The Wiim HiRes Streamer- Can It Compete with Sonos and Bluetooth for Your Vintage HiFi Stereo?
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- In this video Kevin talks about the good and bad of the Wiim streamers and how they stack up against Sonos and Bluetooth.
Enjoy!
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#vintagehifi #vintageaudio #vinylrecords - Věda a technologie
FYI, the coax out is digital. You can use it for connecting a DAC. It is not for connecting audio signal to a subwoofer.
The 3.5 to RCA output for WIIM Mini is analog and can indeed be plugged an receiver. The Mini has a Toslink out that is used for adding a DAC and in that case the 3.5 to analog is disabled
YT is full of so called "expert influencers" who think they are smarter than others
While the intent of your vid is appreciated, there are some omissions and inaccuracies that should be addressed:
1. The Wiim products are available on Amazon during Prime Days and Black Friday sales for about $20 off the regular price.
2. The coax output on the Wiim Pro is another digital output, not a subwoofer output.
3. The Wiim app does allow one click packaging of the whatever streaming apps you use, as long as you also have the streaming apps on your phone or tablet. You go into the Wiim app, pick your Wiim device if you have more than one, then pick your streaming app, which then opens; no extra steps. From what you displayed about the Sonos app, the Wiim app operates the same way. Also, searching in the Wiim app reveals results in all your streaming apps.
4. Although Wiim may not have the telephone tech support level that Sonos has, Wiim does process bug reports and issues very quickly and updates their app frequently. They also add features frequently.
I have both models of the Wiim, and have been well pleased with their performance, especially for the price.
For other users, I can verify that the info in the above post is correct. Something to add, the physical buttons on the Wiim Pro can be remapped to play/pause, previous song / next song instead of volume control. I like this feature a lot. Mine is set up on my desktop (working from home, can't use work laptop for my streaming). The physical buttons are awesome for this. Nowadays theres a remote to do the same I guess, but I'd prefer the touch buttons anyways. I put on a playlist and don't have to reach for my phone when wanting to pause or skip a song. App / firmware upgrades are frequent and the forums are responsive. I'm pretty sure the physical button remap was actually a suggestion from a user and was implemented by WiiM. The best part about this streamer, listening to music is so simple and easy that I listen to lots of it :)
The Wiim streamers are the best value in all of hifi
They recently got the Roon certification
That's a bit weird though. $20 a month subscription software on a $100-150 unit..
Yes but on high end systems that works.
It has no USB digital out, only coax or optical.
@@jackstraw1756 Your point being? USB DACs tend to be more expensive..
Kevin, I simply want to commend you and your team for the 'first chair' audio and video production quality that drips from each upload. Bravo!!
Thank you! Eric and I put a lot of time into these videos. Appreciate you noticing. Will share your compliment with him. Appreciate it!
I have a Wiim Mini plugged into a Schiit DAC and I love it. I got it a few months ago for 79 bucks on an Amazon lightening sale. My first turntable in 1975 was an AR XA. I wish I had kept it. A classic.
I got the Wiim as my toe dipping streamer, paired it with a Geshelli DAC and have been very happy with it. I dont have a whole house sound set up, just my man cave, and I've had no problems.
Great review by the way. I dont have a large physical media collection, and at my age and this point in my, I'm not going to build one. I realize streaming isn't for everyone, but it really fits my current situation.
If you ever do a review of external DAC's I highly recommend looking into Geshelli Labs or Schiit Audio. Great customer support, and both based in America.
Love my WiiM pro connected to SMSL dac and vintage Sony receiver. There is no need to run two apps. Wiim app runs most music apps and carries over playlists, etc. from your original app.
One thing I didn't hear mentioned was that with the WiiM you now have a remote volume control for your vintage amp/receiver. I have the WiiM Pro hooked up to my 9090DB, streaming Tidal as well as running my TV audio through it. I have become addicted to this setup. I almost never play physical media anymore. I was all jacked up to add a nice DAC to take it to the next level. I purchased a Geshelli J2 and when it arrived, I found that the new sound was actually a downgrade for me. The J2 went back and I'm perfectly happy with the WiiM alone. Will be adding a second one to run with my SX1080.
