This is THE BEST 😜 WiiM Ultra review

[@cineaudiophile4465]

Yes the screen is small but 1) a visible clock is always handy 2) the faux VU meter is a nice touch. The screen, though small, can be helpful for the moments when things go awry (switching outputs or other features) and you just want to be sure that yeah there is a track playing as you troubleshoot. As someone who uses different outputs with the Ultra and is trying out different gear I would rather have the screen as an additional reference point than not.

[@JamesWilliams-ps6xz]

My fave streamer is any that works with Roon. I love Roon. Unfortunately, their app doesn’t support users with Neuromuscular Diseases. I am an ALS survivor who has no use of my arms. I am typing using Apple’s Assistive Touch Technology and an eye-gaze system that tracks the movement of my eyes. I have Roon about this, they tell me maybe in future. My voice is too small, I suppose. Love your take on music and listening.😊

[@clchesnutt]

Hopefully some of the new accessibility features like Eye Tracking and Vocal Shortcuts coming to iOS 18 this fall will help with navigating the app!

[@yeahimnotcool]

I have something similar to ALS and also love Roon. Where do you have difficulties using the app?

[@hunndre]

Recently made use of the built in room correction. Did it twice, one channel at a time. Really tightened up the low end in my livingroom. For a low tier HIFI you can not go wrong with this and impressed by WIIMs rate of features and adding thing to existing products free of charge.

[@askokase3619]

The amount of hours and enthusiasm put into making your video reviews is noticeable. Always enjoy them. Excellent work!

[@noelsibal4593]

I find it funny that you're a bit obsessed with the usability of the screen. To be honest, yes viewers should see that it's use is limited, but I appreciate the fact that its there, if you do find a use for it. Good review and I appreciate the advice you give for upgradability and also that you try very hard to show what performance level it actually has compared to others. Thank you for the really helpful review.

[@alwayspushing2031]

WiiM - Dual V3 Mono's - Klipsch RP600m ii works really nice for my small room. Affordability is subjective, but for myself this setup works very well. I am no audiophile and my hearing is 💩 after being in an automotive plant for 32 years, but sounds damn good to me. 💯🎼🔊🙂

[@gilko61]

Funny, I almost didn't watch this because I've been using my Ultra for weeks and why bother? But I immediately realized I have never used my touchscreen a single time. Not once. No reason to. Nor do I try to read any information on the screen. I set it where the album art is as large as possible, and left it. I set the screen to go invisible when not in use. I use the phone and remote for all control. And I love it. I use it as a streamer only, USB to DDC to a very good DAC and external preamp. I wouldn't have expected much from the phono stage to begin with. It just wouldn't be the priority, and you're not going to fit a good phone stage in there. Just a chip. Headphones? I listen from a seated position, always. So I don't care. I use Tidal almost exclusively. There are only so many hours in a day. I don't object to touchscreens, headphones, or phono stages. I just don't use them. I just use the streamer. And I am perfectly happy with it. It is capable of sounding very good indeed.

[@roberthiggins7323]

Regarding the screen, it is all about how you use it. I'd love a screen on my WIIM pro plus with my near field setup. Every time Spotify serves up something new/different I have to open my phone to see what it is. Would be nice to glance at the WIIM sitting right next to me instead.

[@billyfinn]

Great video as always I add a lot of your songs to my playlists. Much appreciated.

[@startmeupaudio2235]

I got mine on Saturday - it's a lovely thing to have on display, and I love the touch screen as I have a smaller room than Johns. Initially, I thought the sound was a bit hollow, but it's growing on me for sure, and I'm listening to more music from radio sources. The HDMI ARC to the TV is brilliant, just what I needed. I prefer this to the Bluesound Node 2i, which feels a bit cheap in comparison. Also the 2i casing became really tatty and worn, almost sticky, so it's going to be binned.

