Is the WiiM Pro Music Streamer TOO GOOD to Be True?
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- The WiiM Pro Music Streamer is an affordable yet feature-packed device that's challenging the streaming market. In this video, I review and test the sound quality of this budget-friendly streamer. Find out if the WiiM Pro can truly compete with high-end alternatives and whether it's the perfect addition to your home audio setup.
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#wiim #wiimpro #musicstreamer - Наука та технологія
Your content keeps getting more interesting. It's a big plus that you talk a lot about cd. Thanks!
Glad you enjoy it! There are a ton of videos before this, but I feel like I am finally getting the hang of it :)
Thanks. Nice to see your video. I have a BlueSound Node but bought this for a second room. My results convinced me within two days to buy a second one for my office. I’m using it with several different sources to try it out like a Roon server and FLAC based music collection running on an M1 based MacMini, Amazon HD, a Assett UPnP/DLNA server running on either a QNAP or Synology NAS of the same FLAC based library used to feed Roon, and Amazon Alexa. Haven’t tried out Apple AirPlay yet but I will soon. My Node, and WiiM Pro are all using coax connected external DACs in my setups. Was going to buy a second BlueSound Node to have only one App but found this and it’s price and size are great IMHO. The WiiM, BluOS, and Roon apps are all set up on my iPad and iPhone. So far so good. After the second arrives it will be great. Just a note, these are replacing my Echo Links would not act like Roon endpoints or UPnP endpoints. Added: using it with FLAC I created and some bought on line that is 192K/24bit.
My wife bought me a Wiim Mini but I can't open it until my birthday in a few days! Whaaah! I'm looking forward to connecting it to my Schiit Modi 3 DAC and my 1983 Harman Kardon amp. Like your last video combining vintage and modern.
Mike, you are going to enjoy it!
Got mine hooked up with COAX to a Geshelli J2 AKM chipped DAC running through a vintage 1978 Marantz SM-7 class A amp. Using mostly Tidal Hifi+ and sometimes Amazon HD and I am super happy with the performance so far.
Thats a very cool setup!
The coax sounds way better than the optical into the ifi zen one signature dac.
I have one hooked up to Cambridge Audio Dac 100 feeding a Willsenton R8 to KLH Model 3 and Rel T7 sub. Sounds fantastic!
That is a sweet system!
@@mykandrew soon to be sweeter, as I am getting a pair of Summoner 1093SQTL from Adelaide Speakers made. Can't wait to hear those 10inch drivers!! Thanks for replying Mike. Cheers, Stu
Well, been around a month with the WiiM Pro and so far, very impressive for the money. In fact, it sounds better to my ear than my Pi2 Mercury v2 streamer. I did upgrade the power supply to the ifi 5v 2.5 amp unit that Amazon sells for $69, which cleared up my ethernet connection issues. Now she runs as advertised. I have it plugged into my PS Audio GainCell DAC/Preamp out to a vintage 1970 Sansui 4000 receiver, out to a pair of Zu Dirty Weekends. For the money, this WiiM Pro is going to be hard to beat.
Agreed and I am glad you liked it!
I have connected the WiiM Pro's digital output to my Cambridge Audio's digital input, and to my fileserver over UTP, to play my collection of FLAC files. Waiting for the Roon support, so a bit apprehensive!
I am confident it should come soon.
I bought an Su-1 from smsl...this is just great. That under 90 DAC is hard to beat.
I think it would be a great idea to compare this with the Arylic s50 pro+! It actually seems they can use each others software and work from the apps in multiroom.
The Arylic s50 is not gapless. Game over.
I get the most incredible synergy from my WiiM Mini AirPlay2 to (optical) Geshelli Labs J2 to Marantz 2238B to JBL 4311s. I find myself streaming as much as spinning these days.
Future generations should include i2s hdmi as lots of new dacs include it and is supposedly superior in sound quality.
Got one today. Hooking up tomorrow.
Nice! Enjoy it!
