WiiM ULTRA - THE BEST BUDGET MUSIC STREAMER… or SMOKE & MIRRORS

[@eaches]

This thing directly hits the "features at a wife won't kill me price point" target. Pair it with a decent amp and speakers and you can be set for around a grand or so.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

PINNED - That was perfect!

[@leecooper8589]

When she saw one of the teaser articles, before we knew the price, my Wife liked the design but most importantly she liked that it would "declutter" our living room. I'm fairly certain that she will consider the price to be well worth it for that feature alone.

[@PapiProphet]

Why are you making a video about a product you haven’t even tested yet?

[@arress2052]

Because he’s a 🤡

[@winice4649]

Exactly

[@lionwitch01]

Create the hype, then......$$$$$$$$

[@galactusgalan4233]

Yes. Very odd.

[@chrishamilton5960]

You haven’t even heard the product and you are commenting on the sound? I don’t get it.

[@Rocker6969]

We've been getting ripped off on all types of products. Finally there is an audio product that is worth the price. That's all this is. It's what the price SHOULD BE !!

[@John-hk2mq]

Why spend more on a streamer if we all use an exstenal DAC. Why don't reviewers talk more about it's streaming quantity the same way we would for a cd transport. Too much talk about features. If you guys are really into hifi at least wait until you have heard the product. Then perhaps do a blind ab with a more expensive product and run both threw the same DAC. Then make a video to tell us how they compare as pure streamers.

[@richardforeman3523]

Until you’ve actually got one in front of you that you’ve properly reviewed this comparison is a bit of a nonsense and purely generating KZbin content for the sake of it. It might be great, it might be terrible, at this stage nobody knows.

[@payamnab]

The fact that you compare a 300$ budget device with ultra high end devices shows how good it can be

[@Umarluch]

This comment makes most of other comments obsolete :)

[@cgreenfield6655]

Wiim pro plus owner here and I looove it! I laugh when i think about people that waste money on sonos trash.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

It really seems like people love the WiiM, I’ve never tried one but making me more excited to try this when it comes out.

[@cgreenfield6655]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard You're gonna love it, Lenny!!

[@michaelknibbs]

Would Tom bet his house on a blind listening test? Is build quality really a factor wrt longevity and even audio quality - come on put your house where your mouth is. (or where your ears are) I admit that I like the feel of the more expensive stuff too. But aren't the dynamics of kick drums are more likely felt at the power amp rather than the streamer / pre amp. What do I know.

[@phillipmeza3459]

Come on guys! Its getting people into the hobby and its shaking up the industry!!!

[@niklasschmidt]

It is simple. It is audiophile. It has digital out with no degradation. If you are audiophile you have a separate dac. If you are high end and care about measurents and care about what matters you avoid so called audiophile as plague. In reality it is a question of measurement vs the perception of quality.

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Having to compare this to a hifi Rose means it's good. How can your friend not like a wiim if he has has to compare it to a Rose when the wiim is under 400.00

[@yarrumc]

Is it me or is the audio coming out the left channel only? I have noticed on two different sources and with another video.

[@kristophergurley585]

Same for me. Mono(left channel only)

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Dang good catch not sure how it processed like that! Thanks for pointing it out!

[@zorst99]

I would love to give this guy a Blind AB test. as just a streamer. I would love to make a wager he couldn't tell any difference. And if it's weight on the low end I know the Wiim does great even with it's DAC.

[@shaunhw]

Well the DAC side seems good. I AB tested my new Wiim Ultra against my (admittedly older) Cambridge Audio Dacmagic plus, and couldn't detect any difference at all. I used an optical SPIDF splitter with an input from the CD player, set the DACs levels up to be the same, and played quite a lot of well recorded music of various genres including some GRP jazz cds which always sound amazing. If there was any audible difference it was much too subtle for me. Soundstage and frequency response was exactly the same. I was listening with my Doge 10 integrated KT88 tube amplifier (a measured 60 watts RMS per channel), and my KEF R900 speakers, switching between the devices with the Doge 10's input selecter, using its remote controller. This thing is definately HiFi if the Cambridge DAC is. There was nothing I heard via it to make me think it wasn't. I also streamed some of the same tracks pulled in flac format from my phone to the Wiim and they sounded just as good as the CD playing through the Cambridge DAC.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Lenny, I would contend that the Cambridge MXN10/AXN10 are better units, pricewise, to compare the Ultra with. I did a couple of reviews on the MXN10 and it smoked the competition on sound quality and build quality. Sound is really all I care about. Another great video my friend.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Oh yeah the mxn is great! I prefer the screen on the cxn but you can’t got wrong with the mxn for half the price!

