This was an excellent review! Perfect! I purchased one as well, compared it to my Node 2i, and I agree with you 100 percent!!!!! I would buy more of these when I need to add extra zones in the future and reserve the Node 2i for my critical listening room/station. Thank you!!!!
HiFi Reference thank you, when people watch UA-cam content they don’t realise all the masks and effects you did take lots of time. Harder than simple b roll camera shots !
Great review, looks like this device is the flavor of the week, which is good for me because I was looking for just this due to being mostly vinyl guy and looking for a inexpensive but decent way to add digital.
Thank you for this overview. I am a simple guy and kind of slow with all things electronics. Here's my question: I have a pair of Sonos Ones and a Sonos Sub Mini, and I use AirPlay 2 (not the Sonos app) to stream music and podcasts. *All I want to do is add my home stereo setup to AirPlay so that I can have synced whole-house audio.* Will this device (or the Pro) get me there? Thanks.
I'm not sure how ones and zeros would sound differently through different devices. Since the digital to analog conversion and the amplification happens after the device. But i'm no expert whatsoever and always willing to learn. I'm also considering the Node for the foreseeable future. Best part for me is actually the hpf on the Node. Thank you for your review. 🙏
does this device uses a Wifi of its own or it connects to my home wifi? In one case is a nuisance to have to switch between wifi any time I want to stream music, same for google and Alexa devices, they'd have to be on its network. in the other case the device is connected to my wifi, and this is made in china, so you know, you're basically giving free access to any of your info. Anyone know the answer?
Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad to hear that you found the review helpful, and even more so that you decided to purchase one. I hope you enjoy using the WiiM Mini, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns in the future.
I find that the easiest way to do that is with a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription. You could try that for free, for 1 month. Just remember to cancel in time if you're not satisfied.
Hello Felix and thank you for your positive feedback ☺️. Possibly, but still, the best quality you can get out of this is when using its optical output. If you plan on using the 3.5mm jack output, there won't be much difference in sound quality compared to a phone with a good internal DAC.
Do you know which services stream through the mobile app? I would expect that spotify connect and tidal connect are streamed directly by the wiim, and would like to know whether that works for other services like tunein, too (i.e. I would be able to kill the app or listen to something else on my phone). Thanks!
Hi David. Yes, once you started TuneIn, you can swipe away the App and watch, for example, a UA-cam video on your phone, while TuneIn keeps playing via the WiiM.
Hi Alex, thanks for your feedback and question. Unfortunately, I do not use Roon, so I can't confirm that. I do know that Roon supports most AirPlay devices, even third party, so it is possible that it will work.
I have 2 echo i have issue with airplay with different Spotify account. I was looking some solution to have airplay in amazon echo. can i use this device as bridge to run airplay for both amazon echo same time ?
Excellent! Have you changed from the kef? How do the Dynaudio compare? I'm looking at both these and also acoustic energy ae1 active. Hard to find good comparisons.
For long listening sessions with a desktop setup, I prefer the Dynaudio LYD7Monitors. But as a regular stereo system in a larger room, and not in a near-field setup, the KEFs are better.
Disappointed that you did not mention that the device does not ship with a 5 volt DC power supply. Was a delay in setting mine up since I didn't have one and had to obtain one prior to being able to set it up.
Hello John and thank you very much for pointing that out. You are absolutely right, I should have pointed that out, but it totally slipped my mind. It's really annoying if you get a new product, and you cannot get started straight away. My apologies! Have a great day and best regards, Yuri
I haven't heard the 'Audiocast M5' yet, so I cannot say which one sounds better. But I can tell you, that in my setup, it does sound better, when I use the optical output of the WiiM Mini, compared to the analog output. If you're not planning on using an external DAC, the M5 could be a price worthy alternative.
Hello. I want to use the Wiim Mini with my ADAM T7V. I would like to use it wirelessly (without connecting to my laptop or pc). I would like to only use the Bluetooth function or directly from Airplay Apple Music. Will it be a good investment and idea?
Hello Ridwan and sorry for my late reply. This is indeed an affordable way to add quality wireless streaming to any setup. However, I would not recommend connecting it directly to your monitors, but instead add a preamp or a dedicated volume controller.
Got mine! Great bit of kit connected to my audiolab 6000a via toslink. Hope you don’t mind me asking, would it sound better using an external DAC, such as the chord mojo ?
Hi John, the Audiolab 6000a is a fantastic amp. However, compared to most internal DA converters, adding an external DAC often does bring some SQ improvement. Would be great if you could borrow one for testing purposes, because there certainly is no guarantee that you actually will notice a huge difference.