[@RandomShart]

I think it sounds great with the built in DAC. At first I thought it didn't sound great, a little bit thin and lacking in bass, but then realised I was streaming at medium / standard quality settings. i set it to highest quality on Spotify and it now sounds great to me.

[@jonp6798]

I preordered this and it’s great. I have a pair of studio actives, a sub, a tv with ARC and an untreated room. Also a girlfriend who just turns the tv on and needs it to just work. Couple of notes. The room correction curve takes over your parametric eq so you can adjust it. You can’t have the GEQ and parametric on at the same time. The headphone output is weak. My little FiiO lightning adapter sounds better so plan to add a headphone amp if you’re a wired headphone user. The sub output doesn’t turn off automatically when you’re using the headphone output. WiiM have already updated this to add extra features and I suspect there will be plenty more! It looks smart and I can add a DAC at any time. Late at night output streaming to Bluetooth headphones or to my DX3 pro+ Bluetooth input is a feature I did not know I would use so much before buying.

[@alexlopez-u3i]

Good video. Thorough. I use wiim products as streamer only. Many people do. I think most reviewers miss this point: i have a denafrips outboard dac. With the pro plus i had to use the coax out which made me rely in the wiim’s clock. With the ultra i use usb out to my dac. With usb im using the dac’s clock which makes a BIG difference in sound. The combo of wiim app and now usb output is what makes the ultra such a great product. Everything else is nice but the app in combo with the usb output is what sets this product apart at this price point.

[@TD05SSLegacy]

That’s helpful info! Thanks! 🙏

[@hanayahaddad6422]

Does the clock make that much of an audible difference?

[@nikolaygramchev]

That says it all: "Everything arriving at the Ultra passes thru the dac circuit and then move on" Haha!

[@KD-713]

Great review as usual! But I feel that you are nitpicking too much for that price point.

[@jarroberts2]

I have found that the rear USB port can also be used as a USB input for my music library storage device which is convenient.

[@kristophergurley585]

This I did not know. I wonder if it would handle the input from an iOS device for Apple music streaming(yes the non bit-perfect aspect of the Apple TV bugs me)

[@eddents]

The bottle got recycled. It was a flip top style, with a ceramic cap with a rubber stopper and wire bracket (like a Grolsch beer bottle).

[@eddents]

There are lots of choices (just what you want - lol).

[@eddents]

It doesn't matter if you get another brand.

[@eddents]

Only if we did a side by side tasting, could I tell a difference and have a preference.

[@garybartlett7690]

I would like to see you and the British Audiophile collaborate on recommending systems at different price points. That would be awesome.

[@outolempinimi5165]

The best feature of the Ultra is hands down the PEQ, when used together with a proper room acoustics software like REW and calibrated microphone. Rest of the talk about DACs and such was like flies buzzing around my ears.

[@paulapplewhite6135]

Great review John. I'm liking the extra B-roll at the end - can never have too much 😊

[@TorToroPorco]

For me the most impressive part about the WIIM system is easily the software and firmware. Having suffered through so much bad software design and support from Chinese manufacturers in the past it’s refreshing to see how good Wiim is. Some western audio companies could take a cue from Wiim as well. My ifi Zen Stream for example hasn’t had the level of software support that I wished it had and as a result I’ve been using it less and less.

[@seanwhitehead7391]

Same. I bought the Ultra because it just works, the app is great and I don't have to fuck around for 20 minutes trying to get the Zen stream to work. The ifi app is atrocious. I run the Ultra through the Zen signature dac and it's pretty good, doesn't sound quite as good as the stream/dac sig - but I also use the iPower power supply which probably makes the difference. Regardless, no headaches with the Ultra.

[@dudertino51]

Squatting, crouching, kneeling when you don't have to normally is a massive positive. Unintentional as it may be, we don't move, flex or stretch enough. We should embrace every second that is forced upon us.

