Five power supplies for the WiiM Pro+
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- The WiiM streamers deliver great value for money and are upgraded by many using an external DAC. But what if you replace the original power supply with a better one?
Contents of this video
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Start of program
00:58 - What does it do?
01:46 - Switch mode power supply
03:27 - Linear power supply
04:59 - Other power supplies
06:15 - Which one to choose?
07:41 - For the WiiM Pro Plus
08:44, - Current capability
10:22 - Listening setup
11:19 - Sound quality
11:49 - WiiM power supply
12:28 - iFi iPower2
12:53 - Allo Nirvana
13:06 - PD Creative Super Low-Noise
13:40 - sBooster BOTW P&P ECO, 1st gen
14:04 - The verdict
14:33 - The wrap
Relevant videos:
Review WiiM Mini: • Wiim Mini Streamer
Review WiiM Pro: • WiiM Pro streamer does...
iFi iPower 2: ifi-audio.com/products/ipower2/
Allo Nirvana: allo.com/sparky/nirvana-smps....
PD Creative Super Low-noise PSU 5V: pd-cf.com/produkt/super-low-n...
sBooster BOTW P&P ECO 5V: www.sbooster.com/power-supplies
About my reference setups, May 2023: • About my reference set...
If you like my work, support it through:
My Patreon page: / thehbchannel
Paypal: www.paypal.me/theHBchannel
My book: • File Based Audio aka S... - Věda a technologie
Another super fascinating, helpful & insightful video Hans. appreciate the clarifications and absolute descriptions you were using to describe the sound. I have seen a few DIY RPi PSU's using super capacitors specifically to improve the delivery of the DAC HAT boards.
choices, choices
Thanks for the information, I purchased the ifi ipower2 for my WiiM pro plus , I can definitely hear a big improvement over stock usb power. This is my first time hearing a low noise power supply. My set up:
wharfedale 12.2
Yamaha A-501
WiiM pro plus
Tidal connect
Enjoy it
Took your advise and installed the iFi iPower 2 to the WiiM Pro connected to an external DAC. I could not believe there would be such a difference made by a power supply. Thank you !
Great to hear!
If i understand correctly, Hans explained that the power supply for the digital source is not as critical as the power supply for the DAC. You need the clean power for the D/A converters. I'm surprised that you hear a difference when you use the WiiM as a digital source. Do you have another iFi iPower 2 on your DAC as well? Might be interesting to compare with and without for the WiiM and the DAC, four tests in all.
The iFi Power2 was only used for the streamer circuit in the WiiM Pro. Coax cable was used to a Yamaha A4A receiver. I definitely heard more clarity in the output sound.
Hi Hans, many thanks for your video. I have a WiiM Pro Plus connected to a Yamaha AS 801. Which type of iFi Power2 should be used? We have here different version here, 5V / 9V / 12V / 15V? Many thanks for your help and happy new year!
@@allucinox The WiiM Pro Plus is a 5v.
Great video! I'm an old analogue guy and am doing my homework to figure out a good DAC/Streaming option to feed into my 80's era stereo set-up. I'm well aware of the effects of power supplies on older equipment, but am clueless on how they affect the modern digital gear. Your explanation gives me a lot of good information to go on. THANK YOU!
My pleasure entirely!
I have always enjoyed your content, Hans. I have just bought a Wii Pro Plus and an IFI Power 2 based on this review for my old but dead capable 'semi' smartspeaker B&W A7. It arrives tomorrow. On system 1 I run an Auralic G2.1 streamer with an aftermarket Hoer Wege PSU feeding a Denafips DDC and Terminator II DAC with expensive i2S and clock cabling and Network acoustics LAN components, among other expensive audio jewellry (the Auva EQ footers are a recommend of yours I am enjoying also). I'm not expecting remotely similar audio to my setup 1, but a fun office room and convenient streamer. Anyway, to my point: you are so gracious with your replies to people's questions. I ask no questions, just wanted to thank you for all that you do for our community. A real gent, we salute you
Enjoy the music 😊
I have Wiim Pro plus and just ordered the IFI. I may get a sbooster down the road but I need my new speakers 1st. Thanks for the great review.
👍🏼
Thanks for another great video.
