Wiim Pro Plus Vs Bluesound Node - Nothing At This Price Does Better!

Check out the streamers here:
WiiM Pro Plus : amzn.to/3Ry05wj
WiiM Pro: amzn.to/3RwRIBh
WiiM Mini: amzn.to/3sYlUe6
BlueSound Node: amzn.to/46lFKhR
Today I cover the new WiiM Pro Plus, a new addition to the line up, now a WiiM Mini, Pro and Pro Plus. The new Pro Plus houses a much improved DAC section over the previous models as well as includes a remote. This digital streamer comes in at 220.00 and covers almost everything you could imagine.

[@MattCoykendall1]

What’s the next great buy in Hifi? Maybe it’s already out there, let me know if you have anything on your radar.

[@ronb422]

@pt265 That's a very nice setup, plenty of power. It appears you like this over the Wiim. I'll get the EverSolo. Thanks again.

[@glennishammont7414]

I do have a Nad C368, with Apple Airport express connected with TosLink, considering replacing through buying WIIm Pro Plus or is the internal NAD MDC module a better option !?

[@tonymolina7744]

Nice review. I have two Wiim minis and enjoy them both. Been watching channel for a few months, and your material is top notch. Thank you.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Much appreciated Tony! The mini is an easy win for sure.

[@michaelwright1602]

Thank's for the video Matt! Love my WiiM's, I have the Pro and the mini, and I like them much better than the N103 Node I used to own. It left when the WiiM's arrived. Best bang for the buck out there, pair with a DAC, or depending upon your setup, I use vintage gear, the WiiM internal DAC is fine to my ear. And then the software... I much prefer the WiiM OS to the Node, and the built in EQ that is easy to access on every streaming platform. I have had a few streamers through here, and the WiiM is overall my favorite, easy to use, intuitive with no drama. Then the icing on the cake, they are so easy to link together to have multi room stereo throughout the house, with no timing issues.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Agreed, everything you said basically highlights why I suggest WiiM unless your shopping for specific features it doesn’t have like the dmp-a6 screen or something like that. I can honestly say the WiiM app runs smoother and is more stable than bluesound in my system.

[@johnruppert5630]

Great video and review. Your review definitely help make up my mind to get involved with streaming and buy the WIIM Pro Plus👍👍

[@rehn1kri]

Nicely done, Matt! I use my OG WiiM Mini every day.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Glad to hear that, it just works

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thanks for the video. Recently bought into WiiM with two Pros to replace my Echo Links. Also own a Node 2i. All are using external DACs (Schiit Mod 3+: Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus, and Emotiva UMC-200 with external DAC support). My second Pro surprisingly came with a remote in the box, I also bought one for my first WiiM Pro. Using iFi’s external DC power supplies with them to enhance the sound. Just bought a third WiiM Pro Plus but haven’t hooked it up yet. Use Roon with them all but like that the WiiM support UPnP/DLNA as a backup running with Accent on my QNAP and Synology NAS.

[@MattCoykendall1]

The things about buying a WiiM is you usually end up with multiples, such an easy win really.

[@rosswarren436]

Good review. Getting a WiiM Pro Plus with its enhanced clock circuit and saving up for a good R2R DAC later on might be the ticket. The fact that you thought it sounded as the current Node makes it a great value. I could see some consumers deciding to buy the Node and using it as a preamp to take advantage of its subwoofer out and bass management though.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yeah, the Pro Plus is a great value but I didn't want to completely dismiss the Node either, it still has some really standout features.

[@NeilBlanchard]

The very specific software feature of BlueOS that is make or break for me - is their Radio Paradise connection, because I can sign into my RP account and then listen to My Favorites. I have this set to any song I have rated 7 out of 10 or higher in my 15+ years of listneing to Radio Paradise - and this is why this is such a wonderful feature!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Now we have to see what the update brings.

