THE BEST WiiM Pro Plus or WiiM Mini for Spotify, Tidal & Qobuz?

In this video I am reviewing and comparing the WiiM Mini and the WiiM Pro Plus digital music streaming HiFi DACs to see what the differences might be between them for features and sound quality to hopefully help you choose the right WiiM product for your system.
Are the WiiM the best bang for buck HiFi products available in 2023 - probably but of course thayt does not make them perfect.
To buy the WiiM mini from Amazon see here geni.us/uvqb
To buy the WiiM Pro from Amazon see here geni.us/6ZoV
To buy the Wiim Pro Plus from Amazon see here geni.us/YLF2GW
I have posted my EQ settings on my Patreon, link here to join / membership
I mention a battery power pack to power the WiiM here is a link to my preferred option geni.us/Z20PA
I mention in the video about my preferred use of the JPLAY app here apps.apple.com/it/app/jplay/i...
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Visit my website www.pursuitperfectsystem.com
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Thanks for watching - Terry Ellis Pursuit Perfect System
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#hifireview #musicstreaming #audiophile
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:24 Differences
4:19 Power
5:20 Specs
7:00 APP
12:47 Sound Quality
19:02 Final Thoughts
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The HiFi System seen in this video and used for the review
Acoustic Treatments from GIK Acoustics gikacoustics.co.uk/ref/9/
Music Source Custom Built Audio PC featuring products from JCAT XE USB Card, Optimo 3 Duo Linear Power Supply, Signature Cables USB and SATA, Net Femto Network Card, JCAT Grounding Cable
• Building the ULTIMATE ...
• €500 vs €900 HIFI USB ...
• JCAT OPTIMO 3 DUO Line...
• NEW FLAGSHIP JCAT USB ...
JCAT OPTIMO NANO x 2 • BEST AFFORDABLE HiFi M...
Ideon Audio EOS Stream Music Server
Ideon Audio EOS Clock and DAC
Ideon Audio 3R Renaissance USB Mk2 Black Star
Turntable Bergmann Modi and Thor • MY NEW TURNTABLE BLOWS...
Bespoke Audio Passive Preamplifier • NEVER HEARD ANYTHING L...
Gryphon Essence
Audiolab 9000A • WORTH THE EXTRA? Audio...
Revival Audio Atalante 5
DAC in the video Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 • Chord Electronics Hugo...
Chord Hugo M Scaler • Chord Electronics Hugo...
Tellurium Q Statement II Digital cables linking M Scaler and TT 2
Tungsten Grooves W70 Isolation Feet • REVIEW Tungsten Groove...
Power IsoTek EVO 3 NOVA / IsoTek Genesis One / IsoTek EVO 3 Titan
• NEW IsoTek EVO 3 NOVA ...
• IsoTek EVO3 Genesis On...
Tellurium Q Statement Analogue Cable • Perfect HiFi Cables?? ...
Power Cables Tellurium Q Silver, Silver Diamond
• Tellurium Q Silver Ult...
Tellurium Q Statement Digital cable.
HiFi Racks - Quadraspire Q4 Evo • RACK FROM THE GODS HiF...
HiFi Racks Podium Reference.
REL NO.31 Subwoofers • REL's NEW BEST EVER SU...

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

In. the video I mention the impact the eq can have on the sound of the WiiM Pro Pllus and Mini, my settings are on my Patreon link here www.patreon.com/PursuitPerfectSystem/membership

[@padmeshsethuraman5617]

Bought a mini couple of months back. Also bought a Topping E50 DAC. My budget system consists of Marantz PM6005 integrated amplifier and Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 speakers on stands. Audioquest golden gate interconnects and Audioquest flx speaker cables. With Tidal hifi plus I'm quite happy.

[@Firebottleman]

The Eq function is the main reason I purchased the Wiim Pro. It makes up for the lack of tone controls in today's amplifiers. It does not introduce any noise into the signal, so I am very impressed. Thank you for the review.

[@nygeek6471]

Wiim mini is fine if you use optical out and let your AV receiver DAC do the work

[@TRUOMACRON]

This is a great comparison. Lots of solid information here. It's the options for the low cost alongside the audio performance that make these products so interesting.

[@Anand.Asrani]

Thanks Terry .. for such a well rounded review & matching Fabulous components ...