[@goodboid]

I bought a Wiim Amp on a (no pun intended) whim. Just to give you a sense of the gear I'm used to, I have a McIntosh MA352, Kinki ex m1+, Hegel H80, Parasound A21, Krell 400xi and a Forte 5 amp. I paired the Wiim with all sorts of "high end" speakers, a JBL4429, ProAc Tablette 10, Avalons, etc and frankly I came away very impressed with what this tiny amp is capable of. So much so, that I carted the speakers to another friend's house to test it with his Unison Research Max 1 speakers (which he had paired with a Michi X5 amp). It sounded ridiculously good with these high sensitivity speakers. I so wish we had gear of this quality at this price point when I was in school/college. The 5 band EQ is worth the price of admission alone. I've been recommending the Wiim amp to everyone, though to really get the best out of it, you need to EQ to suite your taste/room.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Great review! WiiM on a Whim 🤣🤣

[@mehome-ty4yi]

Firmware update yesterday. 5 band EQ is now 10 band.

[@mikecampbell5856]

Lenny, I love your enthusiasm. I have a Wiim Mini plugged into a Schiit DAC to a 1974 Marantz 2220b. I love the Wiim because the menu was easy for a 67 year old guy like me to set up. If I can do it, anybody can do it! LOL

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Nice setup! Do you enjoy it?

[@mikecampbell5856]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard Very much. I control it with an Echo Dot. I did a cosmetic restoration of my Marantz and it looks like a museum piece.

[@radicalturkey]

If you use it with an external DAC, apart from the 2% difference due to jitter and psu. I very much doubt anyone could hear the difference.

[@zorst99]

Pretty sad this review. comparing the sound of the Ultra to the Rose and others that need a DAC to have any sound at all. I have the Wiim Utlra and I would love to test it side by side with anything. I love the Wiim and it's got great features including room correction, super sound and other features as a preamp. You can toss your preamp. This is super quiet and the sound is super sharp. I have some B&W801D4s, I was running them withe the Bluesound Vault and a few different DACs and now they have never sounded so good. Using the preamp has got my Sub working great with the main speakers. If anyone is considering an expensive streamer test them both together and keep the one your more comfortable with. Unfortunately this little $329 streamer DAC preamp is going to make a lot of HiFi dealers broke. I can see how they may not like them.

[@javiers.3433]

Did you test this wiim as a pre amplifier for a a running your D4’s ????

[@alanross99]

For me, streaming is not about sound quality, it's about convenience. Streaming is the "all you can eat buffet" of music. Part of this is that Apple Music is my service of choice, and all of the streamers are limited to air-play, unless you use an AppleTV, which is not easy to connect to a two channel system. I could pay more for Tidal, or Qobuz, but then I lose the integration with the Apple ecosystem. The Wiim Pro or Plus, at around $200 works for me. I can get 44.1Khz "CD Quality" if I use Apple Lossless audio, and that's fine. I am experimenting with an external SMSL DAC and that seems to be an improvement. But 99% of my listening from my two channel system comes from vinyl played off my SL-1200GR, and not from streaming. Most of my streaming by far is casual listening over Home pods or in the car.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Just realized this was also you Alan! I was gonna say I have my AirPods in right now 🤣. Thanks for all your comments and time spent getting involved with the group!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Wiim rules for the price. Hi fi Rose is clearly not 10x better….not even 2x better.

[@greglandesman3741]

What is this video even good for. The hifi Rose compared to the wimm ultra which you haven’t done. I would love to see the Hifi rose as a transport against the whim ultra as a transport in a blind listening test. This is video is completely useless

[@Hofgans]

I agree to this! Then the Wiim can be judged on its audible qualities besides the easiness for daily use. I don't have a man cave but we share one living in which music is listend, TV watched.

[@eaches]

I've said it before about their other products. These guys absolutely nailed the bang for your buck value proposition.

[@jkim4712]

If you have a decent DAC Wiim pro with digital out at $149 is the best deal. Add external LPS and sounds as good as Eversolo and Bluesound. Maybe Wiim ultra with USB out and all extra functions could make better sounds than it will be the winner.

[@richardkordts8656]

What’s controversial about Wiim? Nothing.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Based on the poor audio quality of the video I’m not sure you can justify criticizing a product you have not really listened to. Rework it and try again.

