The WiiM Ultra Experience! Streamer, DAC and Preamp for $329. Wow!
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- čas přidán 4. 09. 2024
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BUY THE WIIM ULTRA at Amazon (Prime): amzn.to/46d55f3
Written Review: www.stevehuffp...
Instagram: @stevehuffofficial
Today I want to talk about the WiiM Ultra streamer, DAC and PreAmp! This device comes in at $329 and delivers the goods in regards to all of these things!
As a streamer it works with services like Tidal Connect and Spotify connect. It also has airplay, bluetooth and other ways to connect.
It features a subwoofer output as well as a phono preamp and phono input for your albums. The WiiM Ultra also has various inputs and outputs and can be used as a streamer only, a streamer and dac or a full fledged control system for all of your music.
The build is decent and the set up was super easy and quick. The sound is fantastic and while not as refined as my $15k reference, it is amazing what it does for the price it sits at.
The WiiM Ultra is available now at Amazon via Prime: amzn.to/46d55f3
Enjoy!
Media Contact/Review Contact: stevehuff1@icloud.com
One thing I did not touch on in the video is the fact that the Ultra also has a built in Headphone amp. It's OK..not the best I have heard but will work great with easy to drive headphones, just not those that need a ton of power.
Naw, Wiim doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
I can rip my CDs to Eversolo.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Both have a graphic equalizer.
@@HiFiHuff wiim pro + fiio k7 vs ultra ? Will be listening with meze 99 classic headphones.
@@mrpmj00
I have a similar set-up to you…but Steve's point is $4000 vs $329…..@85%
Left another comment but you didn't mention running the Room Control tool which is simple. Run it in your room from an iPhone with the WiiM app and then come back and talk about it. You'll be surprised.
@@mrpmj00 The Wiim Ultra will have Airplay2 shortly, upon receipt of their license to do so. All other Wiim products are Airplay2 capable
With the latest firmware, the USB port does indeed also support external DAC'. Some might prefer this connection method over toslink/coax.
It will support higher sampling rates and bit depth, and afaik also have better jitter, though that's largely a non-issue for many years now.
It allows an external DAC to re-clock which is huge
Very nice review. I'm a bit disappointed you didn't try the room correction as this seems like one of it's most notable features.
I’ve tried it on the WiiM pro plus (available with recent software update) and I can say it’s really improved the sound in my lower end bedroom setup. I’ve used the B&K target curve.
Great that you explained the all the connections on the back of the WiiM. Surprising how rarely this is done in reviews.
The WiiM Pro using their Room Control (EQ) tool is amazing. Works so great in my hifi tube monoblock system and it's an awesome improvement. I use an external 5v power supply for the WiiM and some Cisco boxes from the router. Total cost: less than $300.
GREAT TIME to be an audiophile. 🎉🎉
Written Review now UP! www.stevehuffphoto.com/2024/07/19/the-wiim-ultra-review-unreal-hifi-value-for-real/
It would be great if you talked about the sound of the Ultra compared directly to the Pro Plus. Thanks.
I have never had a delay or freeze up with the Wiim Pro Plus. It just works great, day in and day out.
There's a fade in and fade out setting to minimize any potential skips or pauses.
I really how you characterized the experience as 85% of the performance but 100% of the musical enjoyment. I totally agree! Great review.
Forget the streamer for a moment, that is a really beautiful room and garden!
Budget Kick A** System for sml to med sml room:
WiiM Ultra -> Q Acoustics M20 Active Bookshelf Speakers -> Kanto Sub8 Sealed Subwoofer.
Component cost: $329.00 + $499.00 + $269.00 = $1,097.00
Accessories:
Micca Pure Copper Speaker Wire with Banana Plugs $25-40.
Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Double-Shielded Low Capacitance Subwoofer Cable, 10 foot - $41.00
Sanus SF26B1 Black (Pr.) 26-inch Speaker Stands - $170.00 pr OR Q Acoustics 3000i Series Speaker Stand (Pair) $239.00
A fine, casual listening system can be put together for a very modest outlay. We are experiencing a 'golden age' in audio.
The USB connection on the Wiim is also a output to an external DAC. It is in the (online) manual and in the specs.
