WiiM Pro Review - Good Luck To The Competition - Budget Streamer Juggernaut

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This looks to be the budget streamer of the year, the mini is great but the WiiM pro fills in the gaps I was looking for.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey everyone! The Wiim Pro is now available. I am only 998,900 short of my subscriber goal, joking of course but please consider liking and subscribing as well. I would really appreciate it as it allows a small channel like mine to continue on! Have a good one!

[@andyherzog00]

Will order.

[@cleantheocean]

Please, consider answering potential subscribers' questions. Does this allow me to playback KZbin Music taking my phone or computer "out of the playback equation"? Because my phone is already a streamer, right? I just need a cable to play it on my stereo HiFi...

[@MattCoykendall1]

@@cleantheocean Hello Pedro, if you are looking to go KZbin music from your TV into the Wiim you could with the digital input the new pro offers. There is no native youtube music app on the streamer though so it needs to come from a source such as your tv.

[@HeyYall398]

​@@cleantheoceanYou can do a Chromecast audio from your phone I believe

[@bencausey]

I very much appreciate your straightforward, no nonsense, lack of fluff, honest reviews. 👍

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching!

[@Brian_Romska]

Hi Matt, that was a great review, it’s been cool to see your channel progress too, keep it up!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Brian, thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.!

[@herbward5240]

Hey Matt , that was a really well done review ! I have 50 years in the hi fi biz, sales , service , and install of expensive toys for the wealthy boys ( and girls ) . Have had a Pro for about a month in my TV room headphone system. It is an excellent preamp / streamer with multiple sources ( CD, TV , and FM tuner ) and a welcome addition to my collection of stuff. The Sonos connect has ended up in the garage system as the Wiim software on IOS is great ! The Android version needs a little fine tuning. I quite agree with your comment about the internal DAC. Yeah it’s Ok , but my HD600 phones sound better with my hotrodded Cal Audio DAC. Am looking forward to more of your reviews. You are off to a great start.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for the watch and kind words! Have a good one Herb.

[@briandunn1777]

Great video! Do you need more than one wiim in order to connect 2 different devices (Klipsch Fives and Bose Smart Speaker)?

[@ch33psk8]

It really kicks the llama's arse Thanks for detailed presentation.

[@MattCoykendall1]

You're welcome!

[@mattlorenzi5606]

I am looking at this over the Node2 for both price and the inclusion of Chromecast. Lots of Node owners asking for Chromecast support but Bluesound being very mum about it. I hope the onboard dac will suffice, I like to avoid too many devices, but I imagine you would have to get into 4-figure DAC to notice a huge improvement.

[@peterwu831]

12v vs. 5v power supply between the pro and the mini would make a significant difference in terms of audio “headroom”. The greater headroom would make the device less prone to digital saturation as well as analog cutoffs. It would also make EQ more usable at larger signal levels. I would hope it to have a subwoofer output, which is vital for smaller stereo speakers. Those speakers often need to have the low end frequencies cut off (say below 80Hz, or even at 150Hz for some) to avoid rattling. Yeah, the digital music preserves and presents the lower frequencies at a different level above the analog, so subwoofer is a must for smaller speakers.

[@handznet]

I recently purchased the mini version for my older T+A music streamer and it was a best purchase I made in years. Its all I hoped it will be so pro version is a bit overkill for me but I am glad they are still doing new stuff. I am amazed how nobody else came with something like wiim.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes, its not often we actually get good products without a heavy premium.

[@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. 👍

[@MattCoykendall1]

It's simple to integrate and it works really well, good use case.

[@etk4188]

Great review! I subscribed your channel. Is it better than Sonos ?

[@Immersifi]

Thanks for this review. I have but two questions (yet to be answered by the mfgr). I want to know how these units handle a drive (all .flac) that is parked on my network (NOT NAS) on a PC via a mapped / shared drive. IO presently have around 50,000 .flac files and wonder what the limit might be on the number of tracks that it can assimilate. I'm replacing two Sonos Connect which had, until about a year ago, functioned flawlessly but now randomly stop playing tracks, only to play the next track in the queue (side note: Sonos support has been, well, underwhelming / frustrating). The 2nd issue is this: I like running two units because I already have a whole-house analog feed (balanced lines feeding differential line receivers) that at present is connected to one of the two Connect units. The 2nd unit is dedicated to the critical listening space (perfect for late night). So my 2nd question is whether I can have two units live peacefully on my network and have them both see the same shared .flac disk volume, and be run independently (I NEVER run the same feed to the two Sonos Connect units as the whole house feed is also available in the critical listening space). Sorry for being late to the WiiM party, but as I said, up until a year ago the Sonos Connect units worked well, but this frequent and random interruption of music (and yes, I am running wired connections ONLY) has become untenable, and a real vibe-killer, especially when I have guests over. If anyone knows of some resources I could peruse by way of a few URLs that would allow me to dig a bit more, I would be very grateful. Many thanks.

[@ferchur4833]

Great review Matt. I had, for some weeks, the Wiim Mini using it with Tidal. Despite it worked flawlessly with the Tidal app, I don't know if it was for my audiophile snobbery or it was a real thing, that I heard the Mini a little harsh and un-refined compared with my Raspberry+Pi2AES combo, both connected to a Pontus II DAC. Did you compare the Mini and the Pro with external DACs?