What price range of dacs do you think you should use with this with. What would be the upper limit for the cost of the dac before the WiiM Pro became the weakest link please ?
Good presentation and honest. I have the Pro for a month after using the mini for the past year and it doesn't disappoint. It's well priced for all the functions it offers.
I am using the coax out with a fiio cable. Great device.
Regarding bluetooth, it's useless for a device that offers wireless the best possible signal.
The bt fans don't buy streamers so who cares about them?!
Agreed and I am glad you are enjoying your Wiim
Hi there! Enjoyed your review. Question for you, though, to break this down for someone with very little audio gear and less of an understanding, I'm considering a Wiim to use for streaming rather than the built-in bluetooth 4.0 on my klipsch powered speaker. I mostly use just Spotify but thinking of jumping to Apple Music or something with some better sound. But even for something basic like Spotify, would there be a noticeable 'ah-ha' moment if using the Wiim and its wi-fi signal for streaming (probably connected just via aux to my speaker, a Klipsch The Three) verse relying on phone bluetooth? I don't have any kind of DAC or external anything else, just looking for something to plug in and play for convenience and hope for a noticeable sound improvement. Thank you very much!
Hey Mitchell, yes there will be a sound improvement over using Bluetooth at any level. However, I don't think you will have an aha moment until you upgrade more than just the source. Moving over to Apple music and abandoning bluetooth for WiFi will, in and of itself, provide you with an audible improvement. Investing in the WiiM is a smart move if you are interested in continuing the betterment of your system.
@@mykandrewthank you! I think considering an investment is the best way of looking at it. Much appreciated for your input.
the 2 rca in can be connected to a dac too ???
Got WiiM Pro paired with Cambridge Audio CXA61 amp using coaxial cable to bypass WiiM dac and use the CXA one instead.
I stream Apple Lossless via AirPlay. Works great.
Especially I love custom EQ in WiiM and trigger cable that can automatically wake up the CXA amp from standby.
Love the setup!
The features are incredible right?
HI, please help me... I'm kinda new to this I have the Wiim Pro and my speakers are Q Acoustics M20 HD. Now I am thinking getting Schiit MODI+ as my DAC. Will this be a good setup?
Hey Ken, I have never heard the M20 HD but I have heard a couple of Q Acoustic speakers in the past and was happy with the results. The WiiM will definitely be a great addition to that setup.
Just ordered one …will have to use Airplay …but it sounds like a good investment.
Great video and value 👍
Thank you Carmine, I am sure you will enjoy it!
@@mykandrew I just hate hiking up
My iPad or iPhone when I want to access Amazon Music HD…so this should be interesting 🍕👍🤔🍕☕️
@@mykandrew Arrived last night..HOLY COW!!
A new universe of music has opened up 🥲
@@carminedesanto6746 I knew you'd like it
My Wiim Pro was a game changer. Plug in the ethernet, Coax out to my DAC, Tidal connect, and go. Easy peasy.
Certainly better than spending $599 for a Bluesound Node.... I bet their sales are hurting now.
@@thomasward00 the Node has a few things the cheaper WiiM Pro (or Mini) doesn't. One useful feature is the subwoofer out. For those using vintage preamps that don't offer a subwoofer out, it can be an easy way to add that to an old system without adding a snake's den of cables. I have three WiiM Minis and love them (you can't even begin to build a Raspberry Pi streamer for $99 these days), but I'll probably spring for a Node for my living room one day so I can add a sub.
It is super easy, plug and play. However I do agree with Ross, the Node is more of an all in one solution, however the WiiM wasn't really meant to be all that, it's just a straight streamer. I wouldn't consider using it as a preamp.
@Mike On Audio Agreed, not a great pre-amp. Wiim Pro > DAC > Amp > Speakers. Trying to be as careful as possible, I still almost blew my speakers using the Wiim as a pre-am (for volume control). Won't be doing that again. Lol.