I'm a pretty much a novice when it comes to hifi - especially digital. 1:00 answers my questions: 3.5 to RCA cable included (for connecting to amp). -(1) can I connect this to my older analogue amplifier? It just has the regular input (RCA I think it's called) for CD, tape, phono etc.?- (2) Is the optical digital only? for connecting to a DAC or amp with internal DAC (?)
Myself, I always leave it on standby, as I do with all my devices. Come to think of it, that's probably one of the reasons why my energy bill is so high🤔
Hi, thank you for video. Currently I'm looking something instead of gen.1. Sonos Connect. How good is the sound quality compared to that? And does this device play gapless?
Hello Péter and thank you for your feedback and question. I can't guarantee that gapless playback will work in every setup or with every file format, but when I play a FLAC version of "The Dark Side Of The Moon" from my NAS, it is gapless. In my opinion, the sound quality is pretty good, especially over the optical out. Unfortunately, I do not have a gen 1. Sonos Connect to do a direct comparison, but from my memory, that one sounds pretty good too, and I expect it to perform better over its analog outputs. Although, I could be mistaken.
Unfortunately, I do not use Roon, so I can't confirm that. But I do know that Roon supports most AirPlay devices, even third party, so it is possible that it will work.
Does the Wiim Mini work on Tidal via the Tidal windows desktop app? i.e. will it show as an output option from the desktop? In the office, I prefer to control the music from a desktop, not a phone. Thanks!
@@YuriBrus Thank you, finally someone answers this question!! I've been looking for this answer for days, but not a UA-camr shows in his videos whether the WiiM can also be operated via PC and Tidal App from the desktop. Thanks!!
Hello Neil, thank you for your question. Although the WiiM Mini can play back 192 kHz files, in my setup it will currently only output 48 kHz via optical cable to an external DAC. Not sure if there will be a software update in future that will enable it to output a higher sample rates or if I am doing something wrong.
@@YuriBrus The latest firmware update with 24/192 via TOSLINK as well as fixed volume for line level output is out now, just released this past weekend.
...very professional review. The security issue that another individual raised would be very disconcerting and it would be very helpful if you could look into that; thank you. (For security reasons, I disable my cell's Bluetooth when I leave the home.)
Personally, I wouldn't recommend using the analog output, but via Toslink, the sound quality is surprisingly good. Lots of positive customer reviews on Amazon as well: www.amazon.com/Streamer-Bluetooth-Multiroom-Multizone-Assistant/dp/B09KBSK2RS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=GG4BEL3DPMZZ&keywords=wiim+mini+streamer&qid=1647622318&refresh=1&sprefix=wiim+mini%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWTlMTUdMUFhCQ0FXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE5MDEwMVVBS0g4MFlUUTMxTiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDU2NDE2MThKM1U0Q0oxU1BWVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Thanks for the video! I do have two questions: > In the intro, you suggested this device takes the Google Chrome Audio to a whole new level. Yet there is no mention of being able to connect to a network of Google smart speakers or even UA-cam Music??? > It sounds like much of the speaker group functionality is quite similar to that Sonos is currently bringing suit about. Do you think this is sustainable? Many thanks...
It's probably because of my Dutch accent, that you have misunderstood me, but I said that "you can see a resemblance with the discontinued Google Chromecast Audio, and although they are somewhat similar in functionality, the WiiM Mini takes things to a whole new level." Unfortunately, there is no Chromecast compatibility. -Yes, it does multiroom streaming, just like Sonos. Although Sonos is a much more premium product. Still, for its price, the WiiM Mini sounds quite good and functions well.
It looks good but what about the security aspect? This device scans all your wifi and your network and as you give it access it will send all this information plus all the traffic going through your wifi to the manufacturer who will do what he wants with your private data. You should have mentioned this and told us that you have to configure this on an IOT network in an isolated vlan with firewall rules in all in and drop out.
@@absolutium 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 It seems to me that it is rather you who are not aware of what is being done in terms of network security, manufacturers and your personal data...
Hello Victor, no worries. The Echo Dot is a great device. This WiiM Mini does not have a built-in speaker and is supposed to be connected to an amplifier or an active speaker system. So basically, they are no direct competitors.
@@VictorRamirez-gt4uw I guess you mean if the sound quality if the WiiM is better than the Dot when connected to a stereo system? The WiiM Mini has an optical out, if you use that to connect to an external DAC, then it sounds better than the Echo Dot. If you are planning on using the 3.5 mm output, then there won't be much difference.
This was an excellent review! Perfect! I purchased one as well, compared it to my Node 2i, and I agree with you 100 percent!!!!! I would buy more of these when I need to add extra zones in the future and reserve the Node 2i for my critical listening room/station. Thank you!!!!
