2022's BEST VALUE Spotify & Apple Music streamer?

This video is brought to you by Schiit Audio:
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WiiM Pro (US$150)
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WiiM Mini (US$99)
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Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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Argon Audio Solo
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"What's that round metal thing on top of your streamer?"
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#Spotify #Roon #bluetooth
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[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) All comments here are moderated by a third party 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome 3) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please

[@FerrisTetris]

Buttons on the Pro version are on the side because of you, they wanted you to put a doorstopper on top!

[@j.l.887]

Incredibly underrated comment my friend!! 😂

[@jonnyBgood3]

Yeah lol improves the audiophool look as it make bugger all difference to the sound.

[@Another_Audiophile]

I’ve tried several streamers in bridge configuration using an external Dac namely the chord Qutest and RME ADI 2 Dac fs. The differences are so small that I wouldn’t pass an AB test. The lesson is that these devices are plug, play and forget the audio nervosa. This is what’s the best take. It’s all about features and ease of use

[@hifi-photo-Brian]

Wiim Has great customer service too! My Wiim mini stopped working and they shipped me a new one no charge no shipping the broken one back, free! Outstanding! 🎶🎶

[@sneakyds]

You did say that you’re not an Amazon Music subscriber, but for those who are the Wiim Mini is unique in the market in allowing users to cast hi res up to 24/192 from the Amazon Music app using Amazon’s AlexaCast (their version of Spotify/Tidal Connect) to the WiiM. Even the much lauded Bluesound Node doesn’t allow that, instead relying on Amazon’s restricted third party API. This also means the WiiM can be used a target device by Alexa, as well as being in a multi room music (MRM) group with echos and other WiiM devices. Again, not many devices can claim that. It should be pointed out that the increased memory (x4) and cpu cores (x2?) in the WiiM Pro will allow it to support lossless Amazon Music HD/UHD up to 24/192 in multi room groups - the current Mini has memory issues and only supports standard lossy resolution in MRM groups. For Amazon Music HD users, never mind the other streaming services it supports, the WiiM devices are a godsend…

[@fstrati]

Thanks for your comment. You have just answered my remaining questions concerning Amazon Music HD. I am going with the Mini black Friday deal then and skip the pro version. Thx

[@ludwikmazurek2234]

Unfortunately not in Poland and Australia.... We cannot cast and can only play amazon from wiim home app.

[@PeterComber]

I think the title 'favourite streamer of 2022' can go to any product still on sale in 2022. It could be a model from 2018 if nothing more recent has surpassed it since. I view 'Best of the Year' lists as ego boosts for manufacturers whereas a reviewer's 'favourite XXX of the year' is about the user's experience and preference.

[@JWForce1059]

The WiiM Mini has completed my living room setup. The UI of the app is amazing, and if you have a music server (I use one on my regular desktop) and use the DLNA/NAS for off-streaming music files in addition to at least one streaming platform, it is everything that you really need. I had a DAC lying around that I plugged it into, so it sounds great. No plugging in DAPs or computers directly to the amp, no manual adjustments necessary - just a clutter-free way of adding a great, easy streaming experience from the comfort of a couch.

[@saquibhussain6000]

Always great perspectives John. Here's some of my experience to share - while more and more streaming transports, very few (at a reasonable price) are focused on high quality electronics, clocks, isolation that genuinely contribute to better quality digital output. Ifi Zen Stream is a unique one at below $500, and I've been blown away by the difference in quality I heard, even though I'm super skeptical of these claims. Many streaming manufacturers can focus on quality of parts, clocks, jitter, noise rather than adding cheap dacs and too many ports that really are a waste of costs. Would love your review and thoughts on simple streaming transports with quality parts and engineering.

[@johnpischedda6951]

The Wiim mini was a game changer for me ! The Tidal and Spotify connect function and streaming capability makes it the ultimate" Frugalphile" device. I've bought two units ! Thanks so much John for putting me onto it . I was previously using Apple TV to stream Spotify 320 kBPS. Thanks to the Tidal connect function I have made the switch to Tidal and now streaming CD quality. No longer waiting for Spotify's empty promises of higher res !

