The WiiM Ultra Experience! Streamer, DAC and Preamp for $329. Wow!
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
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#HiFi #Audiophile #Audio
BUY THE WIIM ULTRA at Amazon (Prime): amzn.to/46d55f3
Written Review: www.stevehuffp...
Instagram: @stevehuffofficial
Today I want to talk about the WiiM Ultra streamer, DAC and PreAmp! This device comes in at $329 and delivers the goods in regards to all of these things!
As a streamer it works with services like Tidal Connect and Spotify connect. It also has airplay, bluetooth and other ways to connect.
It features a subwoofer output as well as a phono preamp and phono input for your albums. The WiiM Ultra also has various inputs and outputs and can be used as a streamer only, a streamer and dac or a full fledged control system for all of your music.
The build is decent and the set up was super easy and quick. The sound is fantastic and while not as refined as my $15k reference, it is amazing what it does for the price it sits at.
The WiiM Ultra is available now at Amazon via Prime: amzn.to/46d55f3
Enjoy!
Media Contact/Review Contact: stevehuff1@icloud.com
One thing I did not touch on in the video is the fact that the Ultra also has a built in Headphone amp. It's OK..not the best I have heard but will work great with easy to drive headphones, just not those that need a ton of power.
Naw, Wiim doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
I can rip my CDs to Eversolo.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Both have a graphic equalizer.
@@HiFiHuff wiim pro + fiio k7 vs ultra ? Will be listening with meze 99 classic headphones.
@@mrpmj00
I have a similar set-up to you…but Steve's point is $4000 vs $329…..@85%
Left another comment but you didn't mention running the Room Control tool which is simple. Run it in your room from an iPhone with the WiiM app and then come back and talk about it. You'll be surprised.
@@mrpmj00 The Wiim Ultra will have Airplay2 shortly, upon receipt of their license to do so. All other Wiim products are Airplay2 capable
I really how you characterized the experience as 85% of the performance but 100% of the musical enjoyment. I totally agree! Great review.
With the latest firmware, the USB port does indeed also support external DAC'. Some might prefer this connection method over toslink/coax.
It will support higher sampling rates and bit depth, and afaik also have better jitter, though that's largely a non-issue for many years now.
It allows an external DAC to re-clock which is huge
Great that you explained the all the connections on the back of the WiiM. Surprising how rarely this is done in reviews.
The WiiM Pro using their Room Control (EQ) tool is amazing. Works so great in my hifi tube monoblock system and it's an awesome improvement. I use an external 5v power supply for the WiiM and some Cisco boxes from the router. Total cost: less than $300.
The USB connection on the Wiim is also a output to an external DAC. It is in the (online) manual and in the specs.
That is the review I want to hear, the USB output.
Very nice review. I'm a bit disappointed you didn't try the room correction as this seems like one of it's most notable features.
I’ve tried it on the WiiM pro plus (available with recent software update) and I can say it’s really improved the sound in my lower end bedroom setup. I’ve used the B&K target curve.
Budget Kick A** System for sml to med sml room:
WiiM Ultra -> Q Acoustics M20 Active Bookshelf Speakers -> Kanto Sub8 Sealed Subwoofer.
Component cost: $329.00 + $499.00 + $269.00 = $1,097.00
Accessories:
Micca Pure Copper Speaker Wire with Banana Plugs $25-40.
Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Double-Shielded Low Capacitance Subwoofer Cable, 10 foot - $41.00
Sanus SF26B1 Black (Pr.) 26-inch Speaker Stands - $170.00 pr OR Q Acoustics 3000i Series Speaker Stand (Pair) $239.00
A fine, casual listening system can be put together for a very modest outlay. We are experiencing a 'golden age' in audio.
GREAT TIME to be an audiophile. 🎉🎉
I have never had a delay or freeze up with the Wiim Pro Plus. It just works great, day in and day out.
There's a fade in and fade out setting to minimize any potential skips or pauses.
Forget the streamer for a moment, that is a really beautiful room and garden!
It's been going on for about a decade ... and it's about time ....
_Cheaper sound is getting better ... and ... better sound is getting cheaper_
We're all ahead for it.
MKBHD ?
@@TheVishaq
Care to try that using actual words?
The room correction is what makes this something special. I almost wish I didn’t have a nice dac that I enjoy. I was born too early.
The review doesn't even mention the Room EQ capability! If you hook up your current DAC to the digital output, Wiim Ultra can still perform room EQ.
