2022's BEST VALUE Spotify & Apple Music streamer?
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- Опубліковано 23 лис 2022
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WiiM Pro (US$150)
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WiiM Mini (US$99)
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Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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Argon Audio Solo
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"What's that round metal thing on top of your streamer?"
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#Spotify #Roon #bluetooth
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Buttons on the Pro version are on the side because of you, they wanted you to put a doorstopper on top!
Incredibly underrated comment my friend!! 😂
Yeah lol improves the audiophool look as it make bugger all difference to the sound.
You did say that you’re not an Amazon Music subscriber, but for those who are the Wiim Mini is unique in the market in allowing users to cast hi res up to 24/192 from the Amazon Music app using Amazon’s AlexaCast (their version of Spotify/Tidal Connect) to the WiiM. Even the much lauded Bluesound Node doesn’t allow that, instead relying on Amazon’s restricted third party API. This also means the WiiM can be used a target device by Alexa, as well as being in a multi room music (MRM) group with echos and other WiiM devices. Again, not many devices can claim that.
It should be pointed out that the increased memory (x4) and cpu cores (x2?) in the WiiM Pro will allow it to support lossless Amazon Music HD/UHD up to 24/192 in multi room groups - the current Mini has memory issues and only supports standard lossy resolution in MRM groups.
For Amazon Music HD users, never mind the other streaming services it supports, the WiiM devices are a godsend…
Thanks for your comment. You have just answered my remaining questions concerning Amazon Music HD. I am going with the Mini black Friday deal then and skip the pro version. Thx
Unfortunately not in Poland and Australia.... We cannot cast and can only play amazon from wiim home app.
Wiim Has great customer service too! My Wiim mini stopped working and they shipped me a new one no charge no shipping the broken one back, free! Outstanding! 🎶🎶
I’ve tried several streamers in bridge configuration using an external Dac namely the chord Qutest and RME ADI 2 Dac fs. The differences are so small that I wouldn’t pass an AB test. The lesson is that these devices are plug, play and forget the audio nervosa. This is what’s the best take. It’s all about features and ease of use
Just bought the Mini due to the exposure here.
Cant wait for it.
Thank you kindly for your channel and all your information.
Thank you for making an affordable review on a streamer. With the economy being nutty, value is important more than ever 😊
I think the title 'favourite streamer of 2022' can go to any product still on sale in 2022. It could be a model from 2018 if nothing more recent has surpassed it since. I view 'Best of the Year' lists as ego boosts for manufacturers whereas a reviewer's 'favourite XXX of the year' is about the user's experience and preference.
I have the WiiM Mini that I hooked up to an Echo Link to send audio to all my Echo Dots for whole home audio using AirPlay, it works great. Great review. 👍
I bought a wiim mini after your initial review. Still love it, toslink straight into my hifi and Tidal connect. Lovely stuff.
I think given the amount of updates this year for the WiiM mini it can be counted as a 2022 product as so much has changed since launch? I've not known a product that has consistently updated and been reliable in it's fixes/updates. Highly recommended
Actually have mine run through a decent budget DAC into an old Denon system running some very nice Cambridge Audio Aeromax 2. It continues to surprise me.
The WiiM Mini has completed my living room setup. The UI of the app is amazing, and if you have a music server (I use one on my regular desktop) and use the DLNA/NAS for off-streaming music files in addition to at least one streaming platform, it is everything that you really need. I had a DAC lying around that I plugged it into, so it sounds great. No plugging in DAPs or computers directly to the amp, no manual adjustments necessary - just a clutter-free way of adding a great, easy streaming experience from the comfort of a couch.
Bought a WiiM Mini because I've watched your review. Amazing little device! Love it. Paired it with my RME ADI-2 DAC - lovely combo especially with the update on the RME with auto source selection! It just works fast and easy
Always great perspectives John. Here's some of my experience to share - while more and more streaming transports, very few (at a reasonable price) are focused on high quality electronics, clocks, isolation that genuinely contribute to better quality digital output. Ifi Zen Stream is a unique one at below $500, and I've been blown away by the difference in quality I heard, even though I'm super skeptical of these claims.
