WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review

[staticV3]

No need for an expensive DAC like the D10s.

A cheap USB to Toslink converter like the Hifime UT23 or Cubilux SPDIF converter would do the job just as well.

 

[Mort]

Yes, but does it have orange lights? I think not.

 

[dangermouse]

Well, at 315Hz this arm/cartridge combination hardly manages to play 70 mu by 2,5 grams. Recommended needle pressure for the Kiseki is 1.8 grams - 2.2 grams…

'Tis not a 'needle'. 'Tis a stylus.

 

[somebodyelse]

'Tis not a 'needle'. 'Tis a stylus.

Once upon a time...

 

[Z_Hold]

Sync audio fun
Room correction fun
Just ordered the ultra
Love alsi wiim amp
Shanling EH3 is out
Bluetooth remote (yes the remote with it is bluetooth, so faster response)

 

[JCM800]

Could I use this as a preamp? Phono pre -> RCA Line In, CD Player -> DAC -> optical in, Wiim adds streaming, and handles the volume, RCA out -> Amp.

 

[Mort]

Sure! This is where the ultra excels. I even have an HDMI Chromecast box I switched to.

 

[Doublej]

Could I use this as a preamp? Phono pre -> RCA Line In, CD Player -> DAC -> optical in, Wiim adds streaming, and handles the volume, RCA out -> Amp.

Yes except why would you want to take a digital signal from a CD Player, covert it to analog using a DAC, only to have the WiiM convert it back to a digital signal for internal processing and then convert it analog to feed your amp.

I take the digital signal from my CD player and feed it to the WiiM using an optical cable.

 

[JCM800]

Yes except why would you want to take a digital signal from a CD Player, covert it to analog using a DAC, only to have the WiiM convert it back to a digital signal for internal processing and then convert it analog to feed your amp.

I take the digital signal from my CD player and feed it to the WiiM using an optical cable.

You're right. I am dumb So I guess the question is "Is the Wiim's DAC as good or better than the Schiit Modi 3+ w/ ADC AKM chip?"

Also just stumbled across this thread: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-plus-preamp…-any-good.57025/

 

[Rednaxela]

So I guess the question is "Is the Wiim's DAC as good or better than the Schiit Modi 3+ w/ ADC chip?

Which is being answered in the first post of this very thread.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

So I guess the question is "Is the Wiim's DAC as good or better than the Schiit Modi 3+ w/ ADC AKM chip?"

If for some reason you you wanted to use a different DAC*, then you could simply patch the WiiM's S/PDIF output to that DAC's S/PDIF input (which then connects to your amp) so that the audio chain still remains fully digital from the CD through the DSP (on the WiiM) and on to the end DAC for final conversion to analog. But in that case, the WiiM Pro is a more economical purchase if you don't need the improved DAC in the WiiM Pro Plus.

Primary ASR reviews for the two DACs you mentioned:

• WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review
• Schiit Modi 3+ Review (Stereo DAC)

* For example, you want to use the WiiM as primary input collector for streaming, CD, TT pre-amp plus its DSP function (and application control); but then you had a separate DAC lying around (or very cheap used) that has a volume control knob. Or because separates work better since your WiiM can be at the back of your AV cabinet while the volume control DAC is sitting in close reach on your desk. Or, you simply like the DAC on that other device better than the DAC on the WiiM (even through all of us on ASR will say you can't actually hear the difference).

 

[JCM800]

If for some reason you you wanted to use a different DAC*, then you could simply patch the WiiM's S/PDIF output to that DAC's S/PDIF input (which then connects to your amp) so that the audio chain still remains fully digital from the CD through the DSP (on the WiiM) and on to the end DAC for final conversion to analog. But in that case, the WiiM Pro is a more economical purchase if you don't need the improved DAC in the WiiM Pro Plus.

Primary ASR reviews for the two DACs you mentioned:

• WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review
• Schiit Modi 3+ Review (Stereo DAC)

* For example, you want to use the WiiM as primary input collector for streaming, CD, TT pre-amp plus its DSP function (and application control); but then you had a separate DAC lying around (or very cheap used) that has a volume control knob. Or because separates work better since your WiiM can be at the back of your AV cabinet while the volume control DAC is sitting in close reach on your desk. Or, you simply like the DAC on that other device better than the DAC on the WiiM (even through all of us on ASR will say you can't actually hear the difference).

Thank you! Thats's super helpful.

 

[Plugandplay]

Hi, quick question. I have a Yamaha A-S501 amp and am looking at the WiiM devices for connecting to the amp for using streaming services. Do you think I would be better off getting the Pro Plus for the improved DAC and connecting to a line in on the amp, or would I likely not notice much difference vs getting the Pro and using the digital out and the built-in DAC on the amp…?

 

[Joffy1780]

Hi, quick question. I have a Yamaha A-S501 amp and am looking at the WiiM devices for connecting to the amp for using streaming services. Do you think I would be better off getting the Pro Plus for the improved DAC and connecting to a line in on the amp, or would I likely not notice much difference vs getting the Pro and using the digital out and the built-in DAC on the amp…?

I would get the Pro and go digital out to the S501.
Do you use a subwoofer with your S501?

 

[Plugandplay]

I would get the Pro and go digital out to the S501.
Do you use a subwoofer with your S501?

No, limited space with bookshelf speakers (20yo Mordaunt Short MS-20i speakers…)

 

[staticV3]

Do you think I would be better off getting the Pro Plus for the improved DAC and connecting to a line in on the amp, or would I likely not notice much difference vs getting the Pro and using the digital out and the built-in DAC on the amp…?

Here's that comparison using the A-S701:



It does better with Line in. Less noise, slightly lower distortion.

 

[Plugandplay]

Here's that comparison using the A-S701:
View attachment 397351 View attachment 397350
View attachment 397352 View attachment 397353

It does better with Line in. Less noise, slightly lower distortion.

Thank you. Does that imply the built-in DAC isn’t that great and produces more noise / distortion?

Is there a comparison around of the DAC performance of the WiiM Pro vs the Pro Plus?

 

[staticV3]

Does that imply the built-in DAC isn’t that great and produces more noise / distortion?

Correct.

Is there a comparison around of the DAC performance of the WiiM Pro vs the Pro Plus?

Yes:

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[Cecill]

I would get the Pro and go digital out to the S501.
Do you use a subwoofer with your S501?

The benefit of the PRO model is its better DAC. Therefore, if the PRO is being suggested, using the line out to the Yamaha makes more sense.

 

[morillon]

The benefit of the PRO model is its better DAC. Therefore, if the PRO is being suggested, using the line out to the Yamaha makes more sense.

You really shouldn't confuse the DAC of the pro (the same thing, modest, as the mini, a little better implemented) and the AKM of the "plus" which is a significant effort....