Thanks for playing this music and avoiding the usual audiophile stuff! Keep Swinging!!!! I’ve avoided streaming but my friend Mr Ed just got the pro plus and because of your review , I think I’m in!
Thanks for the vote of confidence on the Wiim Pro Plus. I want to get a streaming DAC for my vintage set-up, and didn't know where to begin. I have read and watched many reviews for this unit, and I am sold! Can't wait to get it plugged in and playing!
Very refreshing to hear you speak so highly of the Wiim devices. I have a pro on my second system. It’s wonderful. What a great take on these products. All the best.
Great video sir! Just found you too... Many laugh at me for owning two WiiM streamers, the Mini and the Pro. I think they sound fantastic, and I have had more expensive streamers through here. Using the mini with a Sansui 2000 and the Pro with the Sansui 4000, running through a PS Audio DAC/Pre, and it sounds FANTASTIC! Just as good, if not better than the more expensive streamers I have had through here. Both systems are running with Zu Audio speakers, their original Omen Dirty Weekends, and their new DW6 Supremes. The WiiM EQ and PEQ take the WiiM products to a level more expensive streamers cannot touch. Diminishing returns... The WiiM's are staying. Love the app.
Michael, first, welcome to the channel. I'm so happy your found it! Second, you, my good man, are preaching to the choir. My reference streamer is the simply superb $20,000 Ideon Absolute (E126: Ideon's Absolute Stream - ua-cam.com/video/BoU3hNMeUes/v-deo.htmlsi=RWLyCImjLpnfsm1F), and these little guys, ESPECAILLY the WiiM Pro PLus, have no business being this exceptional for their asking price... 😏 Thank you for watching, and for taking the time to write.
I recently bought the WiiM mini to enjoy music on my home system with my two boys who subscribe to Spotify. We've always shared music together over the years on my system (in what we call a "listening session") though the boys have transitioned from CDs to the use of their phones for audio playback. For them, hence, I bought the WiiM, and let me tell you I'm equally amazed as are you. The sound from that little "puck" was remarkable over my big system simply using the analog outputs. I later added an affordable external DAC, in the SMSL SU-1, and was even further surprised at what I was hearing. As you mentioned, the price point of these offerings is simply hard to beat.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your equally remarkable experiences with the WiiM "Hockey Puck." And as remarkable as it is, you just wouldn't BELIEVE the performance of the Pro Plus... Stoopid great products at very fair prices...
I recently bought a Pro Plus and I'm mostly satisfied with it. There is an issue, though, that reviewers don't mention. I use Qobuz for HD streaming. The WiiM does not, unless I'm mistaken, connect "natively" to Qobuz. It uses ChromeCast. This presents a couple of problems. One is that it cannot do gapless playback. That can be annoying on albums that run tracks together for artistic effect. Like parts of Abbey Road and The Wall, for instance. ChromeCast also limits resolution to 24bit, 96KHz. That's a 50% reduction in sampling frequency, at least. Please tell me I'm doing something wrong, and how to correct it. Rumor has it that WiiM and Qobuz are working on a "connect", like Spotify and others use. I have no Idea when this will become available, if ever. Do you have any info on this?
and don`t forger how much time you have for listening instead of looking for vinyl, take it out of the sleeve, aiming it on the turntable ot opening CD box and carefully put CD onto the tray...🤣
I feel like streaming can be remarkably satisfying.. However... Like everything... There are levels, of performance and of cost... But once in a while something special hits performance capability that can also scale up in pretty expensive overall systems and yet doesn't cost a bomb... I think you've hit on such products with these. Thanks for another great second space video Greg. 👍🏻
First time seeing your channel! I just bought the WiiM Amp to play with and power some older speakers I have. The price and some good reviews on the interface helped me to just do it! Your review is encouraging for sure. I will have to see what hardware and capability the amp comes with as compared the pieces you reviewed! Thank you for your efforts!
I added a mini to my 2nd system (wife's system) that apms running two sets of speakers - inside and outside. With my system with the Pro, I can stream mine, hers and the outside speakers all at one if I want to. Or play either system through the outside speakers etc. Amazingly simple to set up.
