Sorry to hear about the harrasment you and your wife experienced. Even worse when your family got affected as well. Very informative review and the UI of the Wiim looks super sharp and easy to use. Prices of Wiim products in Australia are very resonable.
So for $750 I can get a Wiim Ultra for my living room, a Wiim Pro Plus for my desk, and a WIIM Mini for my Patio and play the same music throughout the house? Wow, talk about cheapaudio Man!!!
I'm just waiting for the Wiim Ultra Plus to come out, hopefully Android friendly, all black and with a bigger screen. I would pay $800 for that over the EverSolo.
I ❤ Wiim. The minis go on sale for $70. I have 4 and the amp and enjoy whole home audio. I even have a mini in a Milwaukee construction boom box as a floater. The USB power and the hockey puck size is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@@mattmiller4978 BTW: if you have a Wimm mini and link is to a Wiim member with Chromecast, will it play the Chromecasted content too? Should work, but whateverever I read on the fora makes me think Google thought about this and made it impossible.
I'd love for a successor to the Monitor Audio Airstream A100, with Airplay (2) but also Spotify Connect, Plex (and maybe Roon), etc., and HDMI ARC. OTOH, the more services you integrate, the more the chance that one of these services might stop being supported in the future. It sometimes happens. It's not like in the olden days where you put cinch connectors on the back of your amp, and it would work until the amp broke down; Spotify Connect only works as long as Spotify wants it to work. Maybe there is something to be said for a "dumb" (but digital) preamp with HDMI ARC, bluetooth, and ok, support for Google Cast and Airplay 2. But not for connecting to services. That can then be handled by dedicated devices, dongles, etc. And they can be cheap because they just output a digital signal; no high quality components are required.
Agreed...Apple Music is terrific, what I stream, sounds better than Amazon Hi-Res to my ears. Any streamer purchase decision would consider if Apple Music can stream on it.
I have the WiiM Pro Plus which I’m very pleased with but as you stated I don’t think the room analysis is quite right. My room correction shows the bass needs boosting by about 10db at points. That’s too much and have scaled it down to a 3.5db boost which sounds balanced enough for me.
Now that Bluesound and WiiM are going head to head, I would love to see what WiiM could do in the $700 to $900 range. Upgrade the DAC in the Ultra to an AKM 4499/4491, upgrade the power supply, upgrade (or eliminate) the phono preamp. Keep the great app and UX. Right now I run the Matrix Element X. Great sound, a little difficult to use, won't stream the missus' Amazon music. I dont want to spend a ton on another streamer, so an improved Ultra call it "Ultra Pro" would hit the spot.
Got my Ultra a week ago - surprisingly, analogue out sounds so much better than my Wiim Pro Plus. I actually ditched my 500$ Marantz DAC - no need for it in my (modestly priced) setup now. Quite incredible.
I got the Wiim Ultra to pair with my vintage system. At first tried the internal dac. Later added the SMSL SU-1 and it sounds much better. Guess I've gotten accustomed to the AKM sound. WIIM needs to add different skins for the V.U. Meter display. Options to match my Pioneer V.U. or a Marantz or whatever would be nice. Enjoy your channel.
Thanks for sharing the review. I thought you were going to talk about the Fosi v3 mono and how to leverage the setup (remember the foreshadowing 😊)? Do you recommend pairing the v3 for a more powerful amp?
Great video. Thanks! I've had my Wiim Ultra for about three weeks and have been dazzled by it. And support? I've applied four updates since I received the unit. It's now faster at input switching and has more features. Now I'm thinking I need to plug it into my external DAC (Schiit Modi+) and do a real A/B. I've had no complaints about the sound so far, so probably I have 'cheap' ears. 😁
I think one of the most impressive things about the WIIM Ultra is the box it comes in. My dad worked at a high-end packaging company, and I'm sure he would have been impressed.
In the Netherlands you go to a hifi fair always fun. Various rooms and then you go to e.g. Macintosh demo and you think wow what a sound. But then the price 17,000 euros just for an amplifier. High-end is only here if you read a review a few sentences and scroll down then it is unaffordable. Fortunately I am satisfied with set now. For many it becomes an not understanding hobby.
I am trying to build a setup with the Wiim ultra and a powered amp. In vodoeo you showed this has a trigger to activate the amp. Could you point me in the right direction. I have looked at Fosi, but none seem to have this trigger connection.
Loving the WiiM Ultra. I went from WiiM mini to Pro to Ultra. Loving it! Replaced my DAC, Streamer, MiniDSP and pre-amp with just the Ultra and it sounds great with my Linton 85th anniv. speakers. I'm not sure I will need to update ever again on those components. I can just focus on the speakers now.
Yeah, the Lintons are on my list. I have a pair of Q acoustic towers that I like, but I don't love them. I've really wanted to get a set of Lintons in here to try.
Randy, it's unacceptable for you and especially your wife having to deal with ppl contacting and harassing y'all. I would say the majority of time, I agree with you 90% of the time? I do appreciate your hard work, your dedication and the Contact you put out for Everyone. Maybe I should Thank You or say it more often? You should definitely be proud what you have accomplished with this channel. Great job, Randy!
@@anonimushbosh Apple is so closed minded. They should offer an "Apple Music Connect" app for inclusion in streamers, but I guess they really don't care. If Steve Jobs were still alive that might be different. Airplay 2 as it is, defaults to converting everything to .aac 320Kbps max. That makes is about the same level of quality as Spotify. Better than most Bluetooth, but nothing to write home about, at best a "convenience" feature to have. Funny thing: You could buy a WiiM Mini that does have Airplay 2 and feed it into one of the inputs on the Ultra.
@@tibbified actually all WiiMs support AirPlay2, apart from the current versions of the elite, which has no AirPlay support, due to the chip inside and being launched before apple certified it. They said at launch that future versions will include AirPlay. I don’t know if that’s still the case.
I've looked around and the Ultra doesn't seem to have a high pass option for the analog output. It would be great to get the low bass out of my main speakers and directed to my sub. Is it true that there is no highpass for the analog out -or- is it possible to use the EQ function to do this and have the EQ not effect the sub out?
Important sponsor today in this crazy world. I hope your harassment has ceased and peace has returned. As to the product, it certainly seems to be a really good centerpiece of an affordable sound system. Thank you as always for your time, perspectives, and for sharing this with us all. Stay well, Sir.
Yeah 200 calls a day = one call every 7 minutes within 24hr period. Super believable. But I do believe there are nuts out there with serious mental issues.
@@Grooverski You can automate those calls from multiple spoofed numbers, so it's definitely possible. You gotta be some kind of nut to do that, though.
Another Excellent Review. Love the value represented by the WiiM Ultra, but there are two things that are missing that prevent me from purchasing it, are lack of XLR outputs and lack of HDMI out so that I can actually read the album art and information on my large screen TV. Not sure why they are not addressing these missing options. If you want to use this with ZA3 Mono Blocks and save on Ops Op Amps, then you need to use XLR Outputs (saves you the cost of 2 Op Amps). I believe there is a large audience that would purchase this device with these options.
Great review. For 2.5 years I have used a RME for my DAC and love it but it’s not for the non technical audio person at all, setup and configuration can be daunting. It as you have pointed out many times the apps to run streamers can be horrible. So I bought a BluSound Node for one reason, it’s App and I bypass the Nodes DAC to the RME. But heck if the app is this good on the Ultra too and with HDMI Arc input I might try this instead of my Node. Again , well done.
I was thinking of getting this and the fluance rt85n turn table would I need a preamp for the fluance turn table and would a separate sac be a good idea
@cheapaudioman what amp would compliment this streamer? I’m trying to power some klipschs rp-600m2. I have Magnet moving cartridge turntable and also rsl 10speed woofer. I currently have a t9 pro but was maybe thinking to “step up” in terms of amp. I appreciate your thoughts
I like the display for album art. Just can't get a sense of the sound on the WiiM ultra just for music. Does it have a built-in app, tone control, and or EQ?