That is the review I want to hear, the USB output.
How have you missed the room correction build in..?
Maybe it’s just my room but I prefer its acoustic preset to auto room correction in my case however you can still correct each speaker manually which is great.
Love that you talked about enjoyment.
The room correction is what makes this something special. I almost wish I didn’t have a nice dac that I enjoy. I was born too early.
The review doesn't even mention the Room EQ capability! If you hook up your current DAC to the digital output, Wiim Ultra can still perform room EQ.
I have the WIIM mini so there you go
@@CashGravel Unfortunately, Wiim mini does not have automatic room correction due to hardware limitations. But it did get the new update of PEQ, which you can use to manually change room response.
Don’t feel too bad. Room correction in the WiiM is reportedly not that great, but it is a nice to have for sure. It’s certainly not Dirac level, but maybe they’ll make it better in the future.
@@Hawkeye242 don't expect a $325 streamer/preamp/DAC to have Dirac quality room correction. And nobody buys a Wiim Ultra for room correction, get real.
It's been going on for about a decade ... and it's about time ....
_Cheaper sound is getting better ... and ... better sound is getting cheaper_
We're all ahead for it.
MKBHD ?
@@TheVishaq
Care to try that using actual words?
Incredible price for all the features it has. And it includes room correction!!!! Wow
There goes another $300!
Hi why is there no Airplay 2 on board ?!!!!!
And it has Room correction.
You were right .. this thing is amazing.
I preordered and can't wait to receive it! My system is about $3k so it will be at home. My amp will be a vintage Yamaha B2.
Half a second is probably a best-case scenario when switching between songs. On my WiiM Ultra, when streaming Qobuz via Chromecast, the delay is 8-15 seconds. It's sluggish. There are also occasional hickups during streaming.
Thanks for sharing your experience as always. All the best.
It looks like a no brainer, tremendous value.
Love the EQ idea! I don`t know why more manufactures don`t do this if they got DSP or other tone control. Also will be nice in Dirac app as a preset target curve. Thank you
Hi! How internal dac sound comparing to pro plus?
@@valentinvalentin8916 I’m curious to
How does it compare to the Eversolo DMP-A6?
Naw, Wiim doesn't have even Apple Airplay, whereas Eversolo DMP-A6 (I use as a streamer only and Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1 dac and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc) has Airplay and native Apple Music (for hires lossless).
I've also upgraded the Eversolo's power to a LPS.
Eversolo's also a music server (up to 4 TB) that I save songs to.
I can rip my CDs to Eversolo.
Eversolo has 2 wifi antennas, and 1 bluetooth antenna.
Both have a graphic equalizer.
@@mrpmj00 Wiim has Airplay. You're confusing Airplay with Apple Music integration which only Sonos does to the best of my knowledge. The Eversolo does NOT have 'native Apple Music', it runs on Android, and so runs Apple Music as an app.
Are you able to compare the WiiM to Bluesound Node?
What no Airplay ?
I have a 7.2.4 Atmos setup with an Onkyo RZ 50 + an old Denon 1920 AVR to drive the surround back channels. I usually use my Macbook air connected to an Ifi Uno DAC to the CD RCA input in the AVR. Music played through TIdal or Qobuz sounds much better doing this than using the preinstalled apps on the Onkyo. I bought the Wiim Ultra to avoid the cables in between and have a HUB for all my streaming apps (it has not arrived yet). I wonder if it will improve sound quality over the Ifi Uno? My main front speakers are a pair of Wharfedsles Diamond 9.5s. Thanks!
@@jafetnoriega8623 I look forward to having feedback like impressions when it arrives
Say again.
Anyone notice you can adjust how the DAC behaves? There's 6 or 7 settings to choose from.
There are standard dac filters, but unfortunately without NOS one.
the difference of 80% to 100% is a huge difference in the audio world. a $300 AVR will get you 80% of a $3000 AVR but that extra %20 makes all the difference. The fear of FOMO is the driver in lots of audiophile's journey. You can build a $2000 hi-fi system that will give you 80% of a $20,000 system... but every time you listen you might want more.
What is a rabbit hole?
No Apple AirPlay. Bummer.