Hi! If i use external dac there will be any difference i terms of sound quality When using Spotify? Bluesound vs wiim
@@mateusznowakowski5895
Which external DAC do you use?
How expensive. Do you really hear n9 difference betwern dacs for $100 and $2000 ???
@@nocnymarek7645 Słyszę różnice między dacami z tego samego poziomu budżetowego :) więc miedzy daciem za 100$ a 2000$ dźwiękowo powinna być przepaść.
This is definitely the device I've been looking for.
For the money, its a no brainer.
Good Video, I'm scripting my video on this at the moment. I like the fact you have put effort into your videography in an engaging way. Congrats!
Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Love your channel. I wish you were my neighbor 😉.
HiFi Reference thank you, when people watch UA-cam content they don’t realise all the masks and effects you did take lots of time. Harder than simple b roll camera shots !
@13th Note HiFi Reviews Yeah, it can be really time-consuming, and time never seems to be on my side. Still, I enjoy it a lot.
Great review, looks like this device is the flavor of the week, which is good for me because I was looking for just this due to being mostly vinyl guy and looking for a inexpensive but decent way to add digital.
@@dougg1075 Yeah, this one gives you most of the streaming options currently available, at a reasonable price.
Thank you for this overview. I am a simple guy and kind of slow with all things electronics. Here's my question:
I have a pair of Sonos Ones and a Sonos Sub Mini, and I use AirPlay 2 (not the Sonos app) to stream music and podcasts. *All I want to do is add my home stereo setup to AirPlay so that I can have synced whole-house audio.* Will this device (or the Pro) get me there? Thanks.
I'm not sure how ones and zeros would sound differently through different devices. Since the digital to analog conversion and the amplification happens after the device. But i'm no expert whatsoever and always willing to learn. I'm also considering the Node for the foreseeable future. Best part for me is actually the hpf on the Node. Thank you for your review. 🙏
How is the bluetooth sound quality as compared to aux or wifi or toslink?
does this device uses a Wifi of its own or it connects to my home wifi?
In one case is a nuisance to have to switch between wifi any time I want to stream music, same for google and Alexa devices, they'd have to be on its network.
in the other case the device is connected to my wifi, and this is made in china, so you know, you're basically giving free access to any of your info.
Anyone know the answer?
nice review! i bought one
Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad to hear that you found the review helpful, and even more so that you decided to purchase one. I hope you enjoy using the WiiM Mini, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns in the future.
Hi,
How to get Hi res lossless stream thru this WIIM mini to my marantz PM6007 via either Iphone 7 or android phone?
I find that the easiest way to do that is with a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription. You could try that for free, for 1 month. Just remember to cancel in time if you're not satisfied.
@@YuriBrus unfortunately in India Tidal service is not available.
Amazing video buddy. Would you say it’s better than just using me iPad or phone to steam.
Hello Felix and thank you for your positive feedback ☺️.
Possibly, but still, the best quality you can get out of this is when using its optical output. If you plan on using the 3.5mm jack output, there won't be much difference in sound quality compared to a phone with a good internal DAC.
Do you know which services stream through the mobile app? I would expect that spotify connect and tidal connect are streamed directly by the wiim, and would like to know whether that works for other services like tunein, too (i.e. I would be able to kill the app or listen to something else on my phone). Thanks!
Hi David. Yes, once you started TuneIn, you can swipe away the App and watch, for example, a UA-cam video on your phone, while TuneIn keeps playing via the WiiM.
@@YuriBrus same with Deezer? Thank you. 🎵
You can hook this up to an Echo Link and use it to stream audio to all of your Echo Dot speakers at the same time.
Cool, thanks for the tip 👍 😀
Informative review. Thanks! This would support Roon as well through Airplay right?
Hi Alex, thanks for your feedback and question. Unfortunately, I do not use Roon, so I can't confirm that. I do know that Roon supports most AirPlay devices, even third party, so it is possible that it will work.
I have 2 echo i have issue with airplay with different Spotify account. I was looking some solution to have airplay in amazon echo. can i use this device as bridge to run airplay for both amazon echo same time ?
Excellent! Have you changed from the kef? How do the Dynaudio compare?
I'm looking at both these and also acoustic energy ae1 active.
Hard to find good comparisons.
For long listening sessions with a desktop setup, I prefer the Dynaudio LYD7Monitors. But as a regular stereo system in a larger room, and not in a near-field setup, the KEFs are better.
Disappointed that you did not mention that the device does not ship with a 5 volt DC power supply. Was a delay in setting mine up since I didn't have one and had to obtain one prior to being able to set it up.