How does the Ultra compare to the new node Nano? Don't know if you have tested it or plan on doing a comparison but since they are priced about the same I'd be interested in seeing how they compare.
I love your reviews, in general. Is this one a paid advertisement, or did you overlook that the FIIO you referenced does have Apple Music available as a download, and it actually CAN play Apple music Hi-Res? Oversight, or intentionally left out?
Got my Wiim Ultra today. Curious if anyone has compared phono input versus phono pre-amp into the line-in. I tried but it sounds similar to me. My setup: AT LP120XBT-USB (VM540ML and phono out mode) -> Schiit Mani -> Wiim Ultra -> Denon AVR-X3300W -> Martin Logan Foundation F2
Been waiting for this review...so thank you, Randy. I've gone from the Pro to the Pro Plus (2 of each, one on each of my systems), I just don't think I need the Ultra.
IMO, the WiiM Ultra Pro is still a better deal at $150. For both products, unless there's no other choice, I wouldn't use the analog inputs (the ADC is overlooked in most reviews), and I wouldn't use the DAC either. Plus, I have no need for a glowing 3.5” artwork display sitting in the corner. I currently use and love two WiiM products, and I’d prefer if they built a device without analog inputs or a DAC. Instead, they could focus on investing in a higher-quality clock while keeping their software as good as it is. Can anyone recommend a streamer that does just that?
Maybe, but most people feeding a "good" external DAC want to use the better clocking in it, not the one in the streamer (on average). I mean, when you buy an "expensive" DAC in the $1000 to $2000 range, it will indeed have a better clocking chip in it than most streamers. (At least until you get up to the Aurrender or Lumin level of streamers). The Innuos streamers look (almost) to fit your bill, but even they have a "cheap" DAC. Maybe they add such DACs as a "convenience" feature, knowing most people will eventually get a better external DAC.
I ended up purchasing the WiiM Ultra. I initially wanted to get another Pro, but it appeared to be sold out on Amazon. I then realized that having USB external storage could be beneficial, and it has been-I connected a 2TB SSD, and it's working great. I'm feeding my Gustard X16 through coax.
well, I have a Ifi zen stream( mostly because I connect local media and already have DACS aplenty) and have it hooked up to an smsl d0200 pro and it sounds awesome, really good. The loosing connection sometimes annoys me but that may be down to the old phone that I am using as a remote. They are generally 399 but I bought a new one for 299 and used the extra to buy the super power supply. Did I mention it sounds great? Well if I didn't, I should have, it sounds fantastic "especially for the price". I hate that saying, it sounds great, all that needs to be said.
Great review but I think DACs come down to the connections you need. For me, this unit doesn’t have the connections I need. The Topping DX3 Pro+ has 2 Coax In, which is what I need for the equipment I have now. The Bluetooth on the DX3 Pro+ is good enough for me, I don’t need a touchscreen. So to me, the WiiM Ultra is really for the person who streams and wants to connect their turntable and TV, which that’s not me at this time. But for me this is great info for possible future upgrades to my setup.
Hmmm. I’m intrigued but after everyone’s glowing reviews of the Wiim Pro Plus, I bought one. But, the bass was so bloated and sloppy vs the DAC in my Marantz that I returned it. So, I’m “on the fence” on this one.
I just received my WiiM Ultra this afternoon. I hooked it up to my Schiit Audio Bifrost 2/64 DAC, played a few of my reference albums via Qobuz, and I am impressed.
Thanks Randy for this very good review. I didn't understand how you connect your external DAC, the Wiim is a preamp, so if you go directly to your external DAC with the toslink out for example, your external DAC receive a "preamped" signal and you go directly through your power amp or powered speakers? Did a DAC is made to receive a preamp signal and go directly to power amp? Usually we put DAC before our preamp... I'm confuse!!! Thanks ;-)
I gave one of these a try and unfortunately ended up returning to Amazon. It is a very feature packed unit that does some things very well. For me, it was not able to toggle between optical and coax outputs. I had it setup to be shared between my desktop speakers and my vinyl/CD setup. Whenever I changed the output, the subwoofer would flip to fixed volume (without actually changing the setting in the app). This required me to reboot the WiiM ultra in order to resolve. Maybe something they will address with one of the regular updates. My solution… I ended up just getting the WiiM pro and have that running to an emotiva pt2 preamp. Quite a bit more expensive but it does what i need it to and sounds fantastic.
I like this product a lot. Have it connected to a vintage Sansui amp and it sounds great. I replaced a sonos device because it didn't support the latest Sonos software. This is a huge improvement in functionality and even sound to my old ears. I just don't see Sirius/XM in the supported services (?). Maybe an update?
im waiting for my higher end speakers to arrive so i cannot tell if my former DAC is better or worse than my ULTRA's dac. But Randy a quick no or yes question: You reviewed the SMSL M300 DAC headphone amp. and you said it was slightly better than the SMSL SU 1: therefore would you in my case keep using the SMSL M300 as the Dac for the Wiim ultra? thanks in advance
Thanks for the reviews. Getting back to “cheap”… I’ve been following the WiiM products for a while now and have bought the WiiM Pro, but… I’ve been using it as a streamer only as I have a tiny, but awesome sounding Khadas Toneboard DAC which Ive owned for several years. It’s still on sale for about $70. Now, I had been considering an upgrade to the WiiM Ultra to remove the two box setup, until I found out that the Ultra uses the same DAC chip as the Khadas Toneboard! The ESS 9038Q2M. As I’m more a sound over aesthetics kinda person, I’m not sure I’d realise any benefit in changing this setup, especially as I run the Toneboard from a 5v DC battery so the noise floor is completely dead silent. May be a product for you to consider reviewing, at least as a cheap comparison. I also have the Toneboard in a plastic case which I’ve faraday caged using adhesive copper tape, probably something that you’d not want to do with a WiiM Ultra as it’d interfere with the inbuilt WiFi receiver.
I have this plugged into an accuphase e800 and focal Sopra 2 speakers. Very lovely clean sound with no coloring to my ears. Works as intended and i dont mind the auto correction. It also has a sub out
@cheapaudioman This is a very very interesting product. I think the next iteration of this will be the one I jump on, improved DAC and better Apple ecosystem support. They just keep getting better, even on the looks front. Like I said, very very interesting. Great time to be in this hobby, and appreciate your enthusiasm! Everyone else, don't just read this review, like it and become a member of the cheapaudioman channel!🙃
You pointed out the great sound quality for the price point. I can't argue with that. I did upgrade the power cord to a Cullen Cable, because I had upgraded to a linear supply on my Pro with excellent results. It would be interesting if some company did a SMPS replacement like they did with the Bluesound. There wouldn't be room, but they could make a bypass to use an external supply. I am using mine with a Holo Spring KTE, and the sound is stellar. I just can't help but wonder if an Eversolo or Bluesound would sound any better than the Ultra when used with a top shelf DAC. In fact, as I wrote that sentence, you said "with an Ares, I don't feel the need to have an expensive streamer". My point exactly...but I have no experience with expensive streamers. I'm guessing you're in DFW, judging from your video trip to San Antonio. The next time you come to Austin (I suspect you do), bring an Eversolo or what have you, and let's see how it all sounds with an Emotiva preamp, single-ended 300Bs, and Cornwalls. You know what to do.
Hey Randy, I picked up the Wiim amp and love it. I am planning on adding a turntable in the near future. The Wiim amp does not have dedicated phono input like the Ultra and therefore there is no grounding post. How would I ground a turntable to my Wiim amp?
If your turntable has a phono stage (amp) in it, then you should be able to ground it to the case, if you have any hum from a ground loop, using a small (not very long as you don't want it touching anything inside) self-tapping sheet metal screw on the back (assuming part of the case of the WiiM Amp is metal and not plastic). If your turntable does not have a phono stage (amp) in it that does all the RIAA curve magic, then you'd need to buy one like the Schiit Mani. Your TT would ground to the Mani in that case. And the Mani would simply feed into one of the RCA inputs on the WiiM amp.
