5:04 Great breakdown of your gear ⚙️. My headphones stack . AUDEZE LCDX (2021 Creators Edition) Bryston BHA -1 Headphone amp/pre amp . Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC Wiim Pro (optical output to DAC) Now,I do appreciate the Wiim Parametric eq (in the digital domain) on occasion 🙂 Great Video and thanks once again.
Thanks , it’s not a race ..just get enjoy music …when I’ve got the time 😅 I’ve been in this game …for over 40 years…hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two in this hobby. Gave a great weekend.
@krzysztofgilowski1736 Going by the quality of the outputs, they seem identical to the pro and pro plus. According to Wiim on their FAQ section on the forum, not only did they improve the internal dac, but they also reduced and improved the jitter. So, there is less jitter on all digital outputs. Plus, their internal clock is better, so it's not just the dac improvement.
@@thepracticalaudiophileunless WiiM will allow users to roll opamps, all we’ll hear is the sound of the cheap IC opamps in the output stage of these streamers/DACs which will sound exactly like this reviewer described it. 😉 Just realized you’re the reviewer 😅🙃👍 Unless you buy it for USB out to an external DAC of course. But if you already have a WiiM amp, that feature was just rolled out in a firmware upgrade on it! 🙌 WiiM amp and ultra are their only streamers with USB out to external DACs, and I’m sure they both sound identical that way. Reason is - USB is asynchronous and doesn’t receive the clock signal like over other digital outputs on WiiM products, allowing the external DAC to handle the clock of the audio stream internally in its DAC, which is more precise as it doesn’t have to chase it from other digital outputs. Basically USB sounds better than SPDIF, I2S is the only digital signal that sounds better than USB. That’s of course if an external DAC is equipped with LPS PSU, has a good clock and a discrete component output stage like using Sparkos/Burson opamps… that’s all 😉 Thank you for your review!
The ultra has quite few more features than just slightly better DAC compared to WiiM Pro Plus... HDMI ARC, phono pre-amp in, subwoofer out with bass management, headphones pre-amp (so-so but still), optical out and USB A in (for local content), touchscreen, volume/playback dial... all this is well worth the extra $110
Thanks for the great video. If you set the input and output to line-in and line-out respectively it’ll effectively be an analog passthrough, can you still adjust volume in this configuration?
@ElMayimbe73 If you're talking about the $129 modi, then yes. The other schiit DAC'S no. It sounds excellent, though. If you buy the Ultra, you will not feel like you need a better DAC. The Modi reminds me of the Pro dac.
@ElMayimbe73 I have the $720 version of the Geshelli J2 with the AKM4499 and Sparkos upgrades. It does sound better but slightly. If I got the Ultra before I got the DAC, I would not have upgraded.
So if you using a WiiM mini going to external DAC, would this going to external DAC sound any better? Or would you be gaining better functionality as pre amp with bass management and some room correction and HDMI port?
Going from the Wiim mini to an external DAC may not sound better than the built in DAC on the ultra because the ultra also has better jitter reduction circuitry built in. It sounds excellent. Not as good as going to my Geshelli J2 DAC. But it sounds excellent. I would just listen to the Ultra with the built in DAC and if you need more then you can always hook up an external DAC later. Connecting the TV through the ARC does sound better than through the optical (to my ears anyway). It is a very nice streamer. Worth the upgrade. Remember it's a lot bigger than the mini so make sure you have space.
@@thepracticalaudiophile Thanks for your reply! I am currently using a topping e50 DAC with WiiM mini. Trying to figure out if the ultra would be a noticeable sound quality upgrade. I would definitely use it as a preamp So the built in sub crossover and hdmi would be a good benefit.
@@thepracticalaudiophile I’ve been on the lookout for a good preamp. Features I want quality sound(currently using topping e50 to Yamaha m65 powering keg 104 I refurbished or monitor audio silvers, and klipsche sub. ) Want bass management, remote control and price point under $1000, could be new or used. Any pre amp suggestions?
the question is for me, using an external DAC, is the digital output stage better than the wiim pro? using your external DAC did you notice any difference in sound between using the ultra and pro? I just got the Geshelli j3pro with the sparkos 2590. That thing is awesome. upgraded from a modi3. Great video, thanks!
