WiiM Ultra : Is It The Right Streamer For You?

[@DIRTCONVERT]

This sounds significantly better than the Bluesound Node N130, at least in my system. Wiim is bulletproof with its UI and the updates schedule is second to none. Wiim is always improving their product

[@rdolle990]

Which has been confirmed at Audio Science Reviews where the N130's DAC measured just horrible and the Ultra sits at the Excellent region... Also for the N130, why buy a streamer which you have to tear apart to replace the internal powerboard and spent extra money to make it sound decent?!

[@plcamp1]

You certainly don’t need an external DAC (waste of time and money), the one in the Ultra fully meets the transparency standard.

[@Dr.reese_UBR3]

Paired it with a PS audio perfect wave DAC and it just shoots so much higher than its weight class. All in for both around 1300$ which is a crazy deal compared to just getting one streamer for 1000$

[@NeverTakeNoCut-offs]

The marketing forces are quite intense in opposition to this view..

[@eugenefudge3685]

I just purchased one to hook up to my 20watts A Class amp from China and My pioneer SP-BS-22 by Andrew Jones.

[@tester1ca]

Just bought a WiiM Ultra on sale. Great deal for this unit which I have set up to my older Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 Amp/CD10 CD player . I'm still fiddling around with the unit and waiting for a sub woofer cable to hook up to my klipsch 12". I use a toslink to send digi to my SMSL DO100 DAC then into my amp. I had been streaming Spotify from an old laptop but this is wayyyyyy better.

[@bobbysilver272]

£279 on Black Friday made me bite the bullet.

[@michaelwright1602]

For the money, this is a difficult streamer to beat. Add a quality external DAC, and the sound quality exponentially increases. Add Roon, along with a quality DAC, the the Ultra will compete with streamers up to or sometimes more than $1000 in cost. Do it right, and the Ultra can be an incredible little inexpensive streamer. And then the software, the WiiM software is second to none. The built in EQ and the room correction take the sound quality to another level. The software alone is worth the price of entry.

[@bristolwoodburners81]

Waiting for some of the reviews to pick up on this and start to do some comparisons of dacs with the ultra. I'm interested where you need to start to beat the onboard dac...and where the bang for buck sweet spot is to get the best out of it

[@michaelwright1602]

@@bristolwoodburners81 I have no clue on your budget, but the DAC I found that is a real gem, is the PS Audio Stellar Gaincell. They stopped production of them, but they are available on the used market. A fair price to pay is between $700 and $800 used. You will not find a better DAC/Preamp for the money. It leans warm, but just a tad, and has very nice detail, with very very good instrument separation, with a very large soundstage. I have compared this to many DACs, much more expensive DACs, and I still own it. I replaced it with a ToneWinner AD-1PRE+. This DAC/Pre ran my $1150 delivered. This has an incredible sound to it, better than the Gaincell. My friend and myself own both of these DACs, and he has been in the audio racket for 50+ years. I trust his ears, and he has yet to steer me wrong. Seriously, if you can afford it, check out a used Gaincell.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@bristolwoodburners81 No clue on your budget, but I would suggest finding a used PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC/Preamp. They can be found for around $800 if you are patient.

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

​@@bristolwoodburners81there's a great review out there already that hails the ultra in comparison to the higher end streamers

[@CanuckQuest]

I have another dac. How exactly would I connect it to bypass the DAC in the Ultra?

[@markbriggs5969]

Getting one for Christmas and connecting it to my Peachtree Nova 125SE. Thoughts?

[@ronlysons6750]

Nothing to do with this review but Peter Tyson is my go to retailer when I'm looking to buy anything hifi related. Excellent service in every respect, highly recommended.

[@Peter-Tyson]

Wow, thanks! - John

[@derberti2280]

It's a shame that it's not possible with the Wiim to create playlists and store these on the device itself outside Qobuz or Tidal like it was possible with BluOS for a long time. That's a huge plus and should be standard with every streaming Plattform.

[@SoTwissted]

I ordered one on Amazon. It runs through my Marantz MM9000 amp with Elac Uni-fi UB5 speakers and Klipsch RSW-12 subwoofer. Getting my feet wet with the streaming.