[@alanross99]

There is an interesting dynamic going on in your channel. On the one hand, many of your followers (like me) have vintage HIFI that came from the time when brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui, Sony etc were NOT considered audiophile equipment. The vintage equipment we have is probably something we purchased 40+ years ago and cost well under $1,000. Fast forward to today, and vintage equipment now has price tags in the $5K-$10K range or more. Seeing a SX-1980 for $15K is pretty eye opening. But that's today's market and it fits the modern hi-end equipment (like the Accuphase, Luxman, etc), and I get it. Listening to the guys over at SkyLab Audio talk about the realities of running a vintage hifi shop gives me a new insight to why vintage audio is so expensive today. The current range of Chinese manufacturer "hifi" gear from companies like Wiim, SMSL, Fosi Audio, etc are all the rage because of the crazy VALUE they provide. I think that is attractive to the segment of your followers who purchased vintage hifi in the 1970's/1980's and kept it all this time. Same with the idea of using a cheap CD player with a nice DAC. It works, it's cheap and that's attractive to a group of your followers. That said, you also have customers who are buying high end expensive equipment today, and to them, the Wiim is a plastic toy. So I think this is going to be one of those topics where you can't please ALL of your followers. Poor Tom is stuck in the middle here - he is selling equipment at today's prices in today's market, and the Wiim is a "toy" in that market. At the same time, you have a bunch of viewers who love Randy over at the CheapAudioMan and think the Wiim is the best value in "hifi" today. Tom is doing his best to play middle of the road here - which is a good thing. I love both of your channels, and I really want to make it out to your shop one day.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Alan what a great synopsis! I read every word of it!

[@phen277]

Use of a decent DAC is key to what you're saying. I only recently gave up using my 30-year old Technics A/V receiver because I was able to squeeze more use/life out of it due to using good DAC's with it (it had no digital inputs- purely analog).

[@jpsalazar706]

I have the Wiim pro for almost a year now. I definitely like it.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Nice! What’s the best thing about it?

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

I've had several WiiM products and always found them a little lacking in the SQ dept. Their software on the other hand is awesome. Recently I built my own streamer from parts by Ian Canada and a Raspberry Pi, I'll absolutely never go back. The sound coming from the unit into a Denafrips DAC is the best I've heard. Of course, there is always "better" but, I have other expensive hobbies.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Oooh I didn’t even talk about the software! Please share, I’ve never used it.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard it's very user friendly. Bass mgt, PEQ, it supports every streaming service you can think of plus internet radio. Overall just very polished. Their update/upgrade schedule is insane, they do listen to their customers.

[@joaquinbarreto9398]

How are you reviewing something and you don’t even talk about how it sounds. I mean come on man!

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Video is a hit job on the wiim

[@mocomike01]

Its unfortunate that this product is already being judges and put in the box of "fun-fi" even though you have yet to properly review and A/B the product against others in its price category. But if your goal was clicks and comments, then I guess mission accomplished?

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

are you angry about something

[@mocomike01]

@@WeeWeeJumbo nope. Why? Am I not allowed to express my opinion on a KZbin video I watched. Seems to me like maybe, just maybe my opinion triggered a feeling in you 🤔

[@davidturner1721]

As was said in the video, "Digital is digital" . Save your money and put it towards the analogue side (speakers and amp) for better audio quality. If you like the features and interface and the sound is transparent, then what difference does it make? Any other advice sounds a lot like confirmation bias to me. Yes, some products are made with better components and may feel better and perhaps last longer, but digital is digital and transparent is transparent. End of story.

[@jamapaza]

By the way, you never heard it and you already know it is not good? How come? Is the DAC chip bad? If you would sell a wiim streamer, how much would be your profit? Bigger profit, bigger sound?

[@alexhofmann5844]

Well, using the Wiim Pro Plus (transport only, not using built-in DAC) with a linear PSU get's you up to a _really_ high level. A level where you would be very hard pressed to _actually hear_ a difference.

[@VetusMobile14]

Sounds like a good option for a lot of people, all depends on your system, when you have a good amp and speakers i guess this thing could be the weakest link soundwise, if you have a budget system it will be a great adition with tons of funcionality. Myself will be saving a litle bit longer for a Cambridge

[@jamapaza]

Let the dealer earn 500$ on a wiim and they will love it. It will be high, high, high end.