@RamisDad hopefully within the next month, I'm going to hook up both the pro and ultra directly to the preamp via analog outputs and to the geshelli via coax on both. Plus, I am buying a stereo microphone so I can make some video clips where they can be compared on the video. Plus, my thoughts also. I did a quick listen this morning using the apple music app from my apple tv through the hdmi arc and sounded better than the optical from the TV. More crisp and focused.
@RamisDad okay I just listened to Nora Jones don't know why song on Qobuz at 192/24 using the coax output to my dac. The Ultra is clearly better. The cymbals were louder (as in not muted - definitely not boosted) and extended where you heard them longer. Bass clearer and all listening fatigue gone. It's silky smooth while still maintaining complete clarity. Is it worth the upgrade over the pro and pro+? Yes, definitely.
One last thing. The pro plus going to the external DAC sounded slightly worse than the Ultra internal DAC, but the Ultra to my geshelli sounded easily better. Almost perfect.
@degreesdegrees-jr4eg were you able to compare the zen one signature with the topping? To me, they're very close but the topping would barely win. If you have no external dac then stick with the ultra and don't bother with the topping or node x.
@@thepracticalaudiophile okay thanks i have the ifi zen one signature. maby i want to try smsl su 1. DAC. or maby i will try the topping d50lll DAC. as my streamer i have the wiim mini. i want to try the ultra just for the room correction feature. can you make a vid about you experience of the room correction. ? thanks
You were doing well until you said the other company's dac sounded better. That dac measures great, as does the Wiim Pro Plus. You are imagining things if you think one sounds different or "better". Your sighted bias is misleading you.
@brianhall What are you going on about? Of course DACs sound different to each other. Are you new to the hobby?! I’ve tried multiple DACs and they all had different sonic characteristics. Hence why I now have a Pontus II.
😂 Unless you buy it for USB out to an external DAC! But if you have a WiiM amp, that feature was just rolled out in a firmware upgrade on it! 🙌 WiiM amp and ultra are their only streamers with USB out to external DACs, and I’m sure they both sound identical that way. Reason is - USB is asynchronous and doesn’t receive the clock signal like over other digital outputs on WiiM products, allowing the external DAC to handle the clock of the audio stream internally in its DAC, which is more precise as it doesn’t have to chase it from other digital outputs. Basically USB sounds better than SPDIF, I2S is the only digital signal that sounds better than USB. Hope someone learned a thing or two 😉
Great, honest review, with plenty of comparative references. Very helpful.
I think a major feature the Ultra has over Pro and Pro Plus that many overlook is HDMI Arc. This is huge for many people.
@@theSOUNDinterpreter I also noticed the usb sounded better than the optical or coaxle. The frequency extremes sounder fuller and more extended.
It's logical that the Ultra sounds worse with headphones, the Ultra's headphone amplifier is for compliance.
5:04 Great breakdown of your gear ⚙️.
My headphones stack .
AUDEZE LCDX (2021 Creators Edition)
Bryston BHA -1 Headphone amp/pre amp .
Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC
Wiim Pro (optical output to DAC)
Now,I do appreciate the Wiim Parametric eq (in the digital domain) on occasion 🙂
Great Video and thanks once again.
@@carminedesanto6746 your stack beats mine.
Thanks , it’s not a race ..just get enjoy music …when I’ve got the time 😅
I’ve been in this game …for over 40 years…hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two in this hobby.
Gave a great weekend.
I've really been considering getting the BHA-1. Do you love it? I also have the LCD-X. @@carminedesanto6746
Thanks!
Thanks for the response!
Did you see any sonic upgrades to the streamer section? As in does the ultra with an external dac sound better than pro with an external dac?