Many streaming manufacturers can focus on quality of parts, clocks, jitter, noise rather than adding cheap dacs and too many ports that really are a waste of costs. Would love your review and thoughts on simple streaming transports with quality parts and engineering.
Thanks for the video mr Darko, like your choice of music for your intro.
Bought a WiiM Pro, hooked to my Meridian speakers via coax. It's awesome. I love it.
I recently picked up a WiiM Pro. My current setup is WiiM pro (or other source) -> Aiyima T10 preamp -> Carver m0.5t power amp -> Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature (series i) speakers. I cannot believe how good streaming through Amazon Music is. Their HiRes files slap! I can't wait to get my Pioneer receiver back to see how it all sounds through that. The Aiyima/Carver combo is my backup.
In my experience, when you have a vintage amp/receiver, it's best to have a backup plan for when the vintage component goes into the shop.
I have a Wiim Mini connected by Toslink into an NJC Audio DAC and then Buchardt i150 amp and Buchardt S400 M II speakers and I think it sounds brilliant.
I am always tempted to buy a Blusound Node, but waited for a review of the new Wiim and now after seeing this review of the Wiim Pro, I think I’ll just stick with what I have, as I don’t need to spend more on a new Pro, for no obvious gain. Interested to see what the new Amazon feature is though, as that is my main music platform.
Thanks for the video John. Good stuff as always.. I like that you don’t just do really high end content now and these new videos you are doing are hugely enjoyable. 🤘⭐️🤘
Fantastic little option for those 2nd and 3rd systems where you can include them in you network and control. Also great for things like an old console where you want to add more than just Bluetooth connectivity.
Great video and totally agree. I replaced my RPi streamer and Toslink hat with the Wiim Mini and haven't looked back since.
Great review as always. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I have 2 WIIM minis going through Geshelli Labs J2 DAC (with the AKM chip) and have been fully satisfied using with Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. I have zero complaints about the WIIM mini, although the ethernet connection on the WIIM Pro is tempting, but that is the only thing it has that I might like to use over what the connections the mini has.
@@kevkoch11 I have the Cambridge Audio AXR100 with Klipsch RP600M speakers in my bedroom and for my office set up I have an Aiyima T9 with Jamo S803 speakers.
@@kevkoch11 I have heard very good things about both the Aiyima A07 and Emotiva B1+. I was very pleasantly surprised by the little Aiyima Tube T9 when I got it but adding the J2 made it much better. Almost seemed like there was a thick, heavy blanket over the speakers that was lifted after adding the J2. I'm new to this hobby so can't say how it compares to other DACs but I can definitely say with my two setups there was a noticeable difference after adding the J2.
Nice review! This is very exciting to see. I 100% think it's appropriate to include the Mini as your favourite streamer of 2022. A) it's your list so I think that qualifies as full editorial oversight of the list. B) and I think more importantly, this streamer today has come so far from when it was released it behaves like a new device. Instead of coming out with a Mini v2 the team at Wiim has upgraded and improved our device through the year, to which I am grateful to the team for that. So hell yeah, put it on the 2022 list!!
Cheers.
The Wiim mini was a game changer for me ! The Tidal and Spotify connect function and streaming capability makes it the ultimate" Frugalphile" device. I've bought two units ! Thanks so much John for putting me onto it . I was previously using Apple TV to stream Spotify 320 kBPS. Thanks to the Tidal connect function I have made the switch to Tidal and now streaming CD quality. No longer waiting for Spotify's empty promises of higher res !
Your initial review of the wiim mini encouraged me to buy 2 minis- I’m so impressed that I might get another one for full house connectivity - thanks. I don’t really need the extra stuff in the pro
John, you have gone above and beyond is this review of a low priced unit. Always love your music choices in your videos.