I just got mine yesterday and it's great! My first Wiim was the Mini, then the Pro+ and now this. Wiim has added support for Android phones for the room correction function. Yesterday I discovered that I can plug my UMM-6 usb microphone into the usb C connector on my phone using an adapter. When I run room correction, it uses the UMM-6 instead of the unknown Android phone mic. I can't load the UMM-6 calibration file into the phone yet, but it still does a pretty good job and I wouldn't be surprised if that's supported in an upcoming release. Wiim certainly is responsive to user requests for new features. The panel display is very useful for changing inputs or selecting from preset EQ curves and I like the album art and song queue display. I was surprised by the weight of this thing considering the internal PSU is a switching type. Beside streaming music sources, I'm able to stream from my own collection via my home network. The USB rear connector will play music from a USB stick as well.
What do you do if one of your music streaming services (Presto) isn’t supported? Is there some “alternate” way for the Wiim to play it? If yes, will it sound worse than if it were supported?
I'm just realizing that I didn't learn about studio monitors and XLR cables. Based on the objective data, studio gear is better but it isn't "plug and play" with plain ol' AV gear? Something about what I just said doesn't make sense... But studio gear doesn't generally have HDMI arc anyway... studio gear is powered, not passive. 🤦♂️ More to learn before I can pull the trigger on updates. Nothing is easy that's hard, eh? So, then KEF R3 or Genelec 8320 and work backwards toward sources?
XLR has no any meaning in home audio. Balanced connection is needed for example on concert halls etc. And active technology is basically better from technical and quality point of view, but does not allow you to use more advanced external components. So if you want better all in one, you should use active. But if you want to switch and have fun with gear, you need passive.
Hear me out. Another system build im thinking about. Wiim Ultra as my Preamp and streamer. Geshelli j3 or Dayzee. Emotiva BasX A2 amp. Klipsche RP8000s. Ill also have a cd player and a turntable with my Fosi Phono amp with 5654W tubes (it sounds crazy good with the tube upgrade) The ultra will handle the tone controls (bass treble) right?
For me, having a streamer at $329 with USB out was a home run for WiiM. And, their user support is the best I have ever experienced. Fantastic product, fantastic company.
I've been using the WiiM Ultra for the past month, terrific device! Connect a pair of Fosi Audio V3 mono blocks and you have a very affordable audiophile grade streamer/DAC/preamp/amp. Hope the next version has XLR balanced in/out!
its great for what you can get for $329 - I even used it for a few days as a sole preamp - i used it with the internal dac - with an outboard dac - i used the eq and the subwoofer out - after a few days u realize its just ok when compared to much better preamps, dacs and streamers - i got to the point where i had to take it out of my system - because its glarry and hashy and not so refined as u first think. its very good for the money - but no david defeating goliath - It really isnt
Why would I want this over something I can integrated AVR that can stream something from a Roku, or any other streamer for that matter? Will there be better sound, better fidelity in one way or another, or what would be the reason that I need this over just using my normal AVR?
Would I benefit from adding the Wimm Ultra to my Klipsch the sevens, turntable, and tv setup? I strictly stream music from Spotify only, not planning to stream from any HIFI streaming anytime soon.
probably a silly question - I currently use Chromecast Audio which connects to the line in on my Arcam stereo amp- what are the advantages for a Streamer like Wiim Ultra here ?
I learned with my BluSound Node if I use an external dac the bass management is disabled. Are you able to do an external dac and still use the sub out on the WIIM?
I have a bluesound node n130 and use an external dac and bass management is still enabled. Dirac is coming also. Tomorrow is a big day for Bluesound users.
@@ScheleIndiaan What output are you using with the node? I used the USB out to my DAC and their web site told me this disable the analog output to the sub out and the bass management… love the Dirac feature coming
Hi and thank you for the. video . Can you please tell me if the V_U Meter is always pegged at Max - Level ? I noticed in your video and I have heard similar reports from others that for reasons unknown the V U Meter is " broken " or does not function correctly . Thank you. Dreamer
I have a problem with my Wiim mini recognizing songs and albums in in folders. I rip a cd into the folder and go to listen to it and the Wiim doesn’t see it.
Dumb question, and maybe I missed something- for a Wiim Pro or amp for ex. , connect an external DAC (via opt) like an SMSL for improvement? Many thanks. I’m considering the ultra, have a pro n amp, but looking for the best external dac for a secondary.
The Wiim is SO tempting--but as an Android user I will stay away until they fix that. Randy, please review the Marantz Stereo 70s as a 2.1 + television solution.
I love the Wiim products and I think they are great for an industry that loves to slap audiophile and Hi-Fi badging on products and then charge a preposterous amount of money for that recognition. The UI is incredible - you absolutely nailed it - I have a mini and I downloaded the app and haven’t used it since adding my “Puck” to my ecosystem. (That’s literally what I renamed it, I had a good laugh when you mentioned Puck in the video) And actually I bought one because Amazon was running a lightning deal for like 65$ and I looked at the specs - pretty much did the eye blink meme, and punched that BUY NOW button. Previously I was super cheap and using Amazon Echo Dots as a poor man’s streamer RCA’d to my Carver MXR, but the Sleep issue that plagues these devices forced my hand. I am super cheap when it comes to audio - the Wiim cost more that my Carver MXR - Phase Linear 400 Cerwin Vega D-3 combo yard sale find by about 20$ 😂😂😂
I bought the Ultra and I use it in my CJ pre/B&K Amps and Lintons. Running through an old Aragon D2A DAC it sounds wonderful. Room correction wasn’t worth it with my system.
I am not so sure about the 10/10. If the previous Wiim streamers had Airplay 2 and this one doesn't, then what would be the point of the upgrade? This unit is for someone who has speakers, amplifier and turntable, and needs a preamp with a streamer and a phono amp. The HDMI is nice to have in order to avoid having to buy a soundbar. But products like this need the flexibility of being accessible to Apple Airplay and Google Cast, which this one lacks. Also the screen is not the best option. I would prefer to stream through the TV and then send the audio to the stereo via an optical cable.
What I would like to know if the PreAmp is better than the one in the WiiM PP, as I stream to an external Weiss DAC. If the preamp is the same, I’ll stick with the ProPlus as I don’t reaööy need a screen.
Great review Randy! Super informative. I really want an Ultra, but I do NOT need one. I have two WiiM Pros, a Pro +, and a Node 2i (in my closet - haha). I think the best move for me would be to upgrade my SU-1 DAC to a J2S w/ AKM-4499. Right?
If I already have a system with a nice DAC that has bluetooth (So I can listen to spotify from my phone for example), what's the advantage of having something like this Wiim ultra?
I just purchased a WiiM Ultra and a ZA3 from Amazon for a total of $460 delivered in one day. I decided to get this for the Master as a second system to pair with my RP-600 M's that I purchased in used but excellent condition for $200. All in for $660. After listening to you and picking up a pair of SSCS-5's a while back with my Class D entry of a DA2120C, I decided to continue down this hobby or "Abbey Road" further so thanks again. My next step will be rolling Op Amps but that can wait for a bit. I'll probably wait for Cyber Monday for those..... 😆
Still don't want to pay for a small integrated screen when there is an HDMI connection. It would have been less expensive to show the album cover on the TV. This is apparently meant for desk-type installation: no TV, streamer close to the user. Because I do not match that profile (I stream on my PC when at the desk), I think that this product is chasing too many use cases and increasing its cost, even if only marginally.
@@trekkis I understood this, but the CPU obviously has a GPU, and most of these support HDMI: HDMI output would have required very little additional electronic, if any. When it comes to OLED: if you are making reference to burn-in effects, there are several well known strategies to avoid this.