[@datoall1648]

Hey John, I bought a Mini last year and what I like about is that I can move it into different rooms. So one week it will be in my office, then it goes in my workshop and it just works. The sound is good enough for my workshop and it works well with my Schitt Modi, value for money is right and non Hifi friends can not feel bad about hooking it up to old amps and appreciate the streaming convenience.

[@garymayes4881]

I have a Wiim Mini connected by Toslink into an NJC Audio DAC and then Buchardt i150 amp and Buchardt S400 M II speakers and I think it sounds brilliant. I am always tempted to buy a Blusound Node, but waited for a review of the new Wiim and now after seeing this review of the Wiim Pro, I think I’ll just stick with what I have, as I don’t need to spend more on a new Pro, for no obvious gain. Interested to see what the new Amazon feature is though, as that is my main music platform. Thanks for the video John. Good stuff as always.. I like that you don’t just do really high end content now and these new videos you are doing are hugely enjoyable. 🤘⭐️🤘

[@van94weightlossjourney]

Thank you for making an affordable review on a streamer. With the economy being nutty, value is important more than ever 😊

[@christian2123]

Nice review! This is very exciting to see. I 100% think it's appropriate to include the Mini as your favourite streamer of 2022. A) it's your list so I think that qualifies as full editorial oversight of the list. B) and I think more importantly, this streamer today has come so far from when it was released it behaves like a new device. Instead of coming out with a Mini v2 the team at Wiim has upgraded and improved our device through the year, to which I am grateful to the team for that. So hell yeah, put it on the 2022 list!! Cheers.

[@bruffyb3796]

I bought a wiim mini after your initial review. Still love it, toslink straight into my hifi and Tidal connect. Lovely stuff.

[@andrewmay1041]

I love my Wiim mini. It's connected via a decent toslink cable to my mojo 2 dac and then another decent cable to my amp. It was worth spending the money on the cables as Wiim mini just sounds so good with bit perfect connection to dac. It hides away great and is powered from a USB on my amp, so only comes on when the amp is on. Its really fantastic and easy to use and Wiim update software regularly too. Definitely a 2022 item as it launched so late last year.

[@decamp0]

Another great video John! I purchased a Marantz Model 40n after viewing your video (watched an unhealthy number of times) but hated the Heos application. After viewing your other video about the Wiim Mini I purchased one of those too to use as the digital frontend (toslink out to the Marantz) and couldn't be happier with the pairing (mainly because I like to use Tidal Connect which is not supported by Heos and never will be according to Marantz themselves). Even aside from Tidal Connect, the Wiim app is a much better experience all round. For me, I would include it in the 2022 awards though perhaps I'm biased. Keep up the good work!

[@driscollmichaelmd]

I think given the amount of updates this year for the WiiM mini it can be counted as a 2022 product as so much has changed since launch? I've not known a product that has consistently updated and been reliable in it's fixes/updates. Highly recommended

[@driscollmichaelmd]

Actually have mine run through a decent budget DAC into an old Denon system running some very nice Cambridge Audio Aeromax 2. It continues to surprise me.

[@sanderschat]

Just bought the Mini due to the exposure here. Cant wait for it. Thank you kindly for your channel and all your information.

[@marcusedwards8283]

Great review as always. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I have 2 WIIM minis going through Geshelli Labs J2 DAC (with the AKM chip) and have been fully satisfied using with Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. I have zero complaints about the WIIM mini, although the ethernet connection on the WIIM Pro is tempting, but that is the only thing it has that I might like to use over what the connections the mini has.

[@marcusedwards8283]

@@kevkoch11 I have the Cambridge Audio AXR100 with Klipsch RP600M speakers in my bedroom and for my office set up I have an Aiyima T9 with Jamo S803 speakers.

[@marcusedwards8283]

@@kevkoch11 I have heard very good things about both the Aiyima A07 and Emotiva B1+. I was very pleasantly surprised by the little Aiyima Tube T9 when I got it but adding the J2 made it much better. Almost seemed like there was a thick, heavy blanket over the speakers that was lifted after adding the J2. I'm new to this hobby so can't say how it compares to other DACs but I can definitely say with my two setups there was a noticeable difference after adding the J2.