You really help me deciding the one to buy. I really enjoy your valuable information and presentation of your videos, keep up the fantastic work !
wow just saw this-will need to get one! i was contemplating spending a lot more on an audiolab omnia .....but my old hi fi will do fine now!
I love my Wiim mini. It's connected via a decent toslink cable to my mojo 2 dac and then another decent cable to my amp. It was worth spending the money on the cables as Wiim mini just sounds so good with bit perfect connection to dac. It hides away great and is powered from a USB on my amp, so only comes on when the amp is on. Its really fantastic and easy to use and Wiim update software regularly too. Definitely a 2022 item as it launched so late last year.
Got WiiM Mini and love it. Custom EQ landed with an update sometime ago is great and coming MQA support will be amazing in such cheap device.
But I am aiming for WiiM Pro to use as daily streamer with mini supporting mulitoroom.
I've been using Audiocast for about 4 years or so. Basically very similar to the now unavailable Chromecast. Not for the Hi Fi snobs but I'm happy enough streaming to my main set up in the lounge via Spotify...and using Airplay directly from my computer.
Hey John, I bought a Mini last year and what I like about is that I can move it into different rooms. So one week it will be in my office, then it goes in my workshop and it just works. The sound is good enough for my workshop and it works well with my Schitt Modi, value for money is right and non Hifi friends can not feel bad about hooking it up to old amps and appreciate the streaming convenience.
If using external dac, really curious about sound quality difference between these and something like a bluesound node or ifi zen (for tidal connect, don’t really care about software).
London Calling, released December 1979, was Rolling Stone magazine's best album of the 80's, so I think you're good with the Wiim Mini on your 2022 list.
I've been using a Yamaha WXAD-10 for 2 years now and because it's lacking a coax or toslink out I've been unable to use my external Marantz HD-DAC1. This seems the perfect candidate to replace the Yamaha with, so I can finally unleesh the capabilities of the Marantz. Thanks for the informative video John!
I know this is 9 months on John but I just want to say that among the YT audiophile reviewers, you are my favorite - I always find your reviews free of nonsense (and there is a lot in this hobby). I find it very therapeutic some times just to sit down with a Java and listen to your reviews. Lately I have realized I’ve spent a lot of money seeking to optimize sound quality eg hi-res and all that, and have shifted my focus (thanks to listening to you) to being able to ACCESS my music in the various contexts of my life. Thus, the Wiim Pro fills an important gap at a very reasonable cost- it may not compete SQ wise with 4-5 digit streamers- but as an aging audiophile I have to ask myself, can I really even hear the difference? I think sometimes I have Wiim Pro level ears with Sonore Signature Rendu appetites.
The WiiM Mini Airplay 2 does support Amazon Music up to 24/192 and Pandora was added after a recent firmware update. This little device seems to be very well supported with firmware updates. The Wiim Home app works well and it integrates nicely with Amazon Alexa. I use my WiiM with the Toslink connection to a Schitt Modi 3E DAC and I'm happy with the results. They Wiim Mini is on sale at Amazon for $80 US as I write this.
Can i ask, with your dac does the wiim volume control still work ?
Loving the continued coverage on Wiim products. I bought one early this year after the recomendation from this channel and I agree, the software support makes this one of the best buys in streamers today. Worth noting, Wiim has released a software update that allows for MQA support on Tidal. It will process the first unfold on device or pass through the raw MQA file to your dac (if it supports MQA decoding).
Yahoo! Been waiting for this. Love my mini, but my hifi is in area of the house with weakest WiFi, so always longed for ethernet option. Also my spidf sockets on my amp are a bit dodge, so coax option is also v welcome. Will be jumping on this as soon as it appears!👍🎉
Does the pro version have any advantage over the mini when using its digital out into an external Schiit audio 3e DAC?
Thanks John, I'm a huge fan of your videos and as ever this is another great one. Do you know if you can plug in your TV to the optical in and use it to play TV sound into an analogue amp? A bit like the HDMI on the Node...
