The phono stage is MM or MC viz. "Please check the Phono Stage specifications below: Gain: 41dB MM / 59dB MC MM: THD+N -75dB，SNR 76dB@5mV; MC: THD+N -58dB,SNR 56dB@0.5mV RIAA accuracy: < ±0.5dB / 20Hz - 20kHz"
It baffles me why this info isn’t in the press kit and wasn't detailed in Munich. :/ There also seems to be quite a bit of confusion about when the Ultra is shipping. But nevertheless, thank you SO much for sharing.
@@DarkoAudio Going by my gut and their previous releases, from the Q3 statement they have said, I’d guess July for the USA, hopefully Aug for the EU/UK, and the rest of the world in Sep onwards. But those are just guesses…
You are right: nobody needs the touchscreen when there is a well working app on your phone. But it looks so much better in the rack with the cover art displayed… 😊
I need a touchscreen for my wife or kids to be able to use it more functional than with a remote, when I'm not at home because the app is installed on my phone only.
Touchscreen or not I like the screen for the ability to see song details with album art without having to touch my phone. I’m excited to see the future review!
Thank you for this useful coverage. I ordered the Ultra here in the US from Amazon delivery in about a week. I haven't bought any audio gear in five years as I thought my setup was complete! LOL
Sub-out and bass management is what really sets this apart from the Wiim Pro Plus. Hook this up to a good class A/B power amp with trigger/auto-on and you've got a killer setup!
Yes, this is potentially very interesting. Imagine this preamp at £329 plus a good power amp at say £800-£1000. Might be a very interesting competitor for a Hegel h95 or Rega Elex.
For room correction, is there a way of using a MiniDSP UMIK-1 mic? It sounds like using a laptop isn't an option as you need a smartphone app? It's disappointing as it was a big selling feature for me to.
It's calibrated to the mic inside an iPhone which is easier for a manufacturer to do than all the various ones in all the Android phones. Maybe the ticket is to borrow a friend's iPhone, run the room correction DSP software, then leave it alone.
The current room correction beta firmware for the Pro, Pro Plus and Amp, which I suspect will be the same on the Ultra, doesn’t use two minutes of white noise but a single tone sweep and results in a 10 band PEQ set of parameters. The 10 band PEQ setting is alternatively available if you want to add the results from REW or HouseCurve.
@@adrianrorvik7488 Since this is already possible with the existing Pro, Pro Plus and Amp (non-beta, gold release firmware and app) I don't see why it shouldn't be with the Ultra. Since there's not import option you will have to transfer PEQ settings manually.
Sorry, that isn't entirely correct. Where are you getting your info? Apparently not from the same source as I, as I was to believe that the Room correction in the Ultra will be slightly different / an improvement to what is already happening in the Pro and Pro plus..., but then again maybe my source has got it all wrong..., obviously one of our two sources does 😉
I am stunned by the audio quality of this little device - listening to it using a grado headphones. Very pleasant sound that’s not tiring at all. Even the phono input sounds great. And yes - I like the touchscreen as I do not want to use my phone all the time. And the interface works just fine.
I have pre-ordered from Crutchfield. They Guesstimate Jun 5 availability here in USA. I have a feeling I am going to be pleased because I was blown away by the Wiim Mini ever since I got it. Looking forward to John's Review.
Does it get a usb out? I have only seen usb-stick playback (coming sometime) But I would love to feed my idi zen Dac with a streamer, that isn’t my rpi, which regularly bugs out…
@@holladiewadfee7 We can find USB digital out at their output spec... "- Audio output Through either analog (RCA, Headphone) or digital (Coax, Optical, USB) for connecting an amplifier or speaker "
I figured it would affordable but that price surprised me, this is going to be a pretty big deal for a lot people getting into two channel. Now Wiim just need a affordable power amp to pair with it, and it would also be nice to see Wiim get native Plex Amp support as I think thats going to appeal a lot more than Roon.
I normally watch your channel to ooh and aah over things I'll never actually buy, even while respecting and adhering to your music-first manifesto. This may be the exception. That cost for what you get seems to be incredible value.
This looks cool, I'm still enjoying the wiim amp using the fantastic application provided by wiim. Dac sounds great to me, even when using a CD transport.
On your comments on Roon now playing screen on tv: the best solution for many reasons is to use a mini PC as your roon server and roon player. Plug it into your TV and control with a mouse from the couch. Now you have a great and affordable roon setup plus a fully functional PC connected to your TV as a monitor.
Another spot on video John. Look forward to the review. On the subject of your often repeated (and entirely correct) point that the sound quality of a DAC has so much more to do with … power supply, output stage and clock quality etc … beyond just the DAC chip itself, would it be of interest (to you and us, your viewers) to demonstrate this with ‘side by side comparisons’ of devices with the exact same chip, but with marked differences in quality in power supply, output stage etc? It could even form the basis for a series where you look at the relative importance of each factor in turn. Appreciate you’ve covered the influence of these in the past, such as the importance of a better quality power supply etc, but not (AFAIK) specifically comparing devices with the same DAC chip but marked improvements in other key areas. If that’s too much (or not of interest) I would still love to see you assess devices offering significantly different types of analog output stages (beyond just op-amps); for example high quality valve/tube based analog output stages, appear to be of increasing interest to those seeking a ‘less digital’ sound. I’m not talking just a token valve/tube buffered output - there are many interesting, high quality pieces from CD players, DACs and streamers which appear to use well designed and implemented valve/tube output stages, supposed to offer vastly improved ‘holographic’ soundstage/imaging etc AND WITHOUT being temperamental or running hot, becoming ‘apartment heaters’ or having sound saturated with even-order harmonics or typical ‘tube-like’ sound. That said, if you look at Burson devices for example, they actively encourage users to play around with swapping out ever better quality Op-amps in their output stages (‘Op-amp rolling’ if you like) which some swear offer vast improvements. Those could offer an easy side by side comparison to demonstrate what can be gained by just using ‘better’ op-amps, which are very much ubiquitous in mainstream devices. Anyway … just some food for thought. Hope that’s helpful 👍
I just ordered one here in Denmark, the cheapest price was 394 usd on sale. I am satisfied with the price if it sound better than my old Bluesound node2 ☺️
Touchscreen is a great addition. If you follow networking best practices, then the Wiim would be on an IoT or guest network. My phone is on my regular LAN wifi network. I rather my family just press stop or fast forward on the touchscreen than use my phone. I think it makes sense, especially for reasonable price.
