WiiM Ultra Streamer Pre DAC Sound Processor Review

[@3811eric]

I just received mine yesterday and I must say the Linkplay and the teams did a tremendous job for this Ultra! I think this would be a benchmark to beat for streaming transport under $500.

[@valentinvalentin8916]

I just placed a order. Thanks, sir! My favorite reviewer

[@Tharbamar]

Good choice! Thanks

[@W1llSki11z]

Great info! I was convinced this DAC was not as good as the ESS Sabre 9018 in my Audiolab let alone better. It seemed 'hot'. I looked over and over for a gain setting to no avail. Obviously I did not look carefully enough. I dropped the gain down -2db and it is like an entirely different DAC. Thanks!

[@johntucker5994]

What I am excited about is the USB out! Wiim's other streamers don't have that, which is a distinct disadvantage considering the SPDIF clock in the source is master, and I don't expect a very good clock in these inexpensive streamers. With USB out, you can connect this to a dac with a very good USB implementation to very good effect. The one thing in your review I wanted was for you to connect the Wiim Ultra via its USB out to one of your other dacs to see how it performed. Pure digital streamers tend to be rather expensive, and I could see a lot of people buying this just to use as a digital streamer to connect to a better dac. If you did try the USB out, I'd appreciate if you could comment on how it performed vs the Bluesound Node (N130).

[@FidelityNation]

I'm using usb out to a Gustard R26. Sounds great to me.

[@johntucker5994]

@@FidelityNation thanks for your comment

[@tpr299]

@@johntucker5994, I’ve got my USB out going to a Geshelli DAC, and headphone amp. Sounds good.

[@3811eric]

I am using USB out to Denafrips Ares 15th and 2nd unit (of course to USB out) to Topping D90LE. They both sound immaculately accurate. The best connection would be the I2S connection which I am using.

[@FidelityNation]

I love mine. I have had it for a couple of weeks now. Going out to a Gustard R26 via USB. to a Yamaha as-2200 with a pair of Mofi Sourcepoint 10 speakers. Sounds amazing!! Great video sir!! The best part to me of the Wiim products is the platform, a ton of versatility for an affordable price.

[@Tharbamar]

Good choice!

[@jkim4712]

Have you compared USB digital out with coaxial digital out? I have upgraded Wiim pro that sounds as good as Eversolo A6 already, and I need to know switching to Wiim Ultra is good idea.

[@FidelityNation]

@@jkim4712I also have the Eversolo DMP-A6. I like both. Both platforms are very mature and feature rich.

[@Feliciano12v]

@@jkim4712 likely sounds better via USB out as it'll use DAC clock that way.

[@Luca84v]

@tharbamar how does it compare with the Matrix Audio i-3 pro? this Wiim has better DAC?

[@BoRerunn]

😎👍🏽 I'll wait for the Wiim Ultra ++

[@Rocker6969]

yes, it will be here in 2 weeks !!

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

No rush, I'll wait for the Wiim Supremus +++ Mk 3. By then, I'll have cleaned up some room in my equipment space for it. Too much stuff piled up there now! 🤔🧐

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

I’m waiting for the Node Icon. Already have 2 nodes so works for my ecosystem. But the ultra is a good value product.

[@SvenfromKiel]

Thanks a lot! Very helpful information with „usb-connection in“ and unique sound presentation at the end…🎉

[@audiophiles1917]

Thank you for the review as always^^ I LOVE my WiiM Ultra too.

[@Tharbamar]

My pleasure!

[@AdiMaco]

Good reviews and a very good product streamer/DAC that is as good as it gets, at any sensible price.

[@giulianof8687]

Most of us need only a digital transport without DAC, screen, phono and with good LPS and possibly with a video out (via hdmi) to make fun with the TV.

[@rickg8015]

That would be the Ifi Zen Stream.. But at $500 it’s not cheap and has no HDMI out.. Maybe one day Ifi would come out with something more affordable..

[@giulianof8687]

@@rickg8015 Sure but it lack some services (Amzon, etc..)

[@justasimplefox]

Indeed but seems nobody listens 😅

[@rokik]

zidoo z9x 8k?

[@giulianof8687]

@@rokik only optical out😔

[@christiantessier1661]

Great review as always

[@amakrid]

I'd wish to know Ultra's capabilities as a digital transport and whether the DSP works with an external Dac... 🙂

[@jasonhilliker2266]

I'm using the USB out into my Singxer SU-6 DDC, then into my Weiss 205 DAC. For the money, I'm real happy with the sound. I might upgrade to the Bluesound Node Icon in the future.