@@rosswarren436 The Node is better. No doubt about it (by the way there's a easy mod for a linear power supply now that improves sq). The wiim (i'd say the mini) is the best value streamer and i'd say no doubt abiut it as well. I don't think the increased quality of the node justifies the (huge) difference in price though.
My dCS dac delivery was delayed and so I purchased a WiiM mini as a dac and a wifi streamer . It is fed by a Melco server and goes directly into my downstream power amp and speakers and does a good job . My downstream components cost £75,000 and the WiiM a mere £85 and it is really impressive given it’s size and cost . The UI is great and the wifi has been very stable .
Mike, other than coax out, is the pro any better than the Mini? If used solely as a server that is plugged into an stand alone dac. I will guess they would sound identical? Mini with optical. = Pro with coax? My dac is a Pontus2 as well. Thx!
I believe they are identical in function then. I don't have the Wiim Mini, but I believe besides the extra connections and physical buttons the only difference is that the pro has chromecast too (only audio). The wiim site and forums are quite good. Worth a look around if you need more specific answers and to verify what I said :P edit: worth a look to check the roadmaps for the products too.
Thanks for the response and advise Daniel.
I don't have a Mini either, however I agree with Daniel on this one. I honestly think they are the same thing, the pro just has a few more features. SQ wise they are probably very similar.
My buying decision was purely influenced by ease of use. I have my speakers on my desk (WFM in a studio) I'm able to use the physical buttons and I do (you can change function to go to next or previous song), pause music quickly when I get a teams call. I can optical in from pc to it too when not using for music, then feed it all to dac and amp. Wiim Mini would mean I'd have to change mode on DAC to usb when using pc, no big deal, but I like the physical buttons. Integrated into speaker system at tv it would probably be nicer if you don't have enough connection options on DAC. Solely for a music system I'd assume the mini would be perfectly fine
I have tested both SPDIF and COAX to all my DACs, the Geshelli J2 AKM, SMSL SU-6, and internal DAC on my Denon AVC-X3800H (horrible DAC in the Denon, btw). On all DACs the optical has a more forward and bright vocal presence, more on the SMSL and Denon than J2. Thus proving (to me at least) output selection matters.
I use Amazon HD Music service on my Mac and hard wired to my Klipsch powers 5s speakers. I don't see any use of this unit over what I already have? If it has ATMOS resolving then maybe, but it doesn't. Would it really sound better than just using my MacBook Pro? The DAC matters but I have one in my powered Klipsch, but does the streamer itself matter that much? I can't imagine.
Can you input analogue signal from cd player and send to a Wiim mini in another room so the mini can deliver it out through optical? Because my cd player is in one room but I would like to listen the music in another room
I think the point of analogue input makes me believe the Wiim pro can convert from analogue through digital isn’t it?
I decided to try upgrading the power supply. I was looking at those little $60 linear supplies, and a few of the nicer ones. Then I seized up on the raves one prominent reviewer made about the Allo Shanti power supply, as used with their Raspberry Pi hotrods of yore. The Shanti is a dual output linear design using a bank of supercapacitors for energy storage. The Shanti is a little more expensive than the Wiim itself, and hard to find in the US but easy to order from France. Hey, you've got a Pontus 2, so what's another $200? Well, the results are astounding. Noise is diminished, dynamics improved.... I won't go into all that, but I'd be curious if anyone else's results are the same. Granted, I am running it with a better quality DAC and overall system, not a little headphone "stack". I'm not sure where the benefits kick in, but like I said, I was taken aback by the improvement. I suspect any viable power supply upgrade is worth a look at whatever price point, with relative results
Go with the iFi iPower X Low Noise Power Supply DC Adapter for S100 to compliment the Wiim Pro. This of course works best when using an external DAC and using COAX digital out of the streamer. If you are using glass optical cable for both in and out of the streamer than that is an option as well.
The one thing steering me towards Sonos is that you can plug an analog source into the port or amp and then cast it to other rooms that have Sonos. But it is a lot extra to pay just for that.