[@livesey1979]

Bought a WiiM Pro, hooked to my Meridian speakers via coax. It's awesome. I love it.

[@skippythetubrat]

I recently picked up a WiiM Pro. My current setup is WiiM pro (or other source) -> Aiyima T10 preamp -> Carver m0.5t power amp -> Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature (series i) speakers. I cannot believe how good streaming through Amazon Music is. Their HiRes files slap! I can't wait to get my Pioneer receiver back to see how it all sounds through that. The Aiyima/Carver combo is my backup. In my experience, when you have a vintage amp/receiver, it's best to have a backup plan for when the vintage component goes into the shop.

[@Bean86]

Great video and totally agree. I replaced my RPi streamer and Toslink hat with the Wiim Mini and haven't looked back since.

[@BreakTime10101]

I have the WiiM Mini that I hooked up to an Echo Link to send audio to all my Echo Dots for whole home audio using AirPlay, it works great. Great review. 👍

[@jponsie]

Bought a wiim mini off the back of your previous recommendation. Can't think of any other hifi purchase I've made which was better value for money. The streaming functionality works better (as it starts faster/doesn't drop out etc) than those built into my high end systems.

[@martinbaron2921]

London Calling, released December 1979, was Rolling Stone magazine's best album of the 80's, so I think you're good with the Wiim Mini on your 2022 list.

[@ctbcubed]

The WiiM Mini Airplay 2 does support Amazon Music up to 24/192 and Pandora was added after a recent firmware update. This little device seems to be very well supported with firmware updates. The Wiim Home app works well and it integrates nicely with Amazon Alexa. I use my WiiM with the Toslink connection to a Schitt Modi 3E DAC and I'm happy with the results. They Wiim Mini is on sale at Amazon for $80 US as I write this.

[@Adam-Builds-It]

Can i ask, with your dac does the wiim volume control still work ?

[@chrisjoynt]

Loving the continued coverage on Wiim products. I bought one early this year after the recomendation from this channel and I agree, the software support makes this one of the best buys in streamers today. Worth noting, Wiim has released a software update that allows for MQA support on Tidal. It will process the first unfold on device or pass through the raw MQA file to your dac (if it supports MQA decoding).

[@scrubbyjanitor1704]

Coax is HUGE making it more easy to get the most out of DAC inputs and not having to swap cables

[@jan9]

Since the lack of gapless playback was driving me nuts, I sold my secret stash of chrome cast audio's and got the Wiim Mini. What a brilliant device. Got it set up in front of my Denafrips Ares II and i have stopped looking for streamers :) Mainly use Tidal and Spotify from my phone and Airplay for System audio from my laptop (sometimes using airfoil to choose what software to be the audio source). By far my best hifi upgrade 2022, it has saved me a lot of money :)

[@doifeellucky]

Spotify Connect is gapless for me with my two CCA’s.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

John, you have gone above and beyond is this review of a low priced unit. Always love your music choices in your videos.

[@christianbergeron1407]

Best of 2022.... What I want to know is which is best to buy now, no matter if it is from 2022 or before. What would be the point to name product X as best to buy in 2022 if another product launched before is better for similar price. I guess the point is, do we want this year fashion product or do we want best product to do the job that we can get today.

[@TomReinerDE]

My wife was born in 1969. She is still the best AND my favourite. 😊 Regardless of the year. So I would be ok if you consider the Mini still your favourite steamer in 2022, although it was brought out a year ago. ;-)

[@larryh9525]

Hi John, this will be a tad off topic, so my apologies. Yesterday, I installed the latest version of DTS Play-Fi (iPad IOS 15.8.x) on a Paradigm PW-Link (and older device) and Gapless playback showed up. On an older device (less CPU and ram), I found considerably stuttering on 24/192 using Qobuz. However, setting Qobuz to 24/96 fixed the stuttering. All your other caveats still stand, but since most folks are getting Play-Fi as part of something else (as a friend of mine likes to say "for free dollars and no cents") gapless now makes it a viable option, at least for Qobuz.