The DACs in these WiiM products with our vintage gear is more than acceptable. I have the Sansui 2000 and the 4000 in two systems and have a mini and a Pro setup, and it is so cool how they are able to work together. I need to break out my remote and start using that with my living room setup, maybe I can lose the PS Audio DAC/Preamp. The difference in DACs is negligible, I can barely hear the difference between the WiiM/PS Audio units with my Sansui, and I have tried other DACs, the WiiM internal DAC is a solid performer. And that is from a guy that owned the Venus II 12th, it had to go, sounded like mud on the vintage gear as did other DACs.
Or you could just buy a modern NAIM Uniti streamer and you'll never want to listen to your vintage hifi again
@@luisdetomaso867Ha Ha! $6000 for a streamer? Talk about diminishing returns. My hearing is not that good, and I quite like the sound of the vintage gear, none of my modern gear could come close, Parasound, Denafrips, PS Audio, etc... The WiiM Pro gets the job done just fine.
@@michaelwright1602 Uniti Atom is 3800 not 6000. And unless you have actually compared one to a WiiM playing through vintage gear, your opinion is invalid. Ultra warm, musical, reliable, all in an elegant one box solution. Uniti is not a "streamer", it's also a pre-amp, amp, remote discrete volume control, and media display that provides everything you need except for speakers
@@luisdetomaso867I know, I hear it from you audio snobs all of the time... My gear sucks, my ears suck, blah, blah, blah... Well Sherlock, I am extremely happy with what I own, you enjoy yours, and I will enjoy mine.
I appreciate your take here. Your pro's and con's. I jumped into the streaming world 3 months ago, wiim pro. So far so good. Great to have other options as well.
I enjoyed the wiim video, but you really didn't mention it's ability to be a pre amp. Adds volume remote to vintage audio. A big plus in my book. I just hooked mine up to my old realistic amp sounds great.
new to streaming ordered the bluesound but before I opened it I came across the Wiim pro plus for half the price and reviews were great so I ordered one.. couldn’t be happier easy to hook up and it sounds great!
Great honest review Kevin... Thank you!
Great video just bought the Wimm Pro hooked up with a schitt modi to my Marantz 2235b and works beautiful, streams hi res sound, no bull, my JBLs never sounded so cool!
The new WiiM Pro plus comes with the remote. For $219 WiiM Pro Plus features a built-in AKM 4493SEQ DAC and a TI Burr-Brown Audio PCM1861 ADC that can achieve up to 192kHz / 32-bit digital output when converting analog audio.
Wife bought me a WiiM Pro from you for Christmas. Absolutley love it. Hooked up to a 2220b through Model Sixes. Having volume control and presets is so nice. Thanks for the sticker and great advice. ps.... My PL 514x put me over 600.00 LOL. Thanks for the GREAT channel.
I've been using Moode Audio on a Raspberry Pi digital out to a DAC for my streaming needs. Works great and sounds wonderful
IMHO it’s worth looking at it by budget range to maintain some coherence with the overall investment. Under $1k receiver setup, the Wiim is pretty nice. I use one with a Topping D50 and my Harman Kardon 730; it’s nice. North of $1k receiver setup, for my Accuphase E-202 for instance, as a bigger step-up, I am currently considering the Eversolo DMP-A6 that combines one of the best DAC chipset with a nice streamer.
I have the WiiM Pro. The times I have contacted WiiM they answered right away…..much quicker than I expected. Quick, professional and spot on response. I have ritten to other firms this summer and am still waiting on response…..and since it’s summer time (vacations all over the place) I will continue to wait for a response. As for WiiM i a store, I’m glad they don’t. I can just see audio shops adding a premium to the price, waiting list, and other sales tactics that I personally do not like to deal with. WiiM is good equipment and provides good support.
I just hooked up a WiiM mini to my Sansui 2000 in the bedroom, and have the WiiM Pro in my living room on a Sansui 4000 through a PS Audio DAC/Preamp. I could not believe how easy it was to setup the WiiM's to play the same content in both rooms with no lag or other issues. For the money, these WiiM products are simply a no brainer, and they both sound very good with the vintage gear. The detail is there, even with the WiiM mini internal DAC on my Sansui 2000 via AUX in. Very impressed.
Does this setup on the Sansui 4000 in your living room with the DAC/Preamp enable you to use a remote ??
I love the Wiim Pro!
That and the Topping E50 DAC are my best purchases so far this year!
