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It is a great product for the price, when I first started looking at streamers I was kind of baffled why there were not simple pass through streamers with no dac that just took the stream and passed it off to a dac, which is what I wanted as I have dacs already. This is basically that with great software and support. No brainer purchase imo.
@@vincedea If you always go through Airplay, my understanding is that you’ll never get to 24 bit, 192 KHz (high res) because Airplay is 16 bit, 44.1 KHz (CD quality) max. According to audio reviewers, better sound can be had with a quality external DAC, but Idk, haven’t tried it.
I bought one of these last week for $79 which came in a sealed box with all the cables and the 5V, 1A brick. Great little device. I’m cheap so I was using my old iPhone 6s DAC to do free services through a stereo, but the old phone was crapping out. The WiiM Hone app works, setup is easy, and the EQ and other sound settings are really flexible. The firmware update was 8/26/22. This is much more convenient than using the old phone and sounds significantly better. I did have to drop the default from 2VRMS to 1VRMS. The app will tell you in the setup if the wifi signal is sufficient for proper operation. I don’t have any problem with noise and the internal DAC isn’t as bad as Randy makes it sound. You have to be using a fairly expensive stereo for it to be insufficient or noticeable. For free Spotify, Pandora, RUclips, etc. it’s good enough.
@@cheapaudioman great job from them, but as I mentioned in another comment… what it would be great is to get Google Cast compatibility in order to be compatible with Plex, Google Assistant and another systems.
Hi Randy.... Thanks for your reviews... My signal chain now consists of true Wiim Mini (I call it the Puck) - - The Schitt Modi---Denon PMA 600 NE - - Wharfedale 12.2s...checked our your reviews on all of them before I bought them... The wiim and the Modi were definitely a welcome addition lending more convenience and body to the music respectively... Thanks a ton... Love from India
I bought one of these on your recommendation several weeks ago. It was pretty awesome then, but they have been updating it like crazy ever since. One of the best money spent in stereo equipment I’ve made.
I picked this up on Randy’s recommendation quiet a while back. I’m a vinyl guy but needed a streamer to preview albums I was considering. Now I actually like this thing. I run it through my Denafrip Ares II and into my Schitt SYS and into my Dynaco ST35. It sounds really good and couple that with the 9 band EQ. Wow!
Great review. I'll lend my additional vote of support and praise for the Wiim Mini. As you stated, I'm also hoping for a Gen2 hardware release. My desires in order of preference for a Gen2 would be: Ethernet port Subwoofer out/ High-pass filter The reason I haven't swapped completely to the Wiim platform is the lack of ethernet port, which is available on the Arylic streamer. Being with you in the category of an early adopter to dedicated streaming devices, I find in that discussion, many people, including self-proclaimed audio enthusiasts still don't fully understand the difference between audio signal feeding through streamer, with phone as remote only vs audio signal through phone, and transmitting from phone via Bluetooth or cable. The increased convenience and connectivity of the streamer is significant. I think your voice and influence is converting more users to those benefits. Keep up the good fight
I love that you champion a truly smooth user experience. Folks on Reddit and on your group urged me to not over-invest beyond a Wiim a few weeks back, and I’m so glad I listened. I love it. Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music are all built in now and the new EQ is so fun to fiddle with. Great job!
I bought 2 Wiim Mini Streamers. I like them so far very much - will probably add 2 more, they replace my old 1srt gen Sonos connect devices....the Wiims add airplay2 (my wife likes this a lot), add bluetooth. I agree, the App runs smoothly has an intuitive GUI, all good. Spotify Connect runs flawless. ...And I would say, very subjectively, the included DAC is actually decent enough for a little "second / third tier" system e.g. in the kitchen, home office or so on. I run one of my Wiims directly with some old Adam Audio Artist active-speakers using the Wiim's DAC, and this system sounds richter and fuller than a Sonos One speaker, nice songs are still nice, so the Wiim included DAC is good enough for the 2nd or 3rd system in your living space, for me personally at least. 🙂
The Wiim Mini just flat out works seamlessly with Qobuz, no drop-outs, stuttering, pauses or other distractions, Qobuz on my MacBook Air and headphones is an entirely different animal, glitchy as all hell. I'm so glad I found Randy's channel which led me to the Wiim Mini feeding a Geshelli J2 dac and avoiding spending more then I needed to on a Bluesound node.
Just added one of these to my desktop setup for convenience / remove the need for extra cables. It’s amazing for the price. Bit perfect / tiny / quick to connect to. WiiM mini -> RME ADI 2 FS -> Topping PA5 -> Speakers/sub. My ultimate desktop setup. Small, powerful, Flexible and great with headphones too.
Okay, I bit. Thanks Randy! Stunned how improved the audio stream sounds via optical out from wiim to my JNOG2 DAC. Using Spotify. Thank you again. Dude so sweet.
Totally agree. These are awesome. I have two of them now. The customer service is fantastic as well. A couple weeks ago I was having trouble getting the Wiim to connect through the Tidal app so I submitted a tech support request. I had a reply back from the team in less than ten minutes! On a Saturday night! Crazy good. The issue was related to the Tidal app and android. Quick fix is to uninstall and reinstall the Tidal app.
I think you should spend a little time explaining why someone would want a streamer of any kind vs. just sending music directly from a phone to a BT speaker. I get questions like that all the time.
That's the exact question I was wondering... does it let you stream off older analog equipment, and does it give you access to better quality streaming services that are superior in sound to Spotify?
@@zam200864 So it definitely has to do with sound quality for a lot of people. BT speakers can sound very good! But they aren't the deep stereo experience I'm looking for. I also use headphones the most to listen to music. So I would connect a streamer to my DAC(digital audio converter) to make the sound quality MUCH better. Then run it to my headphone amp to my headphones :) another thing too is that all headphones/earbuds have OhMs, that's how much power they need to run properly. So if I were to put one of my higher ohm headphones into my phone I'd hear almost nothing even with the volume all the way up. My phone doesn't have enough power, so that's why I use a headphone amp, it amplifies the power. But if you're using let's say the earbuds that came with iPhones you could easily use those anywhere. Matter a fact the ohm usage is so low that if I plugged them into my headphone amp, a slight turn of the volume knob would make my ears hurt by how loud they would get. Hope thats helpful at least some
Hey Randy! Over the past year you have been indispensable in building my system. There is only one piece I don't think you've reviewed. It goes from the Wiim to the Geshelli J2, to Rotel A11 Tribute. Then through home made 12g speaker wires to Warfdale Evo 4.1s. The only piece not reviewed by you is the Polk PSW 10 sub. BTW I didn't buy blindly from your reviews alone. I bought a bunch of stuff and ended up here. Thanks
I'm very happy with mine and with the fact it keeps getting better! 😀 Since they're strong on the software front, I'd really like it if it had windows dedicated software so I could run it from my pc.
👍It will be fun to see just how much further they will push the firmware and WiiM Home app SW down the road. The last update finally convinced me to buy one! Thinking about buying more for gifting or backup purposes..🤔👨🏻
Just thought I'd update you Randy. Purchased it yesterday after seeing your review, setup today, which was so easy . Listening to Amazon Ultra HD with no dramas, using it as transport (optical out) into my Audiolab amp. Connected it to my JBL Change 4 (power source via USB cable) and over the moon. For £89, what's not to like. Now subbed, keep up the great work. Looking forward to their pro version with quad core CPU more ram and additional inputs.👍 Cheers
My home office system had a iPad hooked to a Modi3. Was tossing around getting another Node. Not really concerned with the SQ, but more for the convenience of BuLuOS. Grabbed one of these to try. Hooked it to the Modi3. Very happy! The SQ difference from RCA out even at background levels is noticeable. Definitely recommend an external DAC.. also tried it on a my old $15 Prozor DAC with good success. Works great with Tidal Connect or XM on AirPlay. Latest update added Radio Paradise.