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Welcome

[@taidee]

WiiM has set themselves as real challengers to the established OEMs in this space. Thanks Terry for another wonderful and comprehensive review.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Yet another interesting one Terry, thank you. Jim🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

[@DileepaRanawake]

WiiM pro dirac live would be game changer! Great review. Appreciate the focus on using them as a source / transport too.

[@ramondelgado6778]

This review helped me so much with which one to go with! Thank you for ANOTHER wonderful review! Especially for bargain level equipment. You are the man!

[@Trinity11222]

which one did you end up going for ?

[@Steven-cs5cw]

Great video sir! Folks laugh at me for running a WiiM Pro in my main system. And you nailed it, the software and the EQ. I run my WiiM Pro through a PS Audio DAC/Preamp out to a vintage Sansui 4000 Stereo/Amp, and am continually blown away by the sound coming out of my Zu DW6 Supreme speakers. I have had more expensive streamers through here, and I much prefer the WiiM Pro over all of them. And with the remote, get the remote. The WiiM Pro is a solid little preamp, and the remote is a great add on for the money. I use a linear power supply with mine, or the ifi2 5v power supply, I cannot hear a difference between the two, and they did improve the sound. Yes, WiiM is a force to be reckoned with... Will be interesting to see how their new WiiM AMP performs. It has USB input and HDMI ARC, and can be used as a transport or all in one integrated. Will sell for $300 US.

[@arun2995]

Steven, what linear power supply do you use?

[@DarenLee]

Great video. Magically pop up at my feed when I had this question in my mind shall I upgraded to Pro Plus from the Mini? I wish my Zen DAC have an optical in and that would be perfect.

[@IRON_PANDA]

Agreed! Any streamer with Dirac built in would be market disrupting at least, if priced even remotely reasonably.

[@SpyderTracks]

The pro plus looks incredible value. Definitely going to be getting some of these

[@michaelwright1602]

Such a fantastic review sir! There are other streamers out there that I want to purchase, I own a WiiM mini and Pro. The issue is simple, no EQ on the other guys software. The EQ on the WiiM software is easy to access on what is playing, there is no hunting through menus, it is right there. I HAD an EverSolo on order, but after purchasing the WiiM mini on the Amazon sale day, I have not looked back. I use a PS Audio DAC with the WiiM Pro, so the DAC is not an issue, the issue is the sound, and being able to easily, from my listening position, to shape the sound to that which is pleasing to my ears and room. The WiiM Pro does that in spades. Add a Linear Power Supply to the WiiM, and we are talking another level. For $150 USD, I cannot see a more expensive streamer replacing my WiiM Pro any time soon.

[@arun2995]

Micheal, I have a PS AUdio DAC and been contemplating buying a WiiM so you just answered that question. How do I add on linear power supply?

[@bksve6505]

IFI ipower is another option. It is a switch mode power supply, but a fairly good one.

[@AlanFenick]

Tried the Mini but was limited by both inputs and outputs! Did notice on Spotify as difference in both spatial and high end definition! When listening to reed instruments the breath sounds came through on a few recordings. Ended up with the WiiM Pro Plus and am quite happy! I also bought through Kickstarter the new Mono Fosi monoblocks (2) with the single 48volt 5amp power supply! I use a pair of Chartwell LS3/5a’s from 1978 and a pair,of IMF TLS 80’s which are 4-8 ohms. from the same period. I’m hoping that they can be driven by the Fosi as the Chartwell are 15ohms. I’ll just wait and see as Fosi said shipping starts in June this year. For $US 223.00 with shipping for the pair of amps and one power supply it could be a bargain to say the least for an amp output,of 240watts @ 4 ohms and 120watts at 8ohms. Even more power if you buy the 48volt 10amp power supply.

[@craigwarman88]

The glass single core toslink cables are more rigid which make it difficult to attach to the mini without it flying around. Usually not a snake oil guy, but I find the glass core Toslink cables sound more detailed than the cheap plastic core ones.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

To be honest that is one of the big negatives of both wiims stiff cables pull them around no end the mini terribly

[@FlexDRG]

We are getting a Bosch 100V 2zone amp coupled to (mono) Bosch speakers. The Amp only has xlr and rca inputs. Am I right thinking that the mini would out perform the Amp and speakers? Speakers are hung in both offices and workshops. We'll be listening to internet radio and possibly some Spotify and Tidal. I still wonder if the mini will draw directly from the Spotify/Tidal servers or cast it from the phone that runs the WiiM's app.