Hello John and thank you very much for pointing that out. You are absolutely right, I should have pointed that out, but it totally slipped my mind. It's really annoying if you get a new product, and you cannot get started straight away.
My apologies!
Have a great day and best regards, Yuri
Is the DAC worth to go with the Wiim Mini instead if the Audiocast M5 for half the price?
I haven't heard the 'Audiocast M5' yet, so I cannot say which one sounds better. But I can tell you, that in my setup, it does sound better, when I use the optical output of the WiiM Mini, compared to the analog output. If you're not planning on using an external DAC, the M5 could be a price worthy alternative.
If this had Google cast built in it would be unbeatable and a perfect replacement for the discontinued Chromecast audio
Absolutely! Still, it is a nice little streamer as well, especially now that it does 192 kHz via its optical output, after the latest software update.
Hello. I want to use the Wiim Mini with my ADAM T7V. I would like to use it wirelessly (without connecting to my laptop or pc). I would like to only use the Bluetooth function or directly from Airplay Apple Music. Will it be a good investment and idea?
Hello Ridwan and sorry for my late reply. This is indeed an affordable way to add quality wireless streaming to any setup. However, I would not recommend connecting it directly to your monitors, but instead add a preamp or a dedicated volume controller.
Can you control the volume with Spotify app?
Got mine! Great bit of kit connected to my audiolab 6000a via toslink. Hope you don’t mind me asking, would it sound better using an external DAC, such as the chord mojo ?
Hi John, the Audiolab 6000a is a fantastic amp. However, compared to most internal DA converters, adding an external DAC often does bring some SQ improvement. Would be great if you could borrow one for testing purposes, because there certainly is no guarantee that you actually will notice a huge difference.
I'm a pretty much a novice when it comes to hifi - especially digital.
1:00 answers my questions: 3.5 to RCA cable included (for connecting to amp).
-(1) can I connect this to my older analogue amplifier? It just has the regular input (RCA I think it's called) for CD, tape, phono etc.?-
(2) Is the optical digital only? for connecting to a DAC or amp with internal DAC (?)
Hi Tom, yes that is correct. The optical output can only be used with a DAC or an amp with an internal DAC and an optical input.
@@YuriBrus thank you. Nice clear video 👍🏼
@Tom Thank you very much. I am glad you liked it
How do you connect apple music with wiim mini in android? I am not able to do that?
Just got one and am enjoying Spotify through it. One big question: do I leve it on after use?
Myself, I always leave it on standby, as I do with all my devices. Come to think of it, that's probably one of the reasons why my energy bill is so high🤔
Hi, thank you for video. Currently I'm looking something instead of gen.1. Sonos Connect. How good is the sound quality compared to that?
And does this device play gapless?
Hello Péter and thank you for your feedback and question. I can't guarantee that gapless playback will work in every setup or with every file format, but when I play a FLAC version of "The Dark Side Of The Moon" from my NAS, it is gapless.
In my opinion, the sound quality is pretty good, especially over the optical out. Unfortunately, I do not have a gen 1. Sonos Connect to do a direct comparison, but from my memory, that one sounds pretty good too, and I expect it to perform better over its analog outputs. Although, I could be mistaken.
What is your DAc and Amp?
You mean the one on my desk? That is an RME ADI-2 DAC FS.
Does it also set the Bluetooth name to the name you selected? Does it handle all inputs at the same time? Or does it choose the last one?
Hello Donar, yes on my Galaxy S20, via BT it shows the name I selected for the WiiM Mini.
Nice little device, if there was a way to install a Roon Bridge in there I would use it for all my secondary systems instead of a Rpi.
Unfortunately, I do not use Roon, so I can't confirm that. But I do know that Roon supports most AirPlay devices, even third party, so it is possible that it will work.
Does the Wiim Mini work on Tidal via the Tidal windows desktop app? i.e. will it show as an output option from the desktop? In the office, I prefer to control the music from a desktop, not a phone. Thanks!
Hello ZBasha, sorry for my late reply. Yes, in my setup the WiiM Mini is selectable via the Tidal Windows Desktop App.
@@YuriBrus Thank you, finally someone answers this question!!
I've been looking for this answer for days, but not a UA-camr shows in his videos whether the WiiM can also be operated via PC and Tidal App from the desktop. Thanks!!
can the wimm mini output 24/192 thru optical connected to an outboard dac?
Hello Neil, thank you for your question. Although the WiiM Mini can play back 192 kHz files, in my setup it will currently only output 48 kHz via optical cable to an external DAC. Not sure if there will be a software update in future that will enable it to output a higher sample rates or if I am doing something wrong.