[@phatjbl]

I haven't heard the Wiim but I do own a couple of Chifi dacs One is the SMSL Su8 ...great for $399 aud and the Topping D90Es. Pretty expensive at now 1400 of our weak Australian dollars. I also have a PS audio Nuwave plus Stellar Gain Cell Dac. So I have a few to compare and they all do the job well. I use mostly Jbl and Altec studio monitors to compare things via good amps like Accuphase and Luxman. Sure there are better dacs out there but it's all relevant to the person's budget. I've hear Dac systems upto $130000 at hifi shows and a mate has a $40000 dac. Yeah is better for certain but I still enjoy my stuff. I also run good cd players like the Yamaha Cd s 2000. I play cds and sometimes files from my computer to a Rotel RC 1590 pre with a good AKM dac. It's just as much about the power supply and analog stage post the dac as you guys know. And the recording matters just as much probably more. Some cds and streams are simply compressed no matter your system etc. Too many options out there.

[@edwardcowburn2632]

Great content and explanation of the products. I'm sure the Wiim Pro or ultra would be just fine for me since I use my phone through my vintage pioneer. I only stream for convenience if I'm cleaning just to have background music. Obviously my critical listening is through my turntable and or reel to reel. I'm also a little hesitant to dive into the streaming market since technology changes so fast.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

You make some great points! This would be perfect for a vintage receiver! Which one do you have?

[@edwardcowburn2632]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard Pioneer SX 850 with Carver Poweramp and Klipsch Pro series speakers. The pioneer is so much more clean and musical then The Kenwood KR 9600 I previously had.

[@ridirefain6606]

Be interesting to explore if you pair it with a higher end DAC, what the results would be. Would the signal be so degraded that there would be no improvement, or would it have no negative impact on passing the signal along and you would get great sound for the money.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

A great idea for sure

[@Geoduck.]

Last week I ordered the WiiM Ultra for our living room vintage system. I figured it's sound will be mid-fi at best but the features are simple and my wife can now listen to music.

[@adsph]

Hi Lenny. Started with a Wiim pro for my first streamer. Months later to a Node X. Wiim pro is in my secondary system, mostly vintage gear. Sure as one spends more you hope for better build quality. For the money Wiim is pretty darn good. Keep the videos coming.

[@markludwin47]

“The build quality will affect how pure the sound is.” More decay due to better build quality? What a load of crap! Data to support your comments? That longer tail would be measurable.

[@mattwilkie5696]

Id be willing to bet in a blind test they can not tell the difference in Wiim mini and the hifirose going into the same DAC.

[@quikspecv4d]

I preordered one a few days ago. I hope it comes out soon

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

I wanna get one too, gotta try it

[@Fred-ck1gh]

You just don't by WIIM if you have a +$15K high-end system! Same goes the other way around, you don't buy a $3000 dac if your system is below $1000... WiiM are mostly for those who have a sub $3000 (amp/speaker) system!

[@jim010109]

I use a Wimm Pro Plus with a J2 DAC. I still come in under the price of a Node. It's my dipping my toe into streaming moment. The Cambridge has caught my eye, and would probably be as high in streaming food chain, that I'm willing to go. Does the Cambridge folks keep up with software upgrades and fixes like the Wiim folks do? I seen a screen shot of the Cambridge software and to be honest, it kind of looks similar to the Wiims software. Great debate.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Great question on updates, they seem to keep up pretty regularly. Interesting on similarities of the software too! Thanks Jim

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Nice DAC by the way, that’s what I have too!

[@jkim4712]

I doubt Cambridge sounds any better than LPS WiiM pro with around $1K DAC. Also WiiM has 10 bands PEQ that can helps a lot for room problems

[@jukingeo]

I wouldn't consider the Eversolo "budget". At about $1200, that's pretty expensive to me. Yes, I know one will bring up that streamer / dacs can run into the $1000's, such as the Rose unit which goes for $5k+. To me, that is now trolling and it is ridiculous to believe that unit seriously outperforms something in the $1000 range or even less. When I seriously, I mean that for 5k, that Rose unit better sound FIVE TIMES better than the Eversolo, and I can probably say that it does not. The Law of Diminishing Returns comes into play big time in hi-fi audio and I find it worst with speakers and these little streamer boxes. Most of these high end companies think they are " all that" and that if they have slightly marginally better performance, that gives them the cue to charge an arm and a leg for it. I'm sorry, but I am not buying it, both metamorphically and literally. I have to tip my hat to Wiim for producing a quality product that introduces a good quality product for the price. Again, one might say, "Well, the Rose unit is a higher quality build and will last longer than the Wiim". Okay, my answer would be, "Show me a Rose unit that is still working that is 20 years old". Can you do that? Also, say in 5 years time it does break? Where do you go to have it fixed? In the case of the Wiim, if it breaks, and worst case I can't get it fixed, the loss is only $300 not $5k. I rest my case. Chose wisely and don't feed the trolls!