[@zzillezz]

I see the Revival Audio Atalante 5's in the background :-)

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yep their review coming next

[@NigelFudge]

Thanks for the review, do you know if can access BBC Sounds through Wiim app? I'm using a Bluesound Powernode atm, but would like a better in app integration with BBC Sounds as that gets used most days.

[@Steven-cs5cw]

I checked my WiiM app, and there is quite a few BBC stations, but no BBC "Sounds". Does it go by something else name wise?

[@aleph0909]

They say a low noise adapter will improve the sound of the Wiim, but I couldn't hear the difference. Some say that the noise is not an issue when using tosslink, which is what I am using. On the other hand, I did hear a difference when I switched from the battery power supply to I power x for my Topping E50.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

To be fair I could hear an obvious difference between using the audiolab usb as the power compared to the battery that was using toslink but it wouldn’t be a difference everyone would pick up it could easily be lost in amongst many other things so it’s always best to do what you did and test yourself and go from there. But do remember to revisit these tests in the future if your system improves etc

[@aleph0909]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem thanks

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Which Ipower unit do you use with your e50?

[@Jamy4ya]

AKM has a special sound to it with so called 'Emotions'. Its not just the implementation but also the chip itself matters up to an extent. Terry you shoud try a DAC with their latest flagship AK4499EX chip, may be staring with Topping E70VELVET.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

My hope is they implement that chip in the new Wiim Ultra.

[@JRadian]

Wiim needs to market an upgraded streamer-only unit without DAC that will hang with $$$ competition.

[@larryh9525]

If you want to hear a step up in sound quality try connecting the Mini to Audrivana Studio via UPNP. I run AS in Kernel mode to the Mini and then out to an SMSL-SU1 (which is almost identical to the DAC in the Plus). I think the real value to the Mini is that you can add streaming capability to an older HTR that has an optical input.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think it makes sense with this setup to do away with the mini and use a higher end SPDIF convertor something like a MUTEC MC3+ USB

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

​@@PursuitPerfectSystemhello Terry, thanks for this review. As a WiiM Mini / SMSL SU-1 owner, my question is what do you think tgis pairing with a SPDIF converter would bring? How would it influence the SQ? Thanks

[@michaelwright1602]

I paired the SU1 with my WiiM Pro, out to my amp, and found it extremely veiled, like someone through a wet blanket over my speakers. I wanted to see what all of the buzz was about with the SU1, and was rather disappointed.

[@larryh9525]

@@michaelwright1602 Hi, Let me add to your comment on the SU1. Using the Wiim Software to drive the SU1 was very poor. Why, no idea. I had the Mini set for 24/192 and was sending info to the SU1 via optical. Using Audrivana Studio in Kernel Mode via UPNP changes the audio quality dramatically. Even Bubble UPNP is better sounding than the Wiim software for Qobuz. If you look at the SU1 reviews from Tharbamar and iiWi both reviewers fed the SU1 via optical or coax. Also, I'm driving my SU1 with the $100 iFi power adapter that came with an iFi DAC that I'm no longer using. My experience mirrors what both reviewers found when driving with Audrivana. Without Audrivana, I believe your assessment is accurate, which means you can't get an accurate read on how the SU1 sounds.

[@nygeek6471]

This is the answer. The wiim is to add smart features to an AV receiver via optical out, bypassing the wiim DAC, which will in all likelihood, be inferior.

[@vitoruchoa8316]

Thank you, Sir! Have you tried Qobuz with Wiim? What suited you better: Qobuz native app linked to wiim's chromecast protocol - or Qobuz with Wiim Home App? I know chromecast has no gapless audio and it goes only up to 96 - the question is if you think wiim home app interface is a reasonally good browsing interface. Thanks!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Sorry I have been using Tidal since the beginning of this year, its too much having two services so i just use the one and I have to base everything off that.

[@michaelwright1602]

Qobuz is fantastic on the WiiM Pro on my system, no issues here, or with Amazon Music either. I did not care for Tidal, and cancelled the account.

[@marioplus321]

Thx!