I think he actually says so in the video.
Bought on Prime day (thank you) and hooked it into a Topping D50s with the P50 power supply (which makes the difference) and it sounds amazing.
As always, great review! Thank you so much for bringing this to our radar.
IMO, I don't think the Best of the Year should only be categorized according to the release dates. Sometimes it is hard to find a great product and a good fit between all the noise and repetitions around the market and immediately gasp its true value. For the greater good, I encourage you to go for it :)
Thank you.
Can
Another happy costumer of the Wiim mini here. Does everything I need: Spotify, Apple and the random Bluetooth use.
It’s also easy to hide but it looks good if you don’t want to hide it.
It’s been a long time I’ve found a good value product like this. Like everything is inflated but this at 100 is a fair price!
My wife was born in 1969. She is still the best AND my favourite. 😊 Regardless of the year. So I would be ok if you consider the Mini still your favourite steamer in 2022, although it was brought out a year ago. ;-)
I’ve got the WiiM mini into schiit mode 3dac into arcam alpha 8r amp (old school) b&w 601 speakers , it sounds great ,brought life into my old system. Love the show
Another great video John! I purchased a Marantz Model 40n after viewing your video (watched an unhealthy number of times) but hated the Heos application. After viewing your other video about the Wiim Mini I purchased one of those too to use as the digital frontend (toslink out to the Marantz) and couldn't be happier with the pairing (mainly because I like to use Tidal Connect which is not supported by Heos and never will be according to Marantz themselves). Even aside from Tidal Connect, the Wiim app is a much better experience all round. For me, I would include it in the 2022 awards though perhaps I'm biased. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the review.
There is a small streamer for people who need or want i2s out (by hdmi).
Called nuprime stream mini sold for
about 260 Euro/ USD. Has most providers in the app and Airplay 2 (no chromecast) I2s , SPDIF and toslink out, 24/196 max.
Since the lack of gapless playback was driving me nuts, I sold my secret stash of chrome cast audio's and got the Wiim Mini. What a brilliant device. Got it set up in front of my Denafrips Ares II and i have stopped looking for streamers :) Mainly use Tidal and Spotify from my phone and Airplay for System audio from my laptop (sometimes using airfoil to choose what software to be the audio source).
By far my best hifi upgrade 2022, it has saved me a lot of money :)
Spotify Connect is gapless for me with my two CCA’s.
I got a WiiM Pro and have initially set it up via RCA to my ancient 1st gen Mission Cyrus One amp. To listen to Tidal at the High quality level (up to 16-bit, 44.1 kHz) is there any point even considering using a separate DAC ?
Hi John I hope you're well. Please could you tell me / us if the Wiim Pro's RCA, optical and coaxial outputs can all be active at the same time as I'm looking at possibly hooking one up to 3 systems. Cheers Dave in Liverpool.
It would nice to have pass thru option for Toslink Input in Wiim Pro to redirect digital audio to Toslink Output. If you have not enough DAC inputs it will be helpful.
Hi Darko Audio...It seems to be a ideal device for me to stream music to my Topping E30 mark II. Do you have an information if I can stream Tidal through WiiM Pro through digital output in bitperfect way to my DAC, which supports MQA decoding? Thanks a lot, have o good time. Michal
Hey John
Great job as always! Loyiso here from South Africa. This might be a perfect solution for but, will it be able to display album art via the TV, similar to chromecast?
I totally agree with your award: Wiim Mini ‘Puck of the Year’ 2022. 🎉
Ok, as sideline (I live in the States), I could not help noting that you have the lamp that started it all back in 1963 ! Thanks for that, and your video presentation 👍
Coax is HUGE making it more easy to get the most out of DAC inputs and not having to swap cables
Thanks John, Another great video! Almost tempted to pick this up for Tidal Connect, especially if Innuos don't implement Tidal Connect into the Sense app. Which is not looking likely. Sense is quite good, but misses out on the weekly recommended playlists on both Tidal and Qobuz. And doesn't do any of the Connect stuff either. As you say, no one product has been able to give us all the major streaming services in one place.