[@MattCoykendall1]

This kind of thing can be very difficult, you have to at least somewhat question if the sound is just different not worse. You grow accustomed to a specific sound and changes can be perceived either good or bad depending if it fits your listening characteristics. I did test both with different external DACS, IFI IDSD NEO, Schiit Modius, SMSL SU-8s. I found the output of the mini and pro very similar with these. Thanks for watching!

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

If the optical output is bit perfect, how can the same file (local or streamed) sound different on the same DAC from two different streamers via optical output? Either one or both streamers is Not bit perfect. If both streamers are bit perfect via optical with no eq or volume applied, they should sound identical played on the same DAC, amp, speakers etc

[@jayem1826]

Pontus II huh. Fantastic

[@michaelwright1602]

Like your no nonsense reviews Matt!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching, appreciate it!

[@gagecauchois6180]

@@MattCoykendall1 Yes, I agree. Excellent review. Concise, no-nonsense, and to the point. Kind of unusual on KZbin. I use the Wiim Mini and Pontus II (in oversampling mode) and it sounds pretty damn good. Now considering buying the Wiim Pro.

[@sabrowenie]

Considered getting a Pro but didn’t find the additional features compelling enough. Had another Modi3 laying around. It’s now feeding Tidal via Connect in my home gym.

[@deadline7610]

Keep going back to your review thanks. 2 questions. 1) I'm trying to send music from my DAP. Not having any luck. I think it's the handshake that I'm missing. Can't connect via bluetooth or wifi . The Dap wants to connect (bluetooth ) to my phone but not the wiim app. To be honest not sure the correct path , any suggestions ? 2) The unit doesn't seem to turn off ( unless I unplug it ) or go into stand by even when I set the app to 1.min. when not in use ever . Is there a way to power it down ? Thanks in advance

[@kdomster9141]

Thanks for solid review , can you provide your observations with it's sound quality thru it's coax feeding the DAC? Did you experiment with power supplies yet ? Does it output Amazon Ultra in 192 24bit thru coax ?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Coax sound quality is good, no issues at all in my experience. I have not played around with power supplies but it does interest me. 192 24 Amazon HD over coax is good to go.

[@christopherhachet5184]

I just bought this on sale for about $125. Very happy.

[@pesti87]

Nice video! I’m interested in using voice commands but still don’t understand if it’s listening to Alexa (or some other asssitant) commands or do I need to use the remote to say a command?

[@paulrhoden4401]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching Paul

[@branimirmomcilov7575]

Great review. Would you suggest coaxial or optical output? :)

[@MattCoykendall1]

I generally prefer coaxial, I don’t have any evidence to back it up though.

[@jhpadilla]

Thanks for the video Matt! Question: is the WiiM (either one) a good replacement for the Apple AirPort Express?? I use the AirPort to stream audio from my computer and cel phones to my Logitech Z625 speakers. Is the WiiM mini enough? Or should I go for the Pro? Thanks!

[@MattCoykendall1]

It’s a good replacement, no worries there. Deciding between the mini and pro is really dependent on needs, coax connection, digital input, chromecast for examples are additions to the pro. The two products will sound the same so base your decision on connections and features.

[@jhpadilla]

@@MattCoykendall1 Excellent!! Thanks! Just ordered the WiiM Mini

[@fredbloggs1472]

Great vids. I bought one in august, then bought a poly/mojo2. The latter made the Wiim almost unlistenable; and I am very far from being an audiophile. After I bought an Audiolab 7000a with digital inputs, the Wiim got used more once I switched to digital coax. Wifi is as reliable as the provider.

[@ramipo1]

so you dont recomen bying the wiim pro?

[@dabbiwilli]

Does this support taking an input and transmitting it to Chromecast or is it only receiving of Chromecast signal?

[@anabellebitche]

Hi. Can we power ON/OF the WIIM pro with the app or do we need the remote control ?. And is the hole large enough to put a coaxial cable with WBT RCA plugg ?

[@stevenblack9644]

Great video, we have a monoprice whole house audio and have had issues connecting audio through it. I have Apple and use the belkin sound form connect that works fine through Apple Music but sadly not for my wife on android. We have a chromecast audio that also won’t work with Apple Music….soooo to my actual question 😂 will this work with Apple Music on android? Thanks

[@kobush18]

Great review As i understand i don't need volumio services to use tidal and others for the wii pro , (in my current pi based streamer it's a must) Am i correct?

[@MattCoykendall1]

You are correct!

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done and just in time . Did I hear correctly Amazon HD up to 24 192 from the wiim app ? Is this a bluetooth receiver and transmitter with 24 192 ? Last question if you have time - if using the rca outs to a receiver what audio quality can you get ? Thanks in advance

[@MattCoykendall1]

It’s capable of 24 192 including from Amazon HD service. Bluetooth 5.1 will be unable to support lossless audio.