[@Havanero52]

Great video …….. can I connect tru óptica to my smsl 300 ?

[@mehome-ty4yi]

The DAC in the Wiim Pro Plus is as good as any external DAC under $300. My vintage receiver has never sounded better.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

how many ~$300 DACs have you heard

[@photo_n_art]

Keep in mind that those guys sell high dollar audio. It's like asking a used car dealer which car you should buy, of cause the most expensive one on the lot... and he will find 100 reasons why... just saying 🤷‍♂️ If you have small room full of furniture and speakers seating 4 feet apart up the wall or even worst in a corner than even $50k stereo setup will sound like crap. It is for "regular" people wanting to enjoy music of better quality than Bluetooth speaker or earbuds. Btw. the price of WiiM Ultra is literally lunch money, $11 x 30 = $330... this is was most people would spend on lunch in a month

[@stevezeidman7224]

I think you’re wrong in saying the Wiim is not hifi. The remote is plastic but just fine. It works! My mini and pro are connected to my external dacs so the Wiims internal dacs are irrelevant. The dacs in turn are connected to my Rogue integrated and McIntosh preamps. In other words, the WiiM is just a digital transport. The music sounds fantastic. It is absolutely hifi. The WiiM is a disruptor. They are plastic. They cost almost nothing. I think you guys are gasping at straws.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Love it Steve! Thanks for sharing, great input!

[@gatormack221]

Where is the video catalog where you would show audio equipment and play music?

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

Sorry Lenny...I'm longwinded and I can't help it. First things first...I don't have experience with real hi-fi. I'm 40. I live in SE MN outside of Rochester and we don't have any audio shops around...we have a few record stores, but nothing much. I have to drive 100+ miles one way to get to any places that would have any of those other brands. Otherwise it's online. I have a Wiim Pro that I bought last year. I connected that to my most expensive 2-ch piece which is an Arcam SA20 that I got half off on sale last year. I figured $880 was decent for brand new. That stuff runs out to a pair of Emotiva T-Zero+. For as much of a budget setup as it is, I have to say, I REALLY like how it sounds. I can't really imagine better stuff out there even though I'm sure there is. I will be moving that Wiim Pro upstairs and will replace it with a Wiim Ultra. If I had a way to demo things at home (try before you buy) or something, I may consider more expensive pieces, but I just don't have that option. I grew up in the Twin Cities and as a teen I went with my mom to a stereo shop and auditioned speakers after talking to the sales people. They sold me B&W DM 602 S2's....still have them. I spent $600 plus tax on them...bought a Sony STR-DE935 AVR to go with them...later added cheap center and surrounds from Sony...eventually bought used matching B&W (601's and CC6)...for years that was my 5.1 setup (various subs over the years)....it was good enough. Fun fact...I spent over $1200 on that first setup in 1999/2000 and I spent $300 on my first car in 2001. Priorities, right? I hope that someday I can make it out your way and stop in the shop. I also hope to actually listen to some higher end things, but I'm cheap so it doesn't mean I'll spend the money on it. I can't complain at all about the current setup though. I just need to add a sub to get a little more bass out of the setup. Your Leak video has me very interested in the 150's and 250's. I would love to hear those...also want to hear some KLH Model 3 and 5. Through my home theater setup, the Accuphase and Mofi Sourcepoint sounded so good, but well out of my budget. I can't hear what they truly sound like, but I can distinguish when something is more open or clear or has more depth to it and that setup you mixed compared to the A-S3200 was absolutely beautiful. I would probably be happy with most anything you offer in those rooms though. I just found a pair of DCM CX-17's and a Pioneer SX-440 that I bought and am waiting to receive...hoping they're in good shape and work correctly.

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

Oh and for a long time I didn't know that there were big differences between AVR's and stereo receivers/integrated amps (in terms of how different/good they can sound for specific uses). I just wasn't well versed in things. I imagine if I had bought some sort of stereo receiver or integrated amp for the B&W's, it would have been even better, but I was wanting to have home theater in my bedroom...coolest nerd in the neighborhood. I enjoyed music through my Sony and B&W mix still...just thinking back, I know it could have been better.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Mike, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the WiiM! Very good stuff! Love the context!