@@pascalmartin1891 but each tv has it own streaming system. Wiim UI is too primitive and far too lacking to be cast on big screen. Yes, there are anti burn systems on oleds, and I'm using my Oled for album art without any problem from many years, still, this is not recommend solution.
So true Randy, the Ultra is a giant leap in streaming, both hardware and software. I have a $2000 streamer setup right now, and then I received the Ultra... I can see a few more software updates on the WiiM platform taking the Ultra to darn near the same level of sound quality I am experiencing now out of this $2000 setup. And to be blunt, the Ultra is not that far from getting there. Put the Ultra on a Roon setup, like their Nucleus One @ $499, and I believe most folks would be very very happy. I could easily live with this setup, the Roon Nucleus One and the Ultra, all for under a grand.
Greetings Randy I Really love your videos and your suggestions. I have been a subscriber from the beginning. I have a question? What is the name of the spectrum analyzer that your using in your system..Thx..
@Randy. FINALLY! You got an Ultra in! The review was fantastic and you did something most didn't do on the many Wiim Ultra reviews I have seen already. That something was you answering a direct question I had and that was a sound comparison to another DAC. Specifically, I wondered if this unit was going to sound better than the SMSL SU-1. Was very shocked when you said, "No". I DID buy the SU-1 to try out on my CD player, but as it turned out, the CD player has a better DAC in it than the SU-1. Also, another question asked is how the phono input sounds. I was a bit surprised at that too as I was hoping for better. So in the end, it looks like that I would be needing a better DAC anyway and a better phono input. So it looks like I might better off with just getting separates and use a Wiim Pro for streaming. As for DACs I have been looking at both the Geshelli J2 with the 4499 chipset and also the Denafrips Aries II (Now called Enyo). Which of the two is better? Of course I am hoping that one of these units will top the DAC built into my CD player! So yeah, this was a good one, and a long awaited one. Thanks!
I was ready to order on Amazon and they have a foot note that will not work as an airplay receiver, does this mean I cannot airplay from my iphone to this model wiim??
You can still use airplay to stream from your phone or computer, I can. It is AirPlay 2 that is no longer supported, and this was due to Apple, not WiiM.
Thank very much, very nice analysis!! Which speakers would you recommend for a Hifi begginer that wants to start with the Wiim Ultra? With a limited budget, obviously. Thank you very much again!!
@@Audiodreamer192-24 active are near always far better due to active crossover before amplification instead passive cross after amp + dedicated tri or quad amping adjusted to with precise dsd correction for particular diaphragms. Frequency response in efect is far much better especially in low region, especially in lower prices where is impossible to match passive ones even using amplification like fosi. Even much pricer passive are no any match for cheap edifiers or even microlabs. Passive are better in high prices, mostly as without any dsp are more analog in sound and are dedicated for discrete high quality components like r2r dacs, tubes amps and can be used with dedicated sub, etc.
@@trekkis no that’s not true at all. Active speakers are very limited to what’s inside as in dac and hardware. They only really became a thing not long ago and they are fine for a matter of convenience but on measurements and spectral analysis I have yet to see one perform in the league of most decent passive speakers. Active speakers are similar to sound bars in their limitations.Most reviewers of active speakers echo the same thing. You have them and like them so that’s good for you but not for everyone who likes swapping gear and uses different dacs etc
@@Audiodreamer192-24 as you said, this is not true at all. False in context in theory and what is more important, totally false in case of practice. Comparison with soundbar is one from most ridiculous absurd which I heard in case of audio - and in case of audio, such achievement is real art. Basically all measurements and reviewers are confirming that active technology is better. The very best studio monitors are active, not passive. And as I exactly said, passive are better in higher prices - for persons who want to switch more advanced components. But not in lower prices, where is no such possibility on the same quality level. I personally changed active for passive for exactly this reason - to have possibility to switch and have fun with gear - specifically to use with tube amp and r2r dac. But with full awareness after a months of direct comparisons and my own measurements, that speakers alone are in this case - simply (a lot) worse than my old active.
*** New Bluesound node “icon” coming! Audiophile streamer Balanced xlr, all new hardware, 5” screen and you can even use Dirac on it. Looks amaz balls!!! $1000 but looks worth every penny from what I saw. No doubt it will upstage the wiim ultra.
Doing the coin toss on this …especially with my having the Denafrips 12-1 Ares DAC …. Currently running the Wiim Pro as a streamer AND A Parametric EQ for my headphone amplifier….so there’s a lot to consider in this latest Wiim product.
Randy , did you quit coffee ? I think this is the first video that you do not have a cup of joe in your hand. Say it isn’t so , my Wiim Pro sounds much better with a cup of joe.
Sorry to hear about the harrasment you and your wife experienced. Even worse when your family got affected as well. Very informative review and the UI of the Wiim looks super sharp and easy to use. Prices of Wiim products in Australia are very resonable.
So for $750 I can get a Wiim Ultra for my living room, a Wiim Pro Plus for my desk, and a WIIM Mini for my Patio and play the same music throughout the house? Wow, talk about cheapaudio Man!!!
I'm just waiting for the Wiim Ultra Plus to come out, hopefully Android friendly, all black and with a bigger screen. I would pay $800 for that over the EverSolo.
@@Paul-tw3yiNo one waiting for the Wiim Ultra Minus - screen but no dac?
I ❤ Wiim. The minis go on sale for $70. I have 4 and the amp and enjoy whole home audio.
I even have a mini in a Milwaukee construction boom box as a floater. The USB power and the hockey puck size is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@@mattmiller4978 BTW: if you have a Wimm mini and link is to a Wiim member with Chromecast, will it play the Chromecasted content too? Should work, but whateverever I read on the fora makes me think Google thought about this and made it impossible.
@@anonimushbosh just get a wiim mini then and use optical out to your own DAC. That is exactly what you're after.
In the context of a review, the omission of Airplay 2 on this product is probably worth mentioning.
This. Also mentioning it will NEVER come to the device definitely needs to be mentioned
@@ParkerTylerI think it will never come to the already built devices, but may be included in the future on new builds.
@@robertldcarlsonthat’s what I read too. It’ll be on future versions, but it can’t come to existing models due to the chip inside.
I'd love for a successor to the Monitor Audio Airstream A100, with Airplay (2) but also Spotify Connect, Plex (and maybe Roon), etc., and HDMI ARC.
OTOH, the more services you integrate, the more the chance that one of these services might stop being supported in the future. It sometimes happens. It's not like in the olden days where you put cinch connectors on the back of your amp, and it would work until the amp broke down; Spotify Connect only works as long as Spotify wants it to work.
Maybe there is something to be said for a "dumb" (but digital) preamp with HDMI ARC, bluetooth, and ok, support for Google Cast and Airplay 2. But not for connecting to services. That can then be handled by dedicated devices, dongles, etc. And they can be cheap because they just output a digital signal; no high quality components are required.
Agreed...Apple Music is terrific, what I stream, sounds better than Amazon Hi-Res to my ears. Any streamer purchase decision would consider if Apple Music can stream on it.
I would have made a non-touchscreen display, and used that money for better internals instead. I really don't see the need for a touchscreen.
Given today's prices on such things, it probably wasn't that much more than a non-touch screen, and they could tout it as a "feature".
or a display :p
@@rosswarren436Yes. 5 years ago I priced the same HP Chromebook with 14" FHD screen - touch was $20 more, for a much larger screen than the Wiim's.
What do you do with better internals if sound is already transparent?
@@radicalturkeyno HDMI Arc on either of those 👎
I have the WiiM Pro Plus which I’m very pleased with but as you stated I don’t think the room analysis is quite right. My room correction shows the bass needs boosting by about 10db at points. That’s too much and have scaled it down to a 3.5db boost which sounds balanced enough for me.
I have this same issue as well.