[@deadline7610]

@@MattCoykendall1 No lossless over bluetooth 5.1 :( Maybe it will come on the Wiim pro ultra

[@justinbyrne5736]

@@deadline7610 Bluetooth is not very good sound quality, better to use Flac files from a NAS

[@deadline7610]

@@MattCoykendall1 Matt is the Pro a Bluetooth receiver - transmitter or both ? Thanks

[@davejones538]

@@deadline7610 Bluetooth 5.0, SBC and AAC codec, BT receiver and transmitter on the website if you look

[@janerikborge]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching!

[@HeyYall398]

An exemplary review! My integrated amplifier houses an excellent DAC of substantial quality. Would it be accurate, given this context, to posit that the WIIM Pro represents the most advantageous buy for my specific application? Thanks!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yep, pair it up with the DAC in your integrated and enjoy possibly the best budget buy available today.

[@2012lmfao]

Hi great videos . I am new to the hifi scene. I am currently building my system through used items off Ebay. Will this Wiim pro play KZbin Music as I really get on with there platform? If not Do you know of a great budget streamer that does support KZbin music apart from Chromecast audio?. Appreciate any info you could give me . Thanks.

[@joeldrubin9832]

Nice review. Something that no one talks about: The Pro advertises that you can hook up a turntable to the device but there's no mention of a sound stage to boost the cartridge volume. Does anyone know how this is handled within the Wiim box?

[@reeve7929]

I would assume you would want a proper phono pre-amp... Personally I have a Fosi Audio Box X4 MM preamp and it sounds great I have no complaints

[@bencausey]

Thank you - I just want to know if it sounds any better than the Node (both using same external dac). As a streamer only, does it sound any better?

[@MattCoykendall1]

If both are using the same external DAC its going to be mostly indistinguishable between these two, at that point its easiest to way features and cost.

[@pauln6803]

The WiiM Pro is bit perfect over coax or optical. The Mini is now also bit perfect, but has fewer connections. Digital is digital, there's no difference in ones and zeros unless something is wrong.

[@clarice1001nights]

I am trying to decide between an Argon Audio Solo and the Mini Pro. The Mini Pro has more inputs and outputs but since you highlighted the so-so DAC on the Mini Pro, I am struggling with what to do. I have an older Moon integrated that has zero digital inputs. I have a LG TV that could be routed to it and my older CD-1 from Moon as well. I use KZbin audio now too. ' Do you know the Argon Audio Solo yet? If you are in the EU, you probably do and if outside probably not. How would the Argon Solo stack up against the WiiM Pro?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I wish I could help but I have no hands on experience with the Argon products. Not widely available in the US, thanks for watching though!

[@datvunika]

i have argon solo and wiim mini. Argons internal dac can be used only in case of its analog connection. I would choose argon over wiim if you use roon.

[@klaymoon1]

Great video! Does anyone know if WiiM Pro can cast music wirelessly? For example, can it output to a soundbar without cables using Airplay or Chromcast? I think it can output using Bluetooth, but I could not tell if it can transmit music over WiFi as well.

[@pigonthewing1]

I'm new to streamers. I own all HomePods and HomePod Minis throughout the house and only use Apple Music, but looking to add something more permanent for outdoors. Connecting this to a receiver and some outdoor speakers sounds like it'll do the trick. Since I'm only using AirPlay 2, will I (or anyone that wants to stream via Apple Music) still need the app?

[@chazylexus]

Hi! Does it automatically connect to the latest activated input between wireless inputs or wireless and wired inputs (for example optical)?

[@larryh9525]

Good review. I did some in-depth testing on the Wiim Mini and thought you'd be interested in my results. I performed a head-to-head comparison between Audirvana Studio using an iFi Signature DAC and the Mini. I only heard one small difference in one song. My system is a Rotel A11 Tribute with KEF LS50 Metas, so it's resolving enough to pick up subtle differences. Both the Mini and iFi were being fed into a Paradigm PWLink room correction module. The iFi was connected via analog (using Worlds Best Cables) and the Mini was connected via optical. In an email exchange with Wiim support, I manage to get Qobuz Autoplay added to their release schedule, which is pretty impressive. I tested the Mini's BT capability and their system uses AAC as the primary codec. This is good for Apple users, but a small miss for Android users that have apt-X. So, if someone is heavy in BT and has an Android phone, a good BT apt-X receiver like a Home Spot ($25) is worth the difference and will sound better. Compared to Play-Fi (which I have as well in the PWLink) the Mini is hands down the better system, even after Play-Fi's upgrades. As for the Wiim Pro, its big feature is the addition of an optical input for a TV/external source. If Wiim ever does a V2 of the Mini, I recommend they add a 3.5mm/optical port to handle a TV. So yes, I agree with your observation that Wiim is an excellent streamer.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Larry, thanks for the detailed synopsis, what I appreciate the most about the WiiM products is that it truly appears they care about this project and have continued to improve it, glad to hear they added Qobuz to the release schedule as well. It will be interesting to see their future releases...

[@larryh9525]

@@MattCoykendall1 Matt, Qobuz is there now. It's autoplay they will be adding.

[@darpanbhuyan1909]

Did you engage the room correction on the PW link while testing the Mini and the Ifi?

[@larryh9525]

@@darpanbhuyan1909 Yes. I plugged the iFi into the analog input and the Wiim Mini into the optical port. On the PW Link, its port detection is automatic, meaning that when the music stops on the IFi I started streaming on the Wiim, so there was little to no time lag.