I've been watching your channel for around a year now before I bought my first headphone setup, Sennheiser 660S2 with Ifi signature dac and amp, each with a ipower 2, and was generally happy with the sound. But there was some harshness, too sibilant and some glaring quality that was fatiguing. When I got my wiim pro yesterday with the ifi 2 power supply that harshness was all gone! It now sounds sublime to my ears and I am very happy about my purchase thanks to your very informative videos so I would like to thank you for everything.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you again Hans for another informative and useful video. I had the same experience with the power supplies and WiiM Pro. I have both the LHY 5v LPS and the ifi2 5v PS, I cannot tell the difference between the two. But, they did have an overall positive impact on the sound, as you stated.
👍🏼
Using always an external dac for my wiim pro worth it to power it with a linear power supply?
Thak you
Is that the LHY with 2 x 5V outputs? Seems like that would be a better buy if you have two components than use 5v.
I have 2 SBooster power supplies, one for my ADOT fibre optic kit and one for my Chord MScaler. I was fortunate enough to be able to try both prior to purchasing them and was extremely surprised by the level of improvement.
Enjoy the music.
Fantastic video, very helpfull and great presentation.
The way you respond to almost every comment is impressive, takes a lot of time.
Great channel.
Thank you
Thank you for the comparison. Before I saw this video I had purchased the iFi Power2 to use with my WiiM Pro and Pro Plus. Will watch again and see what more I learn. Would be nice to rate each of the power supplies on a scale say from 1 to 10 to help us better understand the performance improvements relative to each other.
I don't like single dimension ratings.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Understand, then let’s develop a three or five category one. Say
1. Sound Quality, 2. Build Quality, 3. Software Quality/Support, 4. Ease of Integration, 5. Features or what ever with a 1 to 5 in each. Every problem has a solution. Thanks for your time.
Perhaps you should start your own channel. It’s a lot of work though.
Great review once again. You have really helped me on my short journey. Have you considered adding the newer iFI iPower X to your arsenal?
No, time was against it
Hi Hans. I bought the Sbooster 12v for my Nokia Streaming Box 8010.
I was curious and skeptical!
After I connect Sbooster I ear immediatly the diference for much better!!
You know, the sound is more rich, pleasant, more bass freq., more delicious. NO FATIGUE.NOW I ENJOY LISTEN FOR HOURS!!!
THE VIDEO ON MY LG IS NOT FATIGUE FOR MY EYES AND BRAIN!!!
These days only listen to youtube music videos!
APPLE music is spleeping now.
Thanks for your GREAT REVIEWS!!!!!!!!
I USE A RX-A6A>AT4007>FOCAL826D
Thanks for sharing
Hans, you're a star (as is Tarun, The British Audiophile). I have a WiiM Pro Plus hooked up to a Mojo, which fed my Denon PMA600ne amp. I could barely hear the commercial freezer/compressor/pump come on in the barn through my Br03 speakers, but when I acquired my Grados it was more obvious, and then I started thinking I could hear a very,very faint hiss.
Imagine my joy when I saw your video, which could have been tailored for me.
An iPower 2 was just delivered which I've plugged into the WiiM. I am staggered by the difference , I'm not even going to ask my wife to keep swapping over power leads, the difference is incontrovertible. On the strength of that I've ordered a 6-way power strip that won a What HiFi magazine award, for a modest £40. Fortunately my pockets, and my wife, will prevent this from becoming an obsession, but I can't figure out how the barn circuit is getting to the house circuit. Forget it and turn the music up!
A million thanks.
👍🏼
Great 👍👍👍 Video I use my on adjustable power supplies , with my scope the best sound is possible
Cool, thanks!
Hello...nice review, and thanks for tip...I have Wiim pro, via coax out to Marantz hd dac1, via analog out to my amp Musical fidelity m5 si, with b&w 703 s2....Today i get ifi I power mkIi..., and I can say it is a big difference in sound...really big improvement....👍
Sounds great!
Thanks for the review!
Does the result of the test also apply to using the wiim with the digital outputs?
Best regards!
It should
Hans, you're the,"Real Deal" in the Audio Equipment World. Thank you
🙏🏻
Many thanks for this test, very informative. In the past, you have reviewed a number of Allo brand products. I was wondering if you have experience with their linear power supply, the Shanti.