[@18yearsoldnot]

Idk because I start to hate the music I used to like but that could be because I’m 28 years old instead of 40

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@18yearsoldnot You can always change your ratings?

[@Joel82]

wiim has radio paradise too

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@Joel82 - can you sign into your RP account within it?

[@sabrowenie]

Great comparison. Wondering how many users have touched the controls on their Nodes or WiiM.? TBH except when I dust, neither my Node or Mini have felt a human touch

[@johnstanton8308]

Hi Matt, Great product comparison! The only thing that I never hear anyone mention in these streamer comparisons is the fact that only Bluesound includes a PC controller app, in addition to the standard phone and/or tablet apps for these products. Since most of us have a TV in our entertainment systems (many with a media computer attached), it is such a plus to control my music streaming experience via my 65" TV using a wireless mouse while sitting on my couch. Much better than having to reach for my phone to control my music on a tiny touch screen. With all of the updates that Wiim are making to their software, they ought to include a PC/MAC app as well.

[@barrrybarrry]

Nice review, just what I was searching for. Right now I have Nuprime DAC-9 and want to add a streamer to my system. Will the dac's in these streamers be better or worse then my Dac-9? Thanks a lot 🙏🏼

[@mikecampbell5856]

I love my Wiim Mini connected to my Schiit DAC. I haven't tried using it as a hockey puck like your children did but it is versatile.

[@MattCoykendall1]

The Hockey puck is one of the features they failed to market very clearly.

[@ramencurry6672]

That’s interesting. I’m new to this. I had no idea you could use a streamer as a transport into a DAC

[@mikecampbell5856]

@@ramencurry6672 The streamer has an optical output, so I plugged it into my Schiit DAC.

[@ramencurry6672]

@@mikecampbell5856 that sounds awesome. Need to try that type of connection

[@jp93309]

The upcoming Wiim Amp with hdmi arc and subwoofer out will be the one to beat.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Nice job. I think you’re doing great. You deserve to see serious growth. Personally, I sold my Node 2I and purchased 2 minis and a Pro using those funds. I think if you’re using the Node and the WiiM as digital transports as I am, there is no comparison. The Wiims trounce the Nodes. As you mentioned, the software is everything and the WiiM interface, especially for Amazon beats the Node. Plus, support is great. I opened an event once with Bluesound and they essentially said we don’t think you have an issue.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for the kind words, the channel is a work in progress but we are getting there. On your other point, the support WiiM offers is night and day better than bluesound, totally agree.

[@Brian_Romska]

I agree on the hopes of seeing your serious growth, not that growth, gross, ha, ok anyways, you at 5k subs is just wrong, I’ll start sending out those chain letters from the 80s and we’ll get those numbers up asap, hi Steve!

[@cmessi]

@@MattCoykendall1 You mentioned the Node's sub out and 'bass management'? Can you adjust bass in the Node?

[@MattCoykendall1]

@@cmessiit does have tone controls in the app as well

[@cmessi]

@@MattCoykendall1 Thank you. You mentioned the tone controls as part of Node's unique features. But the Wiim also has tone control. 10 slides on the whole frequency range. Isn't this actually an advanced tone control? A kind of low bass/mid bass/upper bass/mid....up to treble. Am I right?

[@IronHorsey3]

Very good review of the two. Have the WiiM Pro with RME ADI-2 DAC and it's terrific. No doubt this Pro version with an upgraded DAC is too.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching, stick around I have a lot more coming!

[@user-th4km3tl8b]

This is very helpful. Thank you

[@michaelwright1602]

Just had an update to my WiiM Pro, and they added a Parametric EQ to the operating system! I was going to listen to some Chet Baker, Live at Nick's, and discovered this new addition to the EQ... OMG! Holy Smokes Batman! The sound was so much improved with just a couple of tweaks to the PEQ... Vintage Sansui 4000, PS Audio DAC, Zu Dirty Weekend 6 Supremes... I was at Nick's, having a cocktail. ;-)

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yeah its almost alarming all the things they offer, I can picture all the big brands sitting around "well WiiM added another feature....."