I have the WIIM mini so there you go
@@CashGravel Unfortunately, Wiim mini does not have automatic room correction due to hardware limitations. But it did get the new update of PEQ, which you can use to manually change room response.
Don’t feel too bad. Room correction in the WiiM is reportedly not that great, but it is a nice to have for sure. It’s certainly not Dirac level, but maybe they’ll make it better in the future.
@@Hawkeye242 don't expect a $325 streamer/preamp/DAC to have Dirac quality room correction. And nobody buys a Wiim Ultra for room correction, get real.
the difference of 80% to 100% is a huge difference in the audio world. a $300 AVR will get you 80% of a $3000 AVR but that extra %20 makes all the difference. The fear of FOMO is the driver in lots of audiophile's journey. You can build a $2000 hi-fi system that will give you 80% of a $20,000 system... but every time you listen you might want more.
What is a rabbit hole?
Incredible price for all the features it has. And it includes room correction!!!! Wow
How have you missed the room correction build in..?
Maybe it’s just my room but I prefer its acoustic preset to auto room correction in my case however you can still correct each speaker manually which is great.
I preordered and can't wait to receive it! My system is about $3k so it will be at home. My amp will be a vintage Yamaha B2.
There goes another $300!
You were right .. this thing is amazing.
Love that you talked about enjoyment.
I’m currently stuck in between two dacs, and it’s the WiiM ultra and the eversolo a6. Which one would you say is the better one? If I care about sound quality, and the more neutral one?
The A6 looks to be higher quality, but I have not heard it.
Wiim with external dac within the same price is far, far better.
The audiophile experience has always been a game of diminishing returns.
Not even in my orbit
Hi why is there no Airplay 2 on board ?!!!!!
Looking forward to you reviewing the Bluesound node icon with two Dacs!
Hi! How internal dac sound comparing to pro plus?
@@valentinvalentin8916 I’m curious to
Half a second is probably a best-case scenario when switching between songs. On my WiiM Ultra, when streaming Qobuz via Chromecast, the delay is 8-15 seconds. It's sluggish. There are also occasional hickups during streaming.
No one should be surprised it sounds great being it’s hooked up to state of the art, amplification and speakers!
Thanks for sharing your experience as always. All the best.
How does it compare to the Eversolo DMP-A6?
Naw, Wiim doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
I can rip my CDs to Eversolo.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Both have a graphic equalizer.
@@mrpmj00 Wiim has Airplay. You're confusing Airplay with Apple Music integration which only Sonos does to the best of my knowledge. The Eversolo does NOT have 'native Apple Music', it runs on Android, and so runs Apple Music as an app.
We've got all the technology now all we need is new music. When I was a kid a new hit was so normal it was a non-event. I know Jerryrigeverything is building a bunker in his garden but I'm just waiting for the music. I'm not flying again until this event. 🖋
And it has Room correction.
I'm going to wait for the next step up: The Super Duper Wiim Ultra Pro Plus. It should give us 95% of that $15K front end for maybe $600-800.
Parts quality is everything. Don't pretend otherwise.
Does the crossover for subs roll off the main speaker as well as the sub?
Yes, it does.
Did you try to bump the built in EQ in 16k by 1-2 dB with a low Q to get that "air" that you you said was missing from non high end streamers ? If so how did that go ?
Love the EQ idea! I don`t know why more manufactures don`t do this if they got DSP or other tone control. Also will be nice in Dirac app as a preset target curve. Thank you
Are you able to compare the WiiM to Bluesound Node?
I have a 7.2.4 Atmos setup with an Onkyo RZ 50 + an old Denon 1920 AVR to drive the surround back channels. I usually use my Macbook air connected to an Ifi Uno DAC to the CD RCA input in the AVR. Music played through TIdal or Qobuz sounds much better doing this than using the preinstalled apps on the Onkyo. I bought the Wiim Ultra to avoid the cables in between and have a HUB for all my streaming apps (it has not arrived yet). I wonder if it will improve sound quality over the Ifi Uno? My main front speakers are a pair of Wharfedsles Diamond 9.5s. Thanks!
@@jafetnoriega8623 I look forward to having feedback like impressions when it arrives
Say again.
Thoughts on this vs FIIO or Eversolo?
It looks like a no brainer, tremendous value.
Given your impressions of the WiiM amp, would you recommend pairing the WiiM Ultra as a pre-amp with the WiiM amp as a system? I realize there’s some overkill but would the matching “magic” outweigh the overkill?