When they did the sneak peek of this is when I thought, maybe what I've been looking for is finally here. Well I'll be sure to check it out at T.H.E. Show in California in a couple of weeks. If it does what I hope it's going to do, I might buy two for myself and another one for my friend. LOL
There are still some people in the world, including me, who don't own a cell phone and never will... hopefully...!!! So the touch screen on the Wiim is functionally important...!!! Great review, as I'm very interested in this product and was looking forward to your take on it... Thank you Mr. Darko...!!!
You could buy an iPad instead of a cellphone. And use it to control the streamer. Or even another tablet based on Android (but not an Amazon Kindle which is artificially limited in apps by Amazon).
Phone/tablet is necessary with a streamer. And this is someone with a audio streamer with a larger touchscreen audio streamer. Makes it easier to use and with information worth it Get a tablet
Yes, I got hold of an old galaxy tablet, and use that for the WiiM Home App, and all my other media-related stuff. I even have my cd and amp remote velcroed on the tablet case-cover, so no more up-and -down on the sofa!
Hi John, I'm so glad you're covering this momentous, and much anticipated launch. Truth be told, WiiM had truly transformed the audio industry for the better up to a certain threshold of users...primarily the mid-fi's and low-fi's amongst us, as well as quite a few Hi-Fi users...even if they're not willing to admit it 😂 The WiiM Mini got me to transition away from my noisy USB laptop as a source which was driving my 33 year old SS Carver amp...the Mini being a fully functioning puck with an amazing user interface. One may question whether any of their more recent product launches has been as impactful to the industry (including the Ultra and Amp), I for one had moved up to the WiiM Pro Plus which is more than enough for me, especially when powered by a high quality LPS which takes it to the next level. Some day I will upgrade, but for now I'm all smiles. WiiM truly deserves the time and attention you're giving them... they waked up an industry that was poised for change...for the better. And I know I'm one of many that had their listening experience improved.
Having lived through products that are essentially EOL because they depend on apps, that are no longer supported, such as the superb Oppo gear, I'm seriously in favor of gear not tied to a phone app. So, any approach to use without a phone is a positive feature.
We are living in a truly golden age of audio. Highly affordable products with great performance. Inexpensive access to vast streaming libraries. $329 for so much functionality, that’s insanely good. Twenty five ago I paid $1,100 (probably $2,000 in today’s money) for a tube linestage. All it could do was switch inputs and adjust volume. It had audibly worse performance.
It's not just iPhones that will work with room correction, it's any modern IOS device (even iPads from a few generations ago). I'm an Android user, but have an iPad as display/album art. RC worked well using it instead of an iPhone, although the better mic on newer iPhones will probably do a better job.
Hi John I am an og watcher since the beginning of the channel and I no you like micro dynamics and a lot of duff duff and I am here to recommend the brand mission But particularly the qx serie I think you should give the qx2 a listen maybe as part of a £1000 pound kick ass system lol 😂 I know you will be impressed 👍 I also don’t think these speakers get enough attention or credit qx2 mk1 -mk2 are an absolute steal for the price
Snagged one that now on sale 263... But was curious when watched the other video with Mojo2 connected, was using toslink. My Mojo2 goes to sleep if no music playing on toslink and I have to unplug the usb3 input coming from a nearby pc. Was hoping the usb output of Wiim ultra would recognize the Chord Mojo2 as could never get raspberry pi's to work with it over usb. Delighted to say yes it works, usb output says 'chord mojo2' as output device. Fantastic, what I was gambling would work or their frequent updates would make it work. Now I just hope they give some better screen displays over upcoming updates. I had to reduce volume on the wiim rather than going 100 output and controlling at the preamp level so could get the primative vu meter display to dance.
Having the touchscreen is a massive plus, those of us with a mrs will have an easier time selling it to the other half if they can use it by pressing the screen!!!!
I cant wait to hear your thoughts on this amp. Its now July 2. How close are you to reviewing? Love your reviews by the way. Im considering either the wiim pro plus, ultra or possibly blu sound node for my first streamer. Do streamers provide a significant sound upgrade over just a toslink connection out your tv? Thanks!
Nice one John. Price in Australia is set to be $599! Au so once you convert exchange rate we cop another $100 extra than the US price. So bang for buck a little diminished down here but still more than worth it I feel if the SQ is right. The screen for me is all about the album art display and Ifeel that's the big draw card. Look forward to your review and as always thanks for posting !
This is highly unlikely, but I really hope it can mix multiple inputs to a single output. Like to chrome cast audio to it while still being able to hear notifications from a PC input.
John, do you still use the chrome cast audio device? It sucks that google never made an updated version of the chrome cast audio device with usb c, newer and faster wifi chip while still retaining the same features and functionality of the old chrome cast audio device while maybe adding dsd support for dsd users. I still have my old chrome cast audio device and I wish it had usb c instead of micro usb and a newer and faster wifi chip.