Great video ☕️🔥🍕🥓👍
I had a Wiim Mini but it went back due to complaints by The Management about youtube or something. Copped a Wiim Pro on Prime Day for 120 beans, returned the $99 Mini and haven't looked back. Not totally sold on the software yet. She hasn't complained so it's a win for now
I still love my Chromecast Audio though
Thanks and another two thumbs up for a good video!
I use Apple Music and SiriusXM, and I bought a Yamaha WXC-50 Streamer ($450) because it integrated SiriusXM. The hardware is decent but the MusicCast app is wonky and was giving me fits. I had seen a lot of videos on the WiiM, and decided to try the Pro. At this point it doesn't include SiriusXM so I have to use the separate app for it, but it's still easier than the Yamaha. I've never owned any Sonos products, but for my simple needs the WiiM has worked out quite well.
I have purchased 3 of the WiiM Pro up just recently. I love the ease of setup. The main selling point for me is the optical and coaxial outputs. This allows me to use any of my external DACS. I have all three connected to external DACs. I have one in my Pass Labs, Luxman, Magico setup streaming hi res Amazon Music. The optical cable out allows me to stream up to 24bit 192kHz to my Luxman DA-06.
Wow, that's a really cheap streamer to use with really high end equipment. It's pretty good as a streamer, but if your DAC is more than $1000 say, I'd really choose something better ..
@@erwindewit4073 It sounds just fine. I stream maybe 15% of the time on that system. My Esoteric K-05XD SACD/CD player does most of the work.
@@hi-fihaven2257 Wow, that's a monster! The Wiim connected to my dCS is good, but compared to, say, my Naim NDX as a streamer connected to the dCS DAC, the Naim is a massive step forwards.. Not very surprising of course, but still..
@@erwindewit4073 dCS Rocks!
I always had a streaming device connected to a vintage receiver. The oldest equipment I have ever done that to was a 1969 Harman/Kardon Three Thirty Nocturne.
Kevin great video! Are there any issues in using a dac with wiim into vintage receiver re dac voltage output being higher than aux input sensitivity?
Currently I use a patch cord, the audio jack from either an old smartphone or a tablet, to RCA jacks on my receiver. Lots of apps are available.
Using Bluesound Node for my vintage Marantz and an Auris for a vintage Kenwood.
I have 100's of records and listen to them often and even a tape deck with a limited collection but I agree running a streamer makes my setup more fun. I like to explore different music and when I really like something I will look for a Vinyl release and add it to my collection.
I just started using a Wiim mini and it is amazing but audiophiles will want to add a DAC as the dac in this is lackluster. For $90 it is a such a bargain and it even has an aux input which helps as most vintage gear do not have many inputs. It has an optical output so adding a better DAC is easy. The EQ is another plus and something I do not expect at this price.
I have been using a Yamaha WXAD-10 streamer with MusicCast for a number of years which looks the same as a WiiM Pro and similar priced. MusicCast app is same as Sonos and it also sounds great.
Thanks for the video. Could you recommend a good matching DAC for the WiiM Pro? Thanks.
Cool, I just bought a Wiim Pro for a vintage/modern system. I also have a Sonos connected to a set of speakers. I don't think anyone should consider either of they don't like using an app.. I personally don't like Sonos refusing to play high res files, index more than 15k files (only relevant if you have a big library) and doesn't do DLNA. The unpacking experience with the Wiim and setup process was great. I personally like the apps of the streaming services better in many ways than Sonos' implementation. So the connect option Wiim uses is something I personally like. I also connected it up to a 15k DAC to see how good it is. And you could probably connect a $1000 DAC to the Wiim (or the Sonos) and it will still make s difference. For the few people who want to do that.. But I do agree: they are new, so support, longevity etc. is a mystery for now. I don't think people will easily swap their Sonos setups for Wiim stuff though... Even though I did on my main system. My study still runs a Sonosfied set of speakers..
i tried one (Pro) with my Sansui G-7500 going through my Musician Pegasus DAC and loved it so much I ordered another one for my Sansui Seven.
And this allowed you to use a remote with your vintage amp, correct??
Can I get your opinion Kevin? I am just about to get Pioneer CS-405-K speakers. Thank you... Thank you for all the effort you make for all these videos. Much appreciated, thanks again. I will be running them on an SX-750.