Great review. Will definitely pick this one up to replace my Wiim Pro Plus. Did you check out the room correction at all? It's great on my current unit.
Does that flowery twig ontop come as standard with the ultra or do I need to spec it as an optional extra from wiiim with my order?
@@bristolwoodburners81 It's probably a DIY enhancement. Possibly a CSS Audio kit.
@@orenshamir It also comes in different colors at an additional charge.
@bobb.9917 OK that makes sense...and the different colours offer different sound signatures I'm guessing ...do you know which colour is the enhanced/buttery /silky mid range option ?
It affects the harmonics emitting from the unit acting as both dampener and promoter of acoustic transference😂😂😂😂
@@orenshamir CSS doesn't so that, you are thinking about Danny.
Thanks for the great review. If you set the input and output to line-in and line-out respectively it’ll effectively be an analog passthrough, can you still adjust volume in this configuration?
How does it compare to the pro plus?
What no Airplay ?
Question.....if I connected this to an external dac, can I still use the wiim ultra subwoofer output and crossover? Or would it be canceled out when selecting digital output on the device?
Yes you can.
Naw, Wiim doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
I can rip my CDs to Eversolo.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Both have a graphic equalizer.
Why would anyone use Air play its only 16 /44 😂😂😂
@@DJMikeron CD is also at 16 / 44 which is a great starting point. Eversolo takes up a notch by having native Apple Music which plays 24 bit/192 Khz
Personally I couldn't care less about Apple anything. What I do REALLY care about is LMS (Lyrion) and Wiim does support that.
Indeed. The native Apple Music support is something I never heard of in other companies. Streamers are so f***ing complex. Not easy to choose one.
How would you compare this with the Audiolab 7000n Play? I know the Audiolab product is about $400 more, but I really like the aesthetic. Not sure if you have any experience with that streamer.
I wonder if SMPS in the Wiim ultra can be upgraded with LPS like Eversolo streamer, because as the pure steamer Wiim pro I upgraded with custom LPS, power and USB cable was a clearly next level streamer. I know this for sure, because I have two Wiim pro and I do compare them in the same system simultaneously. With an upgrade I can hear better texture, extra bottom end, smoother and more extended high, wider sound stage, more definition on vocals, just about every aspect of sound has improved. I like the Wiim ultra, but if it can not be upgraded with LPS, I am not interested since my upgraded Wiim pro is the next level streamer already.
With AVRs having inbuilt streamers and DACs and now my Denon has Tidal Connect, is there a big benefit of a WiiM over just letting the amp do the decoding and controlling the amp/AVR via your phone with Tidal Connect? The screen advises it's streaming at 192/24 in some instances.
Hello, we are largely invested in the Sonos system with 2 amps, a connect, and several speakers paired up with my Yamaha receiver. How would the sound quality and application compare? I know very little about these types of products. Thank you.
If you've bought into the Sonos ecosystem you can't be helped, you're too far gone.
@@Artcore103 ouch. That isnt helpful at all.
WOW. I have a Bluesound node and I am going to buy this. Hope I'm not making a mistake.
Excelente reseña, tengo el Wiim Amp y quiero el Wiim Ultra, saludos desde Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Anyone notice you can adjust how the DAC behaves? There's 6 or 7 settings to choose from.
There are standard dac filters, but unfortunately without NOS one.
Hi...just for streaming with external dac marantz hd dac1?...which would you choose...this wiim ultra, node n130, eversolo A6?
Ty
It's a shame the Ultra does not allow to create a playlist and store it on the device itself outside Qobuz or Tidal. That's a thing Bluesound did for a long time.
I have been curious about this product. Surely if your sample had flaws that negatively affected the listening experience they would have been revealed on your system.
So, I listen to a lot of spatial audio, including Atmos.....these are limited to stereo only correct? And does it have on screen display option?
What about the room korrektion? Have you tried that?
It is working as designed.
I'm not surprised although I have just upgraded from the Wiim pro it was my streamer while the rest of my system was up graded and performed so well that buying a more expensive streamer was more about completing my Jurnee than necessarily a sound quality thing. I wanted a last incremental step to see specifically what my valve amp was capable of sounding like.
I was thinking about replacing my Aries mini with a Eversolo A6 or Rose rs201e.
May try this instead
Holy moly Im here for the equipment review.
As a beginner HiFi hobbyist I absolutely love the WiiM Ultra! However...i did not like the Tidal app within the Wiim app. its way to difficult to navigate but i do think thats more on the Tidal side.