[@darpanbhuyan1909]

@@larryh9525 - The thing with the room correction on the PW Link is that it goes through an AD/DA conversion (analog to digital, then back again from digital to analog) so any gains with the Ifi Zen Signature would be negated by said AD/DA conversion and it'll all sound mostly the same. To hear a difference between the Zen Signature and inbuilt DAC of WiiM mini, you'll have to use a "direct" mode which bypasses the AD/DA conversion.

[@MONGIE30]

How does the coaxial output compare to the optical? I have the mini but found it lacks a bit of punch in the sound compared to playing a CD through my Chord Qutest DAC, yet on the Amazon app on my PC it is great. For me the coaxial output as always produced a better sound than optical. Would then consider purchasing a Pro when its available in the UK.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Richard, I almost always gravitate to the coaxial as well, I can’t say for certain why but it’s been a consistent favorite for myself.

[@chrismaki8396]

I have always used optical and have decided to switch due to the difficulty and frustration with trying to plug it in correctly. Its proper orientation into it’s socket is a pain, particularly when audio/video equipment is in a cabinet. I can now see the beauty of the simplicity of the coaxial cable design. Thanks for giving me confidence with sound quality with coaxial.

[@martin9933]

Thanks for the review! I´m wondering if the internal DAC, although it obviously is not the best, would be at least as good as the one in the Yamaha WXAD-10 that I used so far. In one forum someone wrote that the DAC in the Yamaha is supposed to be way better, but he doesn´t hear the difference anyway. What do you think? If the Wiim DAC is worse, what would be a budget external DAC that´s better? Thank you!!!

[@martin9933]

I noticed that the Yamaha has the Burr Brown PCM 5121 DAC and according to your video the Wiim has the TI PCM 5121. If I get it right, it´s the same exact DAC so the sound quality should be the same, right?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Sound quality is going to be really close here, same chip. Before buying another DAC just give it a shot and see how you feel about the sound, may need need to invest further!

[@martin9933]

@@MattCoykendall1 Thanks!! 👍

[@x1124x]

Mine must have been a dud. Did not work with any streaming service, nor my turntable. I guess I don't understand why this thing was needed?

[@tonym8358]

Are you going to open the device to see components? I have the rasberrypi 3B with Digione using MoOde,.... I doubt this wiim will sound better

[@IronHorsey3]

The word on the street, it is. 🎉

[@30lacrimosa]

Thanks for You Review, can You Say me the Quality of internal DAC of Wiim Pro? Is necesary external DAC? what option can You recommend?

[@pauln6803]

The DAC is the same as the WiiM mini. By all accounts, you are better off with any high quality external DAC. Audio Science Reviews is a good no bullshit source for equipment reviews.

[@carlose.martinez545]

Unfortunately it has not an USB output to connect a DAC to, which is what I wanted to do. They revealed me so in the WiiM forum. A pity.

[@canadianwildlifeservice8883]

The Wiim has a graphic equalizer. How does the EQ function when you are using the optical output? Does the Wiim convert to analog, apply the EQ, then convert back to digital?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I am unsure on this one, I would need to check with Wiim for clarity.

[@pauln6803]

I seem to remember Audio Science Reviews testing the Mini and finding that boosting the (digital) EQ resulted in audible distortion. I tried playing with the EQ on my Mini and didn't like the results. Edit: it's purely DSP, not analogue EQ.

[@aaronfrench8322]

I originally asked for the Mini for Christmas even though I knew this was coming out soon. Now I am asking for the Pro, mainly because of the Coax output and the better physical form factor. Hopefully I get it, otherwise I’ll just buy it anyways haha 😆

[@MattCoykendall1]

Treat yourself! Ha

[@tomaszostrowski363]

can you compare the sound of wiim pro to bluesound or ifi zen stream when paired with an external dac?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Sure I felt that when I paired it with a high quality external the results were mostly indistinguishable when both the Pro and node were connected to external units. External DAC Pro vs stock node you can certainly beat out the node with a better external. The DAC in the node is decent but won’t compete as you scale up.

[@Slant88]

Is there a way to connect to a DAC or other component via USB?

[@piotr2951]

Thank you, bought it after watching your review.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@brentkjernisted2215]

I have two android devices that play dolby atmos and my computer also does dolby atmos. When I use the EQ of the WiiM Pro will it stream the dolby atmos music from tidal hifi plus on my devices... will the EQ'd music be dolby atmos music.

[@Yowzoe]

Matt, thank you for this review overview. I am a simple guy and kind of slow with all things electronics. Here's my question: I have a pair of Sonos Ones and a Sonos Sub Mini, and I use AirPlay (not the Sonos app) to stream music and podcasts. All I want to do is add my home stereo setup to AirPlay so that I can have synced whole-house audio. Will this device get me there? Thanks.

[@MattCoykendall1]

The WiiM products can do while home audio if you pair them up, they also have a mic to fix any latency problems between the streamers.

[@Yowzoe]

@@MattCoykendall1 thank you for answering, Matt. I needed to hear that from someone who knows. I'm thrilled.