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Nice review! Too much stuff around here now ... later maybe. Happy listening! 😉👍🎶🎶🎶

[@BMWliterbikes4life]

Which do you think has better sound quality between this unit and the eversolo A8? Would it be better to compare it to the A6 if so which do you like? I’m looking for superb quality at a good price. Not a cheap price, reasonable price.

[@justasimplefox]

Would be nice if they would add a more premium streamer(only) to their range 😊

[@Tharbamar]

Yes, their 4Stream base OS is very reliable, all they need to bring is HiRes Streaming Bridge with i2S, SPDIF, AES & USB digital outputs. No Analog section, It would be game changer.

[@justasimplefox]

@@Tharbamar exactly, bridge only with their good software, nice metal housing, good power supply and better and more digital outputs with a pricepoint between 500 and 1000$

[@mcjonner]

I really appreciate your star rating system

[@net_news]

wiim should release an "all digital" version of the Wiim Ultra

[@valentinvalentin8916]

Hello, Sir! Topping b100 monoblock amplifier it s out!! We are waiting for review😊

[@Tharbamar]

Coming soon!

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Thanks I've bee6 waiting for a Review a could Trust

[@Tharbamar]

Glad I could help, thanks.

[@audiofuturnumerique8976]

Superbes équipements 😊

[@JosepH06000]

J'adore ses installations et instructions propres ❤

[@ronniehosein7384]

Hi thanks for the review been waiting on your review. How does the sound quality only compare to the eversolo a6 and a8?

[@dragonstone6594]

Great review. Can you also review the new Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G and compare it to Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2?

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks, I'm not sure if they are interested in sending me samples.

[@aussie8114]

I see it has a floating earth design as it has a 2 prong power inlet. That can be very useful to deal with system earth hum problems. I’m getting this issue with my Eversolo 8. Not sure the Wiim would be up to the standard of my Accuphase system though.

[@rapaneugen1427]

With this sample, you count on an impression, but how could I be impressed when I don't have the same tools for listening? So isn't WiiM for everybody? or is it for the rich too?

[@tron9828]

Notice you have the jbl anniversary speakers. I have the sa750 anniversary amplifier with mk1 jbl 100 classics, what a great pairing. If you can source a 750 amplifier it is great with those jbl speakers.

[@Tharbamar]

Very cool! but I love it more with Muzishare X9 300B tube amp or Accuphase E-4000 Amp, thanks

[@tron9828]

@@Tharbamar I am looking to explore the world of tube amplification. Heard a unison research triode 25 and thought it was great have a feeling I will wind up with tube gear too.

[@ScottoGrotto]

How are the digital outs to external dacs? What happened to the Apple compatibility? On digital outs, how does hdd based music sound vs streaming? Thanks!

[@coollzorg8620]

Я думаю он Великолепен! 🎉

[@zuhairabdulla5680]

Classy presentation And legendary content, thank you I have a question that confuses me a lot I would like to buy amp Confused between topping the A70 Pro xDUOO xD05 PRO Which one do you recommend? All my headphones are from hifiman

[@ericlo6370]

How does it compare with Eversolo A6, A8 or Bluesound Node streamers in terms of sound quality?

[@Tharbamar]

Comparable to Nodes but A6.

[@davidslaney65]

You brought out one thing I am not sure other videos have done, using the usb!! I had no idea that it could index and external drive and thats huge for me. Do you think I could use a Sonore Rendu signature's usb output to this and use the Coax output to my DAC?

[@Tharbamar]

If there is no propriety driver involve with Sonore Rendu SE unit it should work.

[@tpr299]

I lost sound on my computer media files I am feeding through the Wiim. It looks like they’re playing on the Wiim app, and Wiim screen, but no audio. At one point it was working, but then lost the sound somehow. Tried both sound settings on my computer. It is set for streaming.

[@pablito86]

hi, if i'm going to use only for as streamer, what streamer do you recommend eversolo a6, eversolo master edition or wiim ultra and why? thanks

[@wiktorwiktorowicz9789]

@wiktorwiktorowicz9789 is it possible to stick a USB/SSD drive in the back of wiim ultra and play when the device is not connected to the network?

[@higetchie]

I need AirPlay!

[@AlainLafleche1]

Do you know if Eversolo DMP-A6 is better than the WiiM Ultra ? Thanks.