[@michaelwright1602]

@@MattCoykendall1 It is interesting to watch for sure, WiiM is circling the wagons in regards to streaming, and are a real force to be reckoned with. I had an Eversolo on order and cancelled it after getting the WiiM mini. The software is what canceled the deal on the Eversolo, I then bought the WiiM Pro. I know guys that own the Pro and Eversolo, they like the WiiM better...

[@phen277]

I have two Wiim Minis and love them. Each are connected to two different external DACs- one to a Fosi Q4 and the other to an Amazon Basics 192kHz DAC (don't laugh; it does just fine).

[@joenovak6393]

During Prime Day the Pro Plus was $175.20. Have the Mini, Pro and Pro Plus and awesome features for the price. Buring in the Pro Plus and right off the bat it's Cleaner and Detailed. BTW: Also have the Eversole DMP-A6.

[@adhill]

Fantastic, Matt and thank you so much. This research has been difficult for me because I'm dealing with a large (10K+) uncompressed digital library on my Mac that I simply want to be able to (Wi-Fi) transmit it to my audio system (Innersound Pro Mk II electrostatics & amps). TV is of no interest (DVDs & projector for me), and I primarily stream only Pandora-it's my library that counts. I'm thinking the Wiim Pro Plus is the way to go, but I'm wondering if I'm on the right track. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated (including from anyone here :-)). Thanks!

[@991carreras3]

Started with the mini then the Pro and now have the Pro Plus i also had the Geshelli j2 with the AK chip but the Pro Plus is so good I sold the Geshelli. Like you said the next WIIM Pro Plus Plus will hopefully have HDMI.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I have to imagine it’s within their plan. Recent poles show HDMI is the most requested feature on products like this.

[@jayem1826]

And USB

[@Djehuti-85]

I bought a used Node N130 for 190 bucks (in my region most sellers want 300+), if I werent that lucky I considered the Wiim Pro. Both seem to be great compared to most streamers which dont even offer LAN connection! BluOS is a bit more appealing to me but I wouldnt pay 550 for a new Node. Instead I would either go with the one of the Powernodes (I dont understand the small price difference to the node) instead of Amp + Streamer&DAC or with the Wiim Pro + Amp.

[@leo11877]

Have you hard the MXN10? Curious how it compares at 1/2 the price.

[@Freedom89984]

I am currently using the Wiim pro plus AKM dac as I found it sounds better than my Hegel H390 internal bit perfect dac. It can be tweaked also by selecting a specific filter at the Wiim analog audio out setting.

[@fabrizio4112]

Hi, I’ve Bluesound Node 2 and I thinking to replace it with Wiim Pro Plus…. In terms of audio quality, which of two are better?

[@De132an]

Hi Matt, if I’m using my own stand alone dac that I love, will anything above a WiiM Mini be needed if only used as a streamer? Or is there sound quality to be gained by going up the ladder? The only thing I can think of is power supply. Thx, -ds

[@MattCoykendall1]

Nope, no benefit sonically for streaming if your planning to use the external. You could pick up the remote separately and pair it too the mini as well.

[@De132an]

@@MattCoykendall1Wow, never considered that. Thank you.

[@danracariu4833]

​@MattCoykendall1 I was going to ask the same question: If you use a streamer just as a transport with an external dac, does it make a difference if you spend 200$ or 1000$ on it? Wiim Pro is my first streamer, and I bought it just to see how streaming works, thinking to replace it at some point. I have it connected to an external dac, Chord Qutest, and it sounds awesome. I am wondering if adding a better power supply for Chord would make a better improvement than replacing the Wiim Pro? Thanks

[@seanb3303]

I don’t think i have ever seen a chi-fi product with HDMI…those licenses are serious business 😉

[@MattCoykendall1]

Arylic offers HDMI on a couple of their products, one under 100.00 so we at least have hope to see more.