[@marklibakhansen1972]

Nice 😊

[@guidoastolfoni]

Hi, when will you be reviewing the Revival Audio Atalante 5 and 3 speakers? They look very interesting. Thank you.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I am shooting that review tomorrow, the script is written, the b roll is about 60% shot so soon :) Its only the 5 I dont have the 3 here

[@garymayes4881]

Thanks for another in depth review Terry. Is there any chance of showing your EQ settings to the masses in a couple of weeks? I have a Pro but have only messed with the in built settings, but ended up switching the EQ feature off.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

All the built in ones are too gimmicky, the closest one to sounding "good" I thought was acoustic but that still wasn't optimal but it might help you. I am keeping the settings as a benefit to my Patreon supporters as a thank you to them

[@garymayes4881]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem No problem Terry. Thank you. 🤘⭐️🤘

[@garymayes4881]

Curiosity got the better of me and I took out a subscription. 😀 I wasn’t expecting the curve to look like that, but look forward to trying it out later. Thanks for giving an experts view on the Wiim EQ Terry, very helpful and appreciated. 🤘⭐️🤘

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks very much, if it helps you get better sound for £3 its money well spent in my book :)

[@garymayes4881]

@@PursuitPerfectSystemcan’t argue with that.. 😂🤘

[@Ads_cft2222]

You could lower the digital volume by 3db to get rid of the zing! Now in my case I use PEQ as you said to correct some muddiness in the bass region due to poor placement and room acoustics . Invaluable! What digital cables did you use with mini and pro plus?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes that is what I did initially before I discovered the fixed volume control setting, you have to be careful with digital volume attenuation sometimes it comes at the cost to dynamic range, I wasnt sure so decided to fix it. I use an Audioquest Carbon toslink cable its the one I have here. If you can use the graphic and the peq you should be able to make the sound better and still help with your bass

[@Ads_cft2222]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thank you!

[@toxotis70]

is there anything else in this price category with apple music ?

[@youtubeuser5424]

Since I will only be using AirPlay, will it make a difference and sound quality between these two?

[@EduardTeodorescu]

So, hello! If I have a RME Adi2 DAC FS should I buy Wiim Mini, pro or pro+ ??? Or should I consider only a streamer without a DAC? I dont know one...

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I would buy the pro from the three

[@IronHorsey3]

Wiim Pro with the ADI-w. I have a glass toslink cable and tube monoblock system. ADI-2 crushes it. Go toslink up to 192K. Very awesome. 👏🏽

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Love my Wiim Mini for $84!

[@Crandish99]

Dovedales next? Lol

[@venkatrajukalidindi4533]

I have denon x1700h av with Q accoust towers home theatre.I want to hear apple hires music through my Android mobile.pls tell me required hardware and connectivity.

[@SaffuillaKarman]

I'm running Logitech Media Server on a RPI 4 to my Logitech Duet and Wiim Pro. The Mini is not getting support for LMS. That's why I'm not getting the Mini

[@mikebarrett8681]

I have a Yamaha AS801 and Wiim mini any ideas on how I can connect Wiim to the usb feature of the amp?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

You cant do that

[@mikebarrett8681]

Thought so, thanks!

[@theodoroschronis2966]

Hello ! How dou you charge the battery? Through DC slot or through USB slot?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I have battery chargers here as I use these batteries for my camera gear. Some of the batteries like this you can buy charge off 5v usb. You have to charge when not playing so it’s a pain in the ass to go this route dont get me wrong

[@theodoroschronis2966]

Thank you for your instant respond ! I will use it providing clean power to a Chord Mojo 2 while having a DC charger permanently for the music listening time. I thing it's better than a phone powerbank.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The Mojo 2 has a battery built in you dont need to :)

[@theodoroschronis2966]

Of course, but to remain it charged for long listening sessions!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yeah pretty sure with the mojo 2 you can run it off the mains but the mains is not connected. I think from my review you get a tiny drop in performance being connected to the mains so yeah maybe its worth trying

[@lehsu]

I hear WIIM is coming out with a WIIM that is integrating an Amp with HDMI arc. I’m hoping it will be available before this year is over.

[@gwine9087]

I had the Mini when the Pro+ came out. So, instead of springing for the Plus, I attached the Mini to an SMSL SU-1, which has the same DAC as the PLUS. One thing about the app. I use it, mostly, to play music from my phone and PC. The app is not very good for that purpose, It is clumsy and has a habit of not showing new music, in the library. It seems to have issues rescanning to find anything that was added.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

If your using a computer as the music source you dont need the mini - its doubling up duties - just use the computer as the source straight into the DAC.

[@gwine9087]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem The PC is upstairs, Mini and DAC are downstairs.

[@marcus1970]

The wizard of WiiM 😂

[@clarkson427]

How about doing a review on the eversolo dmp a6??