Why have a touchscreen? Because they can and it's nice to have! Bummer they don't correctly color code the ports on the back (like the sub and coax rca). Fantastic that this has room correction and that it's 2.1, and actually like that it has a phono preamp built-in and a headphone jack. Well done for the price! I wasn't interested in a WiiM until the WiiM Ultra, now I'll add one to the mix.
Great video! Would love a video on how these streamers compare to a laptop? I have an external DAC so I would just be using the digital out of a streamer. Is the digital out from a streamer better than a laptop? Thanks!
Thanks John as always! Big question which I feel has never been fully answered: about this Peachtree GaN1 suggestion, does a ‘variable digital output’ as it is on the Bluesound Node and now in this WiiM Ultra affect negatively sound quality?? I don’t have a GaN1, just a Node with an external Dac and an integrated, and even with the Coax out from Node to the Dac, I use the volume gain on Bluesound’s App (yes, not having ‘fixed volume’ active). It is convenient for multi room purposes and general flexibility. But am I effectively reducing the bit quality so having worst sound?? Though my system is quite revealing, I struggle to find substantial differences when I switch to ‘fixed volume’ on the App and manage volume from my integrated. Comments on this?? Thanks a lot.
I love your RUclips videos and have a request. Obviously you have an expansive library of music, artists, groups, etc. based on references in your equipment reviews. Could you do a video (or series) on music you enjoy and can recommend? I’m in a rut and really need some new input.
At 3:08 you say Airplay 2 is supported - Wiim have now publicly stated that Airplay 2 cannot be supported on the current hardware even with a software update, and have retroactively updated the spec list on their website which previously said Airplay 2 coming soon after certification. Gutted about this and its unclear whether a revision 2 will be released in the near future that does support Airplay 2, so for now I'm holding off to see what happens as I do use Airplay 2 sometimes with my current Volumio installation.
Nice review! One question though, is the HDMI ARC bi-directional in the way that I could connect my AV receiver (Pioneer VSX-528) to it and be able to turn-it on when I do playback through Wiim? :D Or, at least, does the wake-up ARC functionality works? Thank you.
Are you asking about sound or a device automatically powering on when another device is turned on? ARC allows sound to be passed through in either direction. If you’re asking about automatically powering a device on when another device is turned on, that’s called CEC.
Looking forward to the oxygen free copper cables and the little black square you stick on the box. Just kidding. This sounds like a nice gadget to have.
Great video as always. I was looking at a WiiM Pro Plus and a Android user with a high-end 5 channel setup. I use Tidal and Amazon. Currently I play sacd discs and stream via blue-tooth. I'm excited to start streaming flac files via wifi for "losless" audio. Is there a service that does lossless best or is a flac file the same on each service? Also, would I gain much from waiting for the Ultra over the Pro Plus. Bass management is done through my preamp so I don't need that function. I can live with the screen on the "box." I read the DAC was better and power supply. Do you think there would be an appreciable difference in sound quality? I need to buy three of these guys for each system. Thanks!
I have a screen on my streamer, but it’s not atouchscreen. That’s fine, as it’s just another item to collect fingerprints, and I can perform needed functions from my tablet or the remote control.
can i use that display just as a huge volume display? i want to be able to see the volume from across the room although i will be using the hdmi arc so ill probably see that on my tv but i haven’t tried that before….
On paper it has everything for a very good price. This and a good poweramp and you have a very nice system. The big, big question is what the sound quality will be. I gladly would have paid double if Wimm could make a giant killer.
Forget the power amp and just use active speakers? One box solution. The Wiim mini is already ridiculously good for the price. This has everything. Bass management AND room correction too? No brainer.
How do you use sub out with an integrated amplifier? Let's say I want room correction and want to use the bass management tools on the Wiim. Can I connect my subwoofer on the Wiim to then have the unit output via lineout so my integrated amp controls volume? I don't want to use 2 volume controls! But how would the Wiim control the sub volume?
Just a question, can I connect the Ultra to my Onkeyo home cinema set with a 7.1 speaker set, for example? via the fiber optic connection and the sound with, for example, Tidal connect would then be better than just via the Onkeyo home cinema set and I would still have Dolby if Tidal also supplies Dolby to the WIIM Ultra
This might just tick all the boxes for me to replace my old preamp. Even if I hate the way the DAC and phono stage sound, I can run my existing gear. For the price I feel like I have to just try it.
I picked up the ultra as I didn’t want to dump £000’s into streaming when my front end is vinyl with a Ki ruby amp It’s replacing a node2i & rme dac. Obviously it’s not as good but I think that’s down to the dac. Is there a £350 streamer sans bells and whistles that betters the ultra or do I have to spend loads more to get an appreciable upgrade on the node.
When you said "analogue pre amp" not quite, it will convert all analogue sources into digital. So it's not like a old school analogue stereo pre amp. For records, analogue sources this conversion can be seen as a bad thing
Hi, I am looking for a solution that would allow me to stream from my turntable (phone preamp included) to a pair of Homepods. I think that maybe the Wiim Ultra will allow me to do this, but do not find any mention of support for Airplay 2, and if it does not support it, then streaming to Homepods is not possible. Could you help me clarify if this is possible.