I have two WiiMs. I agree on the value proposition. I use the 2nd WiiM in a bedroom system that is a semi-loft over the main floor. The main system is on the main floor. One of the unexpected benefits, I found accidentally. Playing together in sync, the two systems create a more immersive music experience throughout the house. I know, I know, it is more psychoacoustically good than purist good. But it lends a real, spatial feel to music that one system playing louder can't accomplish. And since the systems are far apart, I don't hear 'comb' filtering at all. My ears love it. Yours may not, I suppose. Eat cake. ;) Of course, this might not work at all in a non-open floor plan home. But I swear my house sounds a little more like a concert hall than before. I plan to buy a third WiiM to connect to an outdoor system for music on the decks. But that will have to wait until next spring... And I have heard that WiiM plans a 'Mini Airplay Pro' or such, later this year. Let's hope it has a USB digital input for my computer and a better DAC for those who don't have an amplifier optical input. Bluesound Node, you have been disrupted.
Thanks for yet another great video Randy! Just one more thing about the WiiM: not only the software support is great, but also, for me, the support for the device itself is better than any support for any device/service I have ever used. The flap on the optical out of my WiiM fell off (was a quite frequent issue on WiiM). I contacted the support and they've sent me another unit. Just like that. Now, it might not be much for someone living in the US or the EU, but for me, living in Serbia, it's much, much more than a usual support for a product! Kudos!
@@cheapaudioman Should be normal for everyone, shouldn't it? But, my experience is much different than that, so that's why I am praising WiiM for both their device and software support.
It’s a great product period. Received mine today connected it to my technics SU G 700 m with the optical cable and I’m totally satisfied with the sound. The supplied EQ is a plus. Really surprised.
Just bought a WiiM Mini and absolutely LOVE it. This is a giant Blue Sound Node killer at $84 (on Amazon with $5 promo coupon) vs. $599 (before tax). You definitely nailed the review. However, I disagree with one point..I think the WiiM DAC sounds great and good enough for my needs on very good UK made vintage equipment. It's the perfect non-audiophile product for those with kit that is "not smart." I just read an interesting quote in a recent issue of Stereophile. I'll paraphrase...."the less you critically listen, the more enjoyment you'll get out of the music." I could not agree more for most music lovers / music first audiophiles. Keep up the great work!!!
got one of these bad boys on your recommendation. Got it connected to a Fosi DAC (via optical) which I use to pump the sounds into me Beyerdynamic 770 Pro cans. Absolutely great bit of kit, gonna get another for upstairs. Upgraded my Tidal subscription to max so I can get that sweet sweet hi res audio. The WiiM app is great too, got the bass increased a bit via the eq
I don't know if the experience is different up here in Canada but when I play Amazon Music directly from the unit itself I get 100% gapless playback. When I cast from my phone there is a slight delay. Next big thing will be full tablet display sometime this month. Absolutely love this little device.
Just Wow Randy!...I have sincerely enjoyed watching your many shows. I have made several purchases due to your recommendations including now this streamer. You are my go to guy for audio advice AND entertainment!!! Keep on keeping on....Peace out man✌️
I just picked up one of these for $80 and it's fantastic. Dead simple to set up, and works perfectly with Spotify connect. Pairs up very nicely w/ my Topping MX5 & its "auto-on" feature. Just need to find the thing in Spotify connect, hit play, and the MX5 fires up and music starts coming out of the speakers.
I'm so Impressed what this mini puck is able to deliver - connected to a great vintage amp (Marantz PM 66 SE KI), Dali Oberon 3 speakers and a cheap DAC (Fiio Taishan). Thanks again for showing us that no big money is needed to stream in top quality !
Great video. I did buy one of these but sent it back. It looks like it has improved a bunch since the original launch. Might be time to try again as I need something for a new office I am moving into. Don’t need at home as I use the powerNode downstairs and upstairs I use airplay from Apple TV into powered speakers. Adding the Wimm at home now would only give me tidal connect upstairs over airplay. Not much point there even at such a good price. Definitely time for another look. Thank you 🙏
You are so right about this product. It replaced the TV as my streamer. The music is much improved now. More clarity, better bass, better mids and highs. A very noticeable difference. It connects to a Schiit Modius DAC via Toslink at 24/192. Then to a Parasound pre and Prima Luna amp. I use Tidal as my service. Thanks for your review. It was very helpful. Keep up the excellent work. I will be ordering a coffee mug from your store. Thanks again.
Just bought this on the strength of Randy's recommendation. Previously I'd been using a 3rd gen Apple TV with optical out as my cheap Airplay streaming solution, which worked fine, but the streams never sounded as good as my CD transport in A/B testing, even though both devices were connected to the same external DAC. With this $79 hockey puck, now I can do Airplay streaming and Hi-Rez streaming via Amazon Music. Finally, a simple, inexpensive streaming solution that delivers CD (or better) quality sound!
I bought one of these a while ago and use a Modi 3 DAC. So easy to use and it sounds great with my Cambridge Audio integrated and Wharfedale speakers. No reason to spend a ton of money on a streamer!
Based on your reviews, I purchased a Wiim mini to replace my ChromeCast audio that recently died. And Wow! this is an impressive device. I recently changed the audio output from Optical to Aux on the Mini. The DAC in this little device is FAR BETTER than my now vintage Yamaha and Sony AV receivers, plus the Wiim has the added bonus of parametric equalization to cater the sound to my room and tone down the sub. Thank you for reviewing and recommending this device!
Agreed 100 percent about the software. These guys know what they are doing, and they clearly care! It helps that LinkPlay is a software company first. That helps.
Now THIS is what I needed to hear today. No pun intended. Most audio companies just push out more and more expensive gear, as tbough price always makes it better. Not for this guy, trying to pay for a home in this market.
Considering the price and functionality of this little device and the responsiveness of the company to customer requests and features it is a freaking no brainer of a deal! I've got two already and implore all my friends to buy one if they are "stream curious" at all. I used a piece of double sided VHB tape to tape it to one of those door stops John Darko made popular so it stays in place since you don't want to set a weight on top of it covering up the controls. Works great. And we have 12 freaking presets now too (up from six). Heard rumors that WiiM might be coming out with a "Super Mini" that has more outputs, maybe Coax and/or USB. Yeah, I'll buy THAT and feed an external DAC and won't need the Bluesound Node at all, especially if they come up with one having a bass out/high pass filter as you mentioned.
If they launch a Super Mini model I hope it has support for USB DACs and Ethernet; but hopefully No integrated Amp inside, just Preamp functionality and switcher for other analog sources
@@ahuesphoto we'll see what they do. I know they could give the Node a good run for the money. Even the iFi Zen Stream. So far many say it (the Zen Stream) has too many bugs at its $400 price point. Perhaps iFi will fix it in a MK. II version. The Node is great, but why pay ~$100 extra for an internal DAC you won't be using anyway?
Agree, the DAC on the Echo Dots is not good… But they work well as a *Source* using Bluetooth only if you do have a Good DAC on your system. Sorry to insist but you must listen to JDS Labs Atom DAC Plus ($109 USD), it only has USB & Optical inputs but that is enough to connect to a WiiM Mini
Got mine running into a CHORD MOJO then onto my DENON AV amp. Also use the MOJO as a DAC for my Audiolab 6000 CD transport. Wii mini is the best upgrade I have made to my MOJO 🙂
I’m buying this for Tidal connect. That’s what’s missing from my Yamaha MusicCast. AirPlay 2 is a bonus and the connection options as well as the eq are awesome.