[@mw12387]

Hi...nice review...If I use coax out to my own dac (Marantz hd dac1), which streamer would you choose...wiim pro, wiim pro plus or bliesound node 2i? Ty....best regards

[@MattCoykendall1]

Wiim Pro since you already have a external DAC in mind, Node only if you need one of its specific features otherwise WiiM have everything you need with great software.

[@mw12387]

@@MattCoykendall1 ty very much....best regards...

[@cvrobertogiammanco]

Hello, thank for your review. I have some questions, I hope you can help me. I'm thinking about buying a streamer, what do you suggest considering my hi-fi? Pathos Acoustics TT amplifier, Sonus Faber Grand Piano speakers, Audiolab 8200 CD player. I could also use the DAC of the Audiolab 8200 CD (ESS Sabre 32-bit) instead of the streamers own dacs, do you think Audiolab 8200 has a better DAC of the Wiim Pro? And Bluesound? So in the end Wiim Pro or Bluesound or Wiim Pro plus? With their own Dac or with Audiolab 8200 CD dac? And in the end TIDAL or QOBUZ? 16/44 or 24/192? I Hope you can help me! Thank You! Rob

[@MattCoykendall1]

I dont have the 8200 to compare the DAC, it was likely a good performer during its release but there has certainly been alot of improvements in this space, I would suggest getting the pro plus as the DAC is likely on par or superior (you may need to A/B test) and then you have options..plus an included remote. I myself am a TIDAL and Amazon music user but I know alot of people enjoy QOBUZ as well.

[@cvrobertogiammanco]

@@MattCoykendall1 thank you!

[@kevincorr2985]

For HDMI Arc, sub out and headphone jack I will stick with Bluesound. Nothing wrong with the app. Also I like the family of products as I have a Powernode and a Bluesound Vault (cd burner, NAS hard disc, streamer). I might even add a powered speaker on the deck.

[@steve-ey4ol]

Yep headphone jack extremely important so I will be sticking with my Denon ceol n10 only thing missing is hdmi but get by with the optical cable input also added bonus is a CD player

[@johnmcmanus5582]

I have a Wiim mini and it’s nowhere near as good in sq as my audiolab cdt into audiolab 6000a ! I used the mini via optical so my audiolab amp is taking DAC duties. Would the Wiim pro plus be nearer to the quality of my cdt 🤔

[@Brian_Romska]

Great job on helping to bring the WiiM name to more people, if you’re gonna stream you should be doing it with a WiiM, oh man I think I should copyright that…

[@Brian_Romska]

Does anyone else think, or hope that, with a software update, the rca output could be configured as a subwoofer output with bass management?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Does a lot for a little no doubt, thanks for watching.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@Brian_RomskaUse RCA Y splitters, let the sub handle the bass management.

[@rokodrago]

Thanks for the review man , if I have a 6k DAC, will the WII PRO PLUS do justice to sound quality exclusively as a streamer ? 👋

[@MattCoykendall1]

The WiiM software is fantastic really, in a high dollar setup like yours the DAC you have will really boost performance as well. As your going down more the premium route consider a power supply upgrade on the WiiM.

[@Janny32]

If I connect the WIIM to an external DAC is there any difference in sound quality between the WIIM pro and WIIM pro plus?

[@r423sdex]

No

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes, depending on the rest of your system

[@rosswarren436]

Yes, (if your system is good enough to hear it). The Pro Plus has a better clock circuit in it which should make the music flow more naturally. The difference might be slight, but it is there. Some audiophiles go to extremes to eliminate jitter, spending upwards of $4K or more on their "digital front end" to eliminate it.