Which DAC would you recommend with the WiiM Mini or Pro? What would be the cheapest option that´s a big enough step up from the built in DAC? Thank you!!
Schiit modi+
@Darko and all, how works you compare the DAC to the BlueSound Node? I want to do the steamer first and a Schiit Bifrost later in the spring.
Wow~This is what I have been looking for! Chromecast Spotify in one~
Exactly! Quite exactly what I was looking for! Can't wait to get my hands on it.
Would you be able to stream TV sound to this and then stream that sound over the house? Not sure how that would work.
Thank you for this review!
As a WiiM Mini user who's optical port flap has broken (frequent issue on the Minis), I do hope they used better ones on the PRO.
It is a good thing that PRO also has a Coax port, but I do think that the omission of a USB output port is a bit of a missed opportunity. If the PRO had this, I think it would be unbeatable.
Mine also broke the optical flap and I told them and returned it (a bit laborious) and got a new replacement from them.
Re Best of 22, I think if its first year of sale has principally been the 12 months up to now then yeah, it can rightly be called a favourite of 2022.
Question re the analog input on the Wiim Pro; does it convert Analog to Digital and output the signal via coax or optical? Might be a good way to integrate a turntable into a system with digital-only inputs...
Very interesting. My question would be: can it play flac and hires files on my nas. I have a logitech media server running for my squeeze box touch so how will it integrate. Is it capable of smb v2 and pref v3 (microsoft)? I don't like dlna very much...Thanks! P.S. I read a lot of faq on their site it seems they only support dlna/upnp so in my opinion a rasp4 with volumio gives you more flexibility and on top of that you can connect your external dac thru usb (asynchrone)
Hi John, this will be a tad off topic, so my apologies. Yesterday, I installed the latest version of DTS Play-Fi (iPad IOS 15.8.x) on a Paradigm PW-Link (and older device) and Gapless playback showed up. On an older device (less CPU and ram), I found considerably stuttering on 24/192 using Qobuz. However, setting Qobuz to 24/96 fixed the stuttering. All your other caveats still stand, but since most folks are getting Play-Fi as part of something else (as a friend of mine likes to say "for free dollars and no cents") gapless now makes it a viable option, at least for Qobuz.
I use a TV as the hub of my setup. If I have a device that I'm able to Chromecast music to (Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Nvidia Shield TV Pro), that I use with an external DAC. Is it a huge benefit to me purchasing a WiiM pro? I stream with Apple Music with an OnePlus 9 Pro or iPhone. Sidenote: my TV doesn't have to be turned on for me to stream music.
Also, is there a sonic difference between using Chromecast versus using a music service streaming protocol?
@Darko Audio thank you again for your job that allows us to enjoy.
A question about the Wiim Pro.
You mentioned that it has an analogue input. When the Wiim isn't streaming, could I directly reproduce a source connected to the Wiim Pro RCA analogue input?
Or is it neccessary to select the input previosly?
I own the affordable Wiim mini since spring and it's a great device that enables to stream the whole information of a Tidal track, even master (for those who want) even though throughout time it had one ot two bugs like the recent eq problem that made bit perfect playback impossible due to stutters.
It's funny but I didn't use EQ but it still stuttered when a master track followed on playback.
It was fixed recently through the update.
The major flaw is the construction of that toslink port. I managed to break it with an aftermarket cable and now the cable stays in the socket tensioned by an elastic strap.
As some one who used a pi(with volumio) as a streamer for several years. The WIIM mini easily blows the pi out of the water. I always has issues with the PI because it was fairly unstable. There were many times I just wanted to stomp the PI into the ground. The mini on the other hand is fairly stable and very user friendly. For some one just starting out, pair it with a schiit modi and you have a very nice little streamer/dac combo.