sneaking in a review comparison request Amphion Argon 1 (aluminum drivers) and Amphion Helium 510 (paper drivers) It would be nice to hear something about this brand, and also a aluminum vs. paper drivers
I own the Wiim Amp so would probably use the ultra connected to the wiim amp.. Im curious does both having streaming cancel the other out? ive wanted more inputs on my wiim amp so hopefully the ultra solves this with additional inputs
I just stumbled on this video while trying to find some information and am a bit overwhelmed by all the stuff out there these days. Wondering basically how to best (simply and fairly cheaply) go about just streaming tidal in CD quality in our living room area? I'm not looking to connect to any AVR setup. I have Tidal on my phone and just want to be able to play Tidal over WIFI and stream from my phone to some sort of lower profile bookshelf speaker setup that ideally would just be 2 speakers with little other equipment except maybe a DAC. Any advice on what I'd need? I know I can stream to any bluetooth speaker easily but I'd like to do a little better than that since I think bluetooth often degrades quality. I've thought about a pair of Sonos speakers but I don't know. Is there some sort of DAC I could buy that I could just connect to a powered speaker set to play tidal/tidal connect from my phone to the DAC and get close to CD quality? I'm trying to keep the lowest profile and least equipment possible. Do I even need powered speakers? It's all a bit confusing with all the different equipment out there. I've seen something like the SVS Prime Wireless Pro speakers that look like they'd work but really don't want to spend $800 and would rather keep it to about $300 or less if I can. Just wondering how you'd suggest a "newbie" go about streaming tidal in "decent" quality over wifi to get a bit better results than just streaming from my phone through a typical bluetooth speaker? Would appreciate any quick advice you might have.
One spec I haven’t seen mentioned is whether the two way Bluetooth supports transmission in Aptx. I’m currently considering the Node X as a Roon endpoint with Aptx transmission for headphones and the Wiim Ultra could be a real contender if it had the same capability.
I am trying to replace my Sonos AMP (as it has no BT and Chromecast), what AMP I can pair with the Ultra to get a similiar or even better audio performance? I'm using the Monitor Audio Silver 100.
Roon ready is coming later as is Apple Airplay. Plus, the Room correction doesn’t yet work with a subwoofer. Hopefully a firmware update will address this. And there is no direct source selection on the remote. You need to toggle through them all like all Chinese remotes.
So this plus an integrated amp like a Fosi ZA3 would be "all you need" right? At least if you want affordable Type-D setup. Or you could get the new Wiim Amp Pro as an all in one. Am I missing anything key? If you were really picky you could get a standalone DAC too.
Good afternoon. One question, I have an Onkyo 9.2 ch receiver. with Dolby Atmos. I listen to the Tidal service, Amazon music and Sirius Xm through apps through an Amazon device connected to my receiver. How could a Wiim device connected to my receiver be useful? Would the audio improve in these services or would the sound quality be the same? thank you!
You might want to update that Wiim has come out and said that the 1st generation of Ultras will not be able to be updated by firmware to enable Airplay 2
I would like to buy this product, but my question is how do I use my Tidal music app or I have to blueooth the music to the streamer?!! I think I would lose resolution if my Iphone doest have APTx ?!!
The phono stage is MM or MC viz. "Please check the Phono Stage specifications below:
Gain: 41dB MM / 59dB MC
MM: THD+N -75dB，SNR 76dB@5mV;
MC: THD+N -58dB,SNR 56dB@0.5mV
RIAA accuracy: < ±0.5dB / 20Hz - 20kHz"
Clearly, WiiM has shared more info with you than with me 😆
@@DarkoAudio They’ve got a thread and q&a on their forum with this and other info :)
It baffles me why this info isn’t in the press kit and wasn't detailed in Munich. :/ There also seems to be quite a bit of confusion about when the Ultra is shipping. But nevertheless, thank you SO much for sharing.
@@DarkoAudio Going by my gut and their previous releases, from the Q3 statement they have said, I’d guess July for the USA, hopefully Aug for the EU/UK, and the rest of the world in Sep onwards. But those are just guesses…
I think I’ll wait to see what actually ships.
You are right: nobody needs the touchscreen when there is a well working app on your phone. But it looks so much better in the rack with the cover art displayed… 😊
Disagree - my Linn has a small screen and it’s useful to see info from my listening point by simply pressing a button on its remote
I need a touchscreen for my wife or kids to be able to use it more functional than with a remote, when I'm not at home because the app is installed on my phone only.
touchscreen is very handy when using on a desktop in near field setup imo
And when the apps are no longer supported, I'd want my gear to still work, fully and well.
@@sokrebis Same here, and for that reason wife is not a fan of the Bluesound powernode we have
Touchscreen or not I like the screen for the ability to see song details with album art without having to touch my phone. I’m excited to see the future review!
Thank you for this useful coverage. I ordered the Ultra here in the US from Amazon delivery in about a week.
I haven't bought any audio gear in five years as I thought my setup was complete! LOL
Sub-out and bass management is what really sets this apart from the Wiim Pro Plus. Hook this up to a good class A/B power amp with trigger/auto-on and you've got a killer setup!
Yes, this is potentially very interesting. Imagine this preamp at £329 plus a good power amp at say £800-£1000. Might be a very interesting competitor for a Hegel h95 or Rega Elex.
Digital volume control. Blech
@@Pressure_23 which power amp would you coose? I would like to build my first setup with thus wiim
I dont understand how this works, i mean there is a amp inside right?
@@snoepox1257 this is a media player. no amp.
Room correction was the major attraction for me. However understandable, lack of compatibility with Android kills it for me.
For room correction, is there a way of using a MiniDSP UMIK-1 mic? It sounds like using a laptop isn't an option as you need a smartphone app? It's disappointing as it was a big selling feature for me to.
It's calibrated to the mic inside an iPhone which is easier for a manufacturer to do than all the various ones in all the Android phones. Maybe the ticket is to borrow a friend's iPhone, run the room correction DSP software, then leave it alone.