Did you stream via WiFi for all your tests ? I am considering the Pro+ because of your excellent review and will use it as a digital transport and stream via WiFi.
New to streaming just picked up the pro plus and after using for a couple hours I gotta say I’m impressed! Some reviews said you would need an external dac for this to sound good? Sounds great on its own and very easy to set up! The only thing I’m curious about is would Tidal or Spotify sound better than Amazon music which again sounds great!
Fine review of the WiiM Pro Plus! Saw the CI Audio power supply, what voltage does it give? I've a similar power supply which used to power my Squeezebox Duet that outputted 9v.
What you saw between the WiiM Pro Plus and the Channel Islands Audio PLC•1 Mk II linestage is the Channel Islands Audio VAC 1 Supply - which powers the PLC•1 Mk II Linestage. It is not meant for anything else. The WiiM Pro Plus was powered by its included USB plugin supply. Here is the link to the rundown on my entire "Second Space" system. www.theaudioanalyst.com/second_space/
Hi there, just to check, are you saying the pro plus sounded significantly better than the pro/mini even when just using to stream to an external dac using the digital output? Cheers
Well, no. All three models, the Mini, Pro, and Pro Plus ONLY offer bit-perfect output up to 24-bit at 192 kHz over either their optical or coaxial digital outputs. But the Pro's analog output offers up to 32-bit and 768kHz PCM playback AND native DSD up to Quad DSD, or DSD512. And I suspect another significant component adding to its remarkable analog sonic prowess is the discrete output buffer stage it employs.
@@theaudioanalyst cheers for clarifying. I have a pro outputting to a dac, and although it was my understanding they all sounded the same in that respect, some other reports insinuated the pro might be better slightly even just as a streamer. Maybe i should have just paid the extra to get the good dac in the plus to test vs my denafrips ares. There is probably not much in it apart from the extra expense 😂
So does this take the place of a streamer dac that i spent a few thousand dollars for? It's interesting. However, as is the case with most app controlled devices it always gets down to the interface and usability of the product they can be extremely annoying and frustrating. This would've been a good thing to focus on. When I sit down and challenge myself with DSP I am always challenged with the interface Learning curve issues. Under the hood it's a great product but the people spending the time working on the interface don't seem to take the users to heart while they design an Interface.
Hello again. TECHNICALLY, yes, it could "take the place" of any streamer/DAC. The question would be, as overachieving as it is at its retail of just over two-hundred bucks, how will its sonics compare with one you purchased for a few thousand bucks. While its absurdly great performance in its price range is impossible to deny, as I said in my commentary, I’m not suggesting that this $220 superstar will be the sonic equal of significantly better-designed and executed streamers from the more popular companies. But, for those who want to stream using vintage gear or are on a tight budget, shut the front door! As to the App and its interface, it is 2023. As uncomfortable as some may be with such technologies, we need to put that behind us and get used to the reality that such interfaces are not only here to stay, they are the standard now and for the foreseeable future. And if you use something like Roon, once it is on you network and connected, you may not have to access it via the WiiM app again... 😉
The interface of the WiiM products is probably one of the best out there. Hook it up to a nice external DAC, along with the built in 10 band EQ and PEQ of the WiiM, and I think it would give your several thousand dollar unit a run for its money. Add an inexpensive linear power supply to the WiiM... I bet you would be surprised, and disappointed.
Honestly, as bloody good as it works as is, I've not bothered to fuss with an aftermarket linear power supply. But, they ALWAYS make an improvement, so... 😊
Can't get audio over coax to my Sony 1080 receiver. Will mess around with some audio settings on receiver but seems set correctly. Put in a ticket at Wiim but no idea really.
Be SURE the WiiM has its audio output set to COAX out... It will ONLY support one output at a time, and if it is set to Line Out or Optical Out, it will not be able to send any signal out over the Coaxial output. Use the WiiM Home app, go into the settings, choose Audio Output, and make SURE that COAX Out is selected...