Can you connect ifi zen dac to the wiim ultra
Now that Bluesound and WiiM are going head to head, I would love to see what WiiM could do in the $700 to $900 range. Upgrade the DAC in the Ultra to an AKM 4499/4491, upgrade the power supply, upgrade (or eliminate) the phono preamp. Keep the great app and UX. Right now I run the Matrix Element X. Great sound, a little difficult to use, won't stream the missus' Amazon music. I dont want to spend a ton on another streamer, so an improved Ultra call it "Ultra Pro" would hit the spot.
Got my Ultra a week ago - surprisingly, analogue out sounds so much better than my Wiim Pro Plus. I actually ditched my 500$ Marantz DAC - no need for it in my (modestly priced) setup now. Quite incredible.
I got the Wiim Ultra to pair with my vintage system. At first tried the internal dac. Later added the SMSL SU-1 and it sounds much better. Guess I've gotten accustomed to the AKM sound. WIIM needs to add different skins for the V.U. Meter display. Options to match my Pioneer V.U. or a Marantz or whatever would be nice. Enjoy your channel.
Thanks for sharing the review. I thought you were going to talk about the Fosi v3 mono and how to leverage the setup (remember the foreshadowing 😊)? Do you recommend pairing the v3 for a more powerful amp?
Great video. Thanks!
I've had my Wiim Ultra for about three weeks and have been dazzled by it.
And support? I've applied four updates since I received the unit. It's now faster at input switching and has more features.
Now I'm thinking I need to plug it into my external DAC (Schiit Modi+) and do a real A/B. I've had no complaints about the sound so far, so probably I have 'cheap' ears. 😁
I am as well wondering the same.
Wiim Ultra + Unico Primo + Wharfdale Linton 85 = 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Just got my WIIM Ultra set up. Works great with Sonos amp using RCA cables. Love it.
I think one of the most impressive things about the WIIM Ultra is the box it comes in. My dad worked at a high-end packaging company, and I'm sure he would have been impressed.
@@davidalmieda6617 it is almost more heavier than WiiM itself kk
In the Netherlands you go to a hifi fair always fun. Various rooms and then you go to e.g. Macintosh demo and you think wow what a sound. But then the price 17,000 euros just for an amplifier. High-end is only here if you read a review a few sentences and scroll down then it is unaffordable. Fortunately I am satisfied with set now. For many it becomes an not understanding hobby.
I am trying to build a setup with the Wiim ultra and a powered amp. In vodoeo you showed this has a trigger to activate the amp. Could you point me in the right direction. I have looked at Fosi, but none seem to have this trigger connection.
Loving the WiiM Ultra. I went from WiiM mini to Pro to Ultra. Loving it! Replaced my DAC, Streamer, MiniDSP and pre-amp with just the Ultra and it sounds great with my Linton 85th anniv. speakers. I'm not sure I will need to update ever again on those components. I can just focus on the speakers now.
Spoiler alert: with Linton 85th you do not need to upgrade speakers😁
Yeah, the Lintons are on my list. I have a pair of Q acoustic towers that I like, but I don't love them. I've really wanted to get a set of Lintons in here to try.
May i ask which amp do you use with the Lintons?
Do you think an external DAC is necessary? I was excited until he said an SU1 DAC sounded better?!?!!
Which model? What dont you enjoy? @@limulus61
Randy, it's unacceptable for you and especially your wife having to deal with ppl contacting and harassing y'all. I would say the majority of time, I agree with you 90% of the time? I do appreciate your hard work, your dedication and the Contact you put out for Everyone. Maybe I should Thank You or say it more often? You should definitely be proud what you have accomplished with this channel. Great job, Randy!
Out of curiosity would you buy this, the loxjie a40 or the yamaha as301 for a small setup used mainly for producing and listening to vinyl. Much love
WiiM Ultra does not support AirPlay. I think you said it does.
Yeah… bit of a letdown. No Apple Music now or ever (apparently) for Ultras. Odd!
@@anonimushbosh Apple is so closed minded. They should offer an "Apple Music Connect" app for inclusion in streamers, but I guess they really don't care. If Steve Jobs were still alive that might be different.
Airplay 2 as it is, defaults to converting everything to .aac 320Kbps max. That makes is about the same level of quality as Spotify. Better than most Bluetooth, but nothing to write home about, at best a "convenience" feature to have.
Funny thing: You could buy a WiiM Mini that does have Airplay 2 and feed it into one of the inputs on the Ultra.
It will be on future versions, but existing models can’t be updated as it needs a different chip.
@@anonimushbosh Its not really odd. Apple sucks at anything to do with audio.
@@tibbified actually all WiiMs support AirPlay2, apart from the current versions of the elite, which has no AirPlay support, due to the chip inside and being launched before apple certified it. They said at launch that future versions will include AirPlay. I don’t know if that’s still the case.
Does using the sub out activate any bass management or anything? I think I'm going to get one but this is important to me to know first.
Do you think this would pair well with my SMSL A12 or should I seek another amp or instead powered speakers?
I've looked around and the Ultra doesn't seem to have a high pass option for the analog output. It would be great to get the low bass out of my main speakers and directed to my sub. Is it true that there is no highpass for the analog out -or- is it possible to use the EQ function to do this and have the EQ not effect the sub out?
Good question
Important sponsor today in this crazy world. I hope your harassment has ceased and peace has returned. As to the product, it certainly seems to be a really good centerpiece of an affordable sound system. Thank you as always for your time, perspectives, and for sharing this with us all. Stay well, Sir.
Yeah 200 calls a day = one call every 7 minutes within 24hr period. Super believable. But I do believe there are nuts out there with serious mental issues.
@@Grooverski You can automate those calls from multiple spoofed numbers, so it's definitely possible. You gotta be some kind of nut to do that, though.
Can it also function as a music server via the USB port of I connect a hard drive or have a NAS drive in my network?
Another Excellent Review. Love the value represented by the WiiM Ultra, but there are two things that are missing that prevent me from purchasing it, are lack of XLR outputs and lack of HDMI out so that I can actually read the album art and information on my large screen TV. Not sure why they are not addressing these missing options. If you want to use this with ZA3 Mono Blocks and save on Ops Op Amps, then you need to use XLR Outputs (saves you the cost of 2 Op Amps). I believe there is a large audience that would purchase this device with these options.
XLR outputs would price it out of the reach for many.
Can I ask how you get the spectrum analyser display please? Thanks.
Looking forward to some head to head dac comparisons on the ultra
Great review. For 2.5 years I have used a RME for my DAC and love it but it’s not for the non technical audio person at all, setup and configuration can be daunting. It as you have pointed out many times the apps to run streamers can be horrible. So I bought a BluSound Node for one reason, it’s App and I bypass the Nodes DAC to the RME. But heck if the app is this good on the Ultra too and with HDMI Arc input I might try this instead of my Node. Again , well done.
Just got over 200 hours on my Ultra. Very, very nice!
I was thinking of getting this and the fluance rt85n turn table would I need a preamp for the fluance turn table and would a separate sac be a good idea
@cheapaudioman what amp would compliment this streamer? I’m trying to power some klipschs rp-600m2. I have Magnet moving cartridge turntable and also rsl 10speed woofer. I currently have a t9 pro but was maybe thinking to “step up” in terms of amp. I appreciate your thoughts
Maybe Emotiva A2m?
I like the display for album art. Just can't get a sense of the sound on the WiiM ultra just for music. Does it have a built-in app, tone control, and or EQ?
Hi all,
Can you still use the room correction and eq functions of the Ultra if you use an external dac?
I want go for Elac debut 3.0. Which amp i should go with if I get Wiim ultra?
How does the Ultra compare to the new node Nano? Don't know if you have tested it or plan on doing a comparison but since they are priced about the same I'd be interested in seeing how they compare.
I love your reviews, in general. Is this one a paid advertisement, or did you overlook that the FIIO you referenced does have Apple Music available as a download, and it actually CAN play Apple music Hi-Res? Oversight, or intentionally left out?