[@eddents]

So true. The current healthcare mantra is " sitting is the new smoking." I may at times be moving about with music on (cooking dinner, fiddling with a project) so even though the screen is small, I could walk to it to check what's playing, versus searching and picking up the phone for info. A screen does add complexity for the component (something else to fail), but is worth considering. And for the price, adding in the Chord dac for a boost looks appealing as a worthy upgrade. Thanks John !

[@user-dr7kh4pp4u]

Nice review, John. Thanks for that. So many side by sides, but I miss one combo which is wiim ultra with Peachtree power DAC. This combo could be an interesting one keeping signal digital all the way through. I used my ultra with audiolab 6000a. Considering that both have the same dac chip, I got more pleasant sound having ultra connected digitally to audiolab (sub connected to wiim for bass management). And this is a great combo for around 1000usd.

[@kompatibeldesign]

I have got this combo (WiiM Ultra & Peachtree Gan1) running with the KEF LS 50 Meta and the KC62 and it sound great.

[@jasonperry6046]

I love your videos. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@kaavik47]

I am all for the screen and album art. Take a deep breath and accept that maximizing consumer value in a product, no matter how idiosyncratic it may seem to you, is net positive. I would love it on my desk or bedside table without fiddling woth my phone.

[@ericnigg]

Oo0! Jumped on KZbin at just the right time. Says your new video dropped 8 seconds ago. Love your content and opinion. Please consider doing a Decware amp review or a tube amp review.

[@m4nc1n1]

I must admit, tho, I got mine when it was released, and when I tested it, I noticed that if you switched outputs (I was using Tidal), it would pause the song. Made it challenging to A/B the internal DAC to my Cinema 30. I sent a suggestion through the app, and they responded and said they would look into adding its function to keep playing. Only a few days later, there was an update; wouldn't you know it, they added it! No longer pauses the song. Very impressive. Still might return it tho if they don't swap it out. (Yes the Cinema 30 is better, lol)

[@Tom_1d4sr]

You said knob feel.

[@strikkflypilot927]

Butthead voice: «he he he»

[@acaciakane]

So did you

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Nice video old chap, I'm a human bartender from Arizonia, names Jackie Daytona

[@nesutoneko]

I'll happily continue on with the Wiim hockey puck. Thanks for the thorough review!

[@achilles9491]

A streaming preamp (with variable digital out!) with HDMI sold it for me. I see a lot of comments tempering the value proposition and I don't get it. Is there something I'm missing? I look at this plus a Schiit Vidar and choose-your-favorite DAC...that's compelling value AND flexibility compared to most integrated amps we've been getting.

[@m4nc1n1]

I have yet to watch this, but I might return mine. If you bump the power cord or try to move the WiiM, I get a lot of loud static through the speakers. It's easily repeatable. I emailed them, and they just sent a canned response. I told them to nevermind; I am just returning it. Only then did a person actually respond to my ticket asking for a video. So, before you buy, think about long-term support from a new small company.

[@liamporter1137]

Agree that one will use the app to access the device most of the time than the touch screen. But the touch screen is still good and necessary as no one should be beholden to app. For example, if you've a visitor to your home, the visitor can still operate the hifi system without needing to install the app or use your mobile phone.

[@velvetjones8634]

A “visitor” or a “wife” 😂

[@jamescooke5063]

I have this on a bookshelf at shoulder height. Works great. It does need new clock options though as neither of the two options are not subtle, I keep the screen off when not in use, which is permitted in the app.

[@rainerbehrendt9330]

Tried the Ultra in connection with a small Atoll MA100 Amp. Nice sounding Combination for the Price.

[@jonmitch76]

Nice to see EWF's 'In The Stone' making a brief appearance.....one of the best intros ever 🙂

[@trevr10]

I've got the WiiM Ultra next to my bed so the touchscreen is perfect. However since owning it I've added a Topping A50 III headphone amp because like you, I didn't really rate the headphone output. This was something I didn't notice at first. My personal gripe is the brightness levels when adaptive brightness is selected. On mine, even in a completely black room, it varies the brightness.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Have the WiiM Ultra setup in my home office connected to a pair of Swan OS10s, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon all work flawlessly. Also connected to an AppleTV and my LG 32" OLED monitor. Excellent overall experience. Great review John

[@MelchioDrum]

How do you integrate Apple TV and for what purpose? If you connect AppleTv hdmi out to wiim’s hdmi then what?

