WiiM Ultra: The Budget Streaming/DAC/Preamplifier Master

[@trekkis]

Very good review, much better than on many popular channels, good work!. Only one small addition - optic is better in wiims and in overall, as it has lower measured jitter (in wiims) and what is even more important - galvanic isolation. Electrical noise provided without isolation can increase measured jitter in many dacs, so output quality often is lower :) But this is some small detail :)

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I appreciate your input on optical. As always, when all is said and done, one's own ears will make the final choice. Thanks for watching!

[@donh1511]

great video thank you! Its helped me set mine up and understand it better

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

My understanding is that the WiiM Ultra's bass management software allows simultaneous routing of low passed frequencies to the subout and high passed frequencies to the coax outlet. Allowing a superior external DAC to handle the frequencies above the subwoofer cut off point. Might I suggest that based on the reviews it is receiving that the new FiiO K11 R2R DAC would be a particularly fitting match for the Ultra? While relieving the Veri-Fi Scouts' woofer of handling lower bass frequencies would raise fidelity and ease incorporation of a sub(s) with the bookshelf speakers. Finally, any chance that you might have a review forthcoming of Veri-Fi Audio's 10" Caldera subwoofer?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I talked with Vera-Fi Audio today, and they are sending me the Caldera 10" sub for review. I'm sure someone will try the Ultra/FiiO match.

[@trekkis]

It is exactly as you wrote. And fiio r2r is perfect match for ultra, but should be used with better power supply like ifi. Power supply from fiio box is terrible. Ares is next best step after fiio.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

@@trekkis Reportedly, FiiO is getting ready to offer a Linear Power Supply @ $130.00 Another reviewer suggests a 'Super Capacitor Filter' @ $20. off ali express. That reviewer is an electrical engineer, so presumably his recommendation has validity. There are a number of areas where ancillary equipment can improve the performance of both the Ultra and the FiiO R2R DAC. The Ares has competition in its category. Both the HoloAudio Cyan 2 and the Audio~gd R-1 NOS FPGA PCM/DSD DAC are challengers to the Ares.

[@grandmasterjo1]

Great precise and concise video on the ultra. I have one You mentioned using the coax with your CD player. The Ultra has a coax Out only So how did you manage to connect your CD player through coax on the Ultra Please advice as I need to with my CD player Thanks 🙏👌👌

[@stereofanoregon6481]

i appreciate you pointing out a flaw in my script. I failed to mention that it was an optical cd source in with COAX out. Poor writing and script reading on my behalf...Mea Culpa!

[@grandmasterjo1]

Thank you for the clarification. I actually rechecked my ultra 🤪🤪 Your video is nice but your reply is better. Modesty is the key to great results and only few choose modesty over defiance. I truly appreciate your response 🙏🙏🙏❤️ I am thinking of pairing my Ultra with the Audiolab 6000 A. But I think the DAC in the Ultra is a better chip. It’s the same chip as in the Audiolab 7000A ( not so sure) but would love to know. Also I got the Ultra as I have a pair of Genelec that have a digital input so coax out helps But my first choice was the Audiolab 6000A play which I could not get hold of Cheers. Godbless

[@leo00046]

Why not added airply any reason

[@stereofanoregon6481]

That's the $10,000 question. Thanks for watching!

[@SoTwissted]

The Cheap audio man has a hack. Your thoughts? I run it to my Klipsch The Nines. Getting the most from it is what I want to know! So clocking on it could be improved. Any thoughts on this?

[@juicythedj750]

Pure snakeoil! You should be perfectly fine connecting the Ultra to your Nines with a decent optical cable.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

I'm an old school reviewer, I spend weeks in active listening while taking copious notes. Cheapaudioman pumps out 4 videos a week. Viewers will choose what works for them. Honestly, I prefer off boarding the DAC functions to my Denafrips Ares II. The improvement is worth the investment IMHO, and that includes clocking.

[@kevinfeeley8406]

Sent mine back

[@stereofanoregon6481]

No product is for everybody. Thanks for watching!

[@crBudgetWatches]

Why? What happened?

[@mattfoley-gt9sj]

Just got mine and I find my LGV60 sounds much better. And my Rega Apollo CD player smokes them both. The Wiim is kind of thin and has veiled reserved quality about it, it's not subtle when A/Bing them side by side. Not impressed myself. It doesn't sound bad and it's really versatile which is cool, overall to me it sounds like something you'd get at Best Buy rather than a true piece of hifi gear. Not knocking it, it is what it is, $300 and sounds like it.

[@stereofanoregon6481]

You hit upon the key of the Ultra, it is versatile, but the master of none. It's why I like it with an external DAC. All the benefits of streaming and control, plus off-boarding for improving sound quality. Thanks for watching!

[@crBudgetWatches]

@@stereofanoregon6481I ordered one to get eq for my Marantz CD player and my TV, plus streaming of course. I have a Cambridge AXR100 with Wolfson DAC and a SMSL SU1 so I have some options. Do you think it’s worth it for my use case?

[@stereofanoregon6481]

@@crBudgetWatches I think it is always worth a try, especially with the decent length of return if not satisfied. Thanks for watching!