Thanks for the review! I'm very happy with my WiiM Pro, glad to hear it only got better. I really like the idea of getting a great DAC and Stream in one, the less equipment the better. I will wait for some time and try to get some measurements to see how it performs, but I am happy with my $80 SMSL DAC.
That would be something worth doing considering they use the same DAC, right? So, the sound output would depend on 1. Their implementation of the DAC chip, 2. The noise isolation from the power supply, and 3. What op-amps are being used. If the WiiM Pro Plus sounds as good as the WiiM Pro with J2 AKM, then wow for $220 you'd have it all.
@@rosswarren436 Is it realy all you need? Is it possible to hook up a WiiM Pro (plus) to my speakers, or do I need an amp in between the WiiM and the speakers?
@@TheGreenThingno, you'll need an amp of some sort unless your speakers are self-powered like say the Klipsch 5 speakers. The WiiM devices are streamer/DACs only, outputting an analog signal that you'd send to your amp which would then power your speakers. When I said "op-amps" I mean the chips that take the analog signal from the DAC chip and amplify it enough to be sent to your amp or AVR. Various op-amp chips are regarded as being better sound-wise than others, so even though this WiiM Pro Plus uses the same AKM DAC chip as the Geshelli J2, they likely sound a bit different.
@@rosswarren436 Thanks for your quick answer. I'm not an audiophile, but I have two old Bose 601 serie 3 speakers, which I want to use for a streaming audio set up. Would the WiiM Pro Plus and something like a Fosi Audio V3 or Fosi Audio BT20A Pro be enough for not very loud but nice subtle (Qobuz) HiRes audio?
I wish the DAC/streamer manufacturers would start making a “sub out” output so we could have a perfect little piece of kit for a desktop 2.1 setup.. I was hoping that’s what the “Plus” was gonna stand for, that or a set of XLR/TRS outputs along with the RCA
The Bluesound Node offers a subwoofer output, but in my use case of feeding the stereo output of the DAC into my old school Carver preamp, the subwoofer output doesn't do any good for me. I don't want to use the Node as a preamp with its inferior digital volume control, (I'd rather have it at a fixed output level and use the much better Carver preamp for volume adjustments), but if I didn't do that, I couldn't automatically adjust the volume of the subwoofer relative to the mains.
Thanks Mike! I too have the WiiM Pro and simply dig it. So much nicer than the Node N130 and even my Mercury v2 streamer. Now all we need is an HDMI and an i2s with dip switches. I am not using the internal DAC in the WiiM Pro, but can say for what it is, it does sound pretty good. But, I would be very interested in hearing the new DAC in the Plus. I just tried one of the SU-1 DACs that everyone is raving about, and it did not do much for me. Sounded rather veiled in my system. I believe the Pro and the SU-1 are using the same chipset. Again, thank you sir!
Wiim is fantastic. If you don't own one in various forms, you are missing out. The features and updates are wonderful. Wake up Alarm... Sleep Timer....EQ.....Preamp.....oh yeah, and it is a streamer. I dare any company to try to match or beat Wiim on price, features and updates.
Does anyone have a full upgrade list or differences between the Pro and Pro Plus to list here? Keen to know what we now get for some 35% price hike, apart from the $10 included remote control and a dollar or two more expensive DAC. Thanks.
I bought three WiiM Mini Streamers out of the gate, and with all the software updates WiiM rolled out, I'm still loving them. I mainly use Tidal Hi-Fi and external DACs (Schiit Modi 3+ and better). For the $79 each I paid at the time (they were on special), I'm very happy with them. I could see buying the WiiM Pro Plus though to feed my "real" stereo in the living room one day and being happy for a long time until I got the itch to buy even a better DAC like the Gustard R26 for all the pluses that an R2R ladder DAC can provide. Curious, here in 2023, is the lack of an USB output port a showstopper for anyone? These devices are simply amazing for the price. You couldn't even begin to build a "Frankenstein Raspberry Pi with a digital hat" for $250 these days.