Absolutely the Wiim-Mini is a great product and certainly worth the $89 I paid for it. My only request would be a Ethernet port. (Maybe in the Wiim-Mini Mk.II). I was always frustrated using the 'HEOS' built into my Denon AVR with Amazon music. It worked, but was very clunky and not intuitive or without glitches (couldn't get playlist settup to function ??). Now, the Wiim-Mini plays much nicer with Amazon, but I would still like a more comprehensive music recommendation A.I. , but that is most Certainly on Amazon's end of things...? C'mon Amazon just buy Spotify already so we get the Spotify experience with Better sound quality!! (For those holding your breath waiting for Spotify HD....good luck😴).
I second your idea to purchase Spotify for the user experience. I really miss the recommendation algorithm that Spotify has vs. the lack-luster one from Amazon. I put up with it only because of the HD sound from Amazon.
So, I got mine today, ordered on your recommendation. So far so good, instrument separation, clarity and tightness is soooo much better than it was! Granted I used my tv as a source with optical out through a spdif/rca converter, it shouldn't take much to improve 😅 Still waiting for an SMSL DO200, a willsenton R8 and Kef R3's to complete my new system. Current amp is an old Luxman L-30 that I'll definitely keep
curious to hear your thoughts...im currently running laptop usb into do200...did you notice an improvement in sound with this device vs if you tried using a laptop into the dac?
The Wiim is a solid choice, it's flexible, easy to hide, and bang for your buck is fantastic. The software isn't buggy and it's true, they update it often. So far the only trouble I have is when trying to skip through parts of a track or trying to start a song over with the back button. In my use case it seems to work best if I already have a playlist created and leave it alone.
I noticed the same thing with amazon music. When I'd try to scrub through the song to a certain point it would skip to the next track. Tidal had no problems and acts as normal. But that was annoying with amazon music.
@@cheapaudioman Amazon can get quite irritating with bugs/quirks/etc that a company of that size shouldn't have. I'm thinking of keeping my Qobuz and canceling them. I'm listening to music to *avoid* stress lol
Randy - try blue-tacking or double-sided taping the wiim to the top of the record weight - it works great and you can still access the wiim controls. Keep up the good work.
One notification. Not a single word of sound quality. This means that it is not ANY difference in SQ regarding a streamer to another which all make sense IMO, I just got it confirmed :) SQ depends on the DAC, not the streamer. I bought this excellent device 6-ish months ago and could not be happier. WIIM should make other brands worried for sure. Great channel by the way!
It would have been the best if it had that optical port sturdier. I broke it's little door with another cable than the one provided and now the cable stays in place pushed by a rubber band.
I've had some very unruly optical cables that were built weird and I've broken optical connections on products much more expensive that the Wiim. But, you are right. I wish it was sturdier.
I prefer the DAC in Node. But then I like a choice of DACs to tune the sound of my system. I like to use both the analog and digital output and then just switch preamp inputs to get a different DAC for different type of music.
That sounds very tempting. I have a Denon AVR which for obvious reasons does not have Tidal connect. So I'm kinda forced to use Spotify for convenience. This seems to be a relatively budget option to add convenient gapless lossless playback to my system. If it had HDMI, it would be perfect. Would happily pay double.
Funnily I have both the Wiim (going into the Schiit Modi( and an Arylic going into some powered speakers and both streamers show up on both the Wiim and 4stream platforms. For the record the Wiim into the Schiit sounds wonderful going thru a NAD amplifier with Mission speakers. Thanks for the original Wiim review which made me pull the trigger on buying it.
I really do like this device. I am an installer and we started using these. Our customers are pretty happy with them. Personally, I wish they had Pandora natively. It is okay for me using Alexa, but not everyone uses that. I hope they get that in there.
@@ahuesphoto The wiim actually acts as a speaker for Alexa. You don't need to BT one to it. You can directly voice control the wiim itself. You can even use the Alexa app as an interface for it.
I bought this device for the Pandora support as well. When I contacted their tech support they apologized and promised to remove all Pandora references from their advertising. Sure enough their website and Amazon product page were updated within 24 hours. For my tastes, Pandora has the best system for suggesting music and has the best overall interface. It's a shame they don't have higher res options and aren't supported by any decent streamers.
Thanks for another helpful video. I think this device may be the solution I've been looking for. I've been struggling to figure out a good way to use my Tidal tunes with my main stereo system. The old Denon receiver doesn't make it easy and this unit may be the answer. I'll order one soon.
watched this video and ordered it. awesome sound connecting it to schiit modi dac into Klipsch the fives. thanks randy. quick question .. when using amazon app sometimes I hear a pop when switching to next song on playlist? Not all the time. Just wondering if anyone else experienced this.
This may get me to upgrade from my Chromecast Audio. Is the main benefit tidal connect for gapless playback and higher bitrate (I presume)? I generally just use the tidal app and Chromecast, but I'm considering getting Roon, too.
I am still using a mini home network of ChromeCast Audio “pucks” and love them but they do have a tendency to drop off the network every now and then, especially when streaming Qobuz direct from a laptop or PC via the desktop app. No issue with phone connection at all. I have been curious about these (the hi res functions now do very much interest me) over the CCA as they effectively do the exact same thing but how much of an upgrade would these be over the CCA I wonder? I know that’s a comparison that’s hard to make if you haven’t heard the CCA, but I’m always loath to change something that works to something else if the difference is not really discernibly “better”. User experience and hi res is the main interest for me with the Mini, but as ever with digital and streaming (I’m usually a vinyl and CD person), I’m yet to be convinced of the outright “betterness” of it all compared to vinyl and CD. I need to borrow a Mini first I think 🤣🤣
I use roon for most of my digital playback through a dac and roon player that would excluded by price from cheap audio. I didn’t care for the airplay emulation on the roon player and needed to stream from a gifted google device to use Amazon hd. Bought the chromecast audio and an Amazon brand optical cable to the dac. I have had no dropouts or issues with the little puck. I sense some better sq from the roon player via usb than the optical chromecast, however still very enjoyable at 45 dollars.
Great review, Randy. I have been looking for the next Google Chromecast Audio … I think I have found it thanks to your review. Quick question in the 10 band EQ … is that considered DSP? Or is DSP a specific thing that can only be called DSP if it comes from the digital region of France?
You hit the nail on the head with your emphasis on software as being key to the streaming experience. I bought the Matrix Element X because of great reviews of its sonic performance and similar electronics to the Mytek Manhattan, but at half the price. The software was barely functional and some upgrades did not work at all. Finally had to use Roon which works well but costs a bundle and forces me to leave a PC on to run it. Maybe Matrix could license the Wiim software!
Here's a cheap but rather techy step up with the eq! Try Fusion dsp on volumio with a Rpi. You can measure at listening position and create a correction eq to your desired "House sound" using a umik 1 microphone with Rew pc software. I stream mostly with spotify and also listen via usb micro sd on the pi. It works great with allot of options for cheap but effective room correction eq!
Randy mentions a "switching" power supply. What do you all recommend for the WIIM? What will a better power supply do for the WIIM? I bought one yesterday and I already love it!!! Amazing improvement in overall SQ in my system!!!
I bought this device a few months ago because they advertised that it supports Pandora. It doesn't. When I contacted them they admitted that the advertising was misleading and removed references to Pandora in their advertising. The plastic housing around the optical port broke almost right out of the box. The port still works but the cable slides out at the slightest touch. Their service/support was very responsive to my emails and they gave me the option of getting a whole new device or keeping the damaged unit with a full refund.
well that's good. I have two and luckily I have no issues with the optical ports. but I could see them being a potential weak point. I find that many optical cables are built poorly with very hard plastic that doesn't always seat well.