Does the crossover for subs roll off the main speaker as well as the sub?
Yes, it does.
Excellent review! Would like to see more detailed features of just the pre-amp section.
Hey try it as a preamp with a tube amp .
Holy moly Im here for the equipment review.
Thoughts on this vs FIIO or Eversolo?
Great review. Will definitely pick this one up to replace my Wiim Pro Plus. Did you check out the room correction at all? It's great on my current unit.
We've got all the technology now all we need is new music. When I was a kid a new hit was so normal it was a non-event. I know Jerryrigeverything is building a bunker in his garden but I'm just waiting for the music. I'm not flying again until this event. 🖋
Excelente reseña, tengo el Wiim Amp y quiero el Wiim Ultra, saludos desde Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨
I was thinking about replacing my Aries mini with a Eversolo A6 or Rose rs201e.
May try this instead
I’m currently stuck in between two dacs, and it’s the WiiM ultra and the eversolo a6. Which one would you say is the better one? If I care about sound quality, and the more neutral one?
The A6 looks to be higher quality, but I have not heard it.
Wiim with external dac within the same price is far, far better.
Did you try to bump the built in EQ in 16k by 1-2 dB with a low Q to get that "air" that you you said was missing from non high end streamers ? If so how did that go ?
Great review, thanks. Could you possibly make one side-to-side with Eversolo A8?
@@jesusiglesias8364 I think it would be more honest to compare it with the A6, didn't listen the wiim ultra yet but I cannot imagine that it goes to the A8 level
Completely different tools with price points as the Eversolo A8 BLOWS ALL WiiM products. Not in the same class man. Second, as an early adopter of WiiM with Mini, Pro, Pro Plus and Amp, I like the future where this company is going.
@@joenovak6393 Thanks!
@@sve2359 Thanks!
Now this with an amp and I’m game
I have been curious about this product. Surely if your sample had flaws that negatively affected the listening experience they would have been revealed on your system.
The audiophile experience has always been a game of diminishing returns.
Not even in my orbit
This was a pleasant surprise! Thank you.
Why they all have only trigger output, but dont have a trigger input? On my Rotel RA-1592 MKIi is also only the trigger output…
I think they are meant to be the main or first component activated, straight to an amp. So you turn on the amp with the wiim
I can imagine how did u pose for thumbnail picture like being normal to suddenly become weird person in front of camera without any reason 😂.. just kidding great review ..
How does it compare to the pro plus?
Can it be used directly with speakers and subwoofer or does it need an additional external amplifier? Do the speakers and subwoofer have to be active or passive?
No one should be surprised it sounds great being it’s hooked up to state of the art, amplification and speakers!
Wonder how it would sound with the new Thomas and Stereo's Speakers you just reviewed would sound?
Great question. Please answer us.
Does that flowery twig ontop come as standard with the ultra or do I need to spec it as an optional extra from wiiim with my order?
@@bristolwoodburners81 It's probably a DIY enhancement. Possibly a CSS Audio kit.
@@orenshamir It also comes in different colors at an additional charge.
@bobb.9917 OK that makes sense...and the different colours offer different sound signatures I'm guessing ...do you know which colour is the enhanced/buttery /silky mid range option ?
It affects the harmonics emitting from the unit acting as both dampener and promoter of acoustic transference😂😂😂😂
@@orenshamir CSS doesn't so that, you are thinking about Danny.
What about the room korrektion? Have you tried that?
It is working as designed.
Got one on pre-order! Also, I just got the Marantz M1, and it is fantastic!
Question.....if I connected this to an external dac, can I still use the wiim ultra subwoofer output and crossover? Or would it be canceled out when selecting digital output on the device?
Yes you can.
As a beginner HiFi hobbyist I absolutely love the WiiM Ultra! However...i did not like the Tidal app within the Wiim app. its way to difficult to navigate but i do think thats more on the Tidal side.
Getting to swe in mid aug. Cant wait.
It's £350 in the UK which is 450 dollars. Disgusting UK mark up as usual.
Here in Germany it´s €399 which is about $435.
Here in Canada it´s 452$
$700 Aus dollars here. Terrible.