[@aldub1263]

I had the Wiim amp but found the volume indicator sluggish and difficult to read. Wiim Ultra touchscreen brings up a large numerical volume value once you start adjusting. That and album art justify the touchscreen inclusion

[@christianwilmes]

I got it a month ago, using the Cambridge Audio CXA61's DAC via optical, paired with some Focal Aria 906 speakers. It’s so much fun! The app is really impressive. This is my first step into the streaming world, and I couldn’t be happier (for now). I even got a cheap 8" Android tablet to use as a display and remote on my desk. The trigger function makes the setup feel complete-no need to touch that brick of a CA remote, lol. Thanks for your review! 🤠

[@dexterts1]

As i LOVE the flexibility of the Wiim app and all the EQ setting,would you say it makes sense to put in a system with 2k€ DAC,5k AMP and so on. Because as i see it,wiim is the only one offering it,as the bluesound node icon is not out yet

[@kjellhedberg1199]

Love mine!

[@zorst99]

Well I would love to say that I am so sophisticated that I feel that the Wiim Ultra has a trashy sound from the DAC and preamp. But I've been using it as an all in one going to my amp. And I feel the sound is terrific. I was using a Anthem AVM50 as a preamp and DAC previously. I think the AVM has some limitations. The Anthem sells for around $4,000 new. I would expect it to outperform a $329 gadget, but to my ear it doesn't. I am using som terrific speakers. I have the B&W801D4s. I'm willing to spend more for great sound but I would have to hear it before I change it.

[@is3commander]

Try Holo Audio Red as a steamer.

[@Belfast-Biccy]

Mine is right beside me on a side table, so screen is both easily visible and useful

[@tessie4204]

I hope you do some Cambridge Amplifier reviews in the future :)

[@herme99]

Basic room correction seems good value given the price. Slightly O/T, I have a Wiim Mini in my living room, and an Apple music library in my kitchen on my mac. Sadly the only way I seem to be able to stream is the lossy (as you mention) AirPlay 2

[@palmito22]

Chord dacs are by far the most aesthetic unpleasant piece of audio gear I’ve ever seen

[@khalbrando2990]

They don’t exactly look the best, I agree, but they sure sound the best. And I will say they look and especially feel a lot more premium in person. They look like a toy in pictures, the mojo for sure. But after getting a mojo 2 and trying it for myself, then hearing the Qutest at a friends house, I can’t deny their greatness. I have a Bluesound Node Nano that I run coax out to the mojo 2 and it’s incredible. Also sounds good going to my more stationary dac, the E70Velvet. I’d take the Node Nano over this wiim or any other streamer for that matter. It’s great, perfect for someone that just needs a high quality streamer and already has everything else they need.

[@palmito22]

@@khalbrando2990 in a hidden system shall work like a charm LOL

[@doompje]

@@palmito22 If you hide the Mojo2 away, how do you deal with switching it on every time you want to listen to music? I love the soundquality of my Mojo2, but find it a bit of a hassle to switch on even on my desktop setup. For that reason I cannot imagine using one in a living room type of setup, despite how good it sounds.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Absolutely agree with you guys. I’ve heard these they are Sublime. Electronics were McIntosh 350watt stereo integrated amp. Also listen with and without REL 510 subwoofers. As you said Pure Finesse. 👍😎

[@gersixtyseven2171]

Great balanced documentary length review and even then not all features are touched upon. What a versatile ultra modern machine. Well done. I would use the sub out and streamer function into the Audiolab DAC on the amp, I think.