Just got mine, very impressed. Want to add a dac on , but I thought using the optical out would mean the volume control on the app would no longer work as the optical is light. Therefore a fixed output. Is that wrong? It would be awsome if the volume control still works!
Only thing it’s missing for me, is when I turn my iPhone screen off, then turn the Lock Screen back on, it’d be nice if the back/ pause / play/ skip track options were available ( like a remote) and I didn’t have to unlock the screen completely and mess with the app to control the music…Hopefully what I just typed makes sense…
I got one with a NAD D3020 and sounds fantastic to me. Comparable to my other system Bluesound PowerNode 2i. I find the software is very similar for both, but Bluesound have dedicated Radio Paradise which I love. The Mini can do a stream but dedicated option is nice.
Wiim has recently released the Wiim Pro for $180. About double the price of the Wiim Mini (without discounts). At first, the Wiim Pro doesn't look like a good deal compared to the Mini. You get an Ethernet port (together with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and an RCA out, compared to an AUX port on the Mini. Though, I don't see anyone using the internal DAC, to be honest. However, the Pro supports *Chromecast Audio* and is currently in the licensing testing for *roon ready*, expected to become roon ready in the next 1-3 months. If you would only use the Digital output on a Bluesound Node, then the new Wiim Pro seems to be a much better value proposition, at ~$420 less.
This is really great!! Thank God we got Cheapaudioman Randy to cover our ***** This will be my streamer! Thanks Randy! Being a subscriber of yours is such an advantage.
The price to value ration on this thing is awesome. I've got on of these hooked up to my Harman Kardon 430 and a pair of Camber speakers I picked up for forty bucks and it sounds great. Maybe I'll have to try it with an external DAC though.
I've actually bought a DAC hat for my Raspberry Pi, hoping to replace my Chromecast Audio! Volumio OS does a great job, if I'm willing to pay $70/year for Tidal support, but I might have to figure out how to integrate one of these with my system!
I'm a big fan of volumio. I did a digital hat and also a display and it's super cool to see the album art. compared to Wiim the volumio crashes quite a bit and I have to restart it. but with having to pay for the volumio premium, the value prop on the pi starts to quickly be beaten by one of these. you totally need an external dac though to get the best sound
Anyone know if the new WIIM update for Tidal bypasses MQA to get to above 44.1/ 16 bit? Trying to figure if it's giving me higher resolution than my roku tvs tidal app. Much love from san antonio Randy!
I bought the Wiim mini after finding it randomly on Amazon one day and then finding your original video on it (as well as a few others) and thought it would be 'the' solution for me and works well! Question - I know you've promoted on your channel the Schiit and Geshelli Labs DACs, but have you tried or heard of the JDS Labs? They have a $110 DAC (the Atom DAC+) that I purchased to go along with the Wiim and sounds great in my setup
Great video. You've collected quite the expertise in audio streamers. Have you gotten your hands on a Lintech AirLino? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It's around 100 EUR. I'm using one and I like it a lot, but I haven't had the chance to compare it against other streamers in terms of sound quality (especially the internal DAC, which I'm using). The DAC of the AirLino is a WOLFSON WM8524, which has a pretty decent reputation. The other features seem to be on par with the WIIM.
I have my Wiim (thanks to your recommendation) going into the Aiyima T9 (again thanks to you) and out to Q Acoustics 3030i's. I was wondering if I should buy a dac or or the one in the Aiyima was already good enough? It sounds great but I'd hate to think there was an affordable improvement to be made. Thank you
i think you could improve the sound with an affordable standalone dac, but the only way to know is to try it yourself. amazon and all the dealers i have bought from have a super friendly return policy if you don't like the sound. good luck.
Randy, great video! As a mostly streamer only listener (I found a sweet Sony 5 disc changer made in Japan with an optical out in mint condition for $20) I love the WiiM Mini. I also have a Bluesound Node 2i, and all things considered equal, which means using an external DAC of my old Sony ES receiver (Burr-Brown), they sound just about identical. And you are right on about the user interface/software. The WiiM Mini's software is at least, just as good as Blue OS, and way better than HEOS. Sure the DAC bulit into the Node 2i is WAY better and if judging on the built in DAC, the Node 2i wins by a long shot. However, If you pair the WiiM Mini with say a J2 DAC from Gishelli Labs, I'm told that would sound significanlty better than just the Node 2i. So to put this into Cheap Audio Man perspective, the Bluesond Node (130N) costs $600 and a J2 with a WiiM Mini together cost about $350, which is WAY less expensive. Your thoughts? Thank you again! God bless!
Hi Randy, loving your channel! as of today i'm a proud owner of the wiim mini and loving it. I used your link for amazon music too (had to switch from youtube music as its not supported) just 1 quick question: can i use the wiim home app on my windows pc or laptop or just my android phone? thanks in advance and keep up the great work.
Thank you for your review of the WiiM mini. I am interested in the WiiM mini for one purpose. Playback of the audio only from the basic RUclips app thru the WiiM mini’s wifi. In many cases the basic RUclips app has audio only music with a fixed picture for the video. My Chromecast Audio device will playback audio from the basic RUclips app thru wifi, however, some streaming devices will not. Will the WiiM mini playback audio thru it’s wifi from the basic RUclips’s app?
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They just started selling it in Australia on Amazon and it's a great deal!
just set up a Wiim Mini to a Schiit modi 3 to a NAD amp and then to my 50 year old JBL speakers and it sounds GOOD!
It is a great product for the price, when I first started looking at streamers I was kind of baffled why there were not simple pass through streamers with no dac that just took the stream and passed it off to a dac, which is what I wanted as I have dacs already. This is basically that with great software and support. No brainer purchase imo.
I agree.. If you have
an external DAC that you prefer, but need a streaming device, this is great! 👨🏻
I’m looking to get a separate dac and hook up through optical for streaming through airplay. Will there be a difference in sound?
@@vincedea If you always go through Airplay, my understanding is that you’ll never get to 24 bit, 192 KHz (high res) because Airplay is 16 bit, 44.1 KHz (CD quality) max. According to audio reviewers, better sound can be had with a quality external DAC, but Idk, haven’t tried it.
There was even cheaper chromecast audio. But not anymore unfortunately.
I bought one of these last week for $79 which came in a sealed box with all the cables and the 5V, 1A brick. Great little device. I’m cheap so I was using my old iPhone 6s DAC to do free services through a stereo, but the old phone was crapping out. The WiiM Hone app works, setup is easy, and the EQ and other sound settings are really flexible. The firmware update was 8/26/22. This is much more convenient than using the old phone and sounds significantly better. I did have to drop the default from 2VRMS to 1VRMS. The app will tell you in the setup if the wifi signal is sufficient for proper operation. I don’t have any problem with noise and the internal DAC isn’t as bad as Randy makes it sound. You have to be using a fairly expensive stereo for it to be insufficient or noticeable. For free Spotify, Pandora, RUclips, etc. it’s good enough.
As a tone control junkie,the 10 band eq update blew me away as well. Fine folks over at Wiim. Well done. Thanks again on another great video.
yeah. they're crushing with the updates
@@cheapaudioman Did they add those on a whim?
@@cheapaudioman great job from them, but as I mentioned in another comment… what it would be great is to get Google Cast compatibility in order to be compatible with Plex, Google Assistant and another systems.
@@DearSX No they added it on a wiim
@@vannk73 you win the internet today!