[@onlyoneme74]

no, digital part is the same for both WiiMs

[@kevincorr2985]

I have and expensive dac that has only coax (SPDIF) and usb and I wanted to stream from a WiiMini so I got a box to adapt the optical to coax. The adaptor has to be connected to power. So to eliminate this connection I bought the WiiM Pro Plus because it has a coax out. Sadly the coax out connection is faulty on the new WiimProPlus so I have to connect it the same way as the mini with the optical x coax adaptor. That was disappointing.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for your video Matt, I thought it was well thought out. I do disagree on the sound quality. I’ve got the pro plus and I think the Node 2021 has it, as much as I’d like it to be the other way around. I’m using a Gato audio amp-150 and Hegel h390 and my pmc speakers. I suspect as transports they are a lot closer save maybe the node usb output. Obviously not really designed to be used in my system, but for audio systems around 2-3k I reckon it will be hard to tell and I will test that one when I do my video with my Cyrus one cast and some Kef ls50 metas. 😀👍🔉

[@MattCoykendall1]

I just felt the sound quality comparison was a bit close for comfort with the price discrepancy, I could certainly see it argued either way when you factor things in like parametric EQ. It’s fun seeing companies like WiiM push peoples buttons on a budget price, if anything it benefits us all. That Cyrus One looks interesting, I will be sure to check your video out, my next streamer will be the Volumio Rivo, Thanks for the comment!

[@boniccie]

@@MattCoykendall1, @13thenotehifireviews7 So as a stand alone streamer, are both sounds equal via coax? Is the clock in one streamer better than the other?

[@boniccie]

So as a stand alone streamer, are both sounds equal via coax? Is the clock in one streamer better than the other?

[@pete76cj7]

Great video! WiiM needs to create its own local delivery process within the software for local files, NOT depend 3rd party for that. What so you think Matt?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I wouldn't doubt we see some improvements coming in that area still.

[@jerrybuffington6473]

Does anyone know if either of these support Amazon Music HD gapless? Looks the Wiim does in my research but I couldn't find out for sure on the Node.

[@steve-ey4ol]

Denon ceol does and works great I have the Denon ceol n10 and sound lovely in hi res

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

These little streamers are pretty good. But I solved the "streaming" problem a couple of years ago with an Intel NUC mini-pc, for about the same money. I just installed the streaming apps, used file manager and MPC-BE for my local files. A bit of fancy meddling with the desktop and voila ... a complete playback system, with a 60 inch on screen display! Now I'm not going to say this is the best solution for everyone... but my clients seem to like it and it's easy as pie to update and even easier to use.

[@MattCoykendall1]

What these streamers have going for them is you can pretty much just take it out of the box and start streaming in under 5 minutes, lots of interesting and capable options out there like yours though too.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

@@MattCoykendall1 No argument there. They are easy to set up. I favour the HTPC approach mainly because of the massive storage capacity, mine currently has 4tb hooked up with provision for up to 10. A nice extra is that I can also eliminate game boxes and browse the web with it. Others will use their Smart TVs by installing the apps there. This is a pretty nice setup too... but no honking big hard drives. Options are good ... I like the streamers okay, a couple of my friends have them, but they just weren't the best choice for me, because I have so much local storage going on.

[@dzmitryhaviazheu5199]

I bought 2 Wiims - overall good product but things that I don't like: 1. If you share music thru Chromcast or Apple, it often disconnects and stops playing 2. The playlist from Amazon Music (and likely other sources) don't update in Wiim Pro automatically, it's a little glitchy Hence, I'm thinking, if BlueSound wouldn't have this issues

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Also, it's much easier (and cheaper) to upgrade the power supply (and get a slight improvement in sq) in the wiim. If they add inputs/ outputs in a next version and keep upgrading the software, it will be unbeatable

[@MattCoykendall1]

I have a good feeling we will see more in 2024.