[@pugrallye23]

Hi John, I always enjoy your content Re whether or not the WiiM Mini can be considered for your 2022 awards, I think the question is: are the awards specifically for products released in 2022, or given a point in time, what is your favourite product in the class i.e. if, come the end of 2023, the WiiM Mini is still your favourite, could it win again? Or would you have to pick something you don't actually like so much, just because it happened to be released in 2023? Personally, what I'm most interested to know as a consumer, is, at a given point in time, what the best/preferred product is - not when it was released. If a product released several years ago is still considered to be the best/preferred, that's the one I want to buy No reason you can't have both of course - your favourite product releases in 2022, but also your current favourite products, regardless of when they were launched And as you said, WiiM seem to be great at continually updating and supporting their products - no reason why it can't maintain your recommendation going forward because of that - they may even add LMS support for example :) Keep up the excellent content though!

[@Fabs1994]

Bought a WiiM Mini because I've watched your review. Amazing little device! Love it. Paired it with my RME ADI-2 DAC - lovely combo especially with the update on the RME with auto source selection! It just works fast and easy

[@marcianoacuerda]

Another happy costumer of the Wiim mini here. Does everything I need: Spotify, Apple and the random Bluetooth use. It’s also easy to hide but it looks good if you don’t want to hide it. It’s been a long time I’ve found a good value product like this. Like everything is inflated but this at 100 is a fair price!

[@jlemaster1157]

I know this is 9 months on John but I just want to say that among the YT audiophile reviewers, you are my favorite - I always find your reviews free of nonsense (and there is a lot in this hobby). I find it very therapeutic some times just to sit down with a Java and listen to your reviews. Lately I have realized I’ve spent a lot of money seeking to optimize sound quality eg hi-res and all that, and have shifted my focus (thanks to listening to you) to being able to ACCESS my music in the various contexts of my life. Thus, the Wiim Pro fills an important gap at a very reasonable cost- it may not compete SQ wise with 4-5 digit streamers- but as an aging audiophile I have to ask myself, can I really even hear the difference? I think sometimes I have Wiim Pro level ears with Sonore Signature Rendu appetites.

[@marcbrummel8566]

Thanks for the review. There is a small streamer for people who need or want i2s out (by hdmi). Called nuprime stream mini sold for about 260 Euro/ USD. Has most providers in the app and Airplay 2 (no chromecast) I2s , SPDIF and toslink out, 24/196 max.

[@bjwal6]

If using external dac, really curious about sound quality difference between these and something like a bluesound node or ifi zen (for tidal connect, don’t really care about software).

[@grahamevans9606]

I've been using Audiocast for about 4 years or so. Basically very similar to the now unavailable Chromecast. Not for the Hi Fi snobs but I'm happy enough streaming to my main set up in the lounge via Spotify...and using Airplay directly from my computer.

[@geoCow]

I totally agree with your award: Wiim Mini ‘Puck of the Year’ 2022. 🎉

[@martin9933]

Which DAC would you recommend with the WiiM Mini or Pro? What would be the cheapest option that´s a big enough step up from the built in DAC? Thank you!!

[@itsthesun412]

Schiit modi+

[@cantukel]

As always, great review! Thank you so much for bringing this to our radar. IMO, I don't think the Best of the Year should only be categorized according to the release dates. Sometimes it is hard to find a great product and a good fit between all the noise and repetitions around the market and immediately gasp its true value. For the greater good, I encourage you to go for it :) Thank you. Can

[@daviddru942]

Fantastic little option for those 2nd and 3rd systems where you can include them in you network and control. Also great for things like an old console where you want to add more than just Bluetooth connectivity.

[@bigbroondug]

If you can purchase it in 2022 it should be valid. Would you award a product a best title even though there was a better one that was released in a previous year?