@@YuriBrus The latest firmware update with 24/192 via TOSLINK as well as fixed volume for line level output is out now, just released this past weekend.
@@knivesandfire1 Thank you very much! I'll look into it straight away.
Yep, it works. This is great, thanks again👍
...very professional review. The security issue that another individual raised would be very disconcerting and it would be very helpful if you could look into that; thank you. (For security reasons, I disable my cell's Bluetooth when I leave the home.)
What's the security issue?
Great Review!!
I purchased one today thanks to your very professional review...keep them coming.
Unfortunately it doesn't seem to support google chromecast so I wouldn't be able to pair it up with my existent chromecast audios. That’s a bummer.
Yeah, looks like you're right. I can't find any chromecast compatibility in the specs either.
@@YuriBrus It's a pity it it hasn't Chromecast compatibility but... Is it possible to send music from Plex to the Wiim Mini?
Is it a review or an ad? Some other reviews are not that positive - complaints about sound quality.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend using the analog output, but via Toslink, the sound quality is surprisingly good. Lots of positive customer reviews on Amazon as well:
www.amazon.com/Streamer-Bluetooth-Multiroom-Multizone-Assistant/dp/B09KBSK2RS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=GG4BEL3DPMZZ&keywords=wiim+mini+streamer&qid=1647622318&refresh=1&sprefix=wiim+mini%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWTlMTUdMUFhCQ0FXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTE5MDEwMVVBS0g4MFlUUTMxTiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDU2NDE2MThKM1U0Q0oxU1BWVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Thanks for the video! I do have two questions:
> In the intro, you suggested this device takes the Google Chrome Audio to a whole new level. Yet there is no mention of being able to connect to a network of Google smart speakers or even UA-cam Music???
> It sounds like much of the speaker group functionality is quite similar to that Sonos is currently bringing suit about. Do you think this is sustainable?
Many thanks...
It's probably because of my Dutch accent, that you have misunderstood me, but I said that "you can see a resemblance with the discontinued Google Chromecast Audio, and although they are somewhat similar in functionality, the WiiM Mini takes things to a whole new level." Unfortunately, there is no Chromecast compatibility.
-Yes, it does multiroom streaming, just like Sonos. Although Sonos is a much more premium product. Still, for its price, the WiiM Mini sounds quite good and functions well.
Doesn't work with fire tablets yet streams amazon music
It looks good but what about the security aspect?
This device scans all your wifi and your network and as you give it access it will send all this information plus all the traffic going through your wifi to the manufacturer who will do what he wants with your private data.
You should have mentioned this and told us that you have to configure this on an IOT network in an isolated vlan with firewall rules in all in and drop out.
Honestly, I haven't got a clue about network security, but you've got my attention, and I am definitely gonna look into that.
Every single device works that way.. Are you also isolating your TV? Cellphone? Console? Etc..
@@absolutium Yes, they are all on a special VLan
@@jj-icejoe6642 So.. this seems like a YOU problem.. isn't it?
@@absolutium 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 It seems to me that it is rather you who are not aware of what is being done in terms of network security, manufacturers and your personal data...
I’m sorry not very tech savvy, why is this better than an echo dot? I stream on the echo dot
Hello Victor, no worries. The Echo Dot is a great device. This WiiM Mini does not have a built-in speaker and is supposed to be connected to an amplifier or an active speaker system. So basically, they are no direct competitors.
@@YuriBrus I assume the sound quality would be better on the Wiim.
@@VictorRamirez-gt4uw I guess you mean if the sound quality if the WiiM is better than the Dot when connected to a stereo system? The WiiM Mini has an optical out, if you use that to connect to an external DAC, then it sounds better than the Echo Dot. If you are planning on using the 3.5 mm output, then there won't be much difference.
@@YuriBrus Yes, I have my echo dot connected to a stereo amplifier with two speakers. Thank you I appreciate your feedback
@@VictorRamirez-gt4uw Anytime!
No APTX and Ldac
Ben je eigenlijk Nederlands? Ik hoor een accent.
100% korrekt :)
Fracisco is
Just ordered mine. Under 90 bucks
Good deal, congrats!
Why none of the reviewers didnt mention that Bluetooth here is useless! No AptX support.
What decent company sends this with out a power supply. Its like getting a bicycle without wheels.
Last I heard you could say the same about Apple
🤭
HNY Yuri
HNY to you too🍸🎆
Ok I checked, you're basically granting full access to your network to a made in china device. Just saying.
Oh man, that's really cr💩p!
Luke, You do realize every cellphone in your household has came from China?