How long did you do home theater etc. installations in homes? How did you like it? I have been building homes for people for 40 years and tried integrating home theater etc. pre wiring but it just never worked out for a bunch of reasons. How is the coax out used for a sub?
Thanks for sharing.
I found that if you integrate the Wiim Pro with Amazon Alexa, the remote becomes useful with its voice control. The same should go for mini.
Great video, interesting little product. I just use a Chromecast. Too bad the Chromecast Audio is out, but I just use a normal Chromecast V3 (or with Google TV) with HDMI and an HDMI audio extractor. Has analogue out but also digital out to connect to my Topping DAC. I just use Chromecast, this is sufficient for all my streaming needs.
I use the airplay function to connect my Bose and Denon together.
Erm, I picked up a SMSL Sanskrit MK10 for $70, and it uses my TV as a streamer (optical) and Bluetooth from my cell. With the remote included, it really gets the job done, and when I do upgrade, I can sell it with the SVS Soundbaseas a $300 bundle with some decent old Bose speakers. But thanks for the 411, I’ve been wondering what the big deal was with streamers. Here’s yer’ upthumb.
Man looking at the items in your store really takes me back. I have never owned a Maranze receiver but I had Air Force cats that did, in the early days they were coming from Germany and Japan.
I still have a bunch of Chromecast Audio devices and also a Wiim Mini. They’re very similar. The one thing I wish Wiim would do is make CZcams music available as a streaming service. Since the unfortunate discontinuation of the Chromecast Audio, the Wiim is absolutely the way to go and it’s a fantastic value! And it’s even better when using a better DAC.
Got to get the Pro to do that
I agree. Chromecast audio was an incredible bang for the buck too bad they stopped making them. I was blown away by the sound quality and almost ditched my Arcam cd player when I couldn't tell the difference on A/B testing with CD and Spotify (set to very high SQ). I'm sure these Wiim are awesome also. Bluetooth always sucked these are the only way to go. Great video Kevin!
I don't have to go in to any other app in my wiim mini to use tidal , it's in the app I connect my account once after that it's all in the wiim app
I was going to add this comment myself. I consider this a significant error, worth editing the video for. It is not even a NEW feature.
You can connect it via the Wiim Home App? Where are you seeing that option? Thanks!
I love my WiiM. I run it into a DAC, sounds great. The problem is my iPad always finds it but my iPhone is hit or miss. Not sure what the problem is. I sent in a ticket but they weren’t much help. They update their software a lot. Maybe that will fix it eventually. Love the videos.
You should delete and reinstall the WiiM app on your phone. Unplug and start over. (Not sure what iPhone you are on with IOS but recent one is solid.)
WiiM pro hooked to a Sansui model 4000... Ain't looking back.
Do you have to open wiim and then spotify every time you use it?
Thank you
Great video, as are all your videos. Thank you! I tend to ignore big box ticket items such as these. A raspberry pi with a good DAC hat is really a great way to go. Add Volumio and you pretty much have everything you need. I have been running 3 Raspberry Pis with DAC hats for entire house audio, for virtually free. Something to consider maybe.
Now you can buy a Mini -PC with the windows version Volumio, personally I upgrade the power supply to noise free true HIFI audio
Well, a Pi isn't very cheap these days any more.. And the Wiim sounded at least as good for similar money to my ears. But if course everybody is different..
And a new AKM chipset in the WiiM Plus. Bye Pi.
@@IronHorsey3 There you go. Even though I use the Wiim Plus with an (originally) 16k DAC..
@@erwindewit4073 - Exactly. I have tube monoblocks with the WP coxial to a RME ADI-2 DAC. Have used an external power supply throughout. Using Roon recently approved from a M1 Macbook. Wow! It was already excellent, now I have more timber in the instruments with Roon as I also recently switched to fiber internet. It's like I got a component upgrade. It all started with that WiiM Pro in December.
For many people, the new WiiM Pro Plus (not Roon certified yet) is going to give their systems a nice bump.
Hey Kevin could you kindly explain what the DAKS do and how to hook them up Please Maybe???