The WiiM does have multi room capability as well.
@@mykandrew so line in on the mini or pro and then use the wiim app to cast to other Wi-Fi devices?
If that’s true, then it sounds like this thing just outclasses the Sonos hands down.::
@@chrisAclaes depends on how you're hooking things up but the pro offers RCA in and out and Optical In and Out. And the calibration is meant to make sure the other devices are in sync. This can beat out the Sonos in my opinion.
@@mykandrew I've heard the wiim app can work with devices from some other companys as well. Major plus.
One thing I don't like about the WiiM Pro, and maybe someone just needs to tell me a work around, is that when streaming from Spotify, I lose many of the customized settings (gear icon) that I have on the Spotify App that is on my phone or computer, like Volume Leveling and Gapless Playback. First thing I noticed using the streamer was the WIDE difference in volume between songs on Spotify being streamed on the WiiM Pro. Using a phone for a streamer gives me all the "gear" settings on my phone like volume leveling and gapless playback, settings that get grayed out when the WiiM is the chosen streaming source. Maybe there is a work around for this, but if not, I'd rather have constant volume levels across songs and will go back to streaming off my old Galaxy 6 if there is not a solution for this.
Can I connect by cabled Ethernet to my PC using newer interface protocols? I have an Oppos that I can't use anymore to stream music from my PC because of newer streaming protocols. Windows doesn't allow it. Will WiiM Pro allow them?
My present streamers are Nvidia Shield and Mecool KM6, but I want to use my external DAC for audio, and the WiiM as audio manager.
I stream off my network via ethernet to the WiiM Pro, I did have to upgrade the power supply to a 5v 2.5 amp unit. The ifi unit Amazon sells for $69. And my Mac mini is on the same network via ethernet, so I would not see why you would not be able to do what you want to do. WiiM has a very good website with a user forum that is very responsive. You may want to head over there and ask.
Did you use the supplied wart or a a different power supply?
i use a linear power supply that i had laying around. It improves sq a bit.
I used the supplied, however I can use the ifi ipower and let you know.
I agree with your conclusions, bu I don't see the remote you spoke about, Mike Audio!
It doesn't come with. It is a $19.99 add-on if you would think you needed it. Figure 95% of people would just control it with the app on their phones to control the music.
Oh crap I knew I forgot something, Ill get you a link up on the description.
It would be cool if they would have included a Sub Output!
At this point, there is no point in mentioning the RCA outputs, EVERYONE visiting this review will have an external or built in HQ DAC.
Agreed
I don't. That's why I was interested in this instead of the mini. I'm just trying to breathe new life into old receivers without having to purchase/return 20 different products.
DACS still confuse me, not in what they do, but in what makes one $14 while another can be well over $500. I have no experience in separates and I'm not sure I even want to go down that rabbit hole as it may turn out to be a money pit, buying and swapping components in a never ending struggle to find listening nirvana.
Then, there's all this new "chi-fi" to weed through and 99.9% of it gets glowing reviews here on UA-cam. It's like watching CNN talk about Pfizer.... sponsored, bought, and paid for.
@@Jeremy_810 Unless you need a digital coax out and ethernet in, get the Mini... I have one of each and they both sound great.
@Joseph Ward in the pro did you compare the coax and optical? For me the coax sounded way better. A lot more high frequencies.
Having the rca output option allows audio to multiple zones on a receiver. Most receivers limit digital audio to only the main zone. So I use the rca output to drive my second zone on my veranda through a Denon receiver. Great feature!
Wiim Pro Hardwired ethernet 1Gig connection, Optical to Topping E50, Neo d+ Class A RCA Cable out to Aiyima 08 Pro driving Kef Q50 nearfield, streaming amazon music UHD. Wow !
Forgot to mention, Definitive Technology DN8 for the lows.
That's an awesome setup!