I didn’t do testing with the shanti
Thank you Hans, this exactly the information I have been searching for.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent review! Would the differences become less audible when the streamer is connected to an external DAC?
To some degree, depending on the DAC used.
Thanks! I’m using the internal DAC in my Hegel H190. I’m mostly curious if in your experience, streamers that aren’t using their DACs are as affected by flimsy power supplies. Thanks!
Great posts! Thanks for sharing your honest views. I'm using the iFi Power X and is happy with it but looking at upgrade to a high grade LPS which Plixir , SBooster and Farad are the ones I'm interested. Seems like SBooster is sthg that I would take a seriosu audition. Cheers
👍🏼
Nicely Done.
In my setup I'm using the Wiim with an external dac.
If I add the IFI ipower 2 would it be better used with the external dac or the Wiim ?
Thanks
It does with me.
Hi Hans. Thanks for doing what you do.
Do you (or anyone else in the comments) have any experience comparing the benefits of the original ifi ipower supply with the version 2? I have a few of the original ones in the house, and I'm curious if there is a significant difference.
Anyone?
Hello sir, is there anything wrong if the power supply is connected to the same multiplug as the amplifier, CD player...
In principle I would prefer to have that connected elsewhere or via a grid filter.
Hi Hans, a great video here on the subject of power supplies. My source is a WiiM PRO (5v) into a separate DAC, in my case a Musical Fidelity V90 (12v). If I buy just one IFI Power 2, should I buy it for the WiiM Pro or for the Musical Fidelity V90 dac? Thank you.
I would start with the WiiM, but you can try it for yourself, of course.
Great video. I live in the US and have a WiiM Pro, anthem 1140 and paradigm founder 120 speakers. Which power supply would you recommend? Thank you so much!
The SBooster would be my choice
Thanks!
You bet!
Hi Hans. I have my WiiM Pro powered by the Topping P50 LPS. But it’s only 1 amp. Do you think this is straining or limiting in any way?
Probably
Thanks for the informative videos Hans.
Good to know there is someone out there to whom you can count on giving an educated, based on experience evaluation.
Can you please advise, what would be more important, to connect ifi power supply to a dac [topping e50] or to wiim mini?
Cheers.
Both actually. Since I have no experience with the Topping DAC, I can't say whether - when having only one power supply - the sound will improve more when used on the Topping or the Whim.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel thanks
I'd be interested to know how choice of power supply affects the Wiim's sound when using it with an external DAC.
I had one of the first wiim pro plus and tried it out of the box, then added an ifi, then a proper linear power supply (lhy) clear improvements at every stage, then a dac, I the went back to the ifi with a noticeable drop off in quality, I didn't bother trying it using stock power with the external dac. Han's does mention that you can soon get into a situation where you might be better off getting something more than a wiim pro... I ended up returning the wiim and the ifi, that said they are well with the money but I needed to go higher.
Thanks
I'm in a position where the WIIM is my best choice in terms of Accessibility because I'm blind. I started with a WIIM Mini. I wonder if I should just stay with the mini and get an external dac and better power supply. But I wonder if the digital output from the mini is not good enough to get better results from a higher end dac.
The bitstream out of even the WiiM Plus Pro is good enough for a low end DAC. If you use a mid-range DAC, a. better streamer or network bridge will give better sound through the DAC.
@@iansgalaxyI think the WiiM is great for a supplementary system in a spare room but if you got the expensive equipment on the audio end just splurge and get a good streamer for main unit.
How would the results change if WiiM Pro+ would connected to DAC first, like dinafrips, over toslink which connected to an amp over RCA? I understand interference is still a thing, but these PSU can have different results.
The sound quality will be higher but not to the level the Denafrips can deliver with a better streamer.
Hans, thank you for the answer. May I ask your recommendation of a streamer to consider or a few?
My system as a reference for the price range: WiiM -> Denafrips Enyo -> Parasound A23 -> Polk Audio SRS 2 (after thorough rebuild)
I would try the WiiM Pro, pick up a linear power supply like the LHY 5v unit and get the WiiM remote so you can use the WiiM Pro as a preamp. Use a good digital coax cable to hook to your Enyo. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I am using my WiiM Pro through a PS Audio DAC right now, and it sounds better than the other much more expensive streamers I have had through here.