[@thetrumanshow4791]

As a HiFi Rose 250A owner, I can confirm and validate Tom's remarks. 👍

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@DethFromAbove1985]

I'd stick with the mini or WIIM pro and a external DAC. I think the screens on streamers are basically useless. With my eyes there is not much point in having a 3.5" screen accross the room.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

I get that, a really valid point

[@scottbennett3119]

If neither of you guys critically compared the actual sound between this wiim against others, then you are guessing! Don't do that guys! That's worthless... I expected better!

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

It’s not out yet so can’t really talk about sound just theory’s

[@jukingeo]

Yes, I have to agree. I would like to see some quantitive testing and proof to see how much better the more expensive units sound. Will the Rose unit sound Five times better than the Eversolo? Heck, I doubt it will even sound twice as good. Really, I want to know how much better are these overpriced 4 figure units. My guess, and it is just a guess, that for 90% of most Wi-Fi needs, the Wiim will probably be more than enough.

[@scottbennett3119]

@@jukingeo possibly.

[@niklasschmidt]

​@@jukingeo. There are. Of prior generations. The pro is fairing well.

[@Eazymango]

Going to get one or the other need help.. Wiim Ultra or eversolo dmp a6, Wiim or eversolo ?

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

I’d go with the one that has the features you need if your budget allows for either

[@Jellias11]

How do you give an opinion on anything that you have not heard. Post a video when you actually have the product and have spent hours listening to it. But I agree that my higher end streamers sound significantly better then my WiiM pro plus. I also agree with the fun fi term vs hifi. I think sums it up well.

[@soundsgoodtome-xh6fo]

I know I don't have to watch them but it is dissappointing to see so many so called self appointed reviewers who equate sound quality with price when there is no correlation whatsoever. Without measurements most of what they say is pure bunkum. Ignore them.

[@orl2222]

I have a node 2i, I have a old ipad, bought a cheap stand for it. I leave the ipad plugin, screen sent to on. Put the ipad stand ontop of the node 2i with the bluos app on. I still use my iphone to open the app, but I do have the bigger ipad screen to see what is playing. Also have mapped my yamaha remote to the node, and one button I'm back to the optical input screen. Simple cheap effective. I really am interested in seeing the album art and info, but not staring at my phone all the time. Nor am I going to get up from listening position to change my muisc.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Yes, Android user friendly w Node N130

[@frederikjacob1985]

IMO, i personally think that a Wiim (all of them) streamer sounds best with a really good dac. That's what i personally would do iff i was still searching for a streamer. As i own a cxn V2, the difference in sound with the internal dac with my Accuphase dp57 was a huge difference in sound. Less harsh and way more precise.

[@Big-J-8579]

I have the WiiM Pro and use it as a Roon endpoint. The digital signal is output through the coax connection to a Schiit Modi Multibit DAC and then into my vintage Luxman R-115 receiver. I also have a Node X that I use for headphone listening. I like the Nodes DAC and it has a decent headphone amp. I never, ever, considered using the WiiM as a streamer/DAC and would not for the Pro Plus or the Ultra. I think they stream fine, but I would always use an external DAC with them. I think the WiiM products are great for someone beginning their hi-fi journey. Great bang for the buck.

[@8LuckyLuke9]

i love my WiiM Ultra in Silver so high quality build and very good sounding! worth every penny👌

[@FernandoMartinez-ho3ey]

Good afternoon. One question, I have an Onkyo 9.2 ch receiver. with Dolby Atmos. I listen to the Tidal service, Amazon music and Sirius Xm through apps through an Amazon device connected to my receiver. How could any Wiim device connected to my receiver be useful? Would the audio improve in these services or would the sound quality be the same? thank you!

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

I’m sure it’s a better dac than what’s in the avr. Worth a shot I’d say as long as u go analog into the onkyo.

[@FernandoMartinez-ho3ey]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard Okay. but the Wiim would connect it to my AVR through the digital output, so I don't know if my AVR, even if I transmit a certain quality of audio, the AVR will have the capacity to actually reproduce it.

[@jamestorres4705]

I’m confused, do I need a streamer if I listen to music off my fire stick then use an optical cable from my tv to my amp? Would a streamer provide higher resolution?