@@thunderstar254 It does have Bluetooth but I only use that rarely (I sometimes pair it with my iPAD and stream audio from the Internet Live Music Archive). My main use is having them on my wi-fi network to stream Tidal Connect. I'm currently subscribed to their CD quality Hi-Fi tier. I have each of them connected to better external DACs that then feeds either an AVR or a preamp. I love being able to stream Tidal Connect. I can use my PC, my iPAD, or my phone. Once I pass off the stream URL to the Minis I can turn my phone off if I want and the music (the album or queue) keeps playing. Just wish other services besides Tidal and Spotify had "connect" apps. Apple and Amazon are dumb not to have one. Even Deezer should. They also support the usual radio suspects (TuneIn, vTuner, etc.) which are nice. I don't do it, but you can sync more than one Mini to play "whole house" music if you want. I also have one of them set up with Alexa and can voice control it. That makes it nice when I can tell Alexa, "Set a sleep timer for 20 minutes".
@@lazzzzze1 On the Pontus2, no. The Wiim mini updates automatically. On the Pontus I prefer the original software version. But I will add according to Alvin, most of the benefits of the sw update improve USB transfer. I use the a WireWorld SuperNova 7 Tosolink Optical cable. Which is the best option currently out of the Mini.
@@audioarkitekts Mike, I thought it was just plug into a computer and download the new software? That kinda sucks! But I do appreciate your evaluation after you are done. Please remember to listen over the different inputs and to see if the sound has changed, might be difficult to hear? I do believe I’ve read the newer software is more Delta-Sigma accurate? This will be a welcome video for many I suspect, I have yet to see a post after a sofrware update for the Pontus2. Thank you!
As someone with a Bluesound Node, I’m patiently waiting. The tech is evolving so fast that pulling the trigger on an upgrade seems silly. I’m also aware that the Node doesn’t have the best DAC.
@@michaelwright1602 But the Node has HDMI eARC. That’s worth the $400 and the shittier app for me. I know it’s ridiculous. But not having HDMI eARC is like a splinter in my foot.
@@michaelwright1602 ah, but the Node is still the "darling" of the reviewers for its O/S ease of use, especially compare to devices running the much inferior Play-Fi.
@@rosswarren436 Yes, no disagreement there. The Node is easy to use and setup. And Playfi, talk about a hot mess, and add Volumio to that list too. What I really like about the WiiM app, is the built in EQ, I do not use the DAC in the WiiM, but have, and it is not that bad. I liked it better than the Node in my particular system. But, having that easy to access EQ for every service you can possibly imagine, takes the WiiM to the next level.
Would be interesting to see how this device, at $219 USD stacks up against the new "low cost" streamer/DACs from Cambridge Audio (MXN10 at $499) and the NAD CS1 (at $349).
I just purchased the wiim pro and the wiim pro plus and connected them to the same amp via a mixer. I streamed the same song from amazon music and I did not hear any difference in the quality of sound. they both sound good. I'm I supposed to hear any difference between them?
Interesting comparison. I had A/B'ed the Mini and a Pro Plus and found the Mini to sound thinner, while the Pro Plus sounded a little more fuller and warmer, at least in my system. I ran them both into my Geshelli J2S with the 4499ex chip and Sparkos op-amps, going into a SS amp, and driving Heresy IVs. According to Passion for Sound's video, there wasn't a difference between the Pro and Pro Plus in terms of streaming capability (which you confirmed), but there was when the DACs were used.
They should have included a USB port for playing local files.... I'll go with the regular Wiim pro, I have enough good DACS to go around. But I love the Wiim ecosystem.
Thank You for your review, I'm thunking about add a streamer to my hifi (Pathos Acoustic TT amplifier, Sonus Faber Grand Piano Speakers, Audiolab 8200 CD, that has a l’ESS Sabre 32-bit dac, that I could use as an extra dac for any streamer) Can you help me to choose? Wiim Pro, Wiim Pro Plus? With audiolab 8200 dac, or not? Or Bluesound Node? Thank you! I hope you can help me, I'm a beginner about streamers.
I'm streaming music from my NAS to the 1st version of Wiim Pro only through the digital Coaxial output on the Wiim and from my integrated stereo amplifier's Coaxial connection. Is there a reason here for me to upgrade to the new Wiim Pro Plus version then???? PLEEEEEASE send me all your comments on this as fast as possible so I know if I have to return the product to the store within time!! Go! go! go!
I would say yes, soldered to the board. I had my WiiM Pro apart the other day to remove the rear backplate to use larger RCA cables. It has two boards, one for the output section and then for the rest with two separate antennas for wifi and BT. It is not meant for user access in the least.