Here is the link to my Second Space system... www.theaudioanalyst.com/second_space/ And, here is the full video introducing the concept... E141: Introducing "Second Space," with Maurice Jeffries - ua-cam.com/video/LAgZM1BKpoo/v-deo.htmlsi=BlISmYTbKlgSoUkj
Um, I guess you missed the point. Using it with virtually *any* external DAC would likely deliver better performance. That isn't any sort of stretch to imagine, nor does it keep the total budget under a hundred bucks US. But I defy you to spend $99 more effectively to be able to more simply or effortlessly add a more than merely acceptable sounding digital streaming system to your "vintage" or entry level system.
Hello... Some of the other picture disc's on display include Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London," Rush's "Hemispheres," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" soundtrack, The Who's "Who Are You," David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" and "...Ziggy Stardust...," Heart's "Dreamboat Annie," Queen's "Sheer Heart Attack," Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality," and Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "A Saucerful of Secrets."
I wish the wiim product would do dsd digitally out of coax that way i could use my external dac dad feature. I like my dac better than the pro plus dac.
No, it doesn't. And I never said it does. I said that the WiiM Pro Plus does... Starting at 7:03, ua-cam.com/video/PtBtVy5pilQ/v-deo.htmlsi=4XAK6Gr3el-SMGT2&t=423, I said, "More to the point, while the Pro Plus supports bit-perfect output up to 24-bit at 192 kHz over its digital optical or coaxial output, as do both the Mini and Pro, its analog output offers up to 32-bit and 768kHz AND native DSD up to Quad DSD, or DSD512."
@@danwalkley304 Hello again. I'm not sure what to tell you other than you must have something misconfigured. I just now verified that my WiiM Pro Plus could successfully stream recordings at DSD64, 128, and 256...
@theaudioanalyst I downloaded content from NativeDSD music, in .dsf format, in 64 and 512, wiim app finds the file and file name, I press play and the "wavy line" in the play button starts moving as if its accessing etc. Then just stops. Or skips to next dsd/.dsf track and repeats this till the end of the album/folder, can't seem to find anything on the net about this 😕
@theaudioanalyst I also found this on the wiim forum..... "My point is mainly that WiiM advertised the DSD512 feature in the specs, so we all technically paid for this feature, yet it is missing. It cannot hurt to have this feature implemented, even if you don't use it. And if you some day part with your WiiM Pro Plus, it'll be more valuable with DSD support than not."
@@altops4490To my knowledge, there is no "interface" for computers. But with mobile devices, it connects using their free downloadble app (Android or iOS) and Bluetooth...
@@theaudioanalyst I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip. Kristin and I will be going to my parents for Thanksgiving. Have a great Thanksgiving with the wife and kids. I 🙏🏻 your eye surgery goes well too. I know it's been a bit since you have a video on an artist/album. If I could make a suggestion. How about a video on The Wrecking Crew. I'm sure your viewer would enjoy it. I would too, I do have some skin in the game. My mother's step brother is Sylde Hyde. He passed in 2019. Who was a member. Just a thought
Thanks for playing this music and avoiding the usual audiophile stuff! Keep Swinging!!!! I’ve avoided streaming but my friend Mr Ed just got the pro plus and because of your review , I think I’m in!
My pleasure! Thanks for tuning in - and for writing!
Thanks for the vote of confidence on the Wiim Pro Plus. I want to get a streaming DAC for my vintage set-up, and didn't know where to begin. I have read and watched many reviews for this unit, and I am sold! Can't wait to get it plugged in and playing!
What it offers - for its price - makes it an absolute no-brainer... I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!
Very refreshing to hear you speak so highly of the Wiim devices. I have a pro on my second system. It’s wonderful. What a great take on these products. All the best.
Thank you, but as you are aware, the bloody thing is a freakin' superstar at its price point...
@@theaudioanalyst you are spot on.
Great video sir! Just found you too... Many laugh at me for owning two WiiM streamers, the Mini and the Pro. I think they sound fantastic, and I have had more expensive streamers through here. Using the mini with a Sansui 2000 and the Pro with the Sansui 4000, running through a PS Audio DAC/Pre, and it sounds FANTASTIC! Just as good, if not better than the more expensive streamers I have had through here. Both systems are running with Zu Audio speakers, their original Omen Dirty Weekends, and their new DW6 Supremes. The WiiM EQ and PEQ take the WiiM products to a level more expensive streamers cannot touch. Diminishing returns... The WiiM's are staying. Love the app.