@@rosswarren436that's totally pointless and inaccurate. Waste of time
ask a friend of you who has an iphone to calibrate it and voila
@@c0mbat15easy solution. Ask a iPhone friend etc come over install the wiim home app and you are done.
The current room correction beta firmware for the Pro, Pro Plus and Amp, which I suspect will be the same on the Ultra, doesn’t use two minutes of white noise but a single tone sweep and results in a 10 band PEQ set of parameters. The 10 band PEQ setting is alternatively available if you want to add the results from REW or HouseCurve.
Ah, so it's a little more basic than Buchardt and Piega's.
I wonder if one will be able to add results from REW or Housecurve via an Android device? Can't see why not, but hey.
I don’t see why not - RC just produces a set of PEQ values
@@adrianrorvik7488 Since this is already possible with the existing Pro, Pro Plus and Amp (non-beta, gold release firmware and app) I don't see why it shouldn't be with the Ultra. Since there's not import option you will have to transfer PEQ settings manually.
Sorry, that isn't entirely correct. Where are you getting your info? Apparently not from the same source as I, as I was to believe that the Room correction in the Ultra will be slightly different / an improvement to what is already happening in the Pro and Pro plus..., but then again maybe my source has got it all wrong..., obviously one of our two sources does 😉
I am stunned by the audio quality of this little device - listening to it using a grado headphones. Very pleasant sound that’s not tiring at all. Even the phono input sounds great. And yes - I like the touchscreen as I do not want to use my phone all the time. And the interface works just fine.
I learn more from Darko than any other audio channel on RUclips.
I have pre-ordered from Crutchfield. They Guesstimate Jun 5 availability here in USA. I have a feeling I am going to be pleased because I was blown away by the Wiim Mini ever since I got it. Looking forward to John's Review.
Expected in July 5 not June.
How is it?
Usb digital out! Usb digital out! Usb digital out! THAT is the killer feature apart from the comprehensive inputs.
Does it get a usb out? I have only seen usb-stick playback (coming sometime) But I would love to feed my idi zen Dac with a streamer, that isn’t my rpi, which regularly bugs out…
It has usb audio out - either see the “Meet WiiM Ultra…” thread on the WiiM forum or google “WiiM Ultra blog” to see USB listed under audio out.
One of the main reasons I went with the DMP-A6 was the usb audio out.
@@holladiewadfee7 We can find USB digital out at their output spec...
"- Audio output
Through either analog (RCA, Headphone) or digital (Coax, Optical, USB) for connecting an amplifier or speaker "
My raspberry pi has USB out
I figured it would affordable but that price surprised me, this is going to be a pretty big deal for a lot people getting into two channel. Now Wiim just need a affordable power amp to pair with it, and it would also be nice to see Wiim get native Plex Amp support as I think thats going to appeal a lot more than Roon.
I remembered I have discussed a Wifi project with Link Play years before and visited their office in Shenzhen.
I normally watch your channel to ooh and aah over things I'll never actually buy, even while respecting and adhering to your music-first manifesto. This may be the exception. That cost for what you get seems to be incredible value.
Using a phone mic for calibration is Ronald McDonald HiFi.
This looks cool, I'm still enjoying the wiim amp using the fantastic application provided by wiim. Dac sounds great to me, even when using a CD transport.
I wish they add a pair of VU meters too.
On your comments on Roon now playing screen on tv: the best solution for many reasons is to use a mini PC as your roon server and roon player. Plug it into your TV and control with a mouse from the couch. Now you have a great and affordable roon setup plus a fully functional PC connected to your TV as a monitor.
All sounds great, would like to see 2 sub stereo out puts on a future Ultra +
Another spot on video John. Look forward to the review. On the subject of your often repeated (and entirely correct) point that the sound quality of a DAC has so much more to do with … power supply, output stage and clock quality etc … beyond just the DAC chip itself, would it be of interest (to you and us, your viewers) to demonstrate this with ‘side by side comparisons’ of devices with the exact same chip, but with marked differences in quality in power supply, output stage etc?
It could even form the basis for a series where you look at the relative importance of each factor in turn. Appreciate you’ve covered the influence of these in the past, such as the importance of a better quality power supply etc, but not (AFAIK) specifically comparing devices with the same DAC chip but marked improvements in other key areas.
If that’s too much (or not of interest) I would still love to see you assess devices offering significantly different types of analog output stages (beyond just op-amps); for example high quality valve/tube based analog output stages, appear to be of increasing interest to those seeking a ‘less digital’ sound. I’m not talking just a token valve/tube buffered output - there are many interesting, high quality pieces from CD players, DACs and streamers which appear to use well designed and implemented valve/tube output stages, supposed to offer vastly improved ‘holographic’ soundstage/imaging etc AND WITHOUT being temperamental or running hot, becoming ‘apartment heaters’ or having sound saturated with even-order harmonics or typical ‘tube-like’ sound.
That said, if you look at Burson devices for example, they actively encourage users to play around with swapping out ever better quality Op-amps in their output stages (‘Op-amp rolling’ if you like) which some swear offer vast improvements. Those could offer an easy side by side comparison to demonstrate what can be gained by just using ‘better’ op-amps, which are very much ubiquitous in mainstream devices. Anyway … just some food for thought. Hope that’s helpful 👍
I'm hoping to try one directly to a amplifier. So far it sounds more promising than Bluesound.
This. Would love to be able to use this as a 2.0V preamp directly into a power amp.
You can with current wiim's so yes ofc. Works decent too
That Eat Static track is epic
I just ordered one here in Denmark, the cheapest price was 394 usd on sale. I am satisfied with the price if it sound better than my old Bluesound node2 ☺️
Ooooh, more affordable Wiim goodies! I bought the original Wiim based on your review and love it.