Today I spent half a day comparing my streamers and dacs. I tried Nirvana SMPS too, for some reason in my setup it adds more noise. My resulting system: WiiM Pro Plus -> audioquest toslink -> Enyo -> Parasound A23 -> Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.
Result is top. For my ears and expectations
@@AlexAnikinSo, which power supply are you using? The one that came with the WiiM? Just curious.
Hi Hans, I have an SBooster ECO BOTW MkII linear power supply. My WIIM Pro has a USB-C power connecter. The Sbooster didn't come with a USB-C adapter. How did you connect yours?
By Buying an adaptor cable on line.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Now you will have to compare the $5 adaptor cables to the $350 ones. 🤣
Bedankt
🙏🏻
Hans, have you tried the iFi iPowerX? This is supposedly the next step up from the iPower2. I am considering this to improve my Wiim Pro Plus.
No, I haven’t. Sorry
Can you clarify with the sBooster which voltage option to take as they produce several from 5V power supply to 24 V option. I am also using a Diablo X which has its own battery and therefore I don't think there is a need for a second power upgrade ?
The Wiim needs 5 volts plus a USC C adapter
How does voltage drop normally affect digital equipment and its sound quality? Many LPS struggle keeping the voltage when current increase which leads me to think some digital devices are not so happy with LPS on them.
They need a bigger transformer if maintaing voltage is a problem. It seems the lps might not be the correct one to use. If you account for the voltage drop, or build a lps with a better regulator and bigger transformer, I see very little down side to using a lps.
I misused the power supplies by putting on a bigger load and thus demanding more current than they can deliver according to their specs.
Hi, I have the Furutech ADL GT40 DAC, which I'm still enjoying very much, and am looking to upgrade my power supply. The problem is that I cannot find a 9V AC output power supply. All premium power supplies seem to be DC output only. Can anyone help me? Thank you in advance!
I can't. Sorry.
You should try a battery power supply. I have had very good results from an inexpensive LHY lithium battery supply. Lithium batteries have very low internal resistance.
I have tried. Wasn't convinced.
You tried a power bank to power the Wiim Pro+ ? I do that with my WiiM Mini but I don’t know what the power consumption of this new WiiM is? I have a powerful Ankar Powerbank that can power a laptop. How long does your Powerbank last?
I wonder how general available powersupplies (for example apple usb-c 20w, apple macbook or the 3a raspberry pi) will work, what is a proper test for it?
Listen to it.
Do I get it right that, ideal sound scene on wiim will be when connected to 5v batteries power bank?
No
What would be more beneficial upgrading the power supply or adding a better DAC, for example smsl su1 ?
I don’t know the smls so I can’t say
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel ok, then maybe some other fairly budget DAC ? I guess it would not make sense to add a very expensive one because then I can buy another streamer with a better DAC ( Blue node for example )
to power the WiiM Pro Plus, which has a usb type C input, im thinking to get the SBooster BOTW P&P ECO MKII 5-6V .. can anyone point me to a adapter/converter to USB type C ?
sBooster can deliver a converter, I think.
Hi, Thanks for your review. I have one quick question. How do you plug in a dc tiped power supply into the wiim usb c power input? thanks
Using a converter cable. They are offered on line.
Danke!
Danke dir auch
Hi does the power supply make a difference if your using the wiim pro as a streamer only thank you for your input
Yes it does
Ik heb een elac music server ds-s101 welke je in het verleden getest hebt. Zou een update met bv de sboaster zinvol zijn of is de bijgeleverde voeding al van een goede kwaliteit?
Een sBooster is zeker zinnig wanneer de Elac direct op jouw stereo is aangesloten.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Maakt het dan verschil of je de analoge of digitale uitgang gebruikt?
Would it make a difference in you were only using the WiiM as a transport delivering its digital output over, say, optical to an external DAC?
Everything related to electronics can be interfered. That is my experience working with Fieldbus devices.
It would but your money would be better spent on a better streamer.
@@Pete.across.the.street have you a/b’ed a WiiM vs. “a better streamer”? And if so, what were the results. Thanks!
@@ericfrederick1227 yup. Result was i returned the Wiim pro plus because it sounded pretty bad comparatively.
@@Pete.across.the.streetcompared to which streamer/s?
Would using one of those battery backups be a decent test to see if your power supply is negatively affecting your sound?