[@ichbin18alter]

But you CAN edit the correction curve! 15:06

[@IainMacUK]

Very interesting. How?

[@jonp6798]

@@IainMacUKthe correction curve hijacks your PEQ so you just go into the EQ and do what you want.

[@Pulpdiction1999]

Love the detail you go into, but when did you have to become an audio engineer to have to play back some content, the many formats, streaming standards etc confuse the hell out of me, who thought I was fairly technical, but these videos are a mystery to me. I just want a simple set up of plugging a streaming device into my existing set up and off I go. I long for the days when it was just a case of plugging in a squeezebox and off you go.

[@grahamstrahle4010]

1:42 ...a more visually satisfying listening experience? errm?

[@litenbrandbil]

First you thought about it, then you touched it, and now you listened to it, how does it sound in several rooms? Jokes aside, matches my experience in comparison to the node-x. Rapid software updates, volume indication flipped over as example.

[@amok281]

I have a WiiM Pro, and with the Android version of their app I did room correction (straightforward to do) and felt that whilst interesting the EQ went too far (no doubt Peter Comeau would agree). I was able to fairly easily edit the EQ - I basically just halved every correction amplitude, and find the resulting curve rather effective. I will play around with it further in time, but am in no hurry.

[@SteveSmith0704]

I found that I can do a better job myself, maybe it's the frequency response of the microphone, which tbh was hit built for high fifelity!

[@manzanaresantonio]

Use a better quality microphone. I have used the Shure MV88 to great results.

[@johndaddabbo9383]

Seriously helpful. Well done, Thank you!

[@remiandrepedersen868]

I use my own ears to adjust the sound frequencies, which of course is a matter of one adjustment at a time over time. I understand that most people are not as crazy as I am, but if you are, then you will get the sounds you like no matter what equipment and room.

[@dougg1075]

Those Heresy’s are bad to the bone:) great review as always man.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️JOHN ,THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO BE AN AUDIOPHILE 👍😎💚💚💚

[@paulwoaert]

You should make a video about the new Dac & Amp Atom2 stack from JDS Labs. Many people say that the sound of this Atom2 Amp and Dac is purer than those of iFi Zen Audio, and also that it contains almost no distortion even at very high volume.

[@michelsleeckx8823]

Personnellement je trouve que pour la somme 399€, il n'y a rien de mieux chez moi ça marche vraiment super bien, avec des Cabasse Pacific

[@johntan7405]

You keep harping on about touchscreens. I have a headfi setup on my desktop and a touchscreen makes all the sense, hence I bought an eversolo.

[@LorDarkGoose]

I love my Pro plus and would defo have upgraded to the Ultra if it came with either Airplay 2 or a dedicated Radio Paradise App like Naim streamers do. (which is what I use Airplay for with the ProPLus + iPad/iPhone).

[@asphotographics]

Just waiting for my Wiim Pro Plus to arrive tomorrow! Bought that based on your earlier review. Had been considering a Node or the Ultra. Why did I go with the Pro Plus? AirPlay 2. That’s it. No AirPlay 2, no buy. I am not (always) looking for audiophile purity. I just want something good/very-good, and not too expensive, to bring streaming to my old Energy C2 speakers hooked up to a vintage Carver amp. If I want better quality I will certainly hook up a digital source, but for everyday use I just need the convenience of AirPlay 2 in a household already full of HomePods, Apple devices, and a 20 year old Apple iTunes/Music library. I’m not interested in switching/adding streaming services. I would have bought the Node or Ultra to get more connectivity (sub out would be nice) in case I move the streamer to a different system, but not without AirPlay 2. I’m certain the Pro Plus will beat the AirPort Express I have been testing the setup with! When it comes to technology, convenience trumps quality for the majority of use cases.

[@christianfeaman487]

Gr8 review. How do you think the WiiM would compare to the Marantz M1?