[@CannabisCulture-rx4ze]

You will be amazed.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

I wanna stream from Apple Music on my iPhone. Is this still the best for the money?

[@technodude]

This seems like a really nice product. I bought the WiiM Amp about a year ago and I hooked up my bookshelf speakers with the speaker wire acting subwoofer out. This thing is rock solid or not even bought another one for a different location. This device seems like it could have a lot of potential but it is only a preamp? And there’s no AirPlay ? The app I have now by the same company that does get AirPlay which is awesome because now I have a multiple good music

[@Hawkeye242]

It has usb out, so to an external dac, it should sound just as good as a high end streamer and be as close to transparent as possible. That being the case, it obsoletes most high end streamers because you can just buy a better external dac for cheaper. The software is also better than most “high end” streamers.

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

You still have to take into account the computer that's actually running the streameven within the weem product line they use different front end engines. But I agree if you're going to use an external deck there's no point in spending stupid money on a streamer with a fancy dack in it

[@CannabisCulture-rx4ze]

And that's the plan my friend... nice DAC arranged for the near future :)

[@marcomanunta7702]

Would definitely recommend It to someone who has an older hi fi system and maybe is looking for the bells and whistles of the screen, not sure about the DAC at this price point though...

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Thank you for the review. I’ve been considering streaming(I have Parkinson’s and I tend to struggle with physical media on bad days), so this may be a great option.🙏🏻🎧

[@Peter-Tyson]

Glad I could help!

[@gecko82]

Hi, I have a Yamaha RX-A2A. The interface of Yamaha's MusicCast is not very good for Tidal, and I would like to select the tracks via my smartphone or windows app with the "Tidal connect" feature, that is missing on my receiver. Plus, the display would be nice to have. Would this purchase make sense? Is it worth connecting it with RCA cables to my AVR, or would I be better off with my AVR's preamp and I connect this streamer via optical cable? If the preamps of the Wiim Ultra are not better than my receiver's, would it then make sense to get the cheaper Wiim mini, and connect it via optical, just for the tidal connect feature? Or whould I consider an Eversolo DMPA6? Thank you all... this is a very specific question and I'm struggling to find an answer!

[@Peter-Tyson]

The Eversolo or Wiim Ultra will be fine for you over optical.

[@gecko82]

@@Peter-Tyson thank you! Do you think the quality change would be clearly noticeable, compared to the built-in streamer of my yamaha?

[@bobbysilver272]

I have just bought a wiim ultra. Up to now I simply had an arcam cd player connected to my denon amplifier which powers my passive B&W speakers. Should I connect my CD player via toslink or optical coax to the wiim ultra and then connect the wiim ultra to my amplifier? Or should I just stay with my cd player connected directly to my amp. What are the pros and cons of both? Would it even work? Many thanks

[@Peter-Tyson]

Hello, it's best to leave your CD player plugged into your amplifier as it is now. There is no gain in adding an extra step in the chain and going via the WiiM.

[@bobbysilver272]

@Peter-Tyson Thank you for your reply. Are there any useability features if I do plug it into the wiim first, such as being able to use bluetooth headphones or other features of the phone app i haven't used yet? My existing denon amp, only has bluetooth in, not bluetooth out. Could i connect the RCA outs on my cd player direct to my amp but also connect a digital coax out on the cd player to the wiim amp. Then on the amp choose which sound source to play? Thanks in advance.

[@Mercyful_Fate.]

Wiim Ultra + smsl po100. What speakers around £200 would do this justice?

[@Peter-Tyson]

petertyson.co.uk/dali-spektor-2-bookshelf-speaker petertyson.co.uk/wharfedale-diamond-12-0-bookshelf-speakers-walnut-pearl petertyson.co.uk/elac-debut-b5-2-bookshelf-speakers

[@LordTechnopants]

We have a Wiim Amp (from yourselves) in our kitchen, but this would make a nice addition to the Marantz system we have in the extension. Hmmm.

[@Peter-Tyson]

Well my Lord should not be without his Techno, even in an extension...... - John

[@ralphrotten]

@@Peter-Tyson Sony 1000 or Bose

[@johntucker5994]

I'd be interested in a comparison between the Wiim Ultra ($320) and the new Bluesound Node N132 ($550), which sports a new ESS dac chip and will be Dirac Live ready. Of course the N132 won't have a screen, but that doesn't bother me.