Hi Randy.... Thanks for your reviews... My signal chain now consists of true Wiim Mini (I call it the Puck) - - The Schitt Modi---Denon PMA 600 NE - - Wharfedale 12.2s...checked our your reviews on all of them before I bought them... The wiim and the Modi were definitely a welcome addition lending more convenience and body to the music respectively... Thanks a ton... Love from India
Very cool!
Nice! Are you happy with the 12.2s? They're on my upgrade list.
I bought one of these on your recommendation several weeks ago. It was pretty awesome then, but they have been updating it like crazy ever since. One of the best money spent in stereo equipment I’ve made.
I picked this up on Randy’s recommendation quiet a while back. I’m a vinyl guy but needed a streamer to preview albums I was considering. Now I actually like this thing. I run it through my Denafrip Ares II and into my Schitt SYS and into my Dynaco ST35. It sounds really good and couple that with the 9 band EQ. Wow!
Great review. I'll lend my additional vote of support and praise for the Wiim Mini. As you stated, I'm also hoping for a Gen2 hardware release. My desires in order of preference for a Gen2 would be:
Ethernet port
Subwoofer out/ High-pass filter
The reason I haven't swapped completely to the Wiim platform is the lack of ethernet port, which is available on the Arylic streamer.
Being with you in the category of an early adopter to dedicated streaming devices, I find in that discussion, many people, including self-proclaimed audio enthusiasts still don't fully understand the difference between audio signal feeding through streamer, with phone as remote only vs audio signal through phone, and transmitting from phone via Bluetooth or cable. The increased convenience and connectivity of the streamer is significant. I think your voice and influence is converting more users to those benefits.
Keep up the good fight
I am curious, why would you need a sub out on a streamer vs on your amp?
I love that you champion a truly smooth user experience. Folks on Reddit and on your group urged me to not over-invest beyond a Wiim a few weeks back, and I’m so glad I listened. I love it. Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music are all built in now and the new EQ is so fun to fiddle with. Great job!
I bought 2 Wiim Mini Streamers. I like them so far very much - will probably add 2 more, they replace my old 1srt gen Sonos connect devices....the Wiims add airplay2 (my wife likes this a lot), add bluetooth. I agree, the App runs smoothly has an intuitive GUI, all good. Spotify Connect runs flawless. ...And I would say, very subjectively, the included DAC is actually decent enough for a little "second / third tier" system e.g. in the kitchen, home office or so on. I run one of my Wiims directly with some old Adam Audio Artist active-speakers using the Wiim's DAC, and this system sounds richter and fuller than a Sonos One speaker, nice songs are still nice, so the Wiim included DAC is good enough for the 2nd or 3rd system in your living space, for me personally at least. 🙂
Just fyi, the pro version will be launching in a few months. Might be worth the wait to see what that entails.
The Wiim Mini just flat out works seamlessly with Qobuz, no drop-outs, stuttering, pauses or other distractions, Qobuz on my MacBook Air and headphones is an entirely different animal, glitchy as all hell. I'm so glad I found Randy's channel which led me to the Wiim Mini feeding a Geshelli J2 dac and avoiding spending more then I needed to on a Bluesound node.
Just added one of these to my desktop setup for convenience / remove the need for extra cables. It’s amazing for the price. Bit perfect / tiny / quick to connect to.
WiiM mini -> RME ADI 2 FS -> Topping PA5 -> Speakers/sub.
My ultimate desktop setup. Small, powerful, Flexible and great with headphones too.
Okay, I bit. Thanks Randy! Stunned how improved the audio stream sounds via optical out from wiim to my JNOG2 DAC. Using Spotify. Thank you again. Dude so sweet.
Totally agree. These are awesome. I have two of them now.
The customer service is fantastic as well. A couple weeks ago I was having trouble getting the Wiim to connect through the Tidal app so I submitted a tech support request. I had a reply back from the team in less than ten minutes! On a Saturday night! Crazy good.
The issue was related to the Tidal app and android. Quick fix is to uninstall and reinstall the Tidal app.
I think you should spend a little time explaining why someone would want a streamer of any kind vs. just sending music directly from a phone to a BT speaker. I get questions like that all the time.
That's the exact question I was wondering... does it let you stream off older analog equipment, and does it give you access to better quality streaming services that are superior in sound to Spotify?
@@zam200864 So it definitely has to do with sound quality for a lot of people. BT speakers can sound very good! But they aren't the deep stereo experience I'm looking for. I also use headphones the most to listen to music. So I would connect a streamer to my DAC(digital audio converter) to make the sound quality MUCH better. Then run it to my headphone amp to my headphones :) another thing too is that all headphones/earbuds have OhMs, that's how much power they need to run properly. So if I were to put one of my higher ohm headphones into my phone I'd hear almost nothing even with the volume all the way up. My phone doesn't have enough power, so that's why I use a headphone amp, it amplifies the power. But if you're using let's say the earbuds that came with iPhones you could easily use those anywhere. Matter a fact the ohm usage is so low that if I plugged them into my headphone amp, a slight turn of the volume knob would make my ears hurt by how loud they would get. Hope thats helpful at least some
@@ZilawinGaming I appreciate the reply and explanations thanks.
Bluetooth audio isn’t ideal sound quality wise.
1. Weaker sound over bt
2. Cant use phone while streaming music over bt
3. Cant stream to multiple devices over bt. I think so but not shure.
Hey Randy! Over the past year you have been indispensable in building my system. There is only one piece I don't think you've reviewed. It goes from the Wiim to the Geshelli J2, to Rotel A11 Tribute. Then through home made 12g speaker wires to Warfdale Evo 4.1s. The only piece not reviewed by you is the Polk PSW 10 sub.
BTW I didn't buy blindly from your reviews alone. I bought a bunch of stuff and ended up here.
Thanks
I'm very happy with mine and with the fact it keeps getting better! 😀 Since they're strong on the software front, I'd really like it if it had windows dedicated software so I could run it from my pc.
👍It will be fun to see just how much further they will push the firmware and WiiM Home app SW down the road. The last update finally convinced me to buy one! Thinking about buying more for gifting or backup purposes..🤔👨🏻
Just thought I'd update you Randy.
Purchased it yesterday after seeing your review, setup today, which was so easy .
Listening to Amazon Ultra HD with no dramas, using it as transport (optical out) into my Audiolab amp.
Connected it to my JBL Change 4 (power source via USB cable) and over the moon. For £89, what's not to like.
Now subbed, keep up the great work.
Looking forward to their pro version with quad core CPU more ram and additional inputs.👍
Cheers
My home office system had a iPad hooked to a Modi3. Was tossing around getting another Node. Not really concerned with the SQ, but more for the convenience of BuLuOS. Grabbed one of these to try. Hooked it to the Modi3. Very happy! The SQ difference from RCA out even at background levels is noticeable. Definitely recommend an external DAC.. also tried it on a my old $15 Prozor DAC with good success. Works great with Tidal Connect or XM on AirPlay. Latest update added Radio Paradise.
I have two WiiMs. I agree on the value proposition. I use the 2nd WiiM in a bedroom system that is a semi-loft over the main floor. The main system is on the main floor.
One of the unexpected benefits, I found accidentally. Playing together in sync, the two systems create a more immersive music experience throughout the house. I know, I know, it is more psychoacoustically good than purist good. But it lends a real, spatial feel to music that one system playing louder can't accomplish. And since the systems are far apart, I don't hear 'comb' filtering at all. My ears love it. Yours may not, I suppose. Eat cake. ;)
Of course, this might not work at all in a non-open floor plan home. But I swear my house sounds a little more like a concert hall than before.
I plan to buy a third WiiM to connect to an outdoor system for music on the decks. But that will have to wait until next spring...