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes I have one here and its in the schedule to be done, its been a very busy year and I take my time and try and be as thorough as possible so its coming but please bear with me

[@clarkson427]

@PursuitPerfectSystem I have one, it's really good and it's a game changer. Love to hear your views. 👍

[@carminedesanto6746]

Great comparison. I do however have the Wiim Pro running to my current DAC ( Topping E50) ..and it’s a great combination IMHO. Now take that same streamer from the pro and feed it to a better DAC ..Denafrips..and hold on to your ass! 😂 Great video 👍👍

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I dont know about that, I think if your stepping up the DAC you will want to step up the source too, the WiiM is good but its a big step away from the very good digital sources that exist its important to be real about this.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@PursuitPerfectSystemTrue ..but to get significantly better ..you’re looking at a Lumen or Rose ….🤔💸

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes or an innuos or an audiolab maybe or an auralic or a number of other brands, all much more expensive of course, for me thats all based on using the eq though to close the gap otherwise the gap would be pretty big

[@carminedesanto6746]

What if you don’t ( like me) do the EQ thingy ..

[@djmocok]

I have a luxman DAC so maybe mini is better for me

[@CovertOperative]

Terry covering budget hifi?? I must be stoned

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Haha :)

[@samsquanch67]

Does the wiim support Apple Music?

[@pistopitpit]

Is there a difference in sound quality of digital output between Wiim Pro and Wiim mini?

[@nygeek6471]

No. Optical will bypass the DAC in the wiim and use the probably much superior DAC in your AV receiver

[@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken]

The mini doesn't have a way to change volume with optical out unless you have a remote

[@daviddechamps8840]

I was wondering… are there any good streamers without integrated DAC out there? Why do we always have to pay for a DAC when we have one already ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

There are loads literally loads of

[@daviddechamps8840]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks. Do you have any examples in mind?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

There are loads of brands innuos, melco, auralic 432, JCAT, antipodes, taiko, aurender, Ideon audio, pachanko, fidelizer literally loads

[@audiorick841]

The Pro Plus is not Roon Ready yet (Wiim told me 2-3 months maybe). The Pro is Roon Ready.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

My bad, I must have mid read the information thanks for clarifying that

[@Dropje86]

Can someone explain how WiFi vs LAN connectivity would make any difference unless you’re dealing with a streaming app that would use lower bitrates when connected to WiFi. This sounds similar bs as people who claim better video quality using an expensive HDMI cable. As if that makes a difference with a digital signal.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Drop outs like clicks and pops of vinyl 🙂

[@driventomadness117]

It would depend on the software implementation and if the software buffers or not. Spotify allows you to auto adjust quality based on Internet connection. Setting this to off means you are guaranteed the higher quality regardless of connection. If the connection is poor, it will simply stop playing.

[@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken]

The mini blows. I have both and the pro plus is awesome

[@airgliderz]

Amazon just delivered my wiim pro plus, WiiiM just announced the WiiM Ultra and WiiM amp pro, dammit..grrr...

[@madd5]

SMSL m300 SE is 120 USD. I think that's a better value.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The SMSL is just a DAC its not the same kind of thing

[@madd5]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem got it

[@davidswift1644]

Neither get the Wiim amp £300 although some retailers hiking it to £350. At its price point absolutely no competitors

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

That option is valid but also limits your choices of amplifier and speakers and means if you want to change either the streamer dac or amp the whole product is redundant. Choices one is defo not better than the other

[@rolandvanalphen4355]

But ... please replace that crappy switching powersupply for a descent, well filtered lineair one!!!

[@madd5]

"78 RATINGS" 4.4 That doesn't tell us much.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Normally people slag off apps here rather than praise them in my experience

[@villageroma]

No Apple Music is a deal breaker

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yep I understand that, although I dont see the appeal in apple music personally and I am quite an apple fan boy these days. Tidal or Qobuz gives you guaranteed the best results and most gear flexibility with all the music you could want so apple music doesnt make sense to me right now but to each their own in that regard of course

[@g000se99]

Just switched back to tidal from two years on apple. Tidal is better. Very clear audio difference on a decent setup

[@villageroma]

Yet again, no Apple Music built in FOR a streamer IS a deal break

[@asianskywalker]

There is NO difference via optical between the two mini and the pro. The signal is digital and transferred bit perfect.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I understand why you would say that lots of digital sources are bit perfect but it doesn’t mean they all sound the same but each to their own on that one.

[@nygeek6471]

Exactly. Using optical will bypass the wiim DAC.