@@MrBravo143 there was a previous video where he unboxed it
@krzysztofgilowski1736 Going by the quality of the outputs, they seem identical to the pro and pro plus. According to Wiim on their FAQ section on the forum, not only did they improve the internal dac, but they also reduced and improved the jitter. So, there is less jitter on all digital outputs. Plus, their internal clock is better, so it's not just the dac improvement.
@@thepracticalaudiophileunless WiiM will allow users to roll opamps, all we’ll hear is the sound of the cheap IC opamps in the output stage of these streamers/DACs which will sound exactly like this reviewer described it. 😉 Just realized you’re the reviewer 😅🙃👍
Unless you buy it for USB out to an external DAC of course. But if you already have a WiiM amp, that feature was just rolled out in a firmware upgrade on it! 🙌 WiiM amp and ultra are their only streamers with USB out to external DACs, and I’m sure they both sound identical that way.
Reason is - USB is asynchronous and doesn’t receive the clock signal like over other digital outputs on WiiM products, allowing the external DAC to handle the clock of the audio stream internally in its DAC, which is more precise as it doesn’t have to chase it from other digital outputs.
Basically USB sounds better than SPDIF, I2S is the only digital signal that sounds better than USB. That’s of course if an external DAC is equipped with LPS PSU, has a good clock and a discrete component output stage like using Sparkos/Burson opamps… that’s all 😉
Thank you for your review!
@@MrBravo143 early pre-orderers are starting to receive it already
The ultra has quite few more features than just slightly better DAC compared to WiiM Pro Plus... HDMI ARC, phono pre-amp in, subwoofer out with bass management, headphones pre-amp (so-so but still), optical out and USB A in (for local content), touchscreen, volume/playback dial... all this is well worth the extra $110
Thanks for the great video. If you set the input and output to line-in and line-out respectively it’ll effectively be an analog passthrough, can you still adjust volume in this configuration?
@hlash99 Yes, you may adjust volume, but know on analog pass-through. The incoming line level will be converted to digital and then back to analog.
GM ☕️
Thank you 🙏
Gteat review, John. Would you say the DAC on yhe Uktra is better than the Modi 3 with the AK4490 delta-sigma chip?
@ElMayimbe73 If you're talking about the $129 modi, then yes. The other schiit DAC'S no. It sounds excellent, though. If you buy the Ultra, you will not feel like you need a better DAC. The Modi reminds me of the Pro dac.
@ElMayimbe73 I have the $720 version of the Geshelli J2 with the AKM4499 and Sparkos upgrades. It does sound better but slightly. If I got the Ultra before I got the DAC, I would not have upgraded.
@@thepracticalaudiophile you're awesome. Thank you so much.
So if you using a WiiM mini going to external DAC, would this going to external DAC sound any better?
Or would you be gaining better functionality as pre amp with bass management and some room correction and HDMI port?
Going from the Wiim mini to an external DAC may not sound better than the built in DAC on the ultra because the ultra also has better jitter reduction circuitry built in. It sounds excellent. Not as good as going to my Geshelli J2 DAC. But it sounds excellent. I would just listen to the Ultra with the built in DAC and if you need more then you can always hook up an external DAC later. Connecting the TV through the ARC does sound better than through the optical (to my ears anyway). It is a very nice streamer. Worth the upgrade. Remember it's a lot bigger than the mini so make sure you have space.
@@thepracticalaudiophile
Thanks for your reply!
I am currently using a topping e50 DAC with WiiM mini. Trying to figure out if the ultra would be a noticeable sound quality upgrade.
I would definitely use it as a preamp
So the built in sub crossover and hdmi would be a good benefit.
@nascarracer886 It won't compete with a good preamp/amp combo, but it will sound very good.
@@thepracticalaudiophile
I’ve been on the lookout for a good preamp. Features I want quality sound(currently using topping e50 to Yamaha m65 powering keg 104 I refurbished or monitor audio silvers, and klipsche sub. )
Want bass management, remote control and price point under $1000, could be new or used. Any pre amp suggestions?