Hey Kevin...Yes, the Wiim are just unbeatable as you can also build on them to expand them and their abilities. Acrylic makes a small bare no case Streamer I saw internally installed as it's designed to be done in this configuration to a Marantz 2250 and connected to the Aux switch. You'd never know it was their and it was bolted to existing holes in the back plate that only required slight reaming to accommodate the Screws provided by Acrylic. It seemed easy peezy. But yeah Wiim has lots of "Audiophile" adherents. I imagine that the issue with Spotify I bet will be addressed in software if possible as Wiim is no slouch on software development.
Yeah, the Audiophile bit seems a bit over the top, but it's still nice stuff. I use a fairly long coax digital cable to my DAC and but the Wiim somewhere out of sight. As I only use it with an app, that's fine for me ..
Bluetooth receivers are just fine.............I used to have a krell based system worth a fortune. Sold it all. Now I just listen to the music not the equipment. So much more relaxing.
Turned on the WiiM Pro today and there was another update... Guess what I found? A Parametric EQ, and it is the BOMB! I use my WiiM Pro with a 1970 Sansui 4000 receiver, out to a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes... That new Parametric EQ just took the sound quality to another level! Very impressed.
I have the same receiver and am looking to control it remotely. Would I need anything else to make this happen??
This is one of the best, straight up honest and down to earth talks I can relate to. Thank you for sharing! I bought the Wiim as a Christmas gift for my son, while he's away at college. It seems to be appropriate, coming from a vintage junkie.
I want to start into vintage hifi. Which amplifier do you suggest for around 200€ as beginner?
I'm really surprised that reviewers don't make more of the fact that the Mini version doesn't have Chromecast Audio. I chose the Pro entirely for that reason. I also bought the remote, mainly because it enables you to pause or choose a preset (such as a streaming radio station) without having to go into an app.
You can pause, etc. with your phone or tablet.
@@gwine9087 you can but you have to unlock your device and open the app if it's not already in the foreground. The remote enables you to do some things with only one button. I'd be the first to agree that it's quite expensive for a small amount of extra convenience.
@@stephenc6648 Wow! That is SO hard.
I don’t know if this is a new feature but you can access the streaming apps directly from the wiim app.
Nice discussion. I think Bluesound, Sonos and WiiM offer the best software and usability. I’ve tried HEOS, AirPlay and many others, and none of them provided seamless connection and usability. Only Bluesound has subwoofer output and bass management!!
I totally agree. They all have their fan bases.. But I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3. The Bluesound services will sound best, Sonos has the fabulous True Play, and Wiim is very good for very little money ...
I see the WiiM as not so much of a Sonos competitor as it is of the Apple AirPort Express V2. Yes, the AirPort Express is now technically a defunct Apple product, but wow, is it an excellent streamer! The built-in DAC is great, and surprise! It even has optical hidden in that headphone jack port.
I have picked up SO many of these used for $20-30 each, and NONE of them have died on me. This is my go-to option for vintage WiFi streaming. (And yes, I am an Apple ecosystem guy.)
You like the DAC in the WiiM too eh? I love these WiiM units, and they're internal DACs. I hooked up my WiiM mini to my Sansui 2000, circa 1969 and was blown away. I have the WiiM Pro now, as a dedicated streamer using a PS Audio Gaincell DAC/Preamp. I think the WiiM DAC sounds better than the PS Audio unit. I may pick up and RCA switch and put the WiiM DAC back into play. I am using the Zu Dirty Weekend speakers if it matters. A match made in audio heaven with the airy tube sounding Sansui receiver.
@@michaelwright1602 - I was referring to the DAC in the AirPort Express, not the WiiM.
@@TheFlyingBarrel My apologies for the confusion. I have owned a couple of those AirPort Express units, never found them reliable, and or very difficult to set up. Been a Mac guy for years, even owned one of their first Apple clones. Never had a good experience with those express units.
I bought a WiiM Mini a few months ago and it is glorious! No WiFi issues for me, but if you really want Ethernet, the Pro version is only a little more. But... do NOT plug this into your system using analog RCA. Use a real DAC and an optical or SPDIF RCA connection and let a good quality DAC handle turning the bits into music. A WiiM and DAC would be a great addition to a vintage receiver or amp, and gets you the vintage sound and look with modern interface and streaming access. You could even hide the new stuff in your cabinet so nobody's the wiser.
I am currently using an echo dot Directly connected to the RCA jacks in the back of my Denon receiver. Do you think getting WIIM would improve the sound significantly?