@Mike On Audio thank you my friend. You've certainly steered me in the right direction. Keep up the good work. BTW today from Amazon expecting my XDUOO MT-602 and TRS to RCA cables. This will drive my Mezze Classic 99's.
Because of the massive gain I'll probably use the Topping in preamp mode.
Hi sir! Thanks for the video, it gives me hope! So I thinking about buying the device but I don't know if it's possible to use it as i want to, I just want this device to go between my dac/amp and my computer, mostly to use qobuz through the app and be able to EQ a bit. Is that possible ? I heard the device has to be connect to internet and I only have the internet of my phone. If anyone knows...
Does using the phone app will require wi-fi?
The Argon Solo is a potential alternative. In any case, the combo of a cheap streaming adapter with a decent DAC makes a lot of sense to me. Streaming adapters have a short product cycle and this way you can stay up to date at reasonable cost, since the DAC can be carried over.
I wish Argon products were available in the US.
Great app, wd like to see a $400 'super deluxe' version
That would be insanely cool!
Gave this a shot as a streamer only in my mid tier system (around $2k-$3k per component) against an original Orchard Audio PecanPi, Allo Signature Raspberry Pi with Allo Shanti power supply, and an original Bluesound Node. With its stock wall wort the Wiim Pro came in 4th sounding more constrained and congested than the others and I wouldn't recommend it for any level system other than very low end non-critical listening systems. However, add the Allo Shanti power supply and it vaults right to the top equaling the Allo Signature with Shanti. For around $350 it's definitely a value keeper in that configuration.
Power Supplies Matter!
Quick question if I have 4 mini units can they be used individually at the same time? Say kids in one room, wife in another room, me in another room all playing our own app.
Even if I just use it as a bridge to get my music on the network or from the streaming service to my DAC, it's worth every dollar.
I wish WiiM offered their software for purchase so you should use on a Pi device...
That would be awesome.
Returned mine. Did not work at all. I feel like this solved a problem that didn't exist. I could not stream Amazon Music, Spotify, or my turntable. What's the point?
Sounds very good with a border patrol dac.
Those are nice DACs
Yes I love this device, sound quality is excellent but I have one issue with it. Everytime I connect to it it defaults to Bluetooth, which I dont want to use. I cant find a way to change the default? Anyone have this issue?
It could be your power supply, there are known issues there. I am using the ifi 5v 2.5 amp unit Amazon sells for $69. It solved my ethernet connection issue and stopped issues like you are having.
From a WiFi dummy--can I just Wi-Fi from my android device, or do you need a different Wi-Fi source?
I suppose if you use your phone as a hotspot. Otherwise this just connects directly to your home wifi.
Thanks--- I do not have any other way t connect. If the hotspot works that would be sweet.
Then there are those on most UA-cam pages who will always say things like, "This sux compared to my Aurrender N20 or N200 feeding my external DAC". Well yeah. I mean for 42X or more the price, those devices had BETTER be better or it would be more proof that a fool and their money are soon parted. Duh! Only thing I wish is that it had USB digital output, but that'd probably cost an additional $50.
Good thing I am not one of those people lol
I Love my Octavio stream
I will have to check that out!
Sadly nobody mentions the frequent dropouts when using the WiiM Pro
Maybe someone can help
how can I turn off the Wii home app
This WiiM Pro would be more useful with a better DAC, more connections and a subwoofer output. In other words, an improved Bluesound Node with 10-band EQ in its software.
For the price it's presented, it's exactly what it needs to be.
@@mykandrew Yes, I would pay more to get the streamer+DAC that has everything in the Bluesound Node but with better software and built-in EQ.
@moribnd BluOS isn't terrible. There are a lot of worse OS out there, lol. But I totally understand what you're saying.
The "Plus" model of the Wiim Pro has a much better sounding DAC.
Not wiim fault but apple airplay 2 down samples to 256 AAC. This has been confirmed by bluesound :(
I use it with a Schiit Modi DAC. Replaced a Sonos. The Sonos app is much better with selection and playlists. WiiM would really blow it away IF they improved the app which in many ways sucks.