[@techstyle20]

I love mine too. Using it with some powered speakers in the kitchen along with Plex via it's media server. Serious upgrade from my raspberry pi with dragonfly. On another note, as it's being used in the kitchen I use the screen all the time.

[@MrBravo143]

What I was waiting for ❤

[@myturkishlife1777]

I still think these touch screens should be removable like a smart phone size device, and charges when re attached .. it's do able as smart phone type devices are pretty cheap.. Have a great day everyone 👍

[@carloslong839]

Great comparisons. How about my personal setup with a Geshelli J2 dac, which sounds great now... getting the Burson v7 vivid next?

[@gracenotes5379]

Is a review of the AudioLab 9000 series stuff in the works? Your passing comments have been tantalizing.

[@grandmasterjo1]

Super video and excellent content Can you please help me with a decision 1. Can I connect my Audiolab 6000CDT to the Ultra ? Which input in the Ultra would be used ? Thanks 🙏

[@bananaonetwo]

Great video as ever - many thanks. As someone who bought the WiiM amp I concur the on-board screen would seen superfluous. I’ve linked up my Mac mini via hdmi to my tv and have a slightly clumsy but nevertheless nifty workaround ‘now playing’ screen for Audirvana (audio out to the WiiM amp via uPnP) whilst the Apple TV app takes this role for Apple Music. Both Audirvana and WiiM are app controled and offer phone or iPad now playing as a matter of course. A **huge** disappointment has been the removal of Airplay ‘casting’ around the house - first Airplay 1 then Airplay 2 - from the WiiM, a severe dent in functionality and utility. No reasons given. Any alternatives or solutions out there?

[@bananaonetwo]

..also, I really appreciate the music recommendations and leads. Nice!

[@ajbyduryd]

souncloud too!!! nice!

[@carminedesanto6746]

I was eagerly awaiting this …but I’m now going to stay with my Wiim Pro feeding my Denafrips DAC …I’m good 😊

[@IainMacUK]

I can confirm the THX Onyx works with the USB out at 192/24. Dragonfly Red recognised but will not play even at 44/16. Hopefully Wiim will address this.

[@bruffyb3796]

I have the wiim amp and the Dac sounds great using tidal.

[@uofmtigertech1316]

I use the Wiim EQ to get the sound from the headphone output to my liking. I would recommend trying this before buying more gear. I am using it with AKGK701s. Also, my listening position is a foot from the Ultra in my home office, so I can use that touchscreen without any problems. 😀

[@robertldcarlson]

Great review. We can't get enough info about the Wiim Ultra. I would like to hear your thoughts, though you may not have time to compare a Eversolo DMP-8 vs the Ultra with a solid outboard DAC, like the Denafrips Ares 12-1 or a Geshelli J3 spec'd out? I picked up a new open box DMP-8 for $1366, and wonder if I should just be done fiddling around or if the Ultra/geshelli could be the equal and save another $400. TIA

[@Norman-bone13]

My main interest in the Wiim Ultra is the room correction, eq features and crossover pass filters. Screen irrelevant to me. I want to add a streamer to my stereo rig, but like the idea of room correction if it works well. I want a user-friendly app p also that’s simple & convenient. I’m considering the Ultra and the Cambridge Audio AXN-10. I’ve heard raving reviews on the Cambridge DAC Magic app and it’s at the top of my budget limit to spend on a streamer. 👍🏼🎶

[@ianwilliams7740]

Desktop use aside.... Desktop use is the main use case for these bits of equipment IMO... Exactly the same for my Eversolo.. I use it on my work-from-home desk

[@nicktaylor7680]

I wonder how it compares as a streamer to DAC with fiio R7 etc?

[@brianwalsh1844]

Question, if playing Apple Music from an Apple TV 4K what’s the max audio resolution? If you play from an iPhone to the Apple TV is the resolution lower?

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

I eventually hooked up the Wiim Ultra to my iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC. Output to Emotiva BasX amp. Dreamy.