[@tpr299]

How have you got your SSD connected? I’d like to connect my computer. What would be the best way?

[@Tharbamar]

It connected with USB cable,

[@tpr299]

@@Tharbamar, so the USB can be used as an input, and not just output?

[@juanpablorobleshoyos2926]

I have the criton 2tdx css audio towers and a marantz mm7025. Do you think this wiim ultra is a good match? I was thinking about a smsl su9 ultra according to your reviews or something like that. Or that you could recommend me up to approximately $800, greetings from Bolivia. I can stream from mi pc.

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, UItra should be fine with your set up but if you want better resolution and refinement I would suggest one of these, thanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXOznniJZdqApKM

[@juanpablorobleshoyos2926]

@@Tharbamar Thanks for responding, which ultra are you referring to? since I mentioned the wiim ultra and the smls ultra. I saw the pegasus in your review of the best dacs and it caught my attention but do you think it is enough to manage the volume only from the app in my computer? since my amplifier does not have volume control.

[@Tharbamar]

@@juanpablorobleshoyos2926 SU-9 Ultra.

[@liamporter1137]

Wow, great review. Is it better than Eversolo A6 or A8?

[@trekkis]

A lot. Eversolo a6 do not have lfe connection with bass management or arc connection. Dac is slightly worse in ultra, but within the same price as eversolo you can buy external dac far better than still standard delta sigma from eversolo.

[@metalmaggot673]

hello friend! been loving your reviews. Are familiar with Klipschs the nines. i was hoping you can help me decide which would be the best way to connect theses to them, aux. toslink, usb. im confused since they have a dac in them.

[@Tharbamar]

Any of them will work fine but I would choose COAX for digital but if you like DAC inside Nines use RCA from WiiM Ultra.

[@metalmaggot673]

@@Tharbamar thanks for getting back to me! Im still new to this part. So if i want the Wiim ultra to do the prcoessing, any of the ones i mentioned would be fine but if i wanted the Dac inside the Nines, i would use the RCA right?

[@slowestrider4918]

Do you know if the output is also auto sensing as you mentioned the input? It is to my surprise that WIIM responded my question by sending me a link to log onto WIIM forum and check in there. Why would they do that? Support take time to read my email and send me around instead of answering my question.

[@Tharbamar]

Output is not auto sensing all manual.

[@slowestrider4918]

Thank you!

[@nikoskomninos7158]

My set up is Symphonc Line Rg10 amp and Audio Physic Libra speakers. I am between wiim ultra and dmp-a6, do i get 3 times better sound quality with A6?

[@robertgruber982]

Any thoughts on the phono stage compared to something like an iFi Zen phono?

[@Tharbamar]

It’s ok just to have it there but not comparable with dedicated phono stages.

[@ValterSuriZis]

Hi,help please, can you please explain to me how I can use Eversolo as a UPnP, if my server is a laptop, not a NAS? now I would also like to use Eversolo SSD as a library. I hope that despite my weak English you understand the question?

[@TheGenohead]

What amps you were using with the stand mount speakers?

[@Tharbamar]

FX Audio Monoblocks.

[@boba2783]

Can it handle DSD surround like the cheaper model?

[@Tharbamar]

No Native DSD in WiiM products as of today.

[@jamesbennett1634]

Seeing so many reviews on streamers has made me curious. I currently have a DAC, preamp and amp I'm happy with. My source is a laptop computer, which streams Tidal to the DAC via USB. Is there a reason for me to get a dedicated streamer (other than wanting to buy some new gear)🤔? Thanks for any insights. As always - great content Tharbamar!

[@Tharbamar]

I would say Investing on Roon may be better option for you because you already have computer base set up, thanks

[@amakrid]

If your sofa is 7 meters away from your amp, like mine, then you'd appreciate the freehand approach of the streamer. Some laptop power supplies are also quite noisy...

[@HailKingCeezer]

Does HDMI eArc work with ARC? My tv is older pre eArc, but i would like the WiiM Ultra to be able to play my tv streaming apps as well as any hdmi connected to my tv for gaming/computer audio. Would the WiiM Ultra HDMI eARC work for me? Here is a 2nd option: Would it work with an HDMI 4k/hdr switcher or are those only video passthrough? Was thinking the WiiM Ultra would connect to the switchers output and the tv to the input with the rest of my devices plugged into my tv? Or are tv's only inputs? Im confused. I just want my system to double as home theater/gaming with my hifi.

[@Tharbamar]

TV only input with ARC and mostly compatible but I think you have to check with WiiM for your need.