@@cactuschef5229 we’re?😮
The US doesn’t have VAT. It’s 21% here in The Netherlands!
Can I connect an external portable SSD using the USB port?
Or a microSD card BTW through a USB-microsd reader.
My music collection is now totally in digital files, for convenience (and having emigrated from one continent to another!).
I'm not surprised although I have just upgraded from the Wiim pro it was my streamer while the rest of my system was up graded and performed so well that buying a more expensive streamer was more about completing my Jurnee than necessarily a sound quality thing. I wanted a last incremental step to see specifically what my valve amp was capable of sounding like.
How would you compare this with the Audiolab 7000n Play? I know the Audiolab product is about $400 more, but I really like the aesthetic. Not sure if you have any experience with that streamer.
Great content, and can’t wait to receive mine. Quick question? What’s the name of the music playing on this post please.
Thanks for the great review. If you set the input and output to line-in and line-out respectively it’ll effectively be an analog passthrough, can you still adjust volume in this configuration?
How about Eversolo A8 compared with WiiM Ultra? Thanks
Ditto.
@@SteveSucato I bought the eversolo A8 and returned it for connection issues. The Wiim Ultra is way better IMO and less then half the cost.
If you are using it as a streamer only I think you're better off with the wiim pro + remote. But as a single all in one system it's amazing.
Hello, we are largely invested in the Sonos system with 2 amps, a connect, and several speakers paired up with my Yamaha receiver. How would the sound quality and application compare? I know very little about these types of products. Thank you.
If you've bought into the Sonos ecosystem you can't be helped, you're too far gone.
@@Artcore103 ouch. That isnt helpful at all.
I can't wait until mine arrives!
It looks wonderful... complete with album art display. Wow. // Does it have vTuner? Thousands of free streaming stations is nothing to overlook easily. // ETA: Was looking at the specs... and it does indeed stream vTuner.... Even has a headphone jack. Amazing product.
I don't own any products from WiiM, but I keep seeing a lot of positive reviews about them. This probably the most positive review yet.
I have a WiiM Amp since 5 months. I'm blown away.
@@cardinalfang7725 I have the Wiim Pro Plus. Great streamer for the price.
Hi...just for streaming with external dac marantz hd dac1?...which would you choose...this wiim ultra, node n130, eversolo A6?
Ty
I'm going to wait for the next step up: The Super Duper Wiim Ultra Pro Plus. It should give us 95% of that $15K front end for maybe $600-800.
Parts quality is everything. Don't pretend otherwise.
How does it compare to a the Eversolo dmp a8
It doesn’t
@@Audiodreamer192-24 In what way?
Great review but as mentioned below you didn't mention the room correction.
At this price, most buyers want it for what it does - streaming/dac/volume control. If you want proper room correction pay up. This is $325, not $3250. Get real.
Would be any different compare to Wiim pro as a streamer?
No
Does the usb play all music files? Great review 👍
Very nice review.
This is right up my alley.. I have the wiim pro now. All though I don't know if I ever have had it hooked up right. I have a 7.4.4 hometheater setup that I use in. So I have it hooked up to my marantz sr 6014 with the rca hooked into the back of the cd input on my marantz. Some one said hook it up to the line in. I looked I don't have a line in . With this ultra can i just use the hdmi into the marantz then like on aux or cd or something !?
How does it compare to eversolo A6 STREAMER ONLY?
They would both put out exactly the same 1s and 0s. As will any streamer that is working. The Wiim mini will be identical as a streamer only.
@@BrianHall-Oklahoma the biggest difference between streamers is the noise floor. As you move up in price to hi fi rose , Aurender, auralic. You will have a lot darker background where the music will be more defined
In sound quality? Literally zero difference. In interface or features? Subjective.
@@ericelmore887incorrect. If you're not using an analog output from a streamer, there is not and CAN not be any added noise, unless it's a bad power supply/ground issue and low psrr.
Thanks for another great review---would you entertain upgrading the AC cable for better sound?
It looks likes this Ultra Wimm has a built in psu as the the pro plus has an external unit which is easy upgradebale.
Eager to see how the Marantz M1 will fare in comparison.
The M1 is also an amp. So what do you compare?