Excellent review! Would like to see more detailed features of just the pre-amp section.
The DAC in this unit performs better than the well characterized transparency criteria defined by O’Tooles work, and therefore will be indistinguishable from every other DAC that meets or exceeds those standards.
This unit does not and will never support airplay, as it is missing the hardware needed for that. This might change in future hardware from Wiim.
It does not have trigger input because it can be turned on by its hdmi port.
The usb port does not support a pc.
Most audiophile expectations are nonsense…you cannot get ‘better sound’ from other devices when this device already meets transparency standards.
Written Review now UP! www.stevehuffphoto.com/2024/07/19/the-wiim-ultra-review-unreal-hifi-value-for-real/
It would be great if you talked about the sound of the Ultra compared directly to the Pro Plus. Thanks.
I don't own any products from WiiM, but I keep seeing a lot of positive reviews about them. This probably the most positive review yet.
I have a WiiM Amp since 5 months. I'm blown away.
@@cardinalfang7725 I have the Wiim Pro Plus. Great streamer for the price.
Any benefits using a 'hifi' power cable? Also if using sub out and external dac at the same time are the things still ok?
External dac with lfe is working correctly.
Great review, thanks. Could you possibly make one side-to-side with Eversolo A8?
@@jesusiglesias8364 I think it would be more honest to compare it with the A6, didn't listen the wiim ultra yet but I cannot imagine that it goes to the A8 level
Completely different tools with price points as the Eversolo A8 BLOWS ALL WiiM products. Not in the same class man. Second, as an early adopter of WiiM with Mini, Pro, Pro Plus and Amp, I like the future where this company is going.
@@joenovak6393 Thanks!
@@sve2359 Thanks!
Great content, and can’t wait to receive mine. Quick question? What’s the name of the music playing on this post please.
Hey try it as a preamp with a tube amp .
Can I connect an external portable SSD using the USB port?
Or a microSD card BTW through a USB-microsd reader.
My music collection is now totally in digital files, for convenience (and having emigrated from one continent to another!).
This is right up my alley.. I have the wiim pro now. All though I don't know if I ever have had it hooked up right. I have a 7.4.4 hometheater setup that I use in. So I have it hooked up to my marantz sr 6014 with the rca hooked into the back of the cd input on my marantz. Some one said hook it up to the line in. I looked I don't have a line in . With this ultra can i just use the hdmi into the marantz then like on aux or cd or something !?
Would be any different compare to Wiim pro as a streamer?
No
Why they all have only trigger output, but dont have a trigger input? On my Rotel RA-1592 MKIi is also only the trigger output…
I think they are meant to be the main or first component activated, straight to an amp. So you turn on the amp with the wiim
It looks wonderful... complete with album art display. Wow. // Does it have vTuner? Thousands of free streaming stations is nothing to overlook easily. // ETA: Was looking at the specs... and it does indeed stream vTuner.... Even has a headphone jack. Amazing product.
Thanks for another great review---would you entertain upgrading the AC cable for better sound?
It looks likes this Ultra Wimm has a built in psu as the the pro plus has an external unit which is easy upgradebale.
$329 bucks replacing $15K of goodies... that's hard to believe!
Keep up the great work and reviews.
P.S., The Pass Labs equipment, I hope it resurfaces in your reviews for comparative purposes and if you get something new from Nelson, please share it with us! Thx. 👍
This was a pleasant surprise! Thank you.
Now this with an amp and I’m game
Forgot to mention im coming from an Audioengine B-Fi. Hope its a decent upgrade. The funny thing is im now looking to upgrade to a nice amp now ..😂
Great review but as mentioned below you didn't mention the room correction.
At this price, most buyers want it for what it does - streaming/dac/volume control. If you want proper room correction pay up. This is $325, not $3250. Get real.
How about Eversolo A8 compared with WiiM Ultra? Thanks
Ditto.
@@SteveSucato I bought the eversolo A8 and returned it for connection issues. The Wiim Ultra is way better IMO and less then half the cost.
Got one on pre-order! Also, I just got the Marantz M1, and it is fantastic!
Does the usb play all music files? Great review 👍
is it better than wiim pro purely as a streamer transport?
@@krzysztofgilowski1736 I believe so (I have both here) but I’d say it’s worth it just for the larger size, nicer casing and display. I’d have to do a side by side with the pro plus to see. I’ll do a follow up soon with some extras that I missed and I’ll do a compare with the pro plus strictly as a streamer going into a separate preamp. I know if I was buying today, looking for a streamer I’d take this 100% over a pro plus, no question at all.