And I have heard that WiiM plans a 'Mini Airplay Pro' or such, later this year. Let's hope it has a USB digital input for my computer and a better DAC for those who don't have an amplifier optical input.
Bluesound Node, you have been disrupted.
Thanks for yet another great video Randy!
Just one more thing about the WiiM: not only the software support is great, but also, for me, the support for the device itself is better than any support for any device/service I have ever used.
The flap on the optical out of my WiiM fell off (was a quite frequent issue on WiiM). I contacted the support and they've sent me another unit. Just like that.
Now, it might not be much for someone living in the US or the EU, but for me, living in Serbia, it's much, much more than a usual support for a product! Kudos!
great to hear they support their product
@@cheapaudioman Should be normal for everyone, shouldn't it? But, my experience is much different than that, so that's why I am praising WiiM for both their device and software support.
It’s a great product period. Received mine today connected it to my technics SU G 700 m with the optical cable and I’m totally satisfied with the sound. The supplied EQ is a plus. Really surprised.
Just bought a WiiM Mini and absolutely LOVE it. This is a giant Blue Sound Node killer at $84 (on Amazon with $5 promo coupon) vs. $599 (before tax).
You definitely nailed the review. However, I disagree with one point..I think the WiiM DAC sounds great and good enough for my needs on very good UK made vintage equipment. It's the perfect non-audiophile product for those with kit that is "not smart."
I just read an interesting quote in a recent issue of Stereophile. I'll paraphrase...."the less you critically listen, the more enjoyment you'll get out of the music." I could not agree more for most music lovers / music first audiophiles.
Keep up the great work!!!
Great device indeed. I let the signal pass through a cheap 5654W tube pre-amp to warmen the sound up. Works like a charm.
I run it with Roon via Apple Airplay. Love it. Great video!
got one of these bad boys on your recommendation. Got it connected to a Fosi DAC (via optical) which I use to pump the sounds into me Beyerdynamic 770 Pro cans. Absolutely great bit of kit, gonna get another for upstairs. Upgraded my Tidal subscription to max so I can get that sweet sweet hi res audio. The WiiM app is great too, got the bass increased a bit via the eq
I don't know if the experience is different up here in Canada but when I play Amazon Music directly from the unit itself I get 100% gapless playback. When I cast from my phone there is a slight delay. Next big thing will be full tablet display sometime this month. Absolutely love this little device.
Finally found what I knew I needed. I just didn't know what direction to go. Now I do- thanks Randy.
I will be ordering one!
Thank you for your time and efforts to steer us to the right products.
Just Wow Randy!...I have sincerely enjoyed watching your many shows. I have made several purchases due to your recommendations including now this streamer. You are my go to guy for audio advice AND entertainment!!! Keep on keeping on....Peace out man✌️
I just picked up one of these for $80 and it's fantastic. Dead simple to set up, and works perfectly with Spotify connect.
Pairs up very nicely w/ my Topping MX5 & its "auto-on" feature. Just need to find the thing in Spotify connect, hit play, and the MX5 fires up and music starts coming out of the speakers.
Absolutely agree with you on the software aspect being the most important.
I'm so Impressed what this mini puck is able to deliver - connected to a great vintage amp (Marantz PM 66 SE KI), Dali Oberon 3 speakers and a cheap DAC (Fiio Taishan). Thanks again for showing us that no big money is needed to stream in top quality !
Great video. I did buy one of these but sent it back. It looks like it has improved a bunch since the original launch. Might be time to try again as I need something for a new office I am moving into. Don’t need at home as I use the powerNode downstairs and upstairs I use airplay from Apple TV into powered speakers. Adding the Wimm at home now would only give me tidal connect upstairs over airplay. Not much point there even at such a good price.
Definitely time for another look. Thank you 🙏
You are so right about this product. It replaced the TV as my streamer. The music is much improved now. More clarity, better bass, better mids and highs. A very noticeable difference. It connects to a Schiit Modius DAC via Toslink at 24/192. Then to a Parasound pre and Prima Luna amp. I use Tidal as my service. Thanks for your review. It was very helpful. Keep up the excellent work. I will be ordering a coffee mug from your store. Thanks again.
thanks!
Thanks Randy! got one! I love it, it's great! Denon, toslink, JBL L112s, Amazon music HD..... Hell of a deal 👍👍👍👍👍
Just bought this on the strength of Randy's recommendation. Previously I'd been using a 3rd gen Apple TV with optical out as my cheap Airplay streaming solution, which worked fine, but the streams never sounded as good as my CD transport in A/B testing, even though both devices were connected to the same external DAC. With this $79 hockey puck, now I can do Airplay streaming and Hi-Rez streaming via Amazon Music. Finally, a simple, inexpensive streaming solution that delivers CD (or better) quality sound!
I bought one of these a while ago and use a Modi 3 DAC. So easy to use and it sounds great with my Cambridge Audio integrated and Wharfedale speakers. No reason to spend a ton of money on a streamer!
10 band eq!!!? Game changer! Thanks for the info man!:)
Based on your reviews, I purchased a Wiim mini to replace my ChromeCast audio that recently died. And Wow! this is an impressive device. I recently changed the audio output from Optical to Aux on the Mini. The DAC in this little device is FAR BETTER than my now vintage Yamaha and Sony AV receivers, plus the Wiim has the added bonus of parametric equalization to cater the sound to my room and tone down the sub. Thank you for reviewing and recommending this device!
Agreed 100 percent about the software. These guys know what they are doing, and they clearly care! It helps that LinkPlay is a software company first. That helps.
Wait, 10 band EQ? !!!
It does slide around, use blutac to hold the WIIM in place
Now THIS is what I needed to hear today. No pun intended.
Most audio companies just push out more and more expensive gear, as tbough price always makes it better. Not for this guy, trying to pay for a home in this market.
Considering the price and functionality of this little device and the responsiveness of the company to customer requests and features it is a freaking no brainer of a deal! I've got two already and implore all my friends to buy one if they are "stream curious" at all.
I used a piece of double sided VHB tape to tape it to one of those door stops John Darko made popular so it stays in place since you don't want to set a weight on top of it covering up the controls. Works great. And we have 12 freaking presets now too (up from six).
Heard rumors that WiiM might be coming out with a "Super Mini" that has more outputs, maybe Coax and/or USB. Yeah, I'll buy THAT and feed an external DAC and won't need the Bluesound Node at all, especially if they come up with one having a bass out/high pass filter as you mentioned.
If they launch a Super Mini model I hope it has support for USB DACs and Ethernet; but hopefully No integrated Amp inside, just Preamp functionality and switcher for other analog sources
@@ahuesphoto we'll see what they do. I know they could give the Node a good run for the money. Even the iFi Zen Stream. So far many say it (the Zen Stream) has too many bugs at its $400 price point. Perhaps iFi will fix it in a MK. II version. The Node is great, but why pay ~$100 extra for an internal DAC you won't be using anyway?
Looking forward to this "Super Mini", which could be directly connected to Kef LS50 wireless by USB. The Kef streaming support is not that mature.
Hey guys. Wiim is back up to 89.00 today, but I found them refurbished on e-bay for 64.00 including shipping.
Agree, the DAC on the Echo Dots is not good… But they work well as a *Source* using Bluetooth only if you do have a Good DAC on your system. Sorry to insist but you must listen to JDS Labs Atom DAC Plus ($109 USD), it only has USB & Optical inputs but that is enough to connect to a WiiM Mini
Got mine running into a CHORD MOJO then onto my DENON AV amp. Also use the MOJO as a DAC for my Audiolab 6000 CD transport. Wii mini is the best upgrade I have made to my MOJO 🙂
I’m buying this for Tidal connect. That’s what’s missing from my Yamaha MusicCast. AirPlay 2 is a bonus and the connection options as well as the eq are awesome.