Yes, it's "technically" quieter in my (non-bench) tests, has its own GUI OS to open up some control features, has digital outputs which are, often, improved audio as well- depending on your use & equipment. But "significantly better" is related to your other components too; speakers, cabling options, upgrade path in the future, etc.
I use a Tascam CD 400U for streaming ,CD AND SD,USB,AM,FM
I've owned a Bluesound Node for about 2 1/2 years and love it. The sound quality is great. Better than my Sony SACD player and my Rega Planer 3 turntable. Its over $500 but well worth the money.
North of $500, I think Bluesound is getting a hard time from Eversolo now.
@toulcaz31 I payed $499 at the time. I'm sure there's better than the Bluesound. My unit matches great with my vintage Mcintosh C26 preamplifier, 1996 Klipsch Forte ii and I use 2 different amplifiers. Decware SE84 2.3 watt tube and a Darling 1626 3/4 watt tube. Amazing how the right combo can sound.
@@toulcaz31We tried that. All of us preferred the Bluesound. But still, more competitors is more good 😂
@@erwindewit4073 - WiiM just came out with its Pro Plus featuring a new AKM 4493S chipset.
Here is my take on all this. The Pro was not out when I put my system together. Tried the original Wiim first, did not work, immediately returned it and that along w an unexpected flow of income I went w the Node.
All of the lower priced streamers will do a good job streaming, have pretty solid apps and their internal DACs will do for the time being, but eventually you’re going to want an external DAC.
The Wiim Pro does not have a USB digital out, only coax and optical, USB digital out gives you much better rate transfer or whatever it’s called. Something to think about.
Where would I go to learn how to set up a Whole House Wiim system (similar to Sonos setup)?
Very simple, just download the ap, activate each WiiM unit, click the link symbol in the upper right corner of the streamer selected and it hooks up. It is basically that easy. One caveat, they all have to be on the same wifi network. Other than that, easy and seamless. WiiM has a forum for users, easy to find, very helpful info there on everything WiiM.
Seems like the old Apple Airport Express (with AirPlay) was ahead of it's time.
Streaming is a very interesting possibility. It would be nice. I know the Sonos is more expensive, but tech support and good service is worth a lot when you need it. You may never use it but crap happens.
The WiiM units are pretty fool proof. Pretty much plug and play and sign into any music streaming accounts you use. I think they are all there except for Apple.
True. Sonos can also do some weird stuff, but they will try to help (as long as you don't ask for DLNA, indexing a lot of files or high bitrate file support).. It'll be different for everyone I guess .
I’ve compared the WiiM pro plus vs the sonos port, feeding an ifi ipure 2 into a DAC. I also used the WIIm into the same DAC. My sense was the WIIM sounded really good, but it was not a knockout vs the port with the ifi. I also really liked the sonos software much better, it had unified search, favorites, and just felt more mature. In terms of choice control, The WiiM did pretty well through the remote, but it made mistakes, such as brining up the wrong station in tunein when it asked for a call number. The sonos has not voice enabled remote, but it was far more accurate using an alexa device nearby. If you are just buying now, and want high res audio, The WiiM is def worth considering, especially since they improve the software so often. If you have a port feeding an external dac, I’d see no reason to change. Perhaps add an ifi ipure2, more at least try it out and send it back if it does not improve things for you.
So I’m running my line out into a vintage Marantz receiver. I’m also chromcasting. Am I still getting high audio resolution?
Possibly but it will depend on, 1) your source & source signal, 2) which Chromecast unit you're referring to (like CC Audio) & whether you have it's volume at 100 for example. Just two quick examples.
I have 2 Wiim Pro's and have given 2 to family..They are AWESOME in so many ways. Sound and reproduction (inside DAC) are amazing and even the WiiM home software is a knockout. Anyone I show is blown away....the only negative....You can connect a FIre with Amazon music but you cant install WiiM home on a Fire. So what I am saying is, yes, Amozon music will stream from a fire but considering the BIGGEST seller of WiiM pro ia Amazon , you would think WiiM home would just have native support on the Fire tablets. But from your Iphone, it has support native for a ton. Amazon Music, spotify, Tidal, etc.
There are on-line guides for side-loading Android apps on the Fire tablet. I loaded the Wiim app on my Fire, and it works fine.