Kaboom!
Volumio is very unreliable. I have the same feelings, hit it with a Hammer, until I switch to MoOde Audio end of the problems and sounds better...the first review of the Wiim Pro at Amazon 2 🌟
Does your volumio had a lot of issue too? my volumio sometimes just crashes or i can't play or pause the music. or thats type of things. Is that volumio or The Pie
Word! I sold both my Chromecast Audio and Pi streamer box the moment I knew about the upcoming WiiM Pro.
I hope they'll still add support for Plex(amp) though. They're already looking into it, according to the forum.
The raspberry pi was fun to tinker around with, but none of the music streaming OS distributions felt like a solid, all-in-one solution.
really appreciate your work cheers
I bought a Wiim Mini a couple of months ago and had a really good first impression. I wanted to use it before a DAC but it become quickly unusable due to a very delicate TOS-link connector door, that broke after just a couple of insertions. I hope the Pro is built with more solid parts but, for the rest, it is really great value for money.
For a multiroom system, would you choose this combined with a small amp (each time in a closet) or the new SVS prime wireless pro soundbase in each room?
Thanks John and agree about your thoughts on the Wiim mini. I have one hooked up to an Arcam rDac and don't feel a need to upgrade it. If the Pro pushes down the price of the mini further, it will be even more unbeatable at that price point.
I do like the Pro so far, and with 6 people in the house and laptops for school and communication and everything else - it's nice to just have my music streamer use the bandwidth of my LAN connection (I do also have a WiiM mini in another room). I've been usint the toslink out on the WiiM pro with an external DAC using coax - and had no issue with bit perfect 24/192 test song (as well as songs streamed over Amazon Music at that rate): issue syncing/jitter others have mentioned. A USB out would be nice, but this works great.
However, I don't know that I can tell the difference between 16/44.1 and 24/192 - and I'm not certain I can tell the difference between the WiiM internal DAC and my super clean external one... but I've not done any double blind tests.
...but now I'm going to have to listen close to see if the playback is truly gapless - maybe some Pink Floyd or Daft Punk albums.
Not disqualified at all IMHO, surely it is when you evaluated the item. Glad to hear that the WIIM Pro is bit perfect output. A couple of my Sonos Control units have stopped working. I was not using their DAC just as a transport into my Cyrus DAC. If put on fixed output and used via coax/optical one gets a bit perfect signal. Not so with the Sonos Port. The WIIM Pro is now an option worth considering as a transport. An excellent post Mr JD...... you have saved me a load of research and given me a strong starting point.
John, thanks for the review of the WiiM Pro +WiiM Mini. I've recently purchased a Mini as a "first step" into streaming thanks to your original WiiM Mini review. Wonderful for the price and I connect to my predominantly Linn /Naim system (yes, I am of that age!) using my existing Mk1 Mojo. I'm 100% Tidal so am awaiting completion of the MQA update with bated breath. Web site suggests 30 /12 latest? Hope your health is improving and look after yourself.
Bought a wiim mini off the back of your previous recommendation. Can't think of any other hifi purchase I've made which was better value for money.
The streaming functionality works better (as it starts faster/doesn't drop out etc) than those built into my high end systems.
Hello. What do you think about the Andover songbird and the Wiim mini, in comparison?
Do you know if the chromecast on the Wiim Pro will be gapless? I'm currently running a RopieeeXL with roon to use Qobuz in full resolution, but paying for Roon has become even more expensive... I also prefer the Qobuz app interface to the Wiim Minis (which I own as well) so I haven't used it much.
@darkoAudio would you prefer the Wii Mini with a dedicated DAC and Amp over the Bluesound PowerNode? Would love a "Comparison" on these so called budget devices. :D
Quick question: is the coaxial output fixed or does it have digital volume control? I was planning to connect an optical cable from my TV to this device, then have the coaxial output into my Genelec's digital inputs via a 110 ohm RCA -> XLR cable.