[@rosswarren436]

Hans Beekhuyzen just did a video on using 5 different power supplies with the WiiM Pro Plus you might want to check out.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@rosswarren436 i've seen it. however the most expensive ones don't make much Sense to me. if One spends more on the power supply than in the streamer itself i'd say it's better to buy a better unit altogether.

[@rosswarren436]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh agreed.

[@ryanlee6157]

Nice!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Exactly

[@gracenotes5379]

Your comment that it's "all about the software" is right on, and has been the downfall of many a traditional HiFi company that ventured into streaming products without the proper company culture or resources to succeed. My only concern with WiiM and Linkplay is that they are charging so little that I sometimes wonder about the long term stability of the company and their ecosystem!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Time will tell with Linkplay, hopefully they keep this going.

[@michaelwright1602]

I don't think the guys that build the WiiM products are going anywhere anytime soon... They just did another software upgrade, adding a Parametric EQ to go with the ten band EQ... Holy Smokes! Just took the WiiM to another level. The sound I was getting was incredible with just a couple of tweaks to the PEQ.

[@PhillioDoede]

Great comparison, you hit all the points that matter in a streamer I could think of. As for whats next, you should try to get your hands on the SMSL AL200 or AO200. It uses a new Infineon chipset that sounds really impressive and has a real 80 / 160 watts on tap 8 and 4 ohms respectively. I'm really impressed with it compared to the V3, my IcePower DIY power amp, and the various class AB amps I have around.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Agreed, I think I have a bookmark open on that SMSL, I will reach out to them soon.

[@shinjitsumasayoshi9072]

Kindly compare the Wiim Pro Plus with Arylic S50 pro plus. They both use the same software

[@MattCoykendall1]

The software platform is the same platform but the WiiM version is modified to enable several features that are not available on the S50

[@EricRosenfield]

The Node is the least expensive streamer with an Arc input and a digital output that’s any good. If Wiim introduced a model with one they’d make a killing. The only other contenders are av receivers that don’t have digital outputs, or far more expensive devices.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I know they have an amp coming out, maybe that will be the one. I have already been reaching out to get a demo.

[@xstensl8823]

no i2s?

[@jonasDoguedeBordeaux]

I bought a node as it has so much potential. the power supply is very noisey I'm gonna replace it and upload a video soon This will vastly improved the node to a new level.

[@tonyholding5233]

oh and why use the remote if i'm using Spotify connect?

[@tonyholding5233]

would the dac in the pro plus improve my 6000a?

[@MattCoykendall1]

They are very comparable, the DAC in the pro plus is of a newer design though.

[@tonyholding5233]

oh and why use the remote if i'm using Spotify connect?@@MattCoykendall1

[@ronb422]

Which is better a used Mac mini or wiim?

[@MattCoykendall1]

WiiM is less headaches in the long run and constant updates focused around streaming audio improvments.

[@ronb422]

@MattCoykendall1 thanks Matt and excellent review. I am contemplating the EverSolo DMP A6. Do you have any history with it or does it matter to go for it?

[@hexen0076]

I jumped onboard purchased the pro plus version the sound is Ok compare to my Audiolab 6000N Play great hardware poor software . On Wiim software is just miles ahead of compare to 6000n much more fluid and almost zero lag feature rich . But need to factor in better wall wart is just garage but least included I was looking into linear power supply but cost close to Wiim hardware decide purchase open box iFi Audio Power X 5v power adapter. Right away notice much more bottom end bass and mids expanded and highs are much less harsh. Now I sold my Audiolab 6000N , and connect to my budget system denafrips Aeris 2 with Audiolab 6000A and B & W 685 S2 bookself speakers.

[@Victorius-ua]

Hi, Is BluOS really better than Wiim app?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Could be argued either way, WiiM amp is more technically capable for sure.

[@crack_squirrels]

If you have a computer, a Focusrite Scarlet Solo 3rd gen is £76 and will sound fucking amazing.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

Just amazing will suffice.