MF, really?! I just bought a DAC (SMSL SU-1) to pair with the WiiM (old) PRO so I can play my DSD files. This Plus version supports DSD out of the box? UGH. :|
I have the Wiim Mini hooked up to a Schitt DAC to a 1983 Harman Kardon integrated amp. I love the darn thing but now you make me want to cheat on it with another streamer.
How can I see that I really have a Pro Plus instead of a Pro? In the device, not in the box. Is there a label at the bottom? Does the app indicates it's a PRO PLUS?! Thanks.
Next year: Wiim Pro Plus Special Edition XL
Next week!
Thanks for the review! I'm very happy with my WiiM Pro, glad to hear it only got better. I really like the idea of getting a great DAC and Stream in one, the less equipment the better. I will wait for some time and try to get some measurements to see how it performs, but I am happy with my $80 SMSL DAC.
As an owner of a Wiim Pro and Geshelli J2 AKM, it would be interesting to get this and A/B the J2 and the WIIM Pro+ with my RCA switch.
Please do!
That would be something worth doing considering they use the same DAC, right? So, the sound output would depend on 1. Their implementation of the DAC chip, 2. The noise isolation from the power supply, and 3. What op-amps are being used. If the WiiM Pro Plus sounds as good as the WiiM Pro with J2 AKM, then wow for $220 you'd have it all.
@@rosswarren436 Is it realy all you need? Is it possible to hook up a WiiM Pro (plus) to my speakers, or do I need an amp in between the WiiM and the speakers?
@@TheGreenThingno, you'll need an amp of some sort unless your speakers are self-powered like say the Klipsch 5 speakers. The WiiM devices are streamer/DACs only, outputting an analog signal that you'd send to your amp which would then power your speakers.
When I said "op-amps" I mean the chips that take the analog signal from the DAC chip and amplify it enough to be sent to your amp or AVR. Various op-amp chips are regarded as being better sound-wise than others, so even though this WiiM Pro Plus uses the same AKM DAC chip as the Geshelli J2, they likely sound a bit different.
@@rosswarren436 Thanks for your quick answer. I'm not an audiophile, but I have two old Bose 601 serie 3 speakers, which I want to use for a streaming audio set up. Would the WiiM Pro Plus and something like a Fosi Audio V3 or Fosi Audio BT20A Pro be enough for not very loud but nice subtle (Qobuz) HiRes audio?
I wish the DAC/streamer manufacturers would start making a “sub out” output so we could have a perfect little piece of kit for a desktop 2.1 setup.. I was hoping that’s what the “Plus” was gonna stand for, that or a set of XLR/TRS outputs along with the RCA
The Bluesound Node offers a subwoofer output, but in my use case of feeding the stereo output of the DAC into my old school Carver preamp, the subwoofer output doesn't do any good for me. I don't want to use the Node as a preamp with its inferior digital volume control, (I'd rather have it at a fixed output level and use the much better Carver preamp for volume adjustments), but if I didn't do that, I couldn't automatically adjust the volume of the subwoofer relative to the mains.
Watch this space...........
If you have an external DAC that isn't crap, the regular Wiim Pro should be perfectly fine
Thanks Mike! I too have the WiiM Pro and simply dig it. So much nicer than the Node N130 and even my Mercury v2 streamer. Now all we need is an HDMI and an i2s with dip switches. I am not using the internal DAC in the WiiM Pro, but can say for what it is, it does sound pretty good. But, I would be very interested in hearing the new DAC in the Plus. I just tried one of the SU-1 DACs that everyone is raving about, and it did not do much for me. Sounded rather veiled in my system. I believe the Pro and the SU-1 are using the same chipset. Again, thank you sir!
Hope the next version has an HDMI out for album art.
that wil be super nice
Wiim is fantastic. If you don't own one in various forms, you are missing out. The features and updates are wonderful. Wake up Alarm... Sleep Timer....EQ.....Preamp.....oh yeah, and it is a streamer. I dare any company to try to match or beat Wiim on price, features and updates.
still on a battle between Audio Pro Link1/Link2 , yamaha WXC50 and Wiim Pro+ which to buy...🤔
Thank Mr Mike I actually love that AKM chip smooth move by WIIM
Does anyone have a full upgrade list or differences between the Pro and Pro Plus to list here? Keen to know what we now get for some 35% price hike, apart from the $10 included remote control and a dollar or two more expensive DAC. Thanks.