Just ordered with your link 🎼🔊🎼🔊💯🤘🏼✅
Very interesting , i ll try this wiim , i am in hifi for 30 years , but i am new in dac/stream , so i ll try it , thanks !!!
is it better than wiim pro purely as a streamer transport?
@@krzysztofgilowski1736 I believe so (I have both here) but I’d say it’s worth it just for the larger size, nicer casing and display. I’d have to do a side by side with the pro plus to see. I’ll do a follow up soon with some extras that I missed and I’ll do a compare with the pro plus strictly as a streamer going into a separate preamp. I know if I was buying today, looking for a streamer I’d take this 100% over a pro plus, no question at all.
@@HiFiHuff Thank you! Looking forward to it!
@@krzysztofgilowski1736looking forward to a Wiim streamer face off 🧐
I would expect to be the same sound as streamer only. The processor is the samw and the analog/digital connections are the same so it should be pretty similar. Some purist even say that system sound better with all screens off...so this having a screen might be a bad thing for the sound.....used as a dac plus streamer yea sure....it will be definitely better. Keep us posted i am really excited to learn even more.
What about buy it for use it as a streamer and phono?
If Wiim Ultra is 80-85% there, whereabouts is Wiim pro plus?
Thanks!
I got wiim pro with the remote. That's the most cost effective solution if you are only using it for streaming imo. This will sound identical to the wiim pro when streaming.
I am using the pro plus to drive a pair of mid tier active speakers. Now planning the next move in the front end.
My pro plus sounds fantastic in my secondary setup - I’m sure it won’t be a major difference with the ultra
Does it support TIMER operation? I use my stereo as a morning alarm, so I need something that will either power-on tuned to playing a station, or have a daily alarm feature. The Node2i has an alarm feature that I have set to tune to an internet radio station at 6am. My stereo automatically turns on at 5:50am. This is a feature nobody ever talks about!
I don’t have the ultra but their app does let you set alarms. I have my WiiM pro setup with a Spotify playlist when the alarm goes off.
Have you tested the Linn Selekt with Organik 😮
Hows the room correction?
@@AndreasPetersson83 Yes, the room correction is an important additional feature that was not really mentioned in the review.
Interested in that as well. My home office could really use some room correction, but I can't justify buying an expensive amp or a dedicated device (e.g. Mini DSP) for it.
This could be a great affordable solution, if the room correction provides any substantial value.
At this price, I don't think anyone's really going to care. They want the core functionality.
Has WIMM done anything to increase clearance for larger rca connectors?
The hole around the recessed connectors is too small.
I've had to use right angle adaptors for secure connection.
@@MohsinWadee Its available in the WiiM pro. So, for another 200 you would be interested.
Waiting for this 😉
Any benefits using a 'hifi' power cable? Also if using sub out and external dac at the same time are the things still ok?
External dac with lfe is working correctly.
I thought the Marantz M1 was a tempting alternative, until I saw that the M1 doesn't;’t come with a remote, they really dropped the ball with that decision.
I would go with an smartphone App instead: we all have that thing, and the information and interaction are way more effective.
M1 can’t change input source on the device
Wiim can auto sense active input 🎉
Thanks
But can you change the wallpaper of the screen? What I would want to know is how if fares against the likes of DMP-A6 and Volumio Rivo and the WIIM Pro plus sound quality wise.
I got mine yesterday and it doesn't appear that you can change the wallpaper, or the VU meter.
I’ve seen discussion in forums of people being able to change the wallpaper, the vu meter will be changing with future software updates apparently
YO! How about that little hole on the right? It's a headphone jack and you didn't say ANYTHING about it!. Did you try it? Do you plan to try it? Don't you think it's worth evaluating for those of us who use headphones?
The DAC in this unit performs better than the well characterized transparency criteria defined by O’Tooles work, and therefore will be indistinguishable from every other DAC that meets or exceeds those standards.
This unit does not and will never support airplay, as it is missing the hardware needed for that. This might change in future hardware from Wiim.
It does not have trigger input because it can be turned on by its hdmi port.
The usb port does not support a pc.
Most audiophile expectations are nonsense…you cannot get ‘better sound’ from other devices when this device already meets transparency standards.