[@steve-ey4ol]

Love my Denon ceol and it cheaper than the wiim amp that’s the n10 ceol

[@user-vk3yw7rv5k]

The node add usb out

[@jayem1826]

Since i find myself in the 3rd world listening to a pair of Buckhardt (is that the correct spelling) will never happen. Same for KEF. I want to know how they sound and image compared to my Maggie's.

[@MattCoykendall1]

It’s a pain that your limited just by region but at the very least you did find something that works well for you. Some people have access to all the brands and still have difficulty piecing it together.

[@jayem1826]

@@MattCoykendall1 Overseas shipping took 2½ months and cost quite a bit, but I got it done.

[@stevo8629]

I have a Pure Jongo A240. its 10 time better than both the Wiim ( that i have just returned) and the node

[@MrFreakwent]

You have highlighted software as a plus on the Wiim , but you're mainly talking about how paid streaming apps implement here; no one has paid subscriptions for All those $$ apps. . For those of us that have used media servers for legacy streaming, UPNP ,LMS, and DNLA, there are stumbling blocks as to what configurations Wiim devices can natively support and utilize on a home network.. Wiim's software on PC and Android interfaces, doesn't seem fully developed, or is implemented by techs that don't mainly focus on Android OS. On Android for example Wiim's clunky interface is basic and doesn't support screen rotation. The PC interface Wiim admits is still pretty much a Beta interface. Subscription streaming services have made an interface that's polished for about any device, but Wiim is still struggling for those of us with extensive personal media libraries. The Wiim Forums are very lively, but mostly centers on user content with little support or R&D team involvement ; the device firmware updates are frequent but most feature updates have a long history of requests. I wish the software was as good as the hardware; but I'm already regretting my choice after a year and looking for something better.

[@nicktaylor7680]

The only thing holding Wiim back vs the node is lack of USB out which offers far superior SQ to SPDIF or optical for connecting DACS.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yeah it’s not quite the powerhouse feature wise the node is, just a crazy good value for what it does offer.

[@oscillatingdailyaudio]

hardly

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@oscillatingdailyaudioI agree with Matt, it is crazy good value!

[@oscillatingdailyaudio]

@@13thnotehifireviews7I was saying the lack of usb isn’t a big deal

[@jax90291]

The BluOS app update that came in this year is absolutely terrible. So much functionality loss and nothing gained. Selling the Node and buying Wiim.

[@razisn]

If a streamer is used in push mode (rather than pull) like when one is using Roon, the streamer's own software becomes a moot point. The same applies for 'Connect' type software which use the streamer in push mode too. Regardless of that, you should have waited for BluOS upcoming new mobile interface, coming up in October, before making UI comparisons. Also, I did not see any comparison with regards to the 2 streaming software multi room and synch capabilities. You also missed the fact BluOS does not currently support Chromecast which may be important to an Android mobile device user. All in all, a pretty shallow comparison.

[@r423sdex]

You won't hear a better DACs performance. The one in the wiim is beyond human hearing.

[@MattCoykendall1]

The pro plus is enough. Is there better sure. Does it matter, up to the user at this point.

[@rosswarren436]

Ah, but you CAN hear a difference. Not all DACs sound the same. There are attributes such as soundstage and imaging, tonal naturalness (especially in the leading edges and how fast they decay), dynamic range, and how "dark" the background is. Many people say the "best" DACs to get all of that are R2R based DACs and that for the most part, chip-based DACs, while coming close sometimes, just aren't the same. No, maybe those differences account for 20% of the quality of sound, but for those wanting it all, you'll have to go further up the food chain to a Denafrips Ares 12th Anniversary or a Gustard R26. If your system is especially good, even a $4000 Holo May DAC might offer an audible improvement. It all depends on what level of quality you seek to be satisfied and what is price commensurate with your system.

[@r423sdex]

​​@@rosswarren436 utter nonsense ! R2R DACs are inferior to ess and akm, you only need to look at the numbers. What speakers and amplifier do you have that can resolve what a dac can output. Even the best DACs can at most do 21bits. The wiim is transparent.