[@brandtblues]

Your initial review of the wiim mini encouraged me to buy 2 minis- I’m so impressed that I might get another one for full house connectivity - thanks. I don’t really need the extra stuff in the pro

[@gtube314]

I bought a Wiim Mini a couple of months ago and had a really good first impression. I wanted to use it before a DAC but it become quickly unusable due to a very delicate TOS-link connector door, that broke after just a couple of insertions. I hope the Pro is built with more solid parts but, for the rest, it is really great value for money.

[@davidhenderson3988]

As some one who used a pi(with volumio) as a streamer for several years. The WIIM mini easily blows the pi out of the water. I always has issues with the PI because it was fairly unstable. There were many times I just wanted to stomp the PI into the ground. The mini on the other hand is fairly stable and very user friendly. For some one just starting out, pair it with a schiit modi and you have a very nice little streamer/dac combo.

[@DarkoAudio]

Kaboom!

[@tonym8358]

Volumio is very unreliable. I have the same feelings, hit it with a Hammer, until I switch to MoOde Audio end of the problems and sounds better...the first review of the Wiim Pro at Amazon 2 🌟

[@flyingnto564]

Does your volumio had a lot of issue too? my volumio sometimes just crashes or i can't play or pause the music. or thats type of things. Is that volumio or The Pie

[@juicythedj750]

Word! I sold both my Chromecast Audio and Pi streamer box the moment I knew about the upcoming WiiM Pro. I hope they'll still add support for Plex(amp) though. They're already looking into it, according to the forum. The raspberry pi was fun to tinker around with, but none of the music streaming OS distributions felt like a solid, all-in-one solution.

[@stevenhunter3454]

Got a wiim mini yesterday on Amazon uk for £79.

[@CyBorekPL]

Got WiiM Mini and love it. Custom EQ landed with an update sometime ago is great and coming MQA support will be amazing in such cheap device. But I am aiming for WiiM Pro to use as daily streamer with mini supporting mulitoroom.

[@tyger82]

It would nice to have pass thru option for Toslink Input in Wiim Pro to redirect digital audio to Toslink Output. If you have not enough DAC inputs it will be helpful.

[@Spatlip]

I've been using a Yamaha WXAD-10 for 2 years now and because it's lacking a coax or toslink out I've been unable to use my external Marantz HD-DAC1. This seems the perfect candidate to replace the Yamaha with, so I can finally unleesh the capabilities of the Marantz. Thanks for the informative video John!

[@MrOffTrail]

I believe you should think of “best of “ more like a boxer or football team than a movie or song: whatever is best wins, regardless of when it came out. Because at the end of the day, to a potential buyer it doesn’t matter when it was released, it matters what sounds best, has best features, and is the best value, even if it is unchanged for 30 years. In this case, I’m interested in the Pro though, even if it is a bummer that they didn’t upgrade the internal DAC. Looking forward to your video on best DACs.

[@mikelanier5617]

Just bought the original Wiim mini but need a coax out so I will be buying the Pro version. The mini works great and much less than my Bluesound Node in my main system but is not off by much. Using it outdoors for my patio system and didn't want to spend $600 for outdoor use. Cost to performance ratio is fantastic 👌 👏 Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

The lack of chromecast was the main reason I didn't bother with the mini. The pro is genuinely tempting. Currently using an old nexus 5 phone as a streamer via usb.

[@kitdenerley]

The Mini works fine with Amazon Music. Perfect for enjoying their gapless DJ sets 😃

[@fydela7190]

Bought a WiiM Mini in September for $80 USD and been running it with Spotify Connect ever since. Does the job nicely.

[@markdemariassy8685]

Yahoo! Been waiting for this. Love my mini, but my hifi is in area of the house with weakest WiFi, so always longed for ethernet option. Also my spidf sockets on my amp are a bit dodge, so coax option is also v welcome. Will be jumping on this as soon as it appears!👍🎉

[@boniccie]

John, I sent an email to Wiim asking them if they will introduce streamer with USB output and they replied back with a confirmation that they will release one in 2023. I hope you will get your hands on one and review it when it’s available.

[@arcobalenofenice8643]

I hopt that can support MQA Full decoder .

