiim Pro Plus to arrive tomorrow! Bought that based on your earlier review. Had been considering a Node or the Ultra. Why did I go with the Pro Plus? AirPlay 2. That’s it. No AirPlay 2, no buy.
I am not (always) looking for audiophile purity. I just want something good/very-good, and not too expensive, to bring streaming to my old Energy C2 speakers hooked up to a vintage Carver amp. If I want better quality I will certainly hook up a digital source, but for everyday use I just need the convenience of AirPlay 2 in a household already full of HomePods, Apple devices, and a 20 year old Apple iTunes/Music library. I’m not interested in switching/adding streaming services.
I would have bought the Node or Ultra to get more connectivity (sub out would be nice) in case I move the streamer to a different system, but not without AirPlay 2.
I’m certain the Pro Plus will beat the AirPort Express I have been testing the setup with! When it comes to technology, convenience trumps quality for the majority of use cases.
Super video and excellent content
Can you please help me with a decision
1. Can I connect my Audiolab 6000CDT to the Ultra ?
Which input in the Ultra would be used ?
Thanks 🙏
I’m curious What powered speakers pair well with it?
I use the Wiim EQ to get the sound from the headphone output to my liking. I would recommend trying this before buying more gear. I am using it with AKGK701s. Also, my listening position is a foot from the Ultra in my home office, so I can use that touchscreen without any problems. 😀
Question, if playing Apple Music from an Apple TV 4K what’s the max audio resolution? If you play from an iPhone to the Apple TV is the resolution lower?
souncloud too!!! nice!
Desktop use aside.... Desktop use is the main use case for these bits of equipment IMO... Exactly the same for my Eversolo.. I use it on my work-from-home desk
Very helpful review. I have a defective Powernode N330 - disappointing at 4 years old.
To replace it, I plan to use the WiiM Ultra into an integrated amplifier (SMSL AO300 with an integrated DAC, the CS43131 by Cirrus Logic). Should I fix the output and use the power amplifiers volume control? This seems like it should be sonically optimal, but is ergonomically or practically less appealing. If I do use the WiiM as the volume control do you have any advise on how to set volume on the SMSL amp? It also seems possible to do room correction and feed the digital signal via TOS-Link to the SMSL and still use its DAC? Other readers feel free to chime in ...
My main interest in the Wiim Ultra is the room correction, eq features and crossover pass filters. Screen irrelevant to me. I want to add a streamer to my stereo rig,
but like the idea of room correction if it works well. I want a user-friendly app p also that’s simple & convenient. I’m considering the Ultra and the Cambridge Audio AXN-10. I’ve heard raving reviews on the Cambridge DAC Magic app and it’s at the top of my budget limit to spend on a streamer. 👍🏼🎶
I have the wiim amp and the Dac sounds great using tidal.
Is the subwoofer's crossover setting (especially the high pass filer) applicable to digital out?
A very good question to be answered specifically.
I'm guessing yes, because as John said, room EQ gets passed out digitally.
17' 45" in.
I wonder how it compares as a streamer to DAC with fiio R7 etc?
Great video as always
I add a lot of your songs to my playlists.
Much appreciated.
If I'm being honest, a DAC like the Mojo, costing $500 plus and still using micro USB for power makes me wince.
Great review, i do have a question regarding the wiims connectivity. I ordered a pair of klipsch the nines and was thinking of getting a wiim ultra to have connect and use as a streamer. Would it be wise to do this since I believe the wiim dac and built in dac will over process the music? Should I just go with separates instead?
If you use the WiiMs optical or coax output into the speakers optical/coax input you will use the DAC inside of the speaker.
If you use the RCA output on the WiiM to the RCA input of the speakers you will use the WiiMs DAC.
Then just use whatever DAC you like the most!
All the best!
How is the Ultra compares to Node 2i? Streaming only, Streaming with DAC and phone output sound? TIA.
Since there's no balanced headphone output on this (or the Eversolo DMP-A6), I'll go for the FiiO R7.
This product is fantastic for the money. I switched from the blue node sound. App is just better than the blue OS imo. Crazy cheap for the features and performance.
may I ask if you know how the Ultra performs with a large flac database on external drive?
How did the Klipsch speakers compare to the Wharfdale Lintons with the WiiM driving, please?
If one uses an Apple TV to stream music would you suggest buying this music streamer or any other streamer you have tested? Is there any reason to have Apple TV for music and a high end streamer ? Do you have a video on this comparing functionality and music quality of the apple streamer vs streamers you think are comparable?
Thx
1. Apple codec the AAC over airplay are not lossless. Not sure if our ears matters what differences we heard.
2. If you get this WiiM ultra it’s just to work as a hub where you want to connect stuff like vinyl, cd player etc all the same time, like what the video mentions as a pre amp.
3. Subwoofer management, no idea if you have one or not or in future.
These just some input that came to me.
By the way yes your question makes me ponder before at times,
I am using, smart tv, WiiM pro plus to chi-fi amp to a bookshelves speaker. (For music listening)
I am also having an Apple TV old gen 2 with a silver remote, it connects to my smart tv using hdmi, and optical from Apple TV output to a humble old 5.1 system.
Only time I use Apple TV is for AirPlay from phone to tv like Amazon plus videos etc (as my smart tv have Netflix)
Tell me a bit more of the new Apple TV plus, sometimes I wonder should I upgrade it?
Thank you for the review. I'm considering this for headphone listening (currently have a laptop connected to an ifi zen dac v2). Do you think I'd get a similar headphone experience directly into the Wiim Ultra or would it be possible/better to connect the Wiim to the zen dac then to headphones? Thanks