@@ssalbo9117 Don't forget that the Eversolo he mentioned can also download Apple Music and play hi-res as well. Makes you wonder, huh?
Got my Wiim Ultra today. Curious if anyone has compared phono input versus phono pre-amp into the line-in. I tried but it sounds similar to me.
My setup: AT LP120XBT-USB (VM540ML and phono out mode) -> Schiit Mani -> Wiim Ultra -> Denon AVR-X3300W -> Martin Logan Foundation F2
Been waiting for this review...so thank you, Randy. I've gone from the Pro to the Pro Plus (2 of each, one on each of my systems), I just don't think I need the Ultra.
IMO, the WiiM Ultra Pro is still a better deal at $150. For both products, unless there's no other choice, I wouldn't use the analog inputs (the ADC is overlooked in most reviews), and I wouldn't use the DAC either. Plus, I have no need for a glowing 3.5” artwork display sitting in the corner.
I currently use and love two WiiM products, and I’d prefer if they built a device without analog inputs or a DAC. Instead, they could focus on investing in a higher-quality clock while keeping their software as good as it is.
Can anyone recommend a streamer that does just that?
Maybe, but most people feeding a "good" external DAC want to use the better clocking in it, not the one in the streamer (on average). I mean, when you buy an "expensive" DAC in the $1000 to $2000 range, it will indeed have a better clocking chip in it than most streamers. (At least until you get up to the Aurrender or Lumin level of streamers).
The Innuos streamers look (almost) to fit your bill, but even they have a "cheap" DAC. Maybe they add such DACs as a "convenience" feature, knowing most people will eventually get a better external DAC.
I ended up purchasing the WiiM Ultra. I initially wanted to get another Pro, but it appeared to be sold out on Amazon. I then realized that having USB external storage could be beneficial, and it has been-I connected a 2TB SSD, and it's working great. I'm feeding my Gustard X16 through coax.
@@01010100001010101001 how well did it find and index your 2TB SSD? Can you search and find albums to play in a reasonable amount of time? Thanks.
well, I have a Ifi zen stream( mostly because I connect local media and already have DACS aplenty) and have it hooked up to an smsl d0200 pro and it sounds awesome, really good. The loosing connection sometimes annoys me but that may be down to
the old phone that I am using as a remote. They are generally 399 but I bought a new one for 299 and used the extra to buy the super power supply. Did I mention it sounds great? Well if I didn't, I should have, it sounds fantastic "especially for the price". I hate that saying, it sounds great, all that needs to be said.
Great review but I think DACs come down to the connections you need. For me, this unit doesn’t have the connections I need. The Topping DX3 Pro+ has 2 Coax In, which is what I need for the equipment I have now. The Bluetooth on the DX3 Pro+ is good enough for me, I don’t need a touchscreen. So to me, the WiiM Ultra is really for the person who streams and wants to connect their turntable and TV, which that’s not me at this time. But for me this is great info for possible future upgrades to my setup.
Hmmm. I’m intrigued but after everyone’s glowing reviews of the Wiim Pro Plus, I bought one. But, the bass was so bloated and sloppy vs the DAC in my Marantz that I returned it. So, I’m “on the fence” on this one.
i think the front side makes it look very cheap.
anyway, can i use a turntable with built in phono stage connected to this? does it make sense?
Would I still be able to use the room correction ( for my sub ) if I add an external DAC?
I just received my WiiM Ultra this afternoon. I hooked it up to my Schiit Audio Bifrost 2/64 DAC, played a few of my reference albums via Qobuz, and I am impressed.
Thanks Randy for this very good review. I didn't understand how you connect your external DAC, the Wiim is a preamp, so if you go directly to your external DAC with the toslink out for example, your external DAC receive a "preamped" signal and you go directly through your power amp or powered speakers? Did a DAC is made to receive a preamp signal and go directly to power amp? Usually we put DAC before our preamp... I'm confuse!!! Thanks ;-)
I gave one of these a try and unfortunately ended up returning to Amazon. It is a very feature packed unit that does some things very well. For me, it was not able to toggle between optical and coax outputs. I had it setup to be shared between my desktop speakers and my vinyl/CD setup. Whenever I changed the output, the subwoofer would flip to fixed volume (without actually changing the setting in the app). This required me to reboot the WiiM ultra in order to resolve. Maybe something they will address with one of the regular updates.
My solution… I ended up just getting the WiiM pro and have that running to an emotiva pt2 preamp. Quite a bit more expensive but it does what i need it to and sounds fantastic.
I like this product a lot. Have it connected to a vintage Sansui amp and it sounds great. I replaced a sonos device because it didn't support the latest Sonos software. This is a huge improvement in functionality and even sound to my old ears. I just don't see Sirius/XM in the supported services (?). Maybe an update?
im waiting for my higher end speakers to arrive so i cannot tell if my former DAC is better or worse than my ULTRA's dac. But Randy a quick no or yes question:
You reviewed the SMSL M300 DAC headphone amp. and you said it was slightly better than the SMSL SU 1: therefore would you in my case keep using the SMSL M300 as the Dac for the Wiim ultra?
thanks in advance
Try a variety of DACs, they all have their own sound.
Thank you for an excellent video on the Ultra
I’m confused between choosing the Ultra and the Audiolab 6000 A play
Can you assist
Thanks
Thanks for the reviews. Getting back to “cheap”… I’ve been following the WiiM products for a while now and have bought the WiiM Pro, but… I’ve been using it as a streamer only as I have a tiny, but awesome sounding Khadas Toneboard DAC which Ive owned for several years. It’s still on sale for about $70. Now, I had been considering an upgrade to the WiiM Ultra to remove the two box setup, until I found out that the Ultra uses the same DAC chip as the Khadas Toneboard! The ESS 9038Q2M.
As I’m more a sound over aesthetics kinda person, I’m not sure I’d realise any benefit in changing this setup, especially as I run the Toneboard from a 5v DC battery so the noise floor is completely dead silent. May be a product for you to consider reviewing, at least as a cheap comparison. I also have the Toneboard in a plastic case which I’ve faraday caged using adhesive copper tape, probably something that you’d not want to do with a WiiM Ultra as it’d interfere with the inbuilt WiFi receiver.
I have this plugged into an accuphase e800 and focal Sopra 2 speakers. Very lovely clean sound with no coloring to my ears. Works as intended and i dont mind the auto correction. It also has a sub out
@cheapaudioman This is a very very interesting product. I think the next iteration of this will be the one I jump on, improved DAC and better Apple ecosystem support. They just keep getting better, even on the looks front. Like I said, very very interesting. Great time to be in this hobby, and appreciate your enthusiasm! Everyone else, don't just read this review, like it and become a member of the cheapaudioman channel!🙃
One more thing, will this do multi-channel decoding? Will it do anything in the 9.2.2 Atmos setup, what can this thing actually process?
You pointed out the great sound quality for the price point. I can't argue with that.
I did upgrade the power cord to a Cullen Cable, because I had upgraded to a linear supply on my Pro with excellent results. It would be interesting if some company did a SMPS replacement like they did with the Bluesound. There wouldn't be room, but they could make a bypass to use an external supply.
I am using mine with a Holo Spring KTE, and the sound is stellar. I just can't help but wonder if an Eversolo or Bluesound would sound any better than the Ultra when used with a top shelf DAC. In fact, as I wrote that sentence, you said "with an Ares, I don't feel the need to have an expensive streamer". My point exactly...but I have no experience with expensive streamers.
I'm guessing you're in DFW, judging from your video trip to San Antonio. The next time you come to Austin (I suspect you do), bring an Eversolo or what have you, and let's see how it all sounds with an Emotiva preamp, single-ended 300Bs, and Cornwalls. You know what to do.
Mine arrived yesterday. I’m still tweaking the sound to get it where I want it but so far I’m pretty blown away.