Batteries are.noisy too so a bad alternative
@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel ok thanks.
Hello could you please tell me if the PD-CF power supply would be similar or as good as the Beatechnik LPS A6 power supply for the A6 Master? Would like to hear your thoughts on both manufacturers
I have not reviewed the Pf-CF so I can’t say
It is made by PD Creatives and is currently on special for 660PLN . I am thinking its probably a better option currently than the Beatechnik. Would you recommend PD Creatives products?
Thanks
No problem
Does any tried USB power bank? I assume it is clean power from battery.
Batteries and power banks are slow in delivering current and are noisy.
Sounds like the Eversolo A8 is a very good solution with both linear and switching PS’s.
The A8 is a great choice
Can the WiiM Pro+ be powered from a power bank? Anyone tried, and if so what is the real world power consumption?
Yes it can. But it probably isn’t a sound improvement.
I agree sir,you are right
i tried a 5v/2amp. Power bank to my wiim pro and it isn't worth it at all
Power banks i think have a different job to do..
♥
🙏🏻
which power supply would you recommend for Mojo2, if any?
You can run it on batteries of course. Otherwise I would use an iFi iPower2.
thanks@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
hello, thanks for your interesting video. I'm lookin for an upgrade for my wiim pro power supply. it comes with a 5V 2A power supply. I found an Ifi Power 2 that's 9V 2A. is it ok for my Wiim Pro? thank you for your reply
No, you need the 5 volt version of the iFi iPower2
thank you so much😊
Can these power supplies be used for the wiim ultra.
If Wiim Ultra has a USB C power connector, they can.
Can you provide a link to Amazon to purchase them.
Go to Amazon and search for Wiim pro plus
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannelI did but It does not tell you what power supply to use. I purchased the Win Pro plus from Amazon.
I honestly don’t understand where is the ‘noise’ or ‘distortion’ that upgrades are supposed to solve. I compared the regular Wiim to the Pro Plus; I can't hear a difference. I got the Nirvana power supply: I can't hear a difference. I got new preamp Tubes for my tube amp: I can't hear a difference. Not sure if I should be disappointed I can't hear any issues or happy I'm saving money and I'm content. I was genuinely hoping to hear something "better" or "different". Does anyone else feel as perplexed as I do?
It's the noise in the digital circuit that confuses the digital to analog converter and causes distortion there. It's not the noise in the analog signal.
you remind me of my professor who taught microeconomic analysis and policy. He was miserable.
Thank you very much
Any measurements or blind ABX?
I measure everything and only report things that clearly affect audible sound quality. As far as double blind testing is concerned , watch czcams.com/video/QG6LS9VDZlg/video.htmlsi=rZBuxD7Ky6AxSz7l
Excuse me but I didn’t catch any measurements relating to differences in audio output signal. As for blind testing I’m not able to tell what would the argument for or against it be but I’m assuming no such thing is called for here.
The latter is explained in the video I mentioned
No, because it's mostly influenced by the price and visual bias. Is the output of one power supply cleaner than another, show me the signals. Does it even matter since the DAC already has all the power filtering it needs. Blind test would result in no audible difference.
It would be interesting to taste with a power bank.
No, it isn’t. Power banks are slow and noisy
In principle you prefer a well implemented switched mode power supply for a DAC-less streamer. But in this case you prefer a well implemented linear power supply for the Wiim.
That's not a dacless streamer
Aha@@Pete.across.the.street I stand corrected. It's the Wiim pro plus streamer Dac !
😁
This is the gist of this review, Hans' test was more of a review of the power being supplied to the WiiM Pro+'s DAC than the digital side. I would have liked to see a comparison of the power supplies on the quality of the digital signal feeding his DAC, although Hans said it is not critical.
You remind me of college teachers you fear at first but later you end up loving. Great video! You helped a lot!
My pleasure
I have a 9v lps... Would that work for the wiim pro plus without issues?
No, it needs 5 volts.
Hi Hans, just in case you didn’t know, your website is not working
I know.
🙏🔈🔈
👍🏼
At your age, you suffer from severe hearing loss. How can then you claim hearing al these nuances of sound? How can you be sure that all this that you claim hearing is just your imagination?
You might want to watch czcams.com/video/JxFCnZ5pBp4/video.html
Bedankt
you too