[@rosswarren436]

@@r423sdex I used to be like you, thinking "bits are bits are bits" and that "all DACs should sound the same". Well, not anymore. I've had my eyes and ears opened over the last 5 years and have been fortunate to have friends and coworkers who share this passion for great sound. I don't have a WiiM Pro or Pro Plus, but I do have a WiiM Mini I use in a bedroom system. Just for shitz and giggles, I took it to the home of a coworker who has a system in the $30K range. We compared it to his iFi Neo streamer feeding an older PS Audio Perfectwave DAC (he hasn't upgraded it yet). Sorry to burst your bubble, but there was a marked difference in quality. The WiiM sounded congested, with a flat and narrow soundstage, and nowhere near the dynamic range of the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC. This was especially noticeable on complex prog rock passages and a large jazz ensemble where there was a lot going on in the mix at the same time. Similarly, a friend of mine has a nice system in the $22K range (although his turntable cartridge collection would definitely add to that, and I bet his wife doesn't have a clue). He still loves analog, but for digital he has a Denafrips Ares 12th anniversary R2R DAC fed by an old Bluesound Node 2i. Once again, the comparison to the WiiM Mini was a joke. This is just life. You do often get more for your money. The "sweet spot" for DACs these days seems to be in the $1500 to $2000 range. A $9000 Mola Mola Tambaqui might sound 10% better than a $2000 R2R DAC (I've never heard the Mola Mola, wish I could), so it is up to you to decide at what price point you want to get off this train. But saying "all DACs sound the same" or "chips already are beyond human hearing" shows your lack of real-world experience, not the technology, and what can be achieved. The electrical engineering design of a DAC goes far beyond what $50 chip(s) it is using. As I said, 5-years ago, I thought like you. Now, if you can't hear a difference, or if those differences in sonic realism aren't important to you, then hey, count your blessings and just be happy with a $200 streamer/DAC and save the money for something else. And there is always "something else". I'll still keep using the cheap WiiM Mini in the bedroom system. Their software UI is as good as BlueOS. Even there, I added a Schiit Modi 3E to offer better sound. But I have no illusions. For my living room system, I plan on spending around $2000 for a "good enough" DAC and be happy. My conundrum now, isn't so much what DAC to choose, but what streamer. I'd like to get one with a display for album cover art, but I'm not sold on the FiiO R7 or Eversolo DMP-A6 running flavors of Android, and I wasn't crazy about the iFi Neo Stream's itty-bitty screen. After all their software development efforts, WiiM should license their excellent O/S to other higher end streamer manufacturers. That would be awesome.

[@moodu1850]

@@r423sdex if you can not hear a difference between dacs you should quit this game.

[@ippolitovincenzo]

Node has MQA.....

[@timharbert7145]

CDs rule. Record stores are awesome and I like knowing artists are getting paid. Streaming is for socialists.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I have a good collection of physical media as well but I couldn’t let my streamer go at this point, all good, you do you.

[@abbykeyzer]

In more than fourty years i did buy alot of vinyl and alot of cds and now i am in for streaming so now it's a great time to be a socialist.

[@jayem1826]

CD players break just after a few years. What a pain.

[@rosswarren436]

@@jayem1826 I have a circa 1989 Sony that is still going strong and an even older Magnavox with what was considered a good DAC chip at the time that still works. LOL. Yes, most things, especially mechanical things will eventually wear out. So, far, I'm happy for the bang for the buck I have gotten.

[@rosswarren436]

Deezer pays decently based upon a user-centric distribution model of profits (The money from your subscription goes only to the artists you actually listen to each month). Tidal says they do something similar for their highest subscription tier. We can hope others will do the same. But yes, buying CDs, vinyl albums, t-shirts, and posters definitely helps out the bands more.