@@HiFiHuff Thank you! Looking forward to it!
@@krzysztofgilowski1736looking forward to a Wiim streamer face off 🧐
I would expect to be the same sound as streamer only. The processor is the samw and the analog/digital connections are the same so it should be pretty similar. Some purist even say that system sound better with all screens off...so this having a screen might be a bad thing for the sound.....used as a dac plus streamer yea sure....it will be definitely better. Keep us posted i am really excited to learn even more.
I can imagine how did u pose for thumbnail picture like being normal to suddenly become weird person in front of camera without any reason 😂.. just kidding great review ..
Very interesting , i ll try this wiim , i am in hifi for 30 years , but i am new in dac/stream , so i ll try it , thanks !!!
Hows the room correction?
@@AndreasPetersson83 Yes, the room correction is an important additional feature that was not really mentioned in the review.
Interested in that as well. My home office could really use some room correction, but I can't justify buying an expensive amp or a dedicated device (e.g. Mini DSP) for it.
This could be a great affordable solution, if the room correction provides any substantial value.
At this price, I don't think anyone's really going to care. They want the core functionality.
Has WIMM done anything to increase clearance for larger rca connectors?
The hole around the recessed connectors is too small.
I've had to use right angle adaptors for secure connection.
@@MohsinWadee Its available in the WiiM pro. So, for another 200 you would be interested.
If Wiim Ultra is 80-85% there, whereabouts is Wiim pro plus?
Thanks!
I am using the pro plus to drive a pair of mid tier active speakers. Now planning the next move in the front end.
My pro plus sounds fantastic in my secondary setup - I’m sure it won’t be a major difference with the ultra
How does it compare to a the Eversolo dmp a8
It doesn’t
@@Audiodreamer192-24 In what way?
If I am using an external DAC with the Wiim Ultra, can I still use the EQ controls? I run coax out.
Is it possible to DAC loop it? Like USB out to external DAC and then analog from the DAC and back in to line in on the wiim and then line out to amplifier/poweramp?
No this won't work... But not sure why you'd want to do this? All analog inputs are running through an analog to digital converter + It already supports volume control on its digital outputs
@@juicythedj750 thought was if you have a different DAC that you really like the sound of and want it in the chain. But if you can control volume on digital output it will be: wiim ultra - usb out - DAC - analog out - power amp?
@@ronnyangell665yes that would be the way to do it, you want your DAC after the streamer not before, otherwise you're likely to negatively affect the analog out, if it was even possible.
Can it be used directly with speakers and subwoofer or does it need an additional external amplifier? Do the speakers and subwoofer have to be active or passive?
I have it connected to a pair of Swan OS10s via optical cable, runs them beautifully. Haven't tried the Ultra with passive speakers, so can't comment. Hope that helps
You can connect an active (powered) speaker. If you have passive ones you plug inwiim to your amplifier.
I think the only problem is the lack of AirPlay 2.
Wiim ultra or eversolo dmp-a6? Which one is better?
I am going to vote for the Ultra on this one in regards to streaming. No comment on the internal DAC of either.
Wiim is better due to lfe, arc and possibility to use far better dac within the same price.
@@michaelt-8563 no Apple with wiim, otherwise not a lot of difference
How does it compare to eversolo A6 STREAMER ONLY?
They would both put out exactly the same 1s and 0s. As will any streamer that is working. The Wiim mini will be identical as a streamer only.
@@BrianHall-Oklahoma the biggest difference between streamers is the noise floor. As you move up in price to hi fi rose , Aurender, auralic. You will have a lot darker background where the music will be more defined
In sound quality? Literally zero difference. In interface or features? Subjective.
@@ericelmore887incorrect. If you're not using an analog output from a streamer, there is not and CAN not be any added noise, unless it's a bad power supply/ground issue and low psrr.
What about buy it for use it as a streamer and phono?
Would the Ultra work with the KEF LS60 Wireless speakers' connectivity?
Yes
Why you would WIIM Ultra if you have Kef LS60 ? 🤔
@@anthx95why kef when wiim?
But can you change the wallpaper of the screen? What I would want to know is how if fares against the likes of DMP-A6 and Volumio Rivo and the WIIM Pro plus sound quality wise.
I got mine yesterday and it doesn't appear that you can change the wallpaper, or the VU meter.
I’ve seen discussion in forums of people being able to change the wallpaper, the vu meter will be changing with future software updates apparently