Hey Randy, I picked up the Wiim amp and love it. I am planning on adding a turntable in the near future. The Wiim amp does not have dedicated phono input like the Ultra and therefore there is no grounding post. How would I ground a turntable to my Wiim amp?
If your turntable has a phono stage (amp) in it, then you should be able to ground it to the case, if you have any hum from a ground loop, using a small (not very long as you don't want it touching anything inside) self-tapping sheet metal screw on the back (assuming part of the case of the WiiM Amp is metal and not plastic). If your turntable does not have a phono stage (amp) in it that does all the RIAA curve magic, then you'd need to buy one like the Schiit Mani. Your TT would ground to the Mani in that case. And the Mani would simply feed into one of the RCA inputs on the WiiM amp.
Exceptional value to performance. Personally I use just WiiM Pro with much more expensive DAC with exceptional analogue output section.
I just got mine yesterday and it's great! My first Wiim was the Mini, then the Pro+ and now this. Wiim has added support for Android phones for the room correction function. Yesterday I discovered that I can plug my UMM-6 usb microphone into the usb C connector on my phone using an adapter. When I run room correction, it uses the UMM-6 instead of the unknown Android phone mic. I can't load the UMM-6 calibration file into the phone yet, but it still does a pretty good job and I wouldn't be surprised if that's supported in an upcoming release. Wiim certainly is responsive to user requests for new features. The panel display is very useful for changing inputs or selecting from preset EQ curves and I like the album art and song queue display. I was surprised by the weight of this thing considering the internal PSU is a switching type. Beside streaming music sources, I'm able to stream from my own collection via my home network. The USB rear connector will play music from a USB stick as well.
Can the Ultra be completely controlled on the front screen, or do you still need a phone/tablet/computer with the app downloaded?
You need app.
What do you do if one of your music streaming services (Presto) isn’t supported? Is there some “alternate” way for the Wiim to play it? If yes, will it sound worse than if it were supported?
You can streaming all by Chromecast or bt, but such methods are worse.
I'm just realizing that I didn't learn about studio monitors and XLR cables. Based on the objective data, studio gear is better but it isn't "plug and play" with plain ol' AV gear? Something about what I just said doesn't make sense... But studio gear doesn't generally have HDMI arc anyway... studio gear is powered, not passive. 🤦♂️ More to learn before I can pull the trigger on updates. Nothing is easy that's hard, eh? So, then KEF R3 or Genelec 8320 and work backwards toward sources?
XLR has no any meaning in home audio. Balanced connection is needed for example on concert halls etc. And active technology is basically better from technical and quality point of view, but does not allow you to use more advanced external components. So if you want better all in one, you should use active. But if you want to switch and have fun with gear, you need passive.
Hear me out. Another system build im thinking about. Wiim Ultra as my Preamp and streamer. Geshelli j3 or Dayzee. Emotiva BasX A2 amp. Klipsche RP8000s. Ill also have a cd player and a turntable with my Fosi Phono amp with 5654W tubes (it sounds crazy good with the tube upgrade) The ultra will handle the tone controls (bass treble) right?
For me, having a streamer at $329 with USB out was a home run for WiiM. And, their user support is the best I have ever experienced. Fantastic product, fantastic company.
USB out? Does this mean I can connect this to my PC and not have any audio delay? Like the Sonos amp?
@@juandoe7802 I connect it to a Raspberry Pi running CamillaDSP and camilladsp-setrate.
@@juandoe7802 wouldn’t that be USB in (on Wiim)?
@@stefan_luptak I'm not sure to be honest, I don't understand much of this stuff.
I've been using the WiiM Ultra for the past month, terrific device! Connect a pair of Fosi Audio V3 mono blocks and you have a very affordable audiophile grade streamer/DAC/preamp/amp. Hope the next version has XLR balanced in/out!
Just got it because of this video. Thank you! I have Klipsch the Nines… how would you set this system up? Optical cable or ???
its great for what you can get for $329 - I even used it for a few days as a sole preamp - i used it with the internal dac - with an outboard dac - i used the eq and the subwoofer out - after a few days u realize its just ok when compared to much better preamps, dacs and streamers - i got to the point where i had to take it out of my system - because its glarry and hashy and not so refined as u first think. its very good for the money - but no david defeating goliath - It really isnt
Why would I want this over something I can integrated AVR that can stream something from a Roku, or any other streamer for that matter? Will there be better sound, better fidelity in one way or another, or what would be the reason that I need this over just using my normal AVR?
I'm confused, is this a good streamer or it? Must I have a higher end DAC or can I use the Ultra as an all-in-one? Exactly what is it good for?
Would I benefit from adding the Wimm Ultra to my Klipsch the sevens, turntable, and tv setup? I strictly stream music from Spotify only, not planning to stream from any HIFI streaming anytime soon.
probably a silly question - I currently use Chromecast Audio which connects to the line in on my Arcam stereo amp- what are the advantages for a Streamer like Wiim Ultra here ?
By connecting directly the sound quality improvements will be worth the cost of the Ultra.
Do I need Wiim ultra if I can stream music from my Denon AVR X2800H? Will I throw money if I buy it? Thanks if you answer .
I learned with my BluSound Node if I use an external dac the bass management is disabled. Are you able to do an external dac and still use the sub out on the WIIM?
Yes, which is absolute killer feature. :)
I have a bluesound node n130 and use an external dac and bass management is still enabled.
Dirac is coming also. Tomorrow is a big day for Bluesound users.
@@ScheleIndiaan What output are you using with the node? I used the USB out to my DAC and their web site told me this disable the analog output to the sub out and the bass management… love the Dirac feature coming
@@mrmessyjesse coaxial. I can recommend you try that output wholeheartedly. It gave me much better sound than a USB connection.
Hi and thank you for the. video . Can you please tell me if the V_U Meter is always pegged at Max - Level ? I noticed in your video and I have heard similar reports from others that for reasons unknown the V U Meter is " broken " or does not function correctly . Thank you. Dreamer
I can't believe someone would bring your wife into a so called disgruntlement.
Totally uncalled for and ridiculous in my eyes.
I have a problem with my Wiim mini recognizing songs and albums in in folders. I rip a cd into the folder and go to listen to it and the Wiim doesn’t see it.
Dumb question, and maybe I missed something- for a Wiim Pro or amp for ex. , connect an external DAC (via opt) like an SMSL for improvement? Many thanks. I’m considering the ultra, have a pro n amp, but looking for the best external dac for a secondary.
Yes, use the Wiim Optical output into your external DAC. In that way you use the external and bypass the internal Wiim DAC.
The Wiim is SO tempting--but as an Android user I will stay away until they fix that. Randy, please review the Marantz Stereo 70s as a 2.1 + television solution.
Just borrow a relative's or friend's iPhone for a bit and set it up, make some adjustments, then leave it alone.
Room correction is fixed, updated and working on Android now.
Thank you Mr. ..and greeatings from Germany. It was (as always) a pleasure to see a video from and with you :)
I love the Wiim products and I think they are great for an industry that loves to slap audiophile and Hi-Fi badging on products and then charge a preposterous amount of money for that recognition. The UI is incredible - you absolutely nailed it - I have a mini and I downloaded the app and haven’t used it since adding my “Puck” to my ecosystem. (That’s literally what I renamed it, I had a good laugh when you mentioned Puck in the video) And actually I bought one because Amazon was running a lightning deal for like 65$ and I looked at the specs - pretty much did the eye blink meme, and punched that BUY NOW button. Previously I was super cheap and using Amazon Echo Dots as a poor man’s streamer RCA’d to my Carver MXR, but the Sleep issue that plagues these devices forced my hand. I am super cheap when it comes to audio - the Wiim cost more that my Carver MXR - Phase Linear 400 Cerwin Vega D-3 combo yard sale find by about 20$ 😂😂😂
I bought the Ultra and I use it in my CJ pre/B&K Amps and Lintons. Running through an old Aragon D2A DAC it sounds wonderful. Room correction wasn’t worth it with my system.