[@rdolle990]

Still, for the Bluesound you kinda need to buy and upgrade (and open up device) to a decent power unit. At that price, Bluesound could at least provide you with a decent power circuit..

[@kevinfeeley8406]

Bought one on Sunday, Sending it back tomorrow. Sometimes it works. sometime not. I listen to a lot of independent internet radio stations. I can get the stream on my iPhone, send to the ultra.and it sounds great. As to artist info .. album.track info, all there. Sounds great from the Ultra. But no art work. It did show art work with one of my Amazon playlists. And then that stopped. Very frustrating . Unless someone can guide me as to what I am doing wrong, and I'm sure it's on my end, back it goes. Reply

[@Peter-Tyson]

If you purchased from Peter Tyson, contact us here and we'll do what we can - petertyson.co.uk/peter-tyson-contact If not contact the retailer that you bought from, I'm sure they will help too. - John

[@gregorymitchell4588]

I just ordered one to hook up my Onkyo Integra M504 and 304use with my old Onkyo M504 and P304 for streaming and to act as a DAC for my CD player. I hoping it will bring new life to my old system and think it should be perfect for my needs.

[@teleandtwin65]

I am looking to use the Wiim as an office media player and streamer for headphones and powered speakers. I will be adding an external hard drive with my music.

[@linnane666]

Does it do this id be interested in doing the same with a 1tb hard drive of flacs.willnit handle this and will it show artwork? Thanks

[@tpr299]

I bought it. RCA out to Outlaw RR2160 receiver. USB out to Geshelli DAC, and headphone amplifier. Input is Tidal streaming via phone app with WiFi. I want to hook my computer to it.

[@amarokanovicmtb]

Soundwise how does it compare to the arcam ST5?

[@twebbas]

How bad is that lcd screen in person?

[@Peter-Tyson]

It's not bad.....just don't expect Naim quality 😁. It's perfectly functional, it's an impressive unit for the price. - John.

[@VinnieMoore1986]

Better than Blue sound Node 130?

[@CryaRomeo]

i can use KZbin Music on this device ? Thanks !

[@Peter-Tyson]

You certainly can. - John

[@hgamba46]

Very good video, thank you, I would like to know your opinion on the following question: if I already have the wiim pro plus, for just half a year, is it worth changing to the ultra? What would be the biggest differences in terms of sound?

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the Ultra, Pro+, Pro and mini... The Ultra does sound better than the previous streamers. If you are using an external DAC with your Pro+, it probably would not be worth the upgrade. If you are using the DAC in your Pro+, it may be worth the upgrade. Or, put your money into a better DAC, which is probably the direction I would go. Hope this helps.

[@fildok2]

@@michaelwright1602 I have the mini connected to a Topping e30 dac . I wonder if the Ultra would sound much better?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@fildok2 I would say yes. It is one outstanding streamer, and I believe worth the upgrade. You may find the DAC in the Ultra better than your Topping.

[@fildok2]

@@michaelwright1602 Thanks for that info - food for thought!

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

I have a pro and a mini. I'm going to buy an ultra I'm just waiting for the silver one to come in stock. I'm just gonna hook the pro up to my AVR receiver in my living room So I have more ways to stream on that

[@soundsheavenly]

Nice review John, I was considering a Wiim Mini to replace my aging Airport Express for streaming through my classic Bang & Olufsen music system. Maybe the Ultra is the one I should be trying...

[@Peter-Tyson]

Thanks Steve. The WiiM Ultra would be perfect for your B&O stuff, well worth a try. If only you knew someone that could make you an RCA to DIN cable..... - John

[@soundsheavenly]

@@Peter-Tyson 🤣

[@michaelwright1602]

No AirPlay with WiiM, may want to look into that.

[@Peter-Tyson]

The other WiiM models all have Airplay. As of filming the Ultra does not. www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/wiim-ultra-not-getting-apple-airplay/

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

I would get at least a pro or a pro plus if you're hooking it up to a decent system the mini doesn't have the same front end processor the rest of the products do.

[@dk_1972]

Is it possible to connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones to it and listen to, for example, Spotify?