I thought it was pretty Robust, however I use Roon primarily so I would only have to use the app to adjust settings. However when I tinkered with it, it didn't give me any issues. I'm glad you were able to replace the Sonos with it.
I think the app is great. They keep improving it quite often.
Just a question forgive me. If exporting to a DAC, what about the unit itself effects the sound quality?
if you use an external DAC the signal is all digital. No loss
I can't stand Wi-Fi (and I have a UniFi WiFi mesh) and the only thing that I use it for are mobile devices, and I go out of my way to find other products that have a built-in Nic. Amazon's Ultra HD tracks can suck up as much bandwidth per stream as a movie. Most people don't have good Wi-Fi 6e mesh and there's ZERO way you're syncing on 5G Wi-Fi; you'd have to buffer all the music and all the devices which adds an insane amount of latency and then you'd have to synchronize your latency to account for the buffer. No thanks.
I assume adding the Ethernet jack was a design choice they made over giving a USB digital out. Oh well, for the $149 price point, it is a very solid device. I have three Minis running Wi-Fi and haven't had any issues with it, but my wireless router is only about 50 feet away (max) from the Minis.
@@rosswarren436 .. I'm not disagreeing with its price point, but I emphatically disagree with the argument that Wi-Fi is perfectly fine in comparison. That's a joke and it's not. This system is if you don't already have a wired-in in-wall/ceiling good multi-room audio system throughout your house.
In my case when I entertain I have a great room, outside pool lanai, my office and a couple rooms upstairs. Otherwise if I want crap audio then I have Google Hubs in practically every single room.
I have 300-400 mbps download throught my place and it does just fine for me. Those Google hubs are probably hurting more than helping to be honest. Unless your walls are made of steel or you have a 10k sq ft house it could probably do much better with a top of the line router. Those little hubs suck up alot of bandwidth.
@@DJaquithFL yeah, for audio in my outbuilding which is too far for my Wi-Fi I just use Bluetooth from my phone playing downloaded content from Tidal and call it a day.
@@mykandrew .. Research **MU-MIMO** and simultaneous transmission. Your (ditto mine) home's potential bandwidth has nothing to do with this issue and reliable transmission to your devices around your home. My home's FiOS is currently 2.5/2.5 Gbps and without being properly equipped doesn't change latency and transmission issues. The problem with Wi-Fi is it's limited simultaneous transmissions along with variable signal strength, you don't have that exaggerated nonsense in a hardwired solution.
Bottom line, I couldn't care less what you do in your house. It doesn't affect me in the slightest. I'm trying to make you aware of why I disagree with you. That's it.
_WiFi example: My 85 year old mother has 1/1 Gbps; all of her 8+ Google cameras are connected via Google Nest WiFi and AP wireless mesh (AC2200 4x4 MU-MIMO) and I have to sit there and wait for her cameras to load when I'm checking up on her. In contrast my UniFi cameras are all CAT-6A PoE and instantly load previews whether I'm home or away. She has that system because I paid for it and I put it up same day because she was too damn stubborn move into an assistant living facility after falling._
Seems to me the mini version is still the better value. The improvements of the pro over the mini are minor and don't seem to justify the increased price (around 50% more). Maybe if they'd improve the dac, the bluetooth or inlcuded the remote...
I haven't tested the mini, however you may be right for value per dollar.
@@mykandrew I'd say it's even more surprising than the pro.
The ability to stream Amazon Ultra HD makes the Pro my choice, and I'd easily pay even more for this streamer.
This doesn't work for me not true DLNA compliant, and no local access at the device for files( streaming company fluff) people are buying it but its not worth the money
What's the difference between this & using heos on my Marantz.. or my Nvidia shield pro . I ve been looking at these , but am I just wasting my money !?? I don't really understand the difference....
There really isn't one, the Nvidia Shield will output amazing sound