This should be an interesting product given the announcement of the Marantz Model M1
Touchscreen is a great addition. If you follow networking best practices, then the Wiim would be on an IoT or guest network. My phone is on my regular LAN wifi network. I rather my family just press stop or fast forward on the touchscreen than use my phone. I think it makes sense, especially for reasonable price.
When they did the sneak peek of this is when I thought, maybe what I've been looking for is finally here. Well I'll be sure to check it out at T.H.E. Show in California in a couple of weeks. If it does what I hope it's going to do, I might buy two for myself and another one for my friend. LOL
There are still some people in the world, including me, who don't own a cell phone and never will... hopefully...!!! So the touch screen on the Wiim is functionally important...!!! Great review, as I'm very interested in this product and was looking forward to your take on it... Thank you Mr. Darko...!!!
You could buy an iPad instead of a cellphone. And use it to control the streamer. Or even another tablet based on Android (but not an Amazon Kindle which is artificially limited in apps by Amazon).
Phone/tablet is necessary with a streamer. And this is someone with a audio streamer with a larger touchscreen audio streamer. Makes it easier to use and with information worth it
Get a tablet
Yes, I got hold of an old galaxy tablet, and use that for the WiiM Home App, and all my other media-related stuff. I even have my cd and amp remote velcroed on the tablet case-cover, so no more up-and -down on the sofa!
That's One interesting looking Nucleus.. 🤔 Review incoming?
Hi John, I'm so glad you're covering this momentous, and much anticipated launch. Truth be told, WiiM had truly transformed the audio industry for the better up to a certain threshold of users...primarily the mid-fi's and low-fi's amongst us, as well as quite a few Hi-Fi users...even if they're not willing to admit it 😂
The WiiM Mini got me to transition away from my noisy USB laptop as a source which was driving my 33 year old SS Carver amp...the Mini being a fully functioning puck with an amazing user interface.
One may question whether any of their more recent product launches has been as impactful to the industry (including the Ultra and Amp), I for one had moved up to the WiiM Pro Plus which is more than enough for me, especially when powered by a high quality LPS which takes it to the next level.
Some day I will upgrade, but for now I'm all smiles.
WiiM truly deserves the time and attention you're giving them... they waked up an industry that was poised for change...for the better.
And I know I'm one of many that had their listening experience improved.
Does it support airplay or also gone like it has disappeared from WIIM Pro Plus? Can no longer stream from WIIM Pro Plus to Sonos fives
Great content. Thank you
Having lived through products that are essentially EOL because they depend on apps, that are no longer supported, such as the superb Oppo gear, I'm seriously in favor of gear not tied to a phone app. So, any approach to use without a phone is a positive feature.
Besides this room correction, are there other improvements in sound quality over the Wiim Pro if I just use digital outputs to an External DAC?
We are living in a truly golden age of audio. Highly affordable products with great performance. Inexpensive access to vast streaming libraries. $329 for so much functionality, that’s insanely good. Twenty five ago I paid $1,100 (probably $2,000 in today’s money) for a tube linestage. All it could do was switch inputs and adjust volume. It had audibly worse performance.
I hear ya!
you had me at squeezelite
Great video:)
I have question:
does tidal autoplay function work on wiim ultra?
Best as always~
It's not just iPhones that will work with room correction, it's any modern IOS device (even iPads from a few generations ago). I'm an Android user, but have an iPad as display/album art. RC worked well using it instead of an iPhone, although the better mic on newer iPhones will probably do a better job.
Hi John I am an og watcher since the beginning of the channel and I no you like micro dynamics and a lot of duff duff and I am here to recommend the brand mission
But particularly the qx serie
I think you should give the qx2 a listen maybe as part of a £1000 pound kick ass system lol 😂
I know you will be impressed 👍 I also don’t think these speakers get enough attention or credit qx2 mk1 -mk2 are an absolute steal for the price
Wondering if this little streamer would be better than the Cambridge Audio Cxn100
Snagged one that now on sale 263... But was curious when watched the other video with Mojo2 connected, was using toslink. My Mojo2 goes to sleep if no music playing on toslink and I have to unplug the usb3 input coming from a nearby pc. Was hoping the usb output of Wiim ultra would recognize the Chord Mojo2 as could never get raspberry pi's to work with it over usb. Delighted to say yes it works, usb output says 'chord mojo2' as output device. Fantastic, what I was gambling would work or their frequent updates would make it work. Now I just hope they give some better screen displays over upcoming updates. I had to reduce volume on the wiim rather than going 100 output and controlling at the preamp level so could get the primative vu meter display to dance.
Really interested to know what it's like compared to the Node X... I miss having a screen like I had back in the day with the Squeezebox Touch.
The screen could be useful if you use this on a computer desk, considering it's headphone amp.
This is exactly what I am looking for. I hope the headphone amp is decent…
Having the touchscreen is a massive plus, those of us with a mrs will have an easier time selling it to the other half if they can use it by pressing the screen!!!!
Thank you for this content
Can I plug this into my active bookshelves and stream airplay2 audio to it from my Apple TV 4K for watching movies with no latency?
Could you use this with a Freya+ Tube Pre-amp? Is that overkill?
I cant wait to hear your thoughts on this amp.
Its now July 2. How close are you to reviewing? Love your reviews by the way.
Im considering either the wiim pro plus, ultra or possibly blu sound node for my first streamer.
Do streamers provide a significant sound upgrade over just a toslink connection out your tv?
Thanks!
Top informative video ..as usual ..Thanks !