[@antoniofernandes1109]

Great video as always John. AI was wondering what about the DACs available until 500€ to match with the wiim or with and amplifier up to 1000€. Would it make sense?

[@greenbeginner3353]

How do you make your tv screen show what you’re streaming?

[@barneyrubble9309]

What about multi room? With the node you can also add a USB hard-drive and stream it to other nodes. Can you do that with the Wiim ?

[@jimfarrell4635]

I believe you can, though it may need to be a powered hard drive. The ultra certainly supports external drives and multi room with other wiim products.

[@BMWliterbikes4life]

If one uses an Apple TV to stream music would you suggest buying this music streamer or any other streamer you have tested? Is there any reason to have Apple TV for music and a high end streamer ? Do you have a video on this comparing functionality and music quality of the apple streamer vs streamers you think are comparable? Thx

[@DarenLee]

1. Apple codec the AAC over airplay are not lossless. Not sure if our ears matters what differences we heard. 2. If you get this WiiM ultra it’s just to work as a hub where you want to connect stuff like vinyl, cd player etc all the same time, like what the video mentions as a pre amp. 3. Subwoofer management, no idea if you have one or not or in future. These just some input that came to me. By the way yes your question makes me ponder before at times, I am using, smart tv, WiiM pro plus to chi-fi amp to a bookshelves speaker. (For music listening) I am also having an Apple TV old gen 2 with a silver remote, it connects to my smart tv using hdmi, and optical from Apple TV output to a humble old 5.1 system. Only time I use Apple TV is for AirPlay from phone to tv like Amazon plus videos etc (as my smart tv have Netflix) Tell me a bit more of the new Apple TV plus, sometimes I wonder should I upgrade it?

[@dt6218]

Is the subwoofer's crossover setting (especially the high pass filer) applicable to digital out?

[@IainMacUK]

A very good question to be answered specifically. I'm guessing yes, because as John said, room EQ gets passed out digitally.

[@IainMacUK]

17' 45" in.

[@joncruz]

Since I’m using it with The Nines there’s no point of adding an external DAC because the The Nines internal DAC can’t be bypassed.

[@bigdallyc]

If I'm being honest, a DAC like the Mojo, costing $500 plus and still using micro USB for power makes me wince.

[@charlieerekuff2334]

I’m curious What powered speakers pair well with it?

[@euantaylor92]

Thank you for the review. I'm considering this for headphone listening (currently have a laptop connected to an ifi zen dac v2). Do you think I'd get a similar headphone experience directly into the Wiim Ultra or would it be possible/better to connect the Wiim to the zen dac then to headphones? Thanks

[@vincentw9610]

No Airplay.. :|

[@johnpischedda6951]

Thanks again John! I'm still on the fence about buying the Ultra ? or just get a decent DAC and Wiim mini ? If its just about SQ the Wiim mini and Mojo 2 seems to be your preference,if you don't want all the bells and whistles. The ultra sells for $600 in Australia !!! So $100 for the Mini leaves $500 for a DAC as an alternative .

[@Artemis_Prix]

Note Passion for Sound had performed a SQ comparison amongst the streamer side of the WIIM products. He found there was a notable increase in SQ when stepping up to the Pro and Pro Plus relative to the Mini. I can personally confirm the same results albeit only between the Mini and the Pro Plus in my system. The Mini was shallow and not as full-bodied and natural sounding as the Pro Plus. The SQ increased even further after adding an LPS to my Pro Plus and standalone DAC (a J2S with the Sparkos 2590 Pro op-amps). Hope this is helpful. Enjoy.

[@johnpischedda6951]

@@Artemis_Prix Thanks for that ! I’d be keen to check out a Geshelli DAC but they only do US or European power plugs ! I’m not keen on converting.

[@dashoon1]

Finally... A well-balanced review. It's a mixed bag, The touchscreen is silly, and the phono stage and headphone out is blah, but there's no denying it's value.

[@przemo2539]

Volume knob is also silly? Just put rack beside chair it is so simple.