[@Yowzoe]

@@MattCoykendall1 and to your knowledge there shouldn't be latency not only between multiple Wiim streamers, but also between the Wiim streamers *and* the Sonos speakers on AirPlay?

[@MattCoykendall1]

@@Yowzoe If I’m not mistaken the WiiM should sync itself with the latency test in this case. I do not own any Sonos products to replicate your test though. WiiM does have excellent support though and would likely offer a quick reply on these specifics.

[@Yowzoe]

@@MattCoykendall1 right, I'll check their user forum or subreddit, or email them directly. Looking forward to a full house full of synced music! Thanks 🙏🏽

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Hi Matt: I just ordered a Wiim Mini last night that will arrive tomorrow. Pretty sweet @ $84 from Amazon. I look forward to checking it out and either confirming or rejecting all the internet hoopla about Wiim products. Believe it or not, I am very happy with my docked (wired) iPhone / iPad and their internal DAC's. All this talk about external DAC's. I've heard the Chord Qutest and did not hear a difference from my iDAC's...honest! Maybe my ears are shot at 70? I also do not have room for external DAC's given custom installs with all three of my systems. One high end audiophile friend says to never spend more than $150 on a DAC ...gee I wonder why? I'm sure Wiim will upgrade their DAC in the future. I will need two more streamers for my other two systems at some point. It would be a good test, to see if I can hear the difference or not between the current and new future DAC? Cheers!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Let me know how it goes!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Hi Matt: I am over the moon regarding the WiiM Mini. The setup was a cinch, it works flawlessly and sounds great without an external DAC...just Airplay 2. It is a giant Blue Sound Node killer at $84 vs. $599 at Crutchfield for example (before tax). The value proposition is off the charts. I also emailed their customer service twice and they responded within 3-5 hours both times. Very impressive! They are also talking about adding a KZbin Music app but no date has been announced as of yet. Has to be the product of the last few years. No need for the Pro version or hi rez audio for my needs. The Mini is the perfect streamer / DAC for anyone with current or vintage "not smart" electronics interested in wireless streaming. Thanks for the encouragement about WiiM products to make the purchase. It's the highest value audio product I ever purchased. Can't imagine what great stuff this company will offer in the future? Cheers! m

[@akilappetelainen1699]

Have you tested Wiim Pro with TV? I heard that it is difficult to sync voice with the picture.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Some of this configuration will depend on the tv, some tv's have the latency adjustment and some dont.

[@akilappetelainen1699]

@@MattCoykendall1 Thanks, I will check my TV.

[@stevanbatinic6733]

Hello, I have a little problem with my WiiM Pro. Coax out can't support 24/192khz, only 24/96Khz. I don't know why? I changed several cables but no success. Optic out supports 24/192, but Coax doesn't! How I can solve this problem, if you have any suggestion? Thanks in advance.

[@kevincorr2985]

I have the Wiim mini but use a BluOS instead because the Wiim has to boot up every time you start or every time that it drops the wifi. The Bluesound never drops and you don't have to keep reconnecting it all the time. It works but the BluOS is worth it to me because the price of the streamer and a good dac is not more than the Bluesound NODE.

[@SK-ps5pn]

Sounds like a hybrid between the Wiim Mini and Arylic S50 Pro, both of which I have. Of course the Arylic doesn't spit out 24/192 but capped at 16/44.1. But its build quality, remote control and connectivity beats the Wiim Pro. I use the Mini toslink'd out to my Rotel preamp/DAC and it sounds very good, far better than with the Mini on its own. When compared side-by-side both toslink'd to my preamp, the Wiim sounds airier, more spacious and better-detailed in the highs than the Arylic. But those differences vary by the source content ..... overall the Mini has the edge.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for the input! I have an acrylic S10 sitting here due for review as well.

[@handznet]

Who the hell cares about build quality of a device you never physically touch or manipulate with and who needs remote when you anyway using it via phone app? Sound quality is main factor here

[@seanb3303]

I haven’t figured out why audiophiles often prefer coaxial to optical. Optical removes the noise from the streamer so you don’t have to worry about the streamers switching power supply or other internal noise. With coaxial you are bringing your streamers noise into your DAC.

[@seanb3303]

@@user-iz4st3zx1v EMI and RFI can definitely be transmitted over coaxial. That’s not ever debatable.

[@barevids]

@@seanb3303 it can be transmitted yes, BUT it does not form part of or alter the data stream in ANY way. It's functionally identical to optical.

[@Tater1722]

I'm an audio newbie. Can you plug this into a receiver and essentially have a "smart receiver"? Same question for a "dumb speaker".

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes you can, easy way to get streaming on a receiver.

[@aceofspades6667]

Just got the wiim pro delivered yesterday. Got it hooked up now to my Dac via coaxial and my BlueSound node hooked up via coax to the same Dac. Going back and forth a-b ing the two flipping back and forth on the same songs. It’s really close with perhaps the BlueSound being slightly better. But the wiim pro can natively stream through Amazon music app which is functionalally better than blueos app

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes, very close.

[@dannyoblomov3017]

Hi. where to buy it?

[@aceofspades6667]

@@dannyoblomov3017 amazon

[@andremaia2730]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a comparison with the bluesound node!