Nice one John. Price in Australia is set to be $599! Au so once you convert exchange rate we cop another $100 extra than the US price. So bang for buck a little diminished down here but still more than worth it I feel if the SQ is right. The screen for me is all about the album art display and Ifeel that's the big draw card. Look forward to your review and as always thanks for posting !
Remember US prices don’t include tax, but agree we do get wounded a bit more in the pricing department.
@@LawsonGill-zu1xp especially as it's made in your backyard.
Canada will get price-hosed also, eventhough we're right beside the USofA. Probably be $599. here too.
Same in UK
This is highly unlikely, but I really hope it can mix multiple inputs to a single output. Like to chrome cast audio to it while still being able to hear notifications from a PC input.
Great video! Can you use the digital outputs at fixed volume with room correction all simultaneously?
John, do you still use the chrome cast audio device? It sucks that google never made an updated version of the chrome cast audio device with usb c, newer and faster wifi chip while still retaining the same features and functionality of the old chrome cast audio device while maybe adding dsd support for dsd users. I still have my old chrome cast audio device and I wish it had usb c instead of micro usb and a newer and faster wifi chip.
Why have a touchscreen? Because they can and it's nice to have! Bummer they don't correctly color code the ports on the back (like the sub and coax rca). Fantastic that this has room correction and that it's 2.1, and actually like that it has a phono preamp built-in and a headphone jack. Well done for the price! I wasn't interested in a WiiM until the WiiM Ultra, now I'll add one to the mix.
Companies can only support apps for a period of time. Having a menu on the screen keeps it out of the dumpster later in life. ❤❤❤
Great video! Would love a video on how these streamers compare to a laptop? I have an external DAC so I would just be using the digital out of a streamer. Is the digital out from a streamer better than a laptop? Thanks!
Thanks John as always! Big question which I feel has never been fully answered: about this Peachtree GaN1 suggestion, does a ‘variable digital output’ as it is on the Bluesound Node and now in this WiiM Ultra affect negatively sound quality?? I don’t have a GaN1, just a Node with an external Dac and an integrated, and even with the Coax out from Node to the Dac, I use the volume gain on Bluesound’s App (yes, not having ‘fixed volume’ active). It is convenient for multi room purposes and general flexibility. But am I effectively reducing the bit quality so having worst sound?? Though my system is quite revealing, I struggle to find substantial differences when I switch to ‘fixed volume’ on the App and manage volume from my integrated.
Comments on this?? Thanks a lot.
What are the speakers you have in the background on the stands? They look beautiful
Can you please do a video on why WiiM removed AirPlay Cast? Thanks.
I love your RUclips videos and have a request. Obviously you have an expansive library of music, artists, groups, etc. based on references in your equipment reviews. Could you do a video (or series) on music you enjoy and can recommend? I’m in a rut and really need some new input.
At 3:08 you say Airplay 2 is supported - Wiim have now publicly stated that Airplay 2 cannot be supported on the current hardware even with a software update, and have retroactively updated the spec list on their website which previously said Airplay 2 coming soon after certification. Gutted about this and its unclear whether a revision 2 will be released in the near future that does support Airplay 2, so for now I'm holding off to see what happens as I do use Airplay 2 sometimes with my current Volumio installation.
Shpongle... Nice
Nice review!
One question though, is the HDMI ARC bi-directional in the way that I could connect my AV receiver (Pioneer VSX-528) to it and be able to turn-it on when I do playback through Wiim? :D
Or, at least, does the wake-up ARC functionality works?
Thank you.
Are you asking about sound or a device automatically powering on when another device is turned on?
ARC allows sound to be passed through in either direction.
If you’re asking about automatically powering a device on when another device is turned on, that’s called CEC.
Looking forward to the oxygen free copper cables and the little black square you stick on the box. Just kidding. This sounds like a nice gadget to have.
Great video as always. I was looking at a WiiM Pro Plus and a Android user with a high-end 5 channel setup. I use Tidal and Amazon. Currently I play sacd discs and stream via blue-tooth. I'm excited to start streaming flac files via wifi for "losless" audio. Is there a service that does lossless best or is a flac file the same on each service? Also, would I gain much from waiting for the Ultra over the Pro Plus. Bass management is done through my preamp so I don't need that function. I can live with the screen on the "box." I read the DAC was better and power supply. Do you think there would be an appreciable difference in sound quality? I need to buy three of these guys for each system. Thanks!
I have a screen on my streamer, but it’s not atouchscreen. That’s fine, as it’s just another item to collect fingerprints, and I can perform needed functions from my tablet or the remote control.
can i use that display just as a huge volume display? i want to be able to see the volume from across the room although i will be using the hdmi arc so ill probably see that on my tv but i haven’t tried that before….
You can also "hear" the volume instead of watching it :)
i am more interested in how it will work with the Roon Android app.
Great! But where is the Audio Streming- to listen ,plz !
Is the RCA out a pre-out (variable) also?
On paper it has everything for a very good price. This and a good poweramp and you have a very nice system. The big, big question is what the sound quality will be. I gladly would have paid double if Wimm could make a giant killer.
Forget the power amp and just use active speakers?
One box solution.
The Wiim mini is already ridiculously good for the price. This has everything. Bass management AND room correction too?
No brainer.
How do you get Tidal Masters to stream in your house to use for headphones? Thank you!
Cancelled my order just in time! I found out this does not support Apple AirPlay. That killed that.
How do you use sub out with an integrated amplifier? Let's say I want room correction and want to use the bass management tools on the Wiim. Can I connect my subwoofer on the Wiim to then have the unit output via lineout so my integrated amp controls volume? I don't want to use 2 volume controls! But how would the Wiim control the sub volume?
I agree with the other commenter that USB out is important.