[@handcoding]

What’s wrong with having a touchscreen? And do you also dislike that your phone has a touchscreen?

[@dashoon1]

@@handcoding I own one and I like it... I guess I just don't see the utility of a screen (touch or otherwise) on this kind of device. From my listening position, I can't see anything on the screen. I control everything in the app on my phone so I don't need to get up and crouch next to the streamer to control it. I think my use case if pretty common. Maybe there are other use cases where the device is within reach at eye level?

[@richardsinger01]

​​@@handcodingit's not very useful on a small static piece of electronics that sits across the room from the listening position.

[@a.j9645]

Stop being silly. It looks good, and it shows cool music-art👍 Depending on your room size.. Its useful or not at all (but guests likes it and yes I also like it on my way to the kitchen/toilet etc😀). Love wiim and this is a very nice product, but.. 😉

[@jeffcraig7327]

A question if I may. I have an mdac+ so is it possible to connect it to the Wiim and just use the Wiim as a streamer?

[@chrisnotyourbusines7739]

i was wondering about pairing it with klipsch nines, its great that it delivers the post eq signal over digital and thanks for the info!

[@theoriginaltaz4562]

i bought the Ultra for 459 CAD , worth every penny.. HDMI to connect TV to an AMP that doesn't have digital connection , the onboard DAC is good enough for Spotify/Sirius XM. For me my ears are not good enough to hear the difference between low and High rez.... And Believe you me, I've spent Cash trying to figure out the difference..

[@codyhuber]

Often people have their vinyl setups on lowboys which are close to knee/thigh height. Seems a similar case of form over function? Can they realistically perform all the steps of vinyl playback without having to sit on the floor, kneel or crouch? I don’t disagree that small touch screens are limited but do serve a purpose even if it’s only to sell more units:)

[@Bloozestringer]

I think I'm just gonna buy an old Apple Airport Express 1 so I can use apple music properly. I get it included in my phone package and I don't really want to pay another monthly subscription. Although my player with Moode supposedly can use Airplay 1 or 2. CD quality is good enough.

[@dwdrum11]

I’ve rigged up a few of the AirPort Express into amps around the house and they work flawlessly. Especially if you grab a cheap HomePod mini, the Siri recognition for controlling which zones to play audio in is first class! Sound quality is spot on. I even picked an AirPort Express up on marketplace for £20, took it to my dad and turned his old onkyo mini hifi/keg speakers into a reliable streaming system that sounds superb. Make sure to get the a1392 generation AirPort Express as the first gen is airplay not airplay 2! If you need any guidance in setting them up just shout! Cheers

[@jamesmansion2572]

This is the first time I've seen a mention of the USB port being DAC capable. That's quite a big deal - not least, it could send audio through a minidsp crossover. I'm interested in pulling files from a local LAN served music directory - no-one has discussed the DLNA or networking facilities AFAIK - and how one would go about selecting the music to play. Happy to have a monitor attached, but how to get the UI on it? Oh - and I'm an Android user.

[@uofmtigertech1316]

I tested DLNA with Audirvana running on a MAC and it worked without issue. The Wiim software also works with some servers. I can see my Plex server and Synology server inside the Wiim app. have also tested the USB out to a Topping DAC and it supported my 24/192 files. The USB also worked the other direction with my old 160GB iPod. The Ultra has too many features to have every single thing shown without a very, very long video.

[@jamesmansion2572]

@@uofmtigertech1316 That's interesting - so in that case the app is providing the music selection UI? I have been ripping my CDs to FLAC on a (FreeBSD) NAS for safe keeping and ease of use, but I currently select from a full screen UI. It would be nice to have that cast to a monitor, but I guess a tablet would do, the basic ones aren't expensive after all.

[@audriulis]

You just convinced me to by one, plus I managed to find a 15% discount as a pre-order, probably watched all yt videos about it 😂🤦🏻‍♂️