I bought three WiiM Mini Streamers out of the gate, and with all the software updates WiiM rolled out, I'm still loving them. I mainly use Tidal Hi-Fi and external DACs (Schiit Modi 3+ and better). For the $79 each I paid at the time (they were on special), I'm very happy with them. I could see buying the WiiM Pro Plus though to feed my "real" stereo in the living room one day and being happy for a long time until I got the itch to buy even a better DAC like the Gustard R26 for all the pluses that an R2R ladder DAC can provide. Curious, here in 2023, is the lack of an USB output port a showstopper for anyone?
These devices are simply amazing for the price. You couldn't even begin to build a "Frankenstein Raspberry Pi with a digital hat" for $250 these days.
What are all the different ways one can use the Mini? Is it solely for making speakers "bluetooth" ?
@@thunderstar254 It does have Bluetooth but I only use that rarely (I sometimes pair it with my iPAD and stream audio from the Internet Live Music Archive). My main use is having them on my wi-fi network to stream Tidal Connect. I'm currently subscribed to their CD quality Hi-Fi tier. I have each of them connected to better external DACs that then feeds either an AVR or a preamp.
I love being able to stream Tidal Connect. I can use my PC, my iPAD, or my phone. Once I pass off the stream URL to the Minis I can turn my phone off if I want and the music (the album or queue) keeps playing.
Just wish other services besides Tidal and Spotify had "connect" apps. Apple and Amazon are dumb not to have one. Even Deezer should.
They also support the usual radio suspects (TuneIn, vTuner, etc.) which are nice.
I don't do it, but you can sync more than one Mini to play "whole house" music if you want.
I also have one of them set up with Alexa and can voice control it. That makes it nice when I can tell Alexa, "Set a sleep timer for 20 minutes".
In Wiim we trust
Is it possible to use my fireTV remote to control the volume of my Wiim Pro +?
Thanks for the review. Absolutely, it is an amazing value for the money.
I agree!
I would be pretty pissed off if I just bought their latest and greatest then they just did a upgrade that far exceeds the original.
I’ve got a WiiM mini feeding my Pontus2 and it kills!
Have you done the firmware update?
@@lazzzzze1 On the Pontus2, no. The Wiim mini updates automatically. On the Pontus I prefer the original software version. But I will add according to Alvin, most of the benefits of the sw update improve USB transfer. I use the a WireWorld SuperNova 7 Tosolink Optical cable. Which is the best option currently out of the Mini.
I'm going to do a firmware update video soon for the Pontus 2. It's annoying that I have to open the damn thing.
@@audioarkitekts Mike, I thought it was just plug into a computer and download the new software? That kinda sucks! But I do appreciate your evaluation after you are done. Please remember to listen over the different inputs and to see if the sound has changed, might be difficult to hear? I do believe I’ve read the newer software is more Delta-Sigma accurate? This will be a welcome video for many I suspect, I have yet to see a post after a sofrware update for the Pontus2. Thank you!
How do you connect the WiiM Pro Plus to a small NAS like a Synology DS120j? Do you need to install any software? Thanks
It seems AKM Dacs are coming back to wipe out ESS Dacs.
Thanks for the great advice. I use an external DAC so will be sticking with the Pro I have
I’m good , got the OG Wiim Pro and a Topping E50 DAC …..😎
As someone with a Bluesound Node, I’m patiently waiting. The tech is evolving so fast that pulling the trigger on an upgrade seems silly. I’m also aware that the Node doesn’t have the best DAC.
The selling point with the WiiM vs the Node is the app, it simply blows the Node app away in nuclear fashion.
@@michaelwright1602 But the Node has HDMI eARC. That’s worth the $400 and the shittier app for me. I know it’s ridiculous. But not having HDMI eARC is like a splinter in my foot.
@@michaelwright1602 ah, but the Node is still the "darling" of the reviewers for its O/S ease of use, especially compare to devices running the much inferior Play-Fi.
@@rosswarren436 Yes, no disagreement there. The Node is easy to use and setup. And Playfi, talk about a hot mess, and add Volumio to that list too. What I really like about the WiiM app, is the built in EQ, I do not use the DAC in the WiiM, but have, and it is not that bad. I liked it better than the Node in my particular system. But, having that easy to access EQ for every service you can possibly imagine, takes the WiiM to the next level.