Did you do a video on your j2 upgrades? If not what was the spec exactly ?..
@bristolwoodburners81 no because I never listened without the upgrades.
You are leaving so much out of this review. It’s not just a dac upgrade when reviewing the ultra
Hi! How ultra dac sound comparing to bluesound node x?
@valentinvalentin8916 sorry never heard the bluesound node x. Sounds exactly like the ifi zen one signature.
the question is for me, using an external DAC, is the digital output stage better than the wiim pro? using your external DAC did you notice any difference in sound between using the ultra and pro? I just got the Geshelli j3pro with the sparkos 2590. That thing is awesome. upgraded from a modi3. Great video, thanks!
@RamisDad hopefully within the next month, I'm going to hook up both the pro and ultra directly to the preamp via analog outputs and to the geshelli via coax on both. Plus, I am buying a stereo microphone so I can make some video clips where they can be compared on the video. Plus, my thoughts also. I did a quick listen this morning using the apple music app from my apple tv through the hdmi arc and sounded better than the optical from the TV. More crisp and focused.
@@thepracticalaudiophile look forward to what you find out, thanks!
@RamisDad okay I just listened to Nora Jones don't know why song on Qobuz at 192/24 using the coax output to my dac. The Ultra is clearly better. The cymbals were louder (as in not muted - definitely not boosted) and extended where you heard them longer. Bass clearer and all listening fatigue gone. It's silky smooth while still maintaining complete clarity. Is it worth the upgrade over the pro and pro+? Yes, definitely.
One last thing. The pro plus going to the external DAC sounded slightly worse than the Ultra internal DAC, but the Ultra to my geshelli sounded easily better. Almost perfect.
@@thepracticalaudiophile , much appreciated+ subscribed
so you think that smsl su1 sounds better than wiim ultra. ?
i have the ifi zen one signature.
@degreesdegrees-jr4eg were you able to compare the zen one signature with the topping? To me, they're very close but the topping would barely win. If you have no external dac then stick with the ultra and don't bother with the topping or node x.
@@thepracticalaudiophile okay thanks
i have the ifi zen one signature. maby i want to try smsl su 1. DAC. or maby i will try the topping d50lll DAC.
as my streamer i have the wiim mini.
i want to try the ultra just for the room correction feature. can you make a vid about you experience of the room correction. ?
thanks
@degreesdegrees-jr4eg After further listening, the built-in dac is slightly better than the zen one.
@@thepracticalaudiophile okay thank you :) maby do a vid on room correction
No airplay
Thank you. Thats a helpful review.
You were doing well until you said the other company's dac sounded better. That dac measures great, as does the Wiim Pro Plus. You are imagining things if you think one sounds different or "better". Your sighted bias is misleading you.
@@BrianHall-Oklahoma do you think all DAC's sound the same?
@brianhall What are you going on about? Of course DACs sound different to each other. Are you new to the hobby?! I’ve tried multiple DACs and they all had different sonic characteristics. Hence why I now have a Pontus II.
@@BrianHall-Oklahoma excellent dac
So the ultra sucks then
😂 Unless you buy it for USB out to an external DAC! But if you have a WiiM amp, that feature was just rolled out in a firmware upgrade on it! 🙌 WiiM amp and ultra are their only streamers with USB out to external DACs, and I’m sure they both sound identical that way. Reason is - USB is asynchronous and doesn’t receive the clock signal like over other digital outputs on WiiM products, allowing the external DAC to handle the clock of the audio stream internally in its DAC, which is more precise as it doesn’t have to chase it from other digital outputs.
Basically USB sounds better than SPDIF, I2S is the only digital signal that sounds better than USB. Hope someone learned a thing or two 😉
The ultra absolute does not suck.
Where is you Wiim Ultra?? You never showed it...for me your review is fake
You missed the unboxing video. He’s obviously a rookie but not a liar
Why would I lie? 😅