[@MattCoykendall1]

The node is a great product, has more features such as HDMI, sub out, bass management, the WiiM pro doesnt have as many features but accomplishes all the streaming tasks at a much lower cost.

[@aceofspades6667]

The sound quality between the two is within a few %. The wiim wins for functionality steaming through Amazon app natively which is better than blueos app. The node has a few more features than wiim so you will need to evaluate those. I have a standalone Dac as the internals dacson these are not good.

[@steadisteve]

will it play apple music thru the alexa app? ( i have my apple music account linked to alexa)

[@bradavon]

Coaxial is great and to rare because most input equipment only has one SPDIF/Optical input and if you're off today you're so often then stuck.

[@dudurod777]

Hello ! I am from Romania and I have a big request! HELP ! I follow you with great pleasure and respect you! I bought a WIIM PRO complete with remote control for all the advantages it has! It's just that I can't seem to enjoy it because the output to my Q ACOUSTIC passive speakers is not good. I have a very good Arylic s50, only that it does not have a digital output to connect to the TV, which is why I chose WIIM PRO! Why doesn't it work with passive speakers directly? can be heard in the speakers but low volume! WHAT should I do without adding an amplifier? THANK YOU!

[@richardpatton4197]

Does this work with Apple music on an android to yield Hi Res 24 bit?

[@johnryangarcia]

Hi! What would you choose A. Wiim Pro with Schiit Modi 3+ B. Wiim Pro Plus Thanks in advance.

[@reeve7929]

Ideally you would use an external DAC as the internal one (while totally capable) is running on the same power as the rest of the unit cutting into how much headroom the DAC has to do its job. I just ordered a Wiim Pro and I will be running it into my Topping E30 II Lite via coaxial instead of using the internal DAC in the Wiim Pro

[@Timetaker1000]

Do i need one of these for each separate zones.

[@donaldkillian9864]

I don't understand why I need this, I can play music from my phone and my tablet and my tv and my blue ray player, is there a quality enhancement or is this just something to sell ?

[@prawnk1ng]

Hi, i am total n00b. I have Creek evo 100a and 2x B&W CM10. I want to listen to Spotify and be able to change track via my iphone. Is this the correct product ? also if it is, mini or pro for me?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes this will do the trick.

[@GenWatsonHV]

Can the WiiM Pro: 1. Create a Multi-Room Group Name, to where I can tell Google to play speakers out of only 1,2,3,4 or all 5 of my WiiM Pro devices at the same time, with a voice command without needing to go to the app every time? 2. Can I cast a video to these devices using Chromecast, to where I get to watch the video from my phone but listen to video through the speakers connected to my WiiM? Can I cast the video to my Chromecast, but cast the audio through my WiiM Speakers? Is there a audio delay if so? Can you use the Screen Cast feature on Android? 3. Can a single WiiM Pro device have 1 configuration to where it plays mono out of only the right speaker, a 2nd configuration to where it only plays mono out of the left speaker, and a 3rd configuration where it can play mono out of both speakers, to where all these 3 configurations are presaved and ready to use via voice command through google? If so, can you stack these configs with multiple WiiM pros? (Wiim 1 Left Mono speaker + Wiim 2 Left Mono Speaker = 1 config)

[@ramondelgado6778]

Dang it! I guess I'm going to be purchasing this one too. The original WiiM Mini really is a crazy deal for the streaming fans. I ONLY stream and as such, invested in a nice streamer, within reason of course, and got a Bluesound Node 2i about 2 years ago. Love it. However, the value you get with the WiiM Mini + an external DAC, such as a Schiit Mode 3E or a J2 (if you can swing it) gives you a better sound experience than just the Node. This new WiiM Pro, looks like a fantastic upgrade, from the original. All of the added new features make it WELL worth it over the original. Thank you again for a great review, as always! I'm really enjoying your content! By the way, the original WiiM Mini is on sale for $79 and Schiit Audio has the Mode 3E DAC on closeout (in black) for $99!!!!! Crazy!!!! Happy Holidays!

[@MattCoykendall1]

The Mini and Modi combo is tough to beat at that price point, sure you could scale higher with the DAC but the Modi certainly gets you into the party.

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@MattCoykendall1 thanks so much for replying! Made my day!!!!

[@jayem1826]

The other day I watched another channel on the Pro. I didn’t realize that it IS a steamer and not just a Bluetooth receiver. I had thought the phone was still sending the audio signal, but that’s not the case at all. The phone acts as a remote like using Audirvana on my computer and the phone as a remote. Since that day I’ve been checking Amazon, but it’s still not available. Would be cool if Wiim would come out with a device that streams and used Audirvana. Why don’t I just get the $99 version? I prefer COAX out to my DACs and the LAN port. Thanks for your review. I tend to like videos with demonstrations though.

[@ramondelgado6778]

@@jayem1826 For the $50 difference, the Pro is well worth it . Faster processor, more RAM, full sized RCA ins/outs, coax out, ethernet input, more sturdy build quality.

[@jayem1826]

@@ramondelgado6778 Yes. Agreed. Just waiting for availability.

[@lawlesskm]

How was it with the DAC on your 6000a?