A shame they didn’t add sub and hdmi to go toe to toe with blue sound
Would be interesting to see how this device, at $219 USD stacks up against the new "low cost" streamer/DACs from Cambridge Audio (MXN10 at $499) and the NAD CS1 (at $349).
Cambridge doesn't stream Amazon Music and claims they can't because Amazon hasn't reached out to them. So I purchased from Wiim.
Where is the link? It's blank on the description 😢
Can I stream RUclips Music with it? Can I stream into the Pro wirelessly?
They are already working om the Ultra…
I have no doubt lol
ohhhh lala next balck friday
This will be quite the gift.
I just purchased the wiim pro and the wiim pro plus and connected them to the same amp via a mixer. I streamed the same song from amazon music and I did not hear any difference in the quality of sound. they both sound good. I'm I supposed to hear any difference between them?
The DAC and the analog output stage of the Pro Plus is technically better, but those improvement are probably beyond the audible range
Interesting comparison. I had A/B'ed the Mini and a Pro Plus and found the Mini to sound thinner, while the Pro Plus sounded a little more fuller and warmer, at least in my system.
I ran them both into my Geshelli J2S with the 4499ex chip and Sparkos op-amps, going into a SS amp, and driving Heresy IVs.
According to Passion for Sound's video, there wasn't a difference between the Pro and Pro Plus in terms of streaming capability (which you confirmed), but there was when the DACs were used.
I have the pro directly to a class D amp no external DAC, would the pro plus be a worthy upgrade? thanks for the vid!
Yes if the amp is good and the speakers too.. also if your ears are trained to hifi
I will consider getting it when it is Roon ready
They should have included a USB port for playing local files.... I'll go with the regular Wiim pro, I have enough good DACS to go around.
But I love the Wiim ecosystem.
I’d like to see a Wiim Pro with XLR and RCA Inputs/Outputs.
Is this also a preamp? I was thinking whether I could pair this with the FOSI Audio V3 but could I just pair it with a power amp?
most use the wiim as a pure streamer, hopefully there will be soon a pure network streamer on the wiim market
Thank You for your review, I'm thunking about add a streamer to my hifi (Pathos Acoustic TT amplifier, Sonus Faber Grand Piano Speakers, Audiolab 8200 CD, that has a l’ESS Sabre 32-bit dac, that I could use as an extra dac for any streamer) Can you help me to choose? Wiim Pro, Wiim Pro Plus? With audiolab 8200 dac, or not? Or Bluesound Node? Thank you! I hope you can help me, I'm a beginner about streamers.
Darn no USB out. Nm
Link??
I'm streaming music from my NAS to the 1st version of Wiim Pro only through the digital Coaxial output on the Wiim and from my integrated stereo amplifier's Coaxial connection. Is there a reason here for me to upgrade to the new Wiim Pro Plus version then???? PLEEEEEASE send me all your comments on this as fast as possible so I know if I have to return the product to the store within time!! Go! go! go!
No need... you use the internal dac of your integrated amp... good luck :)
you forgot to add the link for the W Pro Plus
can i hook this up the the klipsch fives and still hook the fives up the the tv via the hdmi arc and still take full advantage of the wiim?
Yes sir you certainly can. Just switch inputs.
@@audioarkitekts awesome thanks
Interesting.. good dac chip used in some quite expensive players. I take it the op amp is soldered in place
I would say yes, soldered to the board. I had my WiiM Pro apart the other day to remove the rear backplate to use larger RCA cables. It has two boards, one for the output section and then for the rest with two separate antennas for wifi and BT. It is not meant for user access in the least.
Hi Mike I am in the UK and there isn’t a link to buy it, is it only available in the USA?
So far. But I'd think they'd roll it out to the U.K. soon.
Good work getting your hands on one ! ;)
MF, really?! I just bought a DAC (SMSL SU-1) to pair with the WiiM (old) PRO so I can play my DSD files. This Plus version supports DSD out of the box? UGH. :|
Lol, I JUST bought the OG Pro.
I have the Wiim Mini hooked up to a Schitt DAC to a 1983 Harman Kardon integrated amp. I love the darn thing but now you make me want to cheat on it with another streamer.
This guy must have some hard wood going on!
No you can't date my daughter dude!
How can I see that I really have a Pro Plus instead of a Pro? In the device, not in the box. Is there a label at the bottom? Does the app indicates it's a PRO PLUS?! Thanks.