[@alanross99]

Your fire stick is a streamer for your TV with the HDMI output. Your setup requires you to have the TV on to listen to music. With a standalone streamer, it's typically the resolution of the stream and the quality of the DAC have the biggest effect on sound quality for streamers. Sounds like you are using the DAC in your AMP, so I am not sure if switching to one of the other streamers would make big difference in sound quality, but it would certainly be more convenient, and more direct. The resolution of the stream can also limited by how the stream is acquired. Does the Firestick/Streamer pull the stream directly from the internet (for Amazon music for example), or are you pulling the stream from your phone and streaming it again to the fire stick.

[@JohnScheppler]

I think the WiiM Ultra is going to disrupt the streaming world just like all the prior versions have. I do think they would be better staying in just the "streaming lane" with just providing a streamer only and then allowing you to use your own dac and amplifier instead of trying to provide everything but i understand they are trying to get it out into the most hands possible. My biggest question is how smooth everything is going to work with the touch screen that is going to be what makes or breaks it over its sound quality.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

You know I’m gonna hook that right up to the J2

[@Norman-bone13]

Fun-Fi for one may be an upgrade for another. I can see it appealing to younger people that live a digital lifestyle, and to those that never streamed before and want to dip their toes into streaming music. I’m on a limited fixed income now, and this is a tempting option to add to my stereo rig. Btw, that Cambridge Audio CXN100 is a good-looking streamer. I like the sound of Cambridge gear. If not the Ultra, I’d go for the AXN10. That would fit nicely with the rest of my mid-fi system. Interesting points in video. Thanks 👍🏼🎶😎

[@stananthalus]

I'm in Australia and could pre-order an Ultra for A$540. Eversolo DMP A6 is A$1,400 here. Given I already run a couple of WiiM Pros in a couple of systems in my house with great success (using external DACs) then the Ultra for a stereo used by the family, its ease of use functionality, likely to free up a mid priced DAC currently there to go someone else and also the coming room correction - it is a no brainer for me. Does the Eversolo do more, sure it does. Does it do three time more or three times better. Not for me. And the new Cambridge CXN 100 is lovely, but again it is so many more times the price I can't see the value. When one comes pre loved at 60% RRP though I'll probably grab one.

[@MarcosBernal]

The sound quality of the first spoken segment is pretty appaling. Thanks for the content, though.

[@charleskatz2606]

Do you have latest Cambria 100?

[@pteamg]

Sorry ZZ Top, I thought I as going to see a proper review

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Thanks I thought I look sharp dressed

[@pteamg]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard Sense of humour to! keep it up dude..

[@christianbergeron1407]

Kind of agree, to compare the situation, I tries the latest Camaro recently, it is ok but nowhere near the Ferrari Enzo, not to mention the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, which is my favorite ! All that been said, I understand poor people do enjoy their Camaro's, but it will never be a Bugatti.

[@puddleglumsmusiccollection9151]

Nothing better for the price

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Great!

[@squallywally]

Pure sound that will last a long time is called a turntable and a vinyl record.

[@arthurwatts1680]

The form factor is right for modern music lovers and most Wiim customers (IMO) aren't concerned about the kind of longevity you guys are concerned with. Some of your receivers are 50 years old - again, my assumption based on the faceplates - and we are talking about a product that I expect Wiim to supercede /. upgrade within 2 years. As always, just my two cents worth.

[@johndawson959]

"It's fun-fi, not hi-fi".....what pretentious BS based on nothing but personal opinion. Who are you to make a statement like that? Useless! (and I don't even own a WiiM pro or ultra)

[@mdrumt]

Your mic audio is horrible and skewed to the left. Well done for attempting rage bait and scoring a comment off me.

[@sms9106]

Not even on their website, you must be special.

[@phatCars]

I'm curios why know reviewer ever mentions an Apple TV box as a streamer? It was a definite upgrade for me that using blue tooth with my phone years ago. And I wonder how its sound compares to the streamers you mentioed?

[@paulv22]

The big problem with the Apple TV is getting audio out of it and to an amp is a pain if you have no HDMI in your amp.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Never used an Apple TV myself

[@EastSide_Motel]

Interesting point, to do that would you use the Apple TVs in built music apps like Spotify, tidal etc or use AirPlay and choose the Apple TV box as out put ?

[@lanx0003]

Fun-fi not Hi-fi?? You are absolutely wrong. Wiim Pro Plus sound quality is better than any Bluesound Node before Node X. Do you consider BS Node streamer being a Hi-Fi I wonder?

[@paulgood2218]

wiim is a established streamer brand ,more so then the other brands you named

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Interesting thought, thanks for sharing!