Hi John,
thank you for your interesting video. Does the Wiim Pro offer an aptx bluetooth codec?
best regards
Carsten
I just tested the analog input feature. I transmitted my nice turn table's singal from the livingroom to the garage. Cool but not sure I'll do it much.
I don’t have amazing internet, so I occasionally have some interruptions if I don’t use a good media player to stream Tidal via my pc. Do you know if the Wiim Pro has something that prevents buffering during playback?
Great to see the Monitor Audio speakers back. They look beautiful.
Just bought the original Wiim mini but need a coax out so I will be buying the Pro version. The mini works great and much less than my Bluesound Node in my main system but is not off by much. Using it outdoors for my patio system and didn't want to spend $600 for outdoor use. Cost to performance ratio is fantastic 👌 👏 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Possibly the ONLY airplay 2 streamer with Ethernet right now besides the also new Audio Pro link 2 for much less… Would be a very interesting video to make a cost efective wiim + dac pairing that compares to the top streamers like the node, Sonos port or even the Link 2 for hopefully less. Great video as always!
Bought a WiiM Mini in September for $80 USD and been running it with Spotify Connect ever since. Does the job nicely.
Bought the Wiim Pro with remote (135USD) and connected to an external DAC (PS Audio DLIII)
I saw that Wiim Pro has RCA Line In as well. I’m assuming that I could plug in a Source then select it and control volume on it? If so, that’s a cool feature which I haven’t seen yet
Nicely Done.
Is the Pro a bluetooth receiver a transmitter or both ?
Thanks
It's both, he mentions it in the follow-up video, "10 more thoughts" and slightly regrets because it wasn't mentioned in this first video. The uh-oh is that content run through the inputs has latency, so video sync for such content is off. Works for music though.
THANKS JOHN FOR HELPING US OUT TODAY WITH THE NEW OPTIONS, AND I LOVE ❤️ YOUR LAVA LAMP…ALL THOUGH I NEVER HAD ONE 😢😊💚💚💚
Arylic s50+ -- Argon audio solo -- Wiim pro, which one you recommend ? ( for streaming only, spotify connect-- outputting to an external dac)
Brilliant! Living with my Chromecast Audio Puck (Via HiFi Cast for gapless) but I would buy a WiiM Mini for sure.
WIIM with ethernet is what I have been waiting for! Super stoked to pair this to my SMSL SU-6 DAC.
For info: currently using KEF LS50 wireless 2 for streaming Spotify & Amazon music - presumably Amazon Cast is used for the latter. It's gapless and every bit as smooth as Spotify Connect.
“FrugalPhile” 👍👍
So these WiiM’s stream like a charm, just wondering how good the optical and coax outputs are sound quality wise?
I appreciated all the details John went into on this point when reviewing various RPi streamers!
Thanks
I believe you should think of “best of “ more like a boxer or football team than a movie or song: whatever is best wins, regardless of when it came out. Because at the end of the day, to a potential buyer it doesn’t matter when it was released, it matters what sounds best, has best features, and is the best value, even if it is unchanged for 30 years.
In this case, I’m interested in the Pro though, even if it is a bummer that they didn’t upgrade the internal DAC. Looking forward to your video on best DACs.
This device appears to be similar to Arylic devices (S50 Pro+) and the 4stream app and the Wiim app are cross usable, and are pretty much identical. Maybe you wanna check out Arylic's stuff and review those too? I have 3. They're quite good.
The lack of chromecast was the main reason I didn't bother with the mini. The pro is genuinely tempting. Currently using an old nexus 5 phone as a streamer via usb.
I have possibly a dumb question - I am looking for a Tidal compatible streamer and this one looks really cool, but my DAC only has USB input. Would it be posslbe to use it with the Wiim Pro?
That is brilliant - as my home automation is based on the Google ecosystem, having Chromecast is for me, is its 'killer app'. For most of the time, listening to music at home is via Chromecast ultra and this will make it integrate seamlessly.