[@fstrati]

Does the pro version have any advantage over the mini when using its digital out into an external Schiit audio 3e DAC?

[@assafrutenberg]

Great to see the Monitor Audio speakers back. They look beautiful.

[@khrispeter85]

If you already have the Mini… is it worth upgrading to the Pro just for Ethernet and Chromecast option? For me no, but it is an intriguing device! I think this is a direct shot at the Bluesound Node… for the general fans who are not fussy about DAC’s, just add a pair of active speakers. I’d like to see how that combo works

[@pmrribeiro]

Active speakers don't replace DACs

[@s2photo]

@@pmrribeiro some have built in DAC’s. I have a set of Kanto TUK’s that have a built in DAC on a toslink connection. Not sure what kind of quality it is… but it’s possible that it’s better than the wiim’s DAC.

[@rich.e]

Re Best of 22, I think if its first year of sale has principally been the 12 months up to now then yeah, it can rightly be called a favourite of 2022. Question re the analog input on the Wiim Pro; does it convert Analog to Digital and output the signal via coax or optical? Might be a good way to integrate a turntable into a system with digital-only inputs...

[@adalarce]

Possibly the ONLY airplay 2 streamer with Ethernet right now besides the also new Audio Pro link 2 for much less… Would be a very interesting video to make a cost efective wiim + dac pairing that compares to the top streamers like the node, Sonos port or even the Link 2 for hopefully less. Great video as always!

[@MS-pw8yu]

WIIM with ethernet is what I have been waiting for! Super stoked to pair this to my SMSL SU-6 DAC.

[@jlmjloi4533]

Bought the Wiim Pro with remote (135USD) and connected to an external DAC (PS Audio DLIII)

[@PTPerdix]

I do like the Pro so far, and with 6 people in the house and laptops for school and communication and everything else - it's nice to just have my music streamer use the bandwidth of my LAN connection (I do also have a WiiM mini in another room). I've been usint the toslink out on the WiiM pro with an external DAC using coax - and had no issue with bit perfect 24/192 test song (as well as songs streamed over Amazon Music at that rate): issue syncing/jitter others have mentioned. A USB out would be nice, but this works great. However, I don't know that I can tell the difference between 16/44.1 and 24/192 - and I'm not certain I can tell the difference between the WiiM internal DAC and my super clean external one... but I've not done any double blind tests. ...but now I'm going to have to listen close to see if the playback is truly gapless - maybe some Pink Floyd or Daft Punk albums.

[@VandepoelM]

i wished schiit made a product like this.

[@peterzapp2091]

iPad, because it’s a streamer with a free tablet and with a versatile USB-C port to connect a hub (DAC, power supply, LAN, hard disk etc.).

[@slipchuck1]

Wouldn't it be better to have a bluesound node then to buy this unit and also paying for a DAC,?

[@akispapasavvas9307]

How does it compare with chromecast audio?

[@telecasternut]

I’ve got the WiiM mini into schiit mode 3dac into arcam alpha 8r amp (old school) b&w 601 speakers , it sounds great ,brought life into my old system. Love the show

[@JonnoAndrews]

This device appears to be similar to Arylic devices (S50 Pro+) and the 4stream app and the Wiim app are cross usable, and are pretty much identical. Maybe you wanna check out Arylic's stuff and review those too? I have 3. They're quite good.

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thank you for this review! As a WiiM Mini user who's optical port flap has broken (frequent issue on the Minis), I do hope they used better ones on the PRO. It is a good thing that PRO also has a Coax port, but I do think that the omission of a USB output port is a bit of a missed opportunity. If the PRO had this, I think it would be unbeatable.

[@ColinCarFan]

Mine also broke the optical flap and I told them and returned it (a bit laborious) and got a new replacement from them.

[@michalhabarta2915]

Hi Darko Audio...It seems to be a ideal device for me to stream music to my Topping E30 mark II. Do you have an information if I can stream Tidal through WiiM Pro through digital output in bitperfect way to my DAC, which supports MQA decoding? Thanks a lot, have o good time. Michal

[@anthony2010707]

Thanks for the video mr Darko, like your choice of music for your intro.