[@MattCoykendall1]

It’s really good, the 9018 in the 6000 isn’t the best DAC in the world at this point but it’s really all a person needs, sounds great honestly.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

My cd player only has coaxial out, how would I use the mini or pro?

[@MattCoykendall1]

There could be an option to run an coax to optical adapter and use the Wiim Pro as your pre amp.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Will it stream lossless Apple Music?

[@kartikeyafreak90]

Oh man !! I just bought the mini ..

[@MattCoykendall1]

No worries, the mini still has great performance, the pro just adds some features that some need/want.

[@MidFiMan]

Comparing the BlueSound Node and WP DACs, how do they stack up?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Node has an advantage here being its a more premium priced product but honestly the DAC performance on the WiiM is not far behind. The best part about the WiiM is that the price allows you to move up the chain to a much better dac than the Node offers.

[@MidFiMan]

@@MattCoykendall1 I think I’m buying a WP and then getting a Schiit Bifrost

[@presterjohn71]

How much difference will I actually notice with one of these compared to my present set up which is an iPad with a DAC which goes into a mini Amp? I'm 56 and wonder if my ears have degraded to the point that I could barely detect the difference between Bluetooth streaming from my phone never mind using a dedicated streamer. At what point does my 56-year-old self stop buying for my 26-year-old self?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Difficult question there, I would suggest don’t give up on finding improvements if you enjoy the search, it’s a hobby in itself. I would also suggest in this scenario to buy from Amazon, simple return policy if the improvement isn’t there for you. You may also look at it as a tool with more features as well that could be of use to you rather than just looking at the sound quality improvements over Bluetooth.

[@mangotamhk]

hi , how about the sound quality is the pro version is better? Thank

[@MattCoykendall1]

Same dac, only real change related to sound is the addition of the coax out which I do use and appreciate.

[@mangotamhk]

@@MattCoykendall1 thank man...

[@AndyisMan3]

Will it stream Amazon Music at 24/192?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes it will

[@darinherrick9224]

Looked at this to try to understand what something like this does or is for. I still don’t understand exactly what it is or why you would buy it. People in audio group were crowing about this thing but none of them explained what the heck it is either.

[@magnusgaardbo6938]

You use it to stream directly from the streaming services database into your (old fashioned) stereo, instead of transmitting via bluetooth from your phone. This allows for streaming with a higher bitrate and sample frequency, and frees up your phones audio for calls etc. Think of it, as a way to turn old/vintage stereos into sonos.. Also, my TV only has an optical out for audio, so, having just ordered a unit, I am looking forward to watching films with better sound.

[@bradavon]

Chromecast support won't be bit perfect. The Chromecast Audio supports 96Khz/24-bit but all other Chromecasts are 48Khz/24-Bit. That doesn't mean Amazon Ultra HD is supported on the Chromecast Audio. It's still down sampled to 48Khz. Maddening as the 96/24 is specifically for FLAC. Which is what Amazon use for their Lossless music. Amazon HD works on Chromecasts but it only seems to be Google made Chromecasts. Maybe that's why Amazon say Amazon Music HD isn't supported on Chromecasts but the HD (not Ultra HD) gives me losslessly 44.1Khz/16-Bit on both my Chromecast Audio and 3 Gen Chromecast. My devices with Chromecast that aren't made by Google I only get the Lossy SD music.

[@deehive]

Spotify gapless playback?

[@mathiasd5563]

Is Ldac Bluetooth supported?

[@marpas9407]

no

[@ronalcasid3844]

Can it auto detect input and turn itself on?

[@MattCoykendall1]

No it can not, it does have a trigger out for the other side of the equation though.

[@FrankWoodPhotography]

This might be sacrilege to say this but my Denon AV amp has almost all streaming facilities. For some reason I’m not itching to buy a streamer. Also my Apple TV I can stream to as well.

[@justinbyrne5736]

Frank Using an AV Receiver is not the best for music as it is going through Digital Processing better to play music using stereo amp

[@FrankWoodPhotography]

@@justinbyrne5736 I have it set to direct stereo which in theory avoids this but yes it’s never going to be as good as separates. Sounds pretty good to me through.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Frank, if it sounds good to you just stick with it but if you want to experiment down the road with a dedicated streamer this is a good option.

[@thomasward00]

The Wiim Pro needs a USB Port to allow playing of local audio files.

[@thomashoejberg-DK]

You can connect a nas

[@patricklonski]

Absolutely frustrated with the WIIM Pro. I have two Synology NAS. The setup detected my 212J which only contains old movies. It did not and will not detect the DS920J+ NAS which actually contains my music. I tried both wireless or wired ethernet. There is no way to connect a NAS manually. Sending this garbage back

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Patrick, problems like this are frustrating no doubt. Did you by chance reach out to their support? They have a really good support staff, maybe they would have some ideas.

[@patricklonski]

@@MattCoykendall1 I did, Should here something in the next 24 hours.

[@patricklonski]

Here is the response from WIIM, "Can you check if other App such like BUbbleUPnP can find DS920? I not, I think maybe the DMS service is not start. We only support DMS protocol NAS, we will add SMB protocol support this year." I found the reference to SMB and turned it off and WIIM displayed my music. But than my media subdirectories were turned off on my Windows PC. I rechecked the SMB and everything worked. Four hours later the WIIM did not display my music again. I have had home servers for over a decade and have never experienced this level of frustration. I am going to send back the WIIM and order a Bluesound Node. Maybe I'll have better luck with that. My conclusion is that WIIM is still garbage if the end user is required to be a server expert to get it to work.