Michael, first, welcome to the channel. I'm so happy your found it! Second, you, my good man, are preaching to the choir. My reference streamer is the simply superb $20,000 Ideon Absolute (E126: Ideon's Absolute Stream - ua-cam.com/video/BoU3hNMeUes/v-deo.htmlsi=RWLyCImjLpnfsm1F), and these little guys, ESPECAILLY the WiiM Pro PLus, have no business being this exceptional for their asking price... 😏 Thank you for watching, and for taking the time to write.
I recently bought the WiiM mini to enjoy music on my home system with my two boys who subscribe to Spotify. We've always shared music together over the years on my system (in what we call a "listening session") though the boys have transitioned from CDs to the use of their phones for audio playback. For them, hence, I bought the WiiM, and let me tell you I'm equally amazed as are you. The sound from that little "puck" was remarkable over my big system simply using the analog outputs. I later added an affordable external DAC, in the SMSL SU-1, and was even further surprised at what I was hearing. As you mentioned, the price point of these offerings is simply hard to beat.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your equally remarkable experiences with the WiiM "Hockey Puck." And as remarkable as it is, you just wouldn't BELIEVE the performance of the Pro Plus... Stoopid great products at very fair prices...
I recently bought a Pro Plus and I'm mostly satisfied with it. There is an issue, though, that reviewers don't mention. I use Qobuz for HD streaming. The WiiM does not, unless I'm mistaken, connect "natively" to Qobuz. It uses ChromeCast. This presents a couple of problems. One is that it cannot do gapless playback. That can be annoying on albums that run tracks together for artistic effect. Like parts of Abbey Road and The Wall, for instance. ChromeCast also limits resolution to 24bit, 96KHz. That's a 50% reduction in sampling frequency, at least. Please tell me I'm doing something wrong, and how to correct it. Rumor has it that WiiM and Qobuz are working on a "connect", like Spotify and others use. I have no Idea when this will become available, if ever. Do you have any info on this?
Since I started streaming, it's no longer about the gear and equipment. It's about enjoying music.
and don`t forger how much time you have for listening instead of looking for vinyl, take it out of the sleeve, aiming it on the turntable ot opening CD box and carefully put CD onto the tray...🤣
I feel like streaming can be remarkably satisfying.. However... Like everything... There are levels, of performance and of cost... But once in a while something special hits performance capability that can also scale up in pretty expensive overall systems and yet doesn't cost a bomb... I think you've hit on such products with these.
Thanks for another great second space video Greg. 👍🏻
First time seeing your channel! I just bought the WiiM Amp to play with and power some older speakers I have. The price and some good reviews on the interface helped me to just do it! Your review is encouraging for sure. I will have to see what hardware and capability the amp comes with as compared the pieces you reviewed! Thank you for your efforts!
I added a mini to my 2nd system (wife's system) that apms running two sets of speakers - inside and outside.
With my system with the Pro, I can stream mine, hers and the outside speakers all at one if I want to. Or play either system through the outside speakers etc.
Amazingly simple to set up.
My Pro plus arrived yesterday and is connected to the 2nd system thanks for sharing this video
All I can say is - enjoy! 😄
Did you stream via WiFi for all your tests ? I am considering the Pro+ because of your excellent review and will use it as a digital transport and stream via WiFi.
Hello! Yes, I did... Both with the Mini and the Pro Plus... Good luck and ENJOY! They really are wonderfully performing streamers...
Great video, excelent level of information and the final high level music tracks.
The best.💯👌👍🎯
Many thanks for tuning in and for writing!
Enjoyed the presentation .
New to streaming just picked up the pro plus and after using for a couple hours I gotta say I’m impressed! Some reviews said you would need an external dac for this to sound good? Sounds great on its own and very easy to set up! The only thing I’m curious about is would Tidal or Spotify sound better than Amazon music which again sounds great!
Really good show.
Glad I watched this at 1.5x speed
Fine review of the WiiM Pro Plus! Saw the CI Audio power supply, what voltage does it give? I've a similar power supply which used to power my Squeezebox Duet that outputted 9v.