[@DIRTCONVERT]

Yes

[@dk_1972]

THX

[@henninggodske]

Yes. Both ways BT supported

[@Matwiej19]

Got denon 4700h. Streaming Spotify through Heos. Would the quality improve dramatically when using a dedicated network streamer? Oh I have purchased my denon from you guys 6 years ago :) great choice. And great customer service.

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

I used to do the same thing with my Marantz avr. I don't think you will get a sound quality improvement But if you ever wanted to explore using other Streaming services say so you can get lossless streaming It does make the experience more streamlined. Spotify works great the way you're doing it but some of the other streaming services are a pain to use with heos. I bought my current streamer to go on a system that doesn't have Wi-Fi. But when I upgrade to the ultra I'm going to put the old unit on the Marantz.

[@MrBravo143]

I don’t think it gives you much improvement for Spotify streaming.

[@soft-eddy3921]

Pitty there is no coax in ... and apple .... but hey

[@LeoShoSilva]

I thought the days of listening to hifi dealers were over. It doesn't matter if it doesn't sound better than Naim Linn streamers preamps and Dacs etc .What matters is does it's sound make you forget about more expensive streamers, preamps Dacs etc .

[@Peter-Tyson]

That's exactly why it's important to listen to things for yourself, I always encourage that. I also love more budget hifi, well set up it can sound amazing. High end is fun to experience but great systems don't have to cost a lot. You're absolutely right, if you enjoy the sound then don't worry about pricier gear - John

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good afternoon from Toronto ☕️🥓 I run the Wiim Pro feeding a Denafrips DAC ..and it’s damn nice 👍 Do I need a screen ..nope …my iPhone and iPad suffice nicely. The app is very robust and updated frequently … If you don’t have anything and are looking for an entry into streaming..maybe the Pro or Pro 2 is all you really need . Am I considering the that’s a coin toss .

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

That's nice, I'm thinking of adding a Denefrips 12th-1 to my Ultra

[@carminedesanto6746]

That’s something that just might be at those price points endgame.

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

@@carminedesanto6746 It's a rabbit hole for sure..

[@suewilliams6110]

Excellent

[@alistairmerritt]

Damn, no Airplay. That's a deal breaker for me

[@mden2490]

If you have an Apple TV, you can Use HDMI from tv and you get cover art and 24/48.

[@bankruptfilly]

please let people know if you are sponsored by the products you are advertising. such as the speakers that you provided no info why they would pair well with the Wiim but claim they would....

[@Peter-Tyson]

There are strict rules on KZbin about sponsorship. If the video was sponsored it would be clearly stated. They are just speakers I've spent time with that we stock and I like that don't have a streamer built in, are an appropriate price point and would benefit from the WiiM. That's all - John.

[@kingtubby999]

No Apple airplay is the killer for me....

[@JamesKing-om5mt]

F Apple

[@kingtubby999]

@@JamesKing-om5mt Apple always prioritised the interests of the consumer over anything else.

[@CanuckQuest]

Why not just get Tidal? What are you hanging onto Apple for? All FLAC!!

[@benedyktczydziesty4399]

Without USB IN it is worth...nothing😮.

[@henninggodske]

It does have UCB in. And if you want both in and out just connect a USB hub. It works perfectly.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

No Airplay oh dear not for me then.

[@r423fplip]

I doubt WiiM will care.

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

Airplay sucks

[@snoepox1257]

Apple is kind of g#y!

[@cognacbrown]

Useful if you want to stream the sound from IPad eg KZbin, Netflix etc

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

If you're introducing anything that requires software or the internet, you're inviting trouble into your life. 😉

[@trumptardtearcollector9867]

In general I agree but if you're going to stream music you kind of have to use the internet.

[@r423fplip]

That’s everything !

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Agree, only just purchased my 1st home cinema reciever this year ! Run a blu ray, + cd player & turntable & DAB radio tuner through it. I don't pay for monthly streaming or home Internet. tbh.

[@henninggodske]

All audio equipment introduced since the CD runs software 😂

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@henninggodske And I'm saying to avoid it, only use a cd player and a Turntable.

[@njp100]

Lack of airplay, so a hard no, I’m afraid.