[@alexron2023]

You really help me deciding the one to buy. I really enjoy your valuable information and presentation of your videos, keep up the fantastic work !

[@JarnoLauronen]

You mention that you'd use this in combination with an external DAC. Which one would you use it with to still have the best value package? At what price point would you instead use a single network steamer?

[@joes6241]

I am also curious

[@marcmccord5085]

The only reason I haven’t gone to a mini is because it is Wi-Fi only. The Ethernet on the Pro, even if nothing else new was offered, attracts me to it. I simply use my IPad to stream Tidal and am not really interested in anything else it does other than it’s great app. I will use the DAC in my SR6015 with RCA. I cant wait to get my hands on one. Excellent real world review!

[@phildini23]

@darkoAudio would you prefer the Wii Mini with a dedicated DAC and Amp over the Bluesound PowerNode? Would love a "Comparison" on these so called budget devices. :D

[@aRc11-11]

WiiM mini is a great summertime runner. Live in a desert where 110+ Fahrenheit is the norm. Winter I drag out the Node. The gap of sq. is smaller than one would think betwixt the mini and the Node. The Pro will find a home here.

[@marcericdavis]

Frugalphile, like it.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS JOHN FOR HELPING US OUT TODAY WITH THE NEW OPTIONS, AND I LOVE ❤️ YOUR LAVA LAMP…ALL THOUGH I NEVER HAD ONE 😢😊💚💚💚

[@henkiepda]

Hello, I have a bluesound 2i together with an ifi zen one signature. The question is, would you sell the bluesound and buy the wiim pro? thanks for your videos they fascinate me

[@jaytejera1164]

Any sound quality difference between the mini and the pro? Comparison to the Bluesound quality?

[@juicythedj750]

Watch the video! The same DAC circuit is used in the Mini and the Pro so they sound very much alike. The internal DAC does not sound spectacular, so eventually an upgrade to an external DAC is recommended.

[@hassannasir90]

What if i am using the dac of my integrated amplifier so it should not matter about the internal dac inside mini/pro

[@zopclan]

That is brilliant - as my home automation is based on the Google ecosystem, having Chromecast is for me, is its 'killer app'. For most of the time, listening to music at home is via Chromecast ultra and this will make it integrate seamlessly.

[@LeeLee-fi7mx]

Even though it's been discontinued, I still like the chromecast audio for it's ease of use and app compatibility. Decent sound quality as well for a device originally costing $35.

[@robertbowman1273]

It wouldn't hurt to include the Wiim Mini in the 2022 awards if it was not included in last years considerations after all it is an exception because it was released so late in last year. The other thing you might consider is having the awards "In the last twelve months". That would circumnavigate being forced to exclude the Mini .

[@supernehc]

Wow~This is what I have been looking for! Chromecast Spotify in one~

[@ThomasZander]

Exactly! Quite exactly what I was looking for! Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@freepat101]

Would you be able to stream TV sound to this and then stream that sound over the house? Not sure how that would work.

[@Chris.from.1950]

My Wiim Mini / Schiit Modi duo is the best thing since sliced bread! 🔥

[@carolineleonard8214]

Not disqualified at all IMHO, surely it is when you evaluated the item. Glad to hear that the WIIM Pro is bit perfect output. A couple of my Sonos Control units have stopped working. I was not using their DAC just as a transport into my Cyrus DAC. If put on fixed output and used via coax/optical one gets a bit perfect signal. Not so with the Sonos Port. The WIIM Pro is now an option worth considering as a transport. An excellent post Mr JD...... you have saved me a load of research and given me a strong starting point.

[@davidjackson9037]

Hi John I hope you're well. Please could you tell me / us if the Wiim Pro's RCA, optical and coaxial outputs can all be active at the same time as I'm looking at possibly hooking one up to 3 systems. Cheers Dave in Liverpool.

[@PrinceFluffy]

Still waiting for artwork for local files on the Wiim Mini, they show on USB Audio Player Pro.....