What you saw between the WiiM Pro Plus and the Channel Islands Audio PLC•1 Mk II linestage is the Channel Islands Audio VAC 1 Supply - which powers the PLC•1 Mk II Linestage. It is not meant for anything else. The WiiM Pro Plus was powered by its included USB plugin supply. Here is the link to the rundown on my entire "Second Space" system. www.theaudioanalyst.com/second_space/
Many thanks!@@theaudioanalyst 👍
Hi there, just to check, are you saying the pro plus sounded significantly better than the pro/mini even when just using to stream to an external dac using the digital output? Cheers
Well, no. All three models, the Mini, Pro, and Pro Plus ONLY offer bit-perfect output up to 24-bit at 192 kHz over either their optical or coaxial digital outputs. But the Pro's analog output offers up to 32-bit and 768kHz PCM playback AND native DSD up to Quad DSD, or DSD512. And I suspect another significant component adding to its remarkable analog sonic prowess is the discrete output buffer stage it employs.
@@theaudioanalyst cheers for clarifying. I have a pro outputting to a dac, and although it was my understanding they all sounded the same in that respect, some other reports insinuated the pro might be better slightly even just as a streamer. Maybe i should have just paid the extra to get the good dac in the plus to test vs my denafrips ares. There is probably not much in it apart from the extra expense 😂
@@JakeBlues-dq9xgyou won't be able to hear any audible difference. It's just marketing
So does this take the place of a streamer dac that i spent a few thousand dollars for? It's interesting. However, as is the case with most app controlled devices it always gets down to the interface and usability of the product they can be extremely annoying and frustrating. This would've been a good thing to focus on. When I sit down and challenge myself with DSP I am always challenged with the interface Learning curve issues. Under the hood it's a great product but the people spending the time working on the interface don't seem to take the users to heart while they design an Interface.
Hello again. TECHNICALLY, yes, it could "take the place" of any streamer/DAC. The question would be, as overachieving as it is at its retail of just over two-hundred bucks, how will its sonics compare with one you purchased for a few thousand bucks. While its absurdly great performance in its price range is impossible to deny, as I said in my commentary, I’m not suggesting that this $220 superstar will be the sonic equal of significantly better-designed and executed streamers from the more popular companies. But, for those who want to stream using vintage gear or are on a tight budget, shut the front door!
As to the App and its interface, it is 2023. As uncomfortable as some may be with such technologies, we need to put that behind us and get used to the reality that such interfaces are not only here to stay, they are the standard now and for the foreseeable future. And if you use something like Roon, once it is on you network and connected, you may not have to access it via the WiiM app again... 😉
The interface of the WiiM products is probably one of the best out there. Hook it up to a nice external DAC, along with the built in 10 band EQ and PEQ of the WiiM, and I think it would give your several thousand dollar unit a run for its money. Add an inexpensive linear power supply to the WiiM... I bet you would be surprised, and disappointed.
Hey yo dude what brand and model number are those trapazoid looking small bookshelf speakers on E147?
They are discussed at length in "E144: The Audience ClairAudient 1+ 1 V5" - here - ua-cam.com/video/PqwCAvTLqEI/v-deo.htmlsi=eqoivQX5PzoB0ZSJ
Is it me or does the Wiim pro feel cheap and light?
Um, it does! But only because it IS cheap and light! 😉 Not that you can tell that from listening, however.
Did you use Quality LPS with it?
If so what difference it made ?
Honestly, as bloody good as it works as is, I've not bothered to fuss with an aftermarket linear power supply. But, they ALWAYS make an improvement, so... 😊
Can't get audio over coax to my Sony 1080 receiver. Will mess around with some audio settings on receiver but seems set correctly. Put in a ticket at Wiim but no idea really.
Be SURE the WiiM has its audio output set to COAX out... It will ONLY support one output at a time, and if it is set to Line Out or Optical Out, it will not be able to send any signal out over the Coaxial output. Use the WiiM Home app, go into the settings, choose Audio Output, and make SURE that COAX Out is selected...
Is the subs on ?