I have the WiiM pro hooked up to my au-7700 in my main music room. I run my old iTunes library through airplay on it, and have had zero issues. The few times I’ve tried a different streaming platform, the multi-app thing was mildly annoying, but I got used to it pretty fast. I think it sounds great as well, but I’m pushing 50, and have the hearing of a remodel carpenter, so take that for what it’s worth.
I use the Wiim Pro with Tidal, if you happen to use tidal too, you don't have to change App, you can tap on the little speaker icon in the top right of Tidal app and can select Tidal connect to your Wiim. Maybe you already know, or don't use tidal, in which case my comment is probably useless, but it may save you from using two apps and the annoyance involved.
You'd be surprised at how much you can still hear 😂. But really, just do what you like, right?
HI there, I'm going to upgrade my old JVC system next year and one candidate for amp is the AU7700, along the AU9900 and Pioneer SA9800 Blue and Luxman SQ507X, how would you recommend the AU 7700? I'm 58 myself and gravitate more towards vintage classics like those. I'd appreciate your input. Thanks in advance from West Spain!
@@frankierodriguez8661
Before the 7700, I was running an au-d77x, circa 1982-4. I love that amp, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. For my ear though, it can’t compete with the 7700. It’s warm, but spending significant time with tube amps, I prefer that. It has great bass response and with the multiple tone control knobs and switches, you can dial in any sound you want. I’m currently running a set of klh model 6 circa ‘68, and generally have the tone controls defeated. And at 53w, it has no issue running the klh, which are not efficient at all.
I took it to a local tech last week just to get it checked out, since it’s new to me, and he was pretty jazzed to see one, so I take that as a bonus too.
Hope that helps!
Too many factual errors in this ‘review’. Sloppy work.
Steaming services have always been popular with businesses. Individuals have never been a major customer of streaming services.
Went on your website and i can't find any vintage receivers for sale ?????????
That's because we don't sell vintage equipment on-line. Is that really that absurd ?????????
Bluetooth was never intended for music when it was developed.
The latest "improvement" to it might help, but it's still not great.
I don't and won't use streaming, but information in this video may help me answer quetions i get asked.
They are 2 different products. Different customers. WiiM is great for piping into a vintage set up with RCA in.
Didn't know U had it in U, prior Videos made me think this was something Skylabs ignored, however better cheaper options exist with strong features sets for Streamer DAC( but U R getting close)
That little thing, if you leave it on top of the mighty L-100, probably will start dancing too LOL
Nab it.
Although I have Chromecast hooked up to a mini CRT television as my network streamer.
The Pro also has the ability to use Logitech Media Server aka the Slim Devices software. I use the Logitech Duet remote to control the Pro. The Mini doesn't have that ability.
Know nothing about these streamers. Thanks Skylabs.
The Sonos Barr I heared has a falce duplicated bass line . At least what I heared at my brother-in law's place. It is as if his Sonos duplicated a existing bass that is in a higher frequency in a lower frequency. Having one genuine and one false one.
Remember the Bluesound Node X comes with a remote, not that I would actually use it.
Some WiiM products come with a remote, and it is for sale separately, for $19.99... I have one, need to break it out to see what it does.
Don't care for the fact that all of these streamers require an additional app, beyond the music handling app itself, installed on my phone or my computer.
A really good Bluetooth+DAC running aptxHD and/or LDAC has been good enough for me, otherwise I let the amp's DAC handle the signal from the BT dongle.
Whether you're hardline Ethernet or Bluetooth, Spotify is going to only give you 320 kbps. aptxHD is rated for 500+ kbps at ideal signal to noise, and what's the deal with the human ear no good beyond 192kbps?
Other apps like tidal and Deezer will give you more bandwidth, but for those who don't want to have multiple music subscriptions (like me) what's easiest wins out.
The magic is to use it with a Good external Dac
How come no one is talking about the Wiim Pro Plus ? I hear it's an upgraded model with better audio output.
These dongle Bluetooth recievers, even the $10 ones, improve the sound of your phone by bypassing the crappy DAC in your phone.