Their Wiim ultra blog webpage states “Audio output: Through either analog (RCA, Headphone) or digital (Coax, Optical, USB)”
Just a question, can I connect the Ultra to my Onkeyo home cinema set with a 7.1 speaker set, for example? via the fiber optic connection and the sound with, for example, Tidal connect would then be better than just via the Onkeyo home cinema set and I would still have Dolby if Tidal also supplies Dolby to the WIIM Ultra
This might just tick all the boxes for me to replace my old preamp. Even if I hate the way the DAC and phono stage sound, I can run my existing gear. For the price I feel like I have to just try it.
I picked up the ultra as I didn’t want to dump £000’s into streaming when my front end is vinyl with a Ki ruby amp
It’s replacing a node2i & rme dac.
Obviously it’s not as good but I think that’s down to the dac.
Is there a £350 streamer sans bells and whistles that betters the ultra or do I have to spend loads more to get an appreciable upgrade on the node.
Does the WiiM Ultra "color" the sound when it is passed to an external DAC?
I’ve seen that the headphone output is much more powerful than initially thought…
I've not kept up with the behind the scenes chatter. What is its mW rating?
@@DarkoAudio Apparently chatter on Head-Fi says 1.4W into 33ohms and 0.15W into 330 ohms.
Thanks!
When you said "analogue pre amp" not quite, it will convert all analogue sources into digital. So it's not like a old school analogue stereo pre amp. For records, analogue sources this conversion can be seen as a bad thing
Hi, I am looking for a solution that would allow me to stream from my turntable (phone preamp included) to a pair of Homepods. I think that maybe the Wiim Ultra will allow me to do this, but do not find any mention of support for Airplay 2, and if it does not support it, then streaming to Homepods is not possible. Could you help me clarify if this is possible.
I think music delivery and replay still matter more
sneaking in a review comparison request
Amphion Argon 1 (aluminum drivers) and Amphion Helium 510 (paper drivers)
It would be nice to hear something about this brand, and also a aluminum vs. paper drivers
looking forward to see the review.
too bad that room correction will not be working on Android.
hope there could be some kind of workaround though.
Can it send a digital high pass signal to an external dac and low pass via phono sub output?
I own the Wiim Amp so would probably use the ultra connected to the wiim amp.. Im curious does both having streaming cancel the other out? ive wanted more inputs on my wiim amp so hopefully the ultra solves this with additional inputs
I just stumbled on this video while trying to find some information and am a bit overwhelmed by all the stuff out there these days. Wondering basically how to best (simply and fairly cheaply) go about just streaming tidal in CD quality in our living room area? I'm not looking to connect to any AVR setup. I have Tidal on my phone and just want to be able to play Tidal over WIFI and stream from my phone to some sort of lower profile bookshelf speaker setup that ideally would just be 2 speakers with little other equipment except maybe a DAC. Any advice on what I'd need? I know I can stream to any bluetooth speaker easily but I'd like to do a little better than that since I think bluetooth often degrades quality. I've thought about a pair of Sonos speakers but I don't know. Is there some sort of DAC I could buy that I could just connect to a powered speaker set to play tidal/tidal connect from my phone to the DAC and get close to CD quality? I'm trying to keep the lowest profile and least equipment possible. Do I even need powered speakers? It's all a bit confusing with all the different equipment out there. I've seen something like the SVS Prime Wireless Pro speakers that look like they'd work but really don't want to spend $800 and would rather keep it to about $300 or less if I can. Just wondering how you'd suggest a "newbie" go about streaming tidal in "decent" quality over wifi to get a bit better results than just streaming from my phone through a typical bluetooth speaker? Would appreciate any quick advice you might have.
One spec I haven’t seen mentioned is whether the two way Bluetooth supports transmission in Aptx. I’m currently considering the Node X as a Roon endpoint with Aptx transmission for headphones and the Wiim Ultra could be a real contender if it had the same capability.
No, it doesn’t support aptx
I am trying to replace my Sonos AMP (as it has no BT and Chromecast), what AMP I can pair with the Ultra to get a similiar or even better audio performance? I'm using the Monitor Audio Silver 100.
Roon ready is coming later as is Apple Airplay. Plus, the Room correction doesn’t yet work with a subwoofer. Hopefully a firmware update will address this. And there is no direct source selection on the remote. You need to toggle through them all like all Chinese remotes.
No AirPlay no deal
So this plus an integrated amp like a Fosi ZA3 would be "all you need" right? At least if you want affordable Type-D setup. Or you could get the new Wiim Amp Pro as an all in one. Am I missing anything key? If you were really picky you could get a standalone DAC too.
Good afternoon. One question, I have an Onkyo 9.2 ch receiver. with Dolby Atmos. I listen to the Tidal service, Amazon music and Sirius Xm through apps through an Amazon device connected to my receiver. How could a Wiim device connected to my receiver be useful? Would the audio improve in these services or would the sound quality be the same? thank you!
You might want to update that Wiim has come out and said that the 1st generation of Ultras will not be able to be updated by firmware to enable Airplay 2
On the WiiM website the Ultra does not support AirPlay 2
I would like to buy this product, but my question is how do I use my Tidal music app or I have to blueooth the music to the streamer?!!
I think I would lose resolution if my Iphone doest have APTx ?!!
Ok so what’s the best 2.1 speaker setup
These can drive? What speakers should I pair with it?
The Wiim Ultra is just a streamer, there is no speaker connectivity.
Start with speakers you like. Consider the WiiM amp, which is also feature rich
@@johannilsson1088 it could be connected to powered speakers...
Say it, John!
Can the USB accept input from a computer (JRiver, Roon, etc)