Please , What is your complete system here ? Thanks
Here is the link to my Second Space system...
www.theaudioanalyst.com/second_space/ And, here is the full video introducing the concept... E141: Introducing "Second Space," with Maurice Jeffries - ua-cam.com/video/LAgZM1BKpoo/v-deo.htmlsi=BlISmYTbKlgSoUkj
Great review
You need to experiment more by using the WiiM mini with an SMSL S-U1 DAC. You will definitely get better sound.
Um, I guess you missed the point. Using it with virtually *any* external DAC would likely deliver better performance. That isn't any sort of stretch to imagine, nor does it keep the total budget under a hundred bucks US. But I defy you to spend $99 more effectively to be able to more simply or effortlessly add a more than merely acceptable sounding digital streaming system to your "vintage" or entry level system.
I really like the WiiM streamers. I see Joe Satriani and Phil Collins on album covers over your shoulders. Can’t make out the rest. Great reviews.
Hello... Some of the other picture disc's on display include Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London," Rush's "Hemispheres," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" soundtrack, The Who's "Who Are You," David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" and "...Ziggy Stardust...," Heart's "Dreamboat Annie," Queen's "Sheer Heart Attack," Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality," and Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "A Saucerful of Secrets."
Amazing!
It TRULY is an exceptional streaming solution. I was blown away, and love mine... 😁
I wish the wiim product would do dsd digitally out of coax that way i could use my external dac dad feature. I like my dac better than the pro plus dac.
I can't get DSD to play, you sure the pro does DSD?
No, it doesn't. And I never said it does. I said that the WiiM Pro Plus does... Starting at 7:03, ua-cam.com/video/PtBtVy5pilQ/v-deo.htmlsi=4XAK6Gr3el-SMGT2&t=423, I said, "More to the point, while the Pro Plus supports bit-perfect output up to 24-bit at 192 kHz over its digital optical or coaxial output, as do both the Mini and Pro, its analog output offers up to 32-bit and 768kHz AND native DSD up to Quad DSD, or DSD512."
@theaudioanalyst apologies, I have the pro plus, I tried DSD 64 from a stream and nothing fom RCA Audio out on the WiiM
@@danwalkley304 Hello again. I'm not sure what to tell you other than you must have something misconfigured. I just now verified that my WiiM Pro Plus could successfully stream recordings at DSD64, 128, and 256...
@theaudioanalyst I downloaded content from NativeDSD music, in .dsf format, in 64 and 512, wiim app finds the file and file name, I press play and the "wavy line" in the play button starts moving as if its accessing etc. Then just stops. Or skips to next dsd/.dsf track and repeats this till the end of the album/folder, can't seem to find anything on the net about this 😕
@theaudioanalyst I also found this on the wiim forum.....
"My point is mainly that WiiM advertised the DSD512 feature in the specs, so we all technically paid for this feature, yet it is missing. It cannot hurt to have this feature implemented, even if you don't use it. And if you some day part with your WiiM Pro Plus, it'll be more valuable with DSD support than not."
For shits and giggles, You should use it with your Ideon Dac in your main System for an afternoon.
Hey, buddy... I posted this once, but I no longer see it here, so... 😏 I'm WAY ahead of you... I will be trying that before the new year, but next week I'll be in Vienna, then there is Turkey Day and the celebration with the fam, and then eye surgery...so it is going to be a hectic close to 2023 here at the audio analyst©. My best to you, Kristin, and Copper... 😉
How can you interface with it by phone? By computer?
@@altops4490To my knowledge, there is no "interface" for computers. But with mobile devices, it connects using their free downloadble app (Android or iOS) and Bluetooth...
@@theaudioanalyst I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip. Kristin and I will be going to my parents for Thanksgiving. Have a great Thanksgiving with the wife and kids. I 🙏🏻 your eye surgery goes well too.
I know it's been a bit since you have a video on an artist/album. If I could make a suggestion. How about a video on The Wrecking Crew. I'm sure your viewer would enjoy it. I would too, I do have some skin in the game. My mother's step brother is Sylde Hyde. He passed in 2019. Who was a member. Just a thought
@@stohl82 Thank you, my friend... Safe holiday travels to you and Kristin! Happy Thanksgiving! 😏
He doesn't sound Irish.
Sitting in that chair is not the best visual experience for the viewers.