[@paulgood2218]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard granted some the others are more established names because they made there name with other equipment. But when it comes to being a established streamer brand. Even the casual listener mostly knows wiim for streaming .

[@JamesKrist-l8b]

My $40 ROKU sounds amazing believe it or not threw the tv into the stereo

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Love my Roku!

[@jkim4712]

Digital out on WiiM pro sounded better than digital out on Roku ultra when I tested.

[@JamesKrist-l8b]

Can you get any better for $40

[@brianyearling7810]

You guys are kinda going pretentious, i get it, you were knocked for not being discerning enough, now you are overcompensating going the other way. Its pretty obvious.

[@EastSide_Motel]

Any indication of release date ?

[@kacperkaps8591]

3rd quarter of 2024 probably (in EU)

[@bozzhughes6101]

crutchfield says july 5th

[@danieljung2810]

You should try room correction with REW. Will make a bigger difference than dacs and most respectable amps. Come on man you're an audio KZbinr, learn about room correction. Then you talk about funfi and don't do room correction? 😅

[@WoodyONeal]

they just wanna trash it cause it's less expensive with no other justificaiton.

[@FROZENMX]

Most people don't give a shit about ultra high res dac's etc, they just want to listen to music and do other fun stuff.

[@chrisharris1522]

Thats why they make those all in one boom boxes

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

people get ALL THE WAY IN THEIR FEELINGS over this stuff hahaha

[@CarlVanDoren61]

BluOS is the best 👌 forget the rest 😊 Time stamp smoke roll from UR ears?

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Nice! BluOS is nice!

[@dtracy03ss]

Lets hear A/B with NodeX woth Power Supply upgrade China Fi??????

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

We called it Fun-Fi instead of Chi-Fi sounds better right?

[@thetrumanshow4791]

@@ThatGuyWithTheBeard Respectfully, I disagree. Fun-Fi sounds like a great term to use for any "non high fidelity" product. However, deliberately choosing not to use the term "Chi-Fi", sounds like someone who is trying to tip-toe around someone's woke mental illness.

[@AirgunNL]

Now do a blind test....

[@jjjjude]

I reckon if you pay thousands of dollars for an expensive product you don’t get a 1000s times better sound. I recon maybe a 10% to 15%sound quality. Definitely a better build quality But for the price point ultra definitely is worth a short.

[@tomasfromyr]

Sadly, the correlation between price and performance is very low.

[@johnclarkbrost]

you guys must be from the midwest....hemmin and hawin...

[@wronghandshooter]

I have tried a couple streamers and find them to be a bit fiddly(if thats a word).I have a vintage system and a modern system which in my opinion both sound good. That being said I listen mainly to vinyl or CD. For casual listening, I hook my laptop up to a decent Dac and listen to internet radio etc. I think that sounds Okay. So for now, I'm going to stay away from streamers.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

Great input! I can start using the word Fiddly haha

[@chrisharris1522]

The reason people use streamers over pc laptop etc is those devices have a lot of noise, but if you don't notice it then just keep doing what you are doing.

[@palmito22]

Well, Rose is expensive so it’s good… Wimm is cheap.. Soh it’s shit…

[@dougcarmack5426]

WiiM might be great for a Roon endpoint but I put my money on better expensive equipment. Maybe WiiM is really good for the money - am I dumb? There are so many more streamers and DAC's to spend my money on. I don't want to be disgusted for not spending my money more wisely.

[@gww730]

After a month with my WiiM Ultra, I can honestly say that it sounds great and works extremely well. My biggest concern is durability.

[@rogerserra3711]

Same dac as the leak amp.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

That’s good stuff!

[@GSP-76]

This video comes iff a someone who is but hurt that a cheap product will likely beat the useless expensive products it will compete with. Funny how things not sound related are all if a sudden the most important thing to the buyer, lol. Yeah i care about the touchscreen and the material sone box is made of more than the actual quality of sound it makes, sure.

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

A Geo Metro and a Lamborghini will still drive you somewhere, only differently.

[@dtracy03ss]

Also if i said it once I will say it again No Alexa NO AI running anywhere in my system or my house. Too much going on with Privacy issues - i see Cloudy Days ahead

[@ThatGuyWithTheBeard]

You’re telling me

[@Audiomainia2310]

Dude, you're 100% correct. You can't compare the sound quality from a Cambridge or Hi-Fi Rose with the Wiim, which is an inexpensive toy.