[@etk4188]

Can it play Apple Music?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Over airplay 2, not within the app yet

[@runorrunor5957]

put on a pink wig and glasses and smile 😁

[@marcbegine]

Yamaha WXC-50 Preamp/streamer =379€

[@amolmategaonkar3491]

Good content. But very obvious that the content is being read from a tele prompter.

[@MattCoykendall1]

All good, It’s still a work in progress!

[@simplereef4854]

You get what you paid for essentially. Wiim is a very convenience product, but it is not a killer of anything.

[@IronHorsey3]

It’s going to kill the Node. 😂

[@pauln6803]

The WiiMs selling point is that it's affordable, easy to set up, the app is solid in use and features, and connection is very stable. Think of it as a Raspberry Pi streamer without needing any assembly or software installation and configuration by the user. Yes a lot of people would rather have a better DAC or for it to forgo the onboard jobbie entirely for a lower price but the fact that it can do all this while adding a good functioning snd frequently updated app at this price shows how far behind (or just choose to spend money on advertising and shills) many of the big names are when it comes to product development. Also the price says something about how cheaply the bigger brands can buy the same components and how much more they charge the consumer.

[@simplereef4854]

@@pauln6803 Rasperry Pi sucks as a streamer. If the Wiim is like that, then I will have no desire to buy.

[@pauln6803]

@@simplereef4854 The WiiM Mini is actually pretty good as a streaming transport. Can't say I've had any real issues with mine, but then I only use it for playing files on my NAS and internet radio. The internal DAC is well known as being "meh", the digital pre EQ adds significant distortion if any real frequency boost is applied (confirmed by Audio Science Review bench testing and my own ears) and the app often becomes unresponsive when switching between other apps on my phone. But since the device itself carries on playing the rest of the files in the folder or the radio station and I have the option of using the bit perfect S/PDIF output (once again confirmed by the ASR tests) into a much better DAC, the criticisms are far from deal breaking - especially when you consider the price. The more expensive WiiM Pro on the other hand, is still very much a work in progress...

[@pauln6803]

@@simplereef4854 And no, in the game of HiFi you don't necessarily get what you pay for. That is unless you consider marketing and aesthetic styling something you are willing to pay considerably more for. Make no mistake, the Chinese have been studying western HiFi and have decided they can crack the high end without dealer margins and traditional advertising budgets.

[@stevekean8254]

Gave this a shot as a streamer only in my mid tier system (around $2k-$3k per component) against an original Orchard Audio PecanPi, Allo Signature Raspberry Pi with Allo Shanti power supply, and an original Bluesound Node. With its stock wall wort the Wiim Pro came in 4th sounding more constrained and congested than the others and I wouldn't recommend it for any level system other than very low end non-critical listening systems. However, add the Allo Shanti power supply and it vaults right to the top equaling the Allo Signature with Shanti. For around $350 it's definitely a value keeper in that configuration.

[@moribnd]

Is there another streamer with a 10-band EQ (or similar), a subwoofer out and a better DAC than the WiiM Pro?

[@emilianomontanari283]

airplay ever use wifi connection

[@jamesoconnor5903]

No ROON support, no bass management/sub out. Not a node killer.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey James, they have Roon on the roadmap for updates this year.

[@jamesoconnor5903]

@@MattCoykendall1 Nice! I hope they add bass management. I have 2 node's & I use the sub out on both. That would make me consider getting a WiiM. Then it would definitely be a serious challenge to BluOS, especially if WiiM keeps adding features to their app. I'm not impressed at the rate of new features in BluOS controller app at all. They don't seem receptive to suggestions either.

[@seaneckhart9914]

Why would you wanna use the internal dac anyway

[@bencausey]

I tried node sub out vs speaker level (KEF Kube) and the speaker level was night and day better - no hyperbole.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

My streamer makes phone calls..😀🤗👍😎 and a whole lot more..👍

[@MattCoykendall1]

I doubt it even brews coffee though…

[@davidfromamerica1871]

@@MattCoykendall1 No it doesn’t brew the coffee but my phone has a timer on it I can preset when my coffee will be finished brewing while I am watching porn on my phone. 😀

[@williamgreen2677]

I bought one a piece of crap that sounds good. Fully failing interface

[@elektrokinesis4150]

I thought this was a Nintendo Wii thing for a minute, actually. Horrible product name

[@nanyabiznus4738]

Me too. I saw wiim on reddit. Wondered what it was.

[@goodsound4756]

Amazon shouldn’t be your reference when buying HiFi-Gear.

[@jayem1826]

@Matt Can I ask you... It's got Chromecast built in. What does that mean, I need to have the physical Chromecast device or what? I just don't get it. Thank you

[@MattCoykendall1]

Chromecast and Airplay are very similar but PCs, Android, and iOS devices can all cast content to compatible Chromecast devices vs airplay is limited to Apple IOS devices. Chromecast also supports higher-resolution audio and multi room audio.