[@domtomas1178]

Thanks John, Another great video! Almost tempted to pick this up for Tidal Connect, especially if Innuos don't implement Tidal Connect into the Sense app. Which is not looking likely. Sense is quite good, but misses out on the weekly recommended playlists on both Tidal and Qobuz. And doesn't do any of the Connect stuff either. As you say, no one product has been able to give us all the major streaming services in one place.

[@zackw4941]

I just picked up a Wiim Mini. I got a refurbished model from ebay for $70 shipped. It seems to be in perfect condition. So far, I really like it! I'm just using with Tidal connect and haven't tried any other features. I did setup the optical out for fixed level and 24/192. There is no bit-perfect setting, but elsewhere in the menu it claims to be bit perfect when set to 24/192. And presumably, that would apply to any content at or below the maximum output setting. For example, I would expect 16/44.1 to be bit perfect no matter what, because the default output is 16/48khz. At any rate, it sounds much better than streaming from my TV (The TV's Tidal app is super watered down, too.) I am currently running the optical out into a Parasound Hint 6, driving Tekton Moabs. Had I known there was this pro version coming out soon, I might have waited for it. I don't need it now, but that extra coax s/pdif out could be very handy down the road. My Hint 6 along with many other integrated units or AVRs, will have multiply optical inputs. However, most discreet DACs don't seem to. The only exception that springs to mind is the Denafrips Ares. If you're like me and have your two channel speaker system doubling as a home theater, you will need that one optical input open for the TV. My ONLY issue so far, is that I found it a little bit stubborn to reconnect and continue playing after pausing after pausing for a while. I set standby to "never" and it seems to have fixed the problem. The thing doesn't really use any power, so I don't know why it would need to stand by in the first place..

[@pablovi77]

Yeah, but a Raspberry Pi is not only a streamer, it’s like ROON now, without the metadata. With Volumio you can send music to many endpoints, including Airplay and Chromecast. Plus it supports Roon as an endpoint. And it supports Tidal Connect, Spotify, Quoboz, etc.

[@saulhyman479]

Thanks John, I'm a huge fan of your videos and as ever this is another great one. Do you know if you can plug in your TV to the optical in and use it to play TV sound into an analogue amp? A bit like the HDMI on the Node...

[@ChrisEchoes]

I think he actually says so in the video.

[@GB-up6nl]

Any comparisons between the sound quality of solo, mini and pro for streamer only option?

[@TomosFlynn]

I think the wiim mini should be included in the 2022 awards. Yes it was released in 2021 but its impact has mainly been in 2022. It was during 2022 that it became popular and became gapless. Its release was 2021 but its a product of 2022. Also its just bloody brilliant man cut it some slack! haha They've really done something special by opening up streaming to affordable systems without the finicky use of a pi.

[@hawgwild5456]

Thanks John and agree about your thoughts on the Wiim mini. I have one hooked up to an Arcam rDac and don't feel a need to upgrade it. If the Pro pushes down the price of the mini further, it will be even more unbeatable at that price point.

[@Unicorn-ST]

I like the concept of the Wiim Mini, but I mainly use Plex and I don't know if is possible to use Wiim Mini with Plex. Please if anyone know, inform to me. Therefore I use the Xiomi MiBox S, but more than this I use several Chromecast Audio and also some standard Chromecast connected to a HDMI inlet in my receivers or to a HDMI audio extractor. I know Chromecast isn't always gapless, but Chromecast allow to me to use multi-room very easily, that is something I can not do with the Xiomi Mi Box S because despite it has Chromecast support, it hasn't multi-room support. The Wiim Pro seems interesting because of the Chromecast support that for sure allows me to use it with Plex... but I am wondering if it could be use as Chromecast multi-room. My final thought is that initially I wanted to use the Chromecast Audio optical output to connect to my external DAC, but finally I am using the Chromecast analog output bacause it's good enought and allows to me a more direct use, because I only have to connect the amplifier, to use the external DAc it's another device to switch on. For a more quality listening, I use the Xiaomi or the PC connected to my external DAC. Anyone knows if is possible to use Plex with Wiim Mini?