I am not so sure about the 10/10. If the previous Wiim streamers had Airplay 2 and this one doesn't, then what would be the point of the upgrade? This unit is for someone who has speakers, amplifier and turntable, and needs a preamp with a streamer and a phono amp. The HDMI is nice to have in order to avoid having to buy a soundbar. But products like this need the flexibility of being accessible to Apple Airplay and Google Cast, which this one lacks. Also the screen is not the best option. I would prefer to stream through the TV and then send the audio to the stereo via an optical cable.
What I would like to know if the PreAmp is better than the one in the WiiM PP, as I stream to an external Weiss DAC. If the preamp is the same, I’ll stick with the ProPlus as I don’t reaööy need a screen.
Great review Randy! Super informative. I really want an Ultra, but I do NOT need one. I have two WiiM Pros, a Pro +, and a Node 2i (in my closet - haha). I think the best move for me would be to upgrade my SU-1 DAC to a J2S w/ AKM-4499. Right?
If I already have a system with a nice DAC that has bluetooth (So I can listen to spotify from my phone for example), what's the advantage of having something like this Wiim ultra?
I just purchased a WiiM Ultra and a ZA3 from Amazon for a total of $460 delivered in one day. I decided to get this for the Master as a second system to pair with my RP-600 M's that I purchased in used but excellent condition for $200. All in for $660. After listening to you and picking up a pair of SSCS-5's a while back with my Class D entry of a DA2120C, I decided to continue down this hobby or "Abbey Road" further so thanks again. My next step will be rolling Op Amps but that can wait for a bit. I'll probably wait for Cyber Monday for those..... 😆
Would this sound better than raspberry pl with a coax pi hat ? I'm not using a dac just the input on the back of the parasound p6 .
No. Exactly the same. If your pi does not create noise or distortion. Which it shouldn't
Still don't want to pay for a small integrated screen when there is an HDMI connection. It would have been less expensive to show the album cover on the TV.
This is apparently meant for desk-type installation: no TV, streamer close to the user. Because I do not match that profile (I stream on my PC when at the desk), I think that this product is chasing too many use cases and increasing its cost, even if only marginally.
Hdmi is in port, not out. And album covers shouldnt be displayed on Oled TVs.
@@trekkis I understood this, but the CPU obviously has a GPU, and most of these support HDMI: HDMI output would have required very little additional electronic, if any.
When it comes to OLED: if you are making reference to burn-in effects, there are several well known strategies to avoid this.
@@pascalmartin1891 but each tv has it own streaming system. Wiim UI is too primitive and far too lacking to be cast on big screen. Yes, there are anti burn systems on oleds, and I'm using my Oled for album art without any problem from many years, still, this is not recommend solution.
So true Randy, the Ultra is a giant leap in streaming, both hardware and software. I have a $2000 streamer setup right now, and then I received the Ultra... I can see a few more software updates on the WiiM platform taking the Ultra to darn near the same level of sound quality I am experiencing now out of this $2000 setup. And to be blunt, the Ultra is not that far from getting there. Put the Ultra on a Roon setup, like their Nucleus One @ $499, and I believe most folks would be very very happy. I could easily live with this setup, the Roon Nucleus One and the Ultra, all for under a grand.
Good video. You should include where the products you review are designed and manufactured. Thanks.
Greetings Randy I Really love your videos and your suggestions. I have been a subscriber from the beginning. I have a question? What is the name of the spectrum analyzer that your using in your system..Thx..
Is the USB A port for a hardrive/memory stick or only for service?
I wished the Cambridge MXN10 had more inputs. The sound seems better but it lacks the features.
@Randy. FINALLY! You got an Ultra in! The review was fantastic and you did something most didn't do on the many Wiim Ultra reviews I have seen already. That something was you answering a direct question I had and that was a sound comparison to another DAC. Specifically, I wondered if this unit was going to sound better than the SMSL SU-1. Was very shocked when you said, "No". I DID buy the SU-1 to try out on my CD player, but as it turned out, the CD player has a better DAC in it than the SU-1. Also, another question asked is how the phono input sounds. I was a bit surprised at that too as I was hoping for better. So in the end, it looks like that I would be needing a better DAC anyway and a better phono input. So it looks like I might better off with just getting separates and use a Wiim Pro for streaming. As for DACs I have been looking at both the Geshelli J2 with the 4499 chipset and also the Denafrips Aries II (Now called Enyo). Which of the two is better? Of course I am hoping that one of these units will top the DAC built into my CD player! So yeah, this was a good one, and a long awaited one. Thanks!
I was ready to order on Amazon and they have a foot note that will not work as an airplay receiver, does this mean I cannot airplay from my iphone to this model wiim??
You can still use airplay to stream from your phone or computer, I can. It is AirPlay 2 that is no longer supported, and this was due to Apple, not WiiM.
What about all the Marantz and Denon one box amplifiers, or do they not count as streamers only having Bluetooth?
Thank very much, very nice analysis!! Which speakers would you recommend for a Hifi begginer that wants to start with the Wiim Ultra? With a limited budget, obviously. Thank you very much again!!
Edifier family in case of active.
Use passive speakers instead of active they are limited and in my experience don’t sound nearly as good
@@Audiodreamer192-24 active are near always far better due to active crossover before amplification instead passive cross after amp + dedicated tri or quad amping adjusted to with precise dsd correction for particular diaphragms. Frequency response in efect is far much better especially in low region, especially in lower prices where is impossible to match passive ones even using amplification like fosi. Even much pricer passive are no any match for cheap edifiers or even microlabs. Passive are better in high prices, mostly as without any dsp are more analog in sound and are dedicated for discrete high quality components like r2r dacs, tubes amps and can be used with dedicated sub, etc.
@@trekkis no that’s not true at all. Active speakers are very limited to what’s inside as in dac and hardware. They only really became a thing not long ago and they are fine for a matter of convenience but on measurements and spectral analysis I have yet to see one perform in the league of most decent passive speakers. Active speakers are similar to sound bars in their limitations.Most reviewers of active speakers echo the same thing.
You have them and like them so that’s good for you but not for everyone who likes swapping gear and uses different dacs etc
@@Audiodreamer192-24 as you said, this is not true at all. False in context in theory and what is more important, totally false in case of practice. Comparison with soundbar is one from most ridiculous absurd which I heard in case of audio - and in case of audio, such achievement is real art.
Basically all measurements and reviewers are confirming that active technology is better. The very best studio monitors are active, not passive.
And as I exactly said, passive are better in higher prices - for persons who want to switch more advanced components. But not in lower prices, where is no such possibility on the same quality level.
I personally changed active for passive for exactly this reason - to have possibility to switch and have fun with gear - specifically to use with tube amp and r2r dac. But with full awareness after a months of direct comparisons and my own measurements, that speakers alone are in this case - simply (a lot) worse than my old active.
*** New Bluesound node “icon” coming!
Audiophile streamer
Balanced xlr, all new hardware, 5” screen and you can even use Dirac on it.
Looks amaz balls!!!
$1000 but looks worth every penny from what I saw.
No doubt it will upstage the wiim ultra.
Wait about 2 hours. It’s not the icon but I got something special and new
@@cheapaudioman awesome! I’ll be here !
@@Audiodreamer192-24 and no peq.
The real question is should I buy it, retire my Wiim AMP (which I love), and reconnect my Rotel A11 Tribute?
Doing the coin toss on this …especially with my having the Denafrips 12-1 Ares DAC ….
Currently running the Wiim Pro as a streamer AND A Parametric EQ for my headphone amplifier….so there’s a lot to consider in this latest Wiim product.
Randy , did you quit coffee ? I think this is the first video that you do not have a cup of joe in your hand. Say it isn’t so , my Wiim Pro sounds much better with a cup of joe.