Right , I use a Monster Bluetooth thingy that cost $ 19.99 for each . I have 4 of them in 4 rooms , 4 complete systems . Works fine for me 😂😂😂
Bluetooth is a lossy transport medium (read: It degrades the sound quality of everything it touches). And if you are already listening to a lossy format like Spotify, that's a double degradation of the sound. No thank you
I've had a Wiim mini for ay year, and don't like it even running on a single amp.The integration for someone like me with a large media library on a home network isn't supported very well, and the device interface is slow and cumbersome. I wish I had bought something else and saved the headache.
A bit of a dum-dum noob question here, but would you need a 3.5mm to RCA cable to get a Wiim to connect to a vintage receiver's AUX input?
No, the pro has standard L/R audio out.
@@DanielHog13thanks! Little hockey-puck-shaped Wiim would need the 3.5mm, wouldn’t it? Isn’t the pro the black box version?
@@kyleroussel You are correct on both fronts. I perceived you hadn't bought either yet. But yes, a decent minijack / 3.5mm (also called an 1/8") stereo cable to standard L/R audio RCA male. Depending on your need for the actual length of said cable, keep it as short as needed; 12", 3', 6'.
@@DanielHog13 Many thanks! For $100 I'll have to decide if the step-up from the hockey puck to the pro is worth it...having the remote sure gives back the convenience that vintage audio takes away. There's always so much to consider! Cheers!
@@kyleroussel The remote works with both the mini and Pro... If you are using your receiver AUX in, without an external preamp that can handle the digital connections, ie., the optical or digital coax, I would stick with the WiiM mini and call it a day. I have one of each, the Pro and mini, the Pro is in my living room setup with a PS Audio DAC/Preamp using the digital coax. The PS Audio is connected to my Sansui 4000 receiver via RCA cables to the AUX in.
In my bedroom, I have the WiiM mini connected with it's included 3.5 to RCA cable to the AUX in on the Sansui 2000, and it sounds incredibly good to my ear. I think the internal DAC in these WiiM products are very acceptable with our vintage gear.
I know on my Sansui 4000, I really cannot tell that much difference between the PS Audio DAC and the WiiM DAC. On my modern gear, I could hear a more refined sound, a tad bit more detail, etc. The only reason I kept the PS Audio unit was for the connections it offers. I have my Oppo, my TV and the WiiM Pro all connected to it for obvious reasons with the vintage Sansui.
Bluetooth LDAC is really Good!
It really isn't
Don't forget CD's ;)
Both Sonos and Bluesound will need to take a good look at the business model in the near future as they’re getting seriously squeezed by WIIM from the bottom and Eversolo from the top. As much as some don’t like what they see in terms of development in this market, Chi-fi is here to stay and keep disrupting the mainstream.
Kevin, if any of your customers DON'T own a smart phone the Amazon Echo Link may be a better option than Wiim. I tried both & went with the Link. My Link is controlled from a cheap Amazon Fire tablet running Alexa & Amazon Music Unlimited. The tablet is also used to send radio station MP3s via Bluetooth to the Link. Both the Wiim & Link benefit from an external DAC. I use a Schiit Modi that is shared with my CD player. Amazon Music Unlimited is uncompressed, has a vast library & is a bargain at $89/year if you're a Prime member.
Wiim can use WiFi and its sound is superior to BlueTooth sound.
I ues my phone
Sonos is a solution for people who don't care about hi end audio for the most part- set it and forget it. Good video otherwise.
Sonos is the new Bose.
Update your channel. Very much has changed in 9 months with Wiim. It's a Sonos killer.
I loath ones and zeros. I love and respect my vintage audio gear to much to defile it with unnatural sound.
Cool story, bro.
You confuse me immensely with your comments about Bluetooth. My preferred way to stream music is from my iPad streamed via Bluetooth to an external DAC and then RCA to my vintage amp. I can't believe this is inferior to anything I have done in the past when listening to no loss audio. Bluetooth is supposed to be bit perfect.
Bluetooth has never been and will never be "bit perfect". It is a lossy transport medium. WiFi streaming, however is bit perfect
Bluetooth = lossy
Wifi Streaming = lossless
Mentioning streaming devices in the same sentence as vintage audio makes no sense to me at all. It's like mixing oil with water. Vintage gear was designed and intended for analog sources. If someone wants to stream, let them have their ear buds and smartphones. Just my 2 cents.
Seem like Wiim is just another cheap one off China box with no customer service. If there is problem you just throw it to the bin😂