Absolutely the Wiim-Mini is a great product and certainly worth the $89 I paid for it. My only request would be a Ethernet port. (Maybe in the Wiim-Mini Mk.II). I was always frustrated using the 'HEOS' built into my Denon AVR with Amazon music. It worked, but was very clunky and not intuitive or without glitches (couldn't get playlist settup to function ??). Now, the Wiim-Mini plays much nicer with Amazon, but I would still like a more comprehensive music recommendation A.I. , but that is most Certainly on Amazon's end of things...? C'mon Amazon just buy Spotify already so we get the Spotify experience with Better sound quality!! (For those holding your breath waiting for Spotify HD....good luck😴).
I second your idea to purchase Spotify for the user experience. I really miss the recommendation algorithm that Spotify has vs. the lack-luster one from Amazon. I put up with it only because of the HD sound from Amazon.
So, I got mine today, ordered on your recommendation. So far so good, instrument separation, clarity and tightness is soooo much better than it was! Granted I used my tv as a source with optical out through a spdif/rca converter, it shouldn't take much to improve 😅
Still waiting for an SMSL DO200, a willsenton R8 and Kef R3's to complete my new system. Current amp is an old Luxman L-30 that I'll definitely keep
curious to hear your thoughts...im currently running laptop usb into do200...did you notice an improvement in sound with this device vs if you tried using a laptop into the dac?
The Wiim is a solid choice, it's flexible, easy to hide, and bang for your buck is fantastic. The software isn't buggy and it's true, they update it often. So far the only trouble I have is when trying to skip through parts of a track or trying to start a song over with the back button.
In my use case it seems to work best if I already have a playlist created and leave it alone.
I noticed the same thing with amazon music. When I'd try to scrub through the song to a certain point it would skip to the next track. Tidal had no problems and acts as normal. But that was annoying with amazon music.
@@cheapaudioman Amazon can get quite irritating with bugs/quirks/etc that a company of that size shouldn't have. I'm thinking of keeping my Qobuz and canceling them. I'm listening to music to *avoid* stress lol
Almost all streamers work best if you create a playlist on your phone or computer and leave it alone, this is not exclusive to the WiiM Mini
Yeah I love mine. Love how small the puck is.
Thanks Randy. I think I need to check it out. You've mentioned this one before. But now you have tickled my interest. Thanks
I got this and it’s great. I have the Yamaha as501 amp and I wish there was two optical outs so I could get the full range audio in the WiiM.
Randy - try blue-tacking or double-sided taping the wiim to the top of the record weight - it works great and you can still access the wiim controls. Keep up the good work.
Great review and device👍 they should make a higher tier, wiim with usb out...
One notification. Not a single word of sound quality. This means that it is not ANY difference in SQ regarding a streamer to another which all make sense IMO, I just got it confirmed :) SQ depends on the DAC, not the streamer. I bought this excellent device 6-ish months ago and could not be happier. WIIM should make other brands worried for sure. Great channel by the way!
It would have been the best if it had that optical port sturdier. I broke it's little door with another cable than the one provided and now the cable stays in place pushed by a rubber band.
I've had some very unruly optical cables that were built weird and I've broken optical connections on products much more expensive that the Wiim. But, you are right. I wish it was sturdier.
In the UK we call that 'ham fisted'... 🙄
I prefer the DAC in Node. But then I like a choice of DACs to tune the sound of my system. I like to use both the analog and digital output and then just switch preamp inputs to get a different DAC for different type of music.
Just pulled the trigger. Thanks for the tip CAM!
That sounds very tempting.
I have a Denon AVR which for obvious reasons does not have Tidal connect. So I'm kinda forced to use Spotify for convenience.
This seems to be a relatively budget option to add convenient gapless lossless playback to my system.
If it had HDMI, it would be perfect. Would happily pay double.
Mine is on its way from Amazon today as we speak ...can't wait to get in my system and see what the hype is about.
Awesome - thanks just bought one! - Thanks for the review and the link.
Hope my 25 cents into the "coffers" - helps with your next review!
Funnily I have both the Wiim (going into the Schiit Modi( and an Arylic going into some powered speakers and both streamers show up on both the Wiim and 4stream platforms. For the record the Wiim into the Schiit sounds wonderful going thru a NAD amplifier with Mission speakers. Thanks for the original Wiim review which made me pull the trigger on buying it.
I really do like this device. I am an installer and we started using these. Our customers are pretty happy with them. Personally, I wish they had Pandora natively. It is okay for me using Alexa, but not everyone uses that. I hope they get that in there.
You can use a cheap Echo Dot as a source and connect it to the WiiM Mini using Bluetooth, then you have support for your Radio Apps and voice control
@@ahuesphoto The wiim actually acts as a speaker for Alexa. You don't need to BT one to it. You can directly voice control the wiim itself. You can even use the Alexa app as an interface for it.
I bought this device for the Pandora support as well. When I contacted their tech support they apologized and promised to remove all Pandora references from their advertising. Sure enough their website and Amazon product page were updated within 24 hours. For my tastes, Pandora has the best system for suggesting music and has the best overall interface. It's a shame they don't have higher res options and aren't supported by any decent streamers.
Great vid. Randy - you should do something on Hart Audio cables. Great quality and super great pricing.
Plus it is the ONLY product I know that you can 'cast' to from the Amazon Music app as if it is an Echo speaker...up to 24/192! 👍
Thanks for another helpful video. I think this device may be the solution I've been looking for. I've been struggling to figure out a good way to use my Tidal tunes with my main stereo system. The old Denon receiver doesn't make it easy and this unit may be the answer. I'll order one soon.
watched this video and ordered it. awesome sound connecting it to schiit modi dac into Klipsch the fives. thanks randy. quick question .. when using amazon app sometimes I hear a pop when switching to next song on playlist? Not all the time. Just wondering if anyone else experienced this.
This may get me to upgrade from my Chromecast Audio. Is the main benefit tidal connect for gapless playback and higher bitrate (I presume)? I generally just use the tidal app and Chromecast, but I'm considering getting Roon, too.
I am still using a mini home network of ChromeCast Audio “pucks” and love them but they do have a tendency to drop off the network every now and then, especially when streaming Qobuz direct from a laptop or PC via the desktop app. No issue with phone connection at all. I have been curious about these (the hi res functions now do very much interest me) over the CCA as they effectively do the exact same thing but how much of an upgrade would these be over the CCA I wonder? I know that’s a comparison that’s hard to make if you haven’t heard the CCA, but I’m always loath to change something that works to something else if the difference is not really discernibly “better”. User experience and hi res is the main interest for me with the Mini, but as ever with digital and streaming (I’m usually a vinyl and CD person), I’m yet to be convinced of the outright “betterness” of it all compared to vinyl and CD. I need to borrow a Mini first I think 🤣🤣
I use roon for most of my digital playback through a dac and roon player that would excluded by price from cheap audio. I didn’t care for the airplay emulation on the roon player and needed to stream from a gifted google device to use Amazon hd. Bought the chromecast audio and an Amazon brand optical cable to the dac. I have had no dropouts or issues with the little puck. I sense some better sq from the roon player via usb than the optical chromecast, however still very enjoyable at 45 dollars.
Great review, Randy. I have been looking for the next Google Chromecast Audio … I think I have found it thanks to your review.
Quick question in the 10 band EQ … is that considered DSP? Or is DSP a specific thing that can only be called DSP if it comes from the digital region of France?