[@trekkis]

Earc is working with arc without any problem. So wiim is working with older tv.

[@HailKingCeezer]

@@trekkis perfect! Thanks. I have another device that i used to get tv audio through my analog system, but it does not work with ARC and i end up having to use optical. I currently use optical to my tube Audio Note dac and have to manually switch inputs in the rear which is a pain, but at least with the WiiM, i could save the tube dac life when i watch tv/game...so its not a total deal breaker if i had to use optical with the WiiM.

[@trekkis]

@@HailKingCeezer arc is better than optical for TV mostly because volume level can be controlled directly by tv remote, which is very convenient :) and, optical can stay free for other purposes as cd transport. I also have even few tube preamps in my audio chain (xduoo, little dot, Aiyima, fx audio, also with dac and optical in), but I stiil keep them active, I stiil want to have tube sound :) my tubes are set to automatically turn off during the Night and to turn on during the day. I bought a lot of spare tubes for future if old ones would require replacing :)

[@VinnieMoore1986]

Where is your Denon Amp?

[@Tharbamar]

It’s been gone for a while now, now my main amp is Accuphase E-4000.

[@ФилиппПалютин]

Does it supports KZbin music?

[@travis4619]

Is this the silver or space grey?

[@Tharbamar]

It’s Silver.

[@degreesdegrees-jr4eg]

how is the dac in the wiim ultra compared to smsl su1 ?

[@Tharbamar]

It’s better in resolution.

[@flyindo]

@@Tharbamar so it's not worth it to add an SMSL SU1 for better soundquality?

[@kopczas]

One thing is not clear to me : does it supports DSD on digital outputs or it converts DSD files on-fly to PCM?

[@Tharbamar]

No Native DSD Support in WiiM Ultra.

[@supergwizzo]

Is the silver color close to su _x dac ? Ty about to check out now color choice ty

[@Tharbamar]

It's a bit darker silver.

[@supergwizzo]

@@Tharbamar ty Grabbed Silver one they will put out xlr unit next with 7 inch display 500 lol . The pro plus optical dh labs glass cable into su x . The vibrato is off chain and image like crazy . Does not do as that as sexy and dramatic with coax . Better vibrato then stom sms 200 with upgrades . See if ultra does better then Arcam st60 i have . Great honest acurate reviews here !

[@YTjuanchicod]

Is better than the x30 streamer?

[@Tharbamar]

Yes in Usability.

[@YTjuanchicod]

@@Tharbamar and for sound quality?

[@Tharbamar]

@@YTjuanchicod it’s not even close.

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

Great streamer, lags like heck though.

[@Tharbamar]

Mostly I don’t experience any Lag issue but only when it is on same WiFi with more powerful computers online then it might happen but I’d just prioritize it in my router.

[@jkim4712]

Did anybody tried USB digital out from Wima Ultra and compared with coaxial digital out as the pure streamer? I have upgraded Wiim pro with custom made LPS, power cable and USB cable that sounds as good as Eversolo A6 already, and I need to know switching to Wiim Ultra (Ultra got the internal power supply and I am not sure about upgradability) is good idea.

[@jmp622]

No AirPlay? No Play!

[@ralex3697]

Looks like an Apple product

[@oskarwall2611]

hey, Alexa like Siri is ming continous transcription from whatever is happen around ... and Police asking google for transcription and get it right away.... if I would like to read 1984 book I know how to find that .... maybe I do not like that concept. Please find and propose cheap CD DVD player ... this new players has to have possibility to support Synology servers for playing music out of the source... For some peoples it is easier to keep flac content at server, and play really high quality from independen source instead to use YT or other content providers.

[@tomf1dublin1]

If airplay is important then, unfortunately, don’t buy Wiim Ultra

[@trekkis]

But should never be important due to very low audio quality in case of air play.

[@tomf1dublin1]

@@trekkis it’s 16/44k cd quality

[@trekkis]

@@tomf1dublin1 this is false statement, you can check how air play 2 really looks on each streamer stream parameters display. Its aac 256kbit. There is possibility to get lossless stream but only when application will force air play 1 mode. Roon for example is able to do that. But in that case this is no longer cast technology. And Apple Music itself is using compressed air play 2 mode. This mode should be in fact globally declined by whole audio marked.

[@creativetechdude]

Except it does Not have Apple AirPlay. No Apple AirPlay. No good.

[@goodfellow6505]

The build in DAC is very weak