You hit the nail on the head with your emphasis on software as being key to the streaming experience. I bought the Matrix Element X because of great reviews of its sonic performance and similar electronics to the Mytek Manhattan, but at half the price. The software was barely functional and some upgrades did not work at all. Finally had to use Roon which works well but costs a bundle and forces me to leave a PC on to run it. Maybe Matrix could license the Wiim software!
Here's a cheap but rather techy step up with the eq! Try Fusion dsp on volumio with a Rpi. You can measure at listening position and create a correction eq to your desired "House sound" using a umik 1 microphone with Rew pc software. I stream mostly with spotify and also listen via usb micro sd on the pi. It works great with allot of options for cheap but effective room correction eq!
Randy mentions a "switching" power supply. What do you all recommend for the WIIM? What will a better power supply do for the WIIM? I bought one yesterday and I already love it!!! Amazing improvement in overall SQ in my system!!!
I bought this device a few months ago because they advertised that it supports Pandora. It doesn't. When I contacted them they admitted that the advertising was misleading and removed references to Pandora in their advertising. The plastic housing around the optical port broke almost right out of the box. The port still works but the cable slides out at the slightest touch. Their service/support was very responsive to my emails and they gave me the option of getting a whole new device or keeping the damaged unit with a full refund.
well that's good. I have two and luckily I have no issues with the optical ports. but I could see them being a potential weak point. I find that many optical cables are built poorly with very hard plastic that doesn't always seat well.
Love the review. I use a Topping E30 DAC. Awesome sound. I have the Node and the old Node2i. Anchors away!
Just got mine, very impressed. Want to add a dac on , but I thought using the optical out would mean the volume control on the app would no longer work as the optical is light. Therefore a fixed output. Is that wrong? It would be awsome if the volume control still works!
Only thing it’s missing for me, is when I turn my iPhone screen off, then turn the Lock Screen back on, it’d be nice if the back/ pause / play/ skip track options were available ( like a remote) and I didn’t have to unlock the screen completely and mess with the app to control the music…Hopefully what I just typed makes sense…
I got one with a NAD D3020 and sounds fantastic to me. Comparable to my other system Bluesound PowerNode 2i. I find the software is very similar for both, but Bluesound have dedicated Radio Paradise which I love. The Mini can do a stream but dedicated option is nice.
if you had to buy only one of the two which would you buy? it is to be used with a dac mqa 16x. thanks Bro?
It’s a great product period. I have one connected to my Technics su g 700 m2 through the optical port and it sounds great. The app is awesome.
Wiim has recently released the Wiim Pro for $180. About double the price of the Wiim Mini (without discounts). At first, the Wiim Pro doesn't look like a good deal compared to the Mini. You get an Ethernet port (together with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and an RCA out, compared to an AUX port on the Mini. Though, I don't see anyone using the internal DAC, to be honest.
However, the Pro supports *Chromecast Audio* and is currently in the licensing testing for *roon ready*, expected to become roon ready in the next 1-3 months.
If you would only use the Digital output on a Bluesound Node, then the new Wiim Pro seems to be a much better value proposition, at ~$420 less.
This is really great!! Thank God we got Cheapaudioman Randy to cover our ***** This will be my streamer! Thanks Randy! Being a subscriber of yours is such an advantage.
Rock on!
I’ve already got a record weight, but I need more. When is Sith Audio going to introduce a weight for my record weight?
The price to value ration on this thing is awesome. I've got on of these hooked up to my Harman Kardon 430 and a pair of Camber speakers I picked up for forty bucks and it sounds great. Maybe I'll have to try it with an external DAC though.
Is it considered "streaming" if I physically plug in one of my older iPhones to my receiver and use internet radio apps?
yes.
I've actually bought a DAC hat for my Raspberry Pi, hoping to replace my Chromecast Audio! Volumio OS does a great job, if I'm willing to pay $70/year for Tidal support, but I might have to figure out how to integrate one of these with my system!
I'm a big fan of volumio. I did a digital hat and also a display and it's super cool to see the album art. compared to Wiim the volumio crashes quite a bit and I have to restart it. but with having to pay for the volumio premium, the value prop on the pi starts to quickly be beaten by one of these. you totally need an external dac though to get the best sound
Anyone know if the new WIIM update for Tidal bypasses MQA to get to above 44.1/ 16 bit? Trying to figure if it's giving me higher resolution than my roku tvs tidal app.
Much love from san antonio Randy!
I bought the Wiim mini after finding it randomly on Amazon one day and then finding your original video on it (as well as a few others) and thought it would be 'the' solution for me and works well! Question - I know you've promoted on your channel the Schiit and Geshelli Labs DACs, but have you tried or heard of the JDS Labs? They have a $110 DAC (the Atom DAC+) that I purchased to go along with the Wiim and sounds great in my setup
Great video. You've collected quite the expertise in audio streamers. Have you gotten your hands on a Lintech AirLino? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It's around 100 EUR. I'm using one and I like it a lot, but I haven't had the chance to compare it against other streamers in terms of sound quality (especially the internal DAC, which I'm using). The DAC of the AirLino is a WOLFSON WM8524, which has a pretty decent reputation. The other features seem to be on par with the WIIM.
Just received it today and it's amazing... If you are on the fence just go buy it.. It's really that good.. Forget spending $600.. Get this at $100.
I have my Wiim (thanks to your recommendation) going into the Aiyima T9 (again thanks to you) and out to Q Acoustics 3030i's. I was wondering if I should buy a dac or or the one in the Aiyima was already good enough? It sounds great but I'd hate to think there was an affordable improvement to be made. Thank you
i think you could improve the sound with an affordable standalone dac, but the only way to know is to try it yourself. amazon and all the dealers i have bought from have a super friendly return policy if you don't like the sound. good luck.
Randy, great video! As a mostly streamer only listener (I found a sweet Sony 5 disc changer made in Japan with an optical out in mint condition for $20) I love the WiiM Mini. I also have a Bluesound Node 2i, and all things considered equal, which means using an external DAC of my old Sony ES receiver (Burr-Brown), they sound just about identical. And you are right on about the user interface/software. The WiiM Mini's software is at least, just as good as Blue OS, and way better than HEOS. Sure the DAC bulit into the Node 2i is WAY better and if judging on the built in DAC, the Node 2i wins by a long shot. However, If you pair the WiiM Mini with say a J2 DAC from Gishelli Labs, I'm told that would sound significanlty better than just the Node 2i. So to put this into Cheap Audio Man perspective, the Bluesond Node (130N) costs $600 and a J2 with a WiiM Mini together cost about $350, which is WAY less expensive. Your thoughts? Thank you again! God bless!
of course. Love this product!
@@cheapaudioman I can't wait for the new J2 DAC review!!!!
I am sold! But I have Nvidia shields, Spotify, and my receivers have spotify connect. Is their an audio quality difference over what I have?
Well, Randy is right again , this hockey puck has made my system sound 100% better. thanks .
Does the term band eq work on the digital output?
Hi Randy, loving your channel! as of today i'm a proud owner of the wiim mini and loving it. I used your link for amazon music too (had to switch from youtube music as its not supported) just 1 quick question: can i use the wiim home app on my windows pc or laptop or just my android phone? thanks in advance and keep up the great work.
Thank you for your review of the WiiM mini. I am interested in the WiiM mini for one purpose. Playback of the audio only from the basic RUclips app thru the WiiM mini’s wifi. In many cases the basic RUclips app has audio only music with a fixed picture for the video. My Chromecast Audio device will playback audio from the basic RUclips app thru wifi, however, some streaming devices will not. Will the WiiM mini playback audio thru it’s wifi from the basic RUclips’s app?