WiiM Pro Streamer Review

[Pio]

I always prefer to have a remote. An app can be discontinued, making the device obsolete.
That said, a remote will not support all functions...

Great point! It's happening to me with all my older Oppo stuff.. very (!) frustrating..

 

[CheapskateCCAOwner]

In fact, for most users, I don't really see much reason for getting anything other than a Wiim mini for use as a digital transport, unless you really, really want a touch display screen and/or remote. Otherwise, the software platform and digital capabilities are pretty much identical across the entire range.

If your primary use case is to stream from a (non-WiiM) controller app to your WiiM device (as a DLNA renderer), that is a compelling reason to choose a WiiM Pro or higher over the Mini.

The WiiM Mini doesn't support Google Cast/Chromecast, which is fine if you only use the WiiM app to stream from your DLNA/UPnP music server, but if you use other DLNA controller apps to stream to the Mini, you will likely encounter hiccups (e.g., stalling in-between tracks) due to the Mini's use of LinkPlay, which is known to have issues with DLNA controller apps (other than the WiiM app).

With the WiiM Pro or higher, you can use Google Cast, which avoids the DLNA streaming issues you are likely to encounter with the Mini, when used with other DLNA controller apps.

 

[Berwhale]

...Another problem with Google Cast/Chromecast (at least for some folks) is that it doesn't support Spotify lossless. To stream Spotify lossless to a WiiM Pro/Pro Plus/Ultra device, you have to disable Google Cast on the WiiM device. This isn't an issue with the WiiM Mini because the Mini doesn't support Google Cast, but then again external DLNA streaming to the WiiM Mini is suboptimal for the reasons described above.

I have a WiiM Pro and my solution is to enable Google Cast on the WiiM device when streaming DLNA from "Hi-Fi Cast" (and to select the Google Cast/Chromecast renderer, not the LinkPlay renderer).

When using Spotify, I disable Google Cast on the WiiM device and select Spotify Connect to connect to the WiiM device. This allows lossless streaming from Spotify; it's a clunky solution for sure, and I wish the Spotify app would allow WiiM Pro/Pro Plus/Ultra devices to have Spotify Connect and Google Cast/Chromecast enabled simultaneously. This used to be allowed (allowing you to choose between Spotify Connect and Google Cast), so it's frustrating that it's a limitation now.

I have Google Cast enabled on my WiiM Pro and I can stream lossless from Spotify without disabling Google Cast - both Spotify and WiiM apps show the stream as lossless. Am I missing something? (the Wiim Pro is driving a Topping EX5 DAC & HP Amp via Optical).

 

[CheapskateCCAOwner]

...I don't see any reason for getting [the WiiM Pro] over the $80 Wiim mini, as they offer identical functionality and performance.

Here are the differences between the WiiM Mini and the WiiM Pro:

• The Mini doesn't support Google Cast/Chromecast.
• The Mini doesn't have a 12 volt trigger output port.
• The Mini doesn't have an Ethernet port.
• The Mini can't be used as part of a WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system (it can't be used a "Follower" device)

Here are the differences between the WiiM Pro and the WiiM Pro Plus:

• The Pro has an inferior DAC, but it can be paired with an external DAC via Toslink or Coax to address this deficiency.
• The Pro has an inferior ADC, and its analog-to-digital conversion is fixed at 16-bit/48kHz. The Pro Plus allows for variable analog-to-digital conversion, which can be set up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Here are the differences between the WiiM Pro Plus and the WiiM Ultra:

• The Pro Plus doesn't have a HDMI ARC input.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a phono stage input.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a subwoofer output.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a USB port for accessing files on USB storage devices
• The Pro Plus can't be used as a "Group Lead" in a WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system (but it can be used as a "Follower", as can the WiiM Pro)

I think that covers it, but there are clear functionality differences between the Mini and the Pro (and between the other models as described above).

 

[obsessive9119]

For those that don't understand why some of us were talking about long term app support and the documentation of the API, see the thread about the end-of-life behaviour for the Bose SoundTouch products for an example of what can happen. In summary a lot of the functionality was set to disappear when Bose initially announced the end of support for a relatively expensive product line. After customer backlash they have improved the situation somewhat, partly by documenting the API to simplify 3rd party support, and partly by keeping a bit more of the functionality in the final version of the app.

To me that’s one of the selling points of the lower end WiiM devices - it doesn’t matter much if they end up bricked due to the app

you are planning to use it simply as a Toslink transport with an external DAC, I don't see any reason for getting this over the $80 Wiim mini, as they offer identical functionality and performance.

Optical in is a big differentiator, if you’re using the WiiM in a system with multiple sources.

 

[obsessive9119]

I just bought the Pro Plus version, but the PEQ doesn't seem to have no effect on (at least) the optical out. The Graphic EQ does have an effect. (same PEQ settings as in my other setups e.g., PC or mobile headphone amp)

You can set different EQs per input, so make sure you haven’t accidentally disabled it for the input you’re using (I’ve done this and confused myself in the past)

 

[somebodyelse]

Here are the differences between the WiiM Mini and the WiiM Pro:

Also the Mini doesn't include Squeezelite (unless they managed to add it somehow recently)

 

[jhaider]

Here are the differences between the WiiM Pro Plus and the WiiM Ultra:

• The Pro Plus doesn't have a HDMI ARC input.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a phono stage input.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a subwoofer output.
• The Pro Plus doesn't have a USB port for accessing files on USB storage devices
• The Pro Plus can't be used as a "Group Lead" in a WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system (but it can be used as a "Follower", as can the WiiM Pro)

I think that covers it, but there are clear functionality differences between the Mini and the Pro (and between the other models as described above).

You missed the elephant in the room, which is the reason most people IME buy such devices: Ultra fails to support AirPlay.

 

[Acerun]

I'm a sucker for the ultra 20% off around $260. It looks fantastic like real audio equipment and I'm a sucker for seeing the album cover from across the room. Yes I'm using as a transport to my x8500h. I still love it.

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

Also the Mini doesn't include Squeezelite (unless they managed to add it somehow recently)

I believe the Mini also leaves out Qobuz Connect.

 

[CheapskateCCAOwner]

I have Google Cast enabled on my WiiM Pro and I can stream lossless from Spotify without disabling Google Cast - both Spotify and WiiM apps show the stream as lossless. Am I missing something? (the Wiim Pro is driving a Topping EX5 DAC & HP Amp via Optical).

When I enable the "Allow Google Cast Service" option in the WiiM app for my WiiM Pro, my Spotify app lists the "Google Cast" option for my WiiM Pro device, but oddly, not the "Spotify Connect" option. And since Google Cast doesn't support Spotify lossless (and more importantly, since it doesn't support gapless), choosing the "Google Cast" option is not ideal.

When I disable the "Allow Google Cast Service" option in the WiiM app for my WiiM Pro, my Spotify app lists the "Spotify Connect" option for my WiiM Pro, but not the "Google Cast" option (as expected). Although inconvenient because I use Google Cast for other DLNA streaming apps,, this configuration at least allows for lossless streaming and gapless playback in Spotify on my WiiM Pro - I just reenable Google Cast when I need to use other (non-WiiM) DLNA controller apps or to allow for multi-room playback when grouping my WiiM and Chromecast Audio devices.

It didn't use to be this way: Spotify used to list my (single) WiiM Pro device with an option arrow, allowing me to choose between Spotify Connect and Google Cast. Strangely, the option to choose between Google Cast and Spotify Connect went away a month or so after Spotify Lossless became available on my Spotify account.

What do you see in Spotify? Do you see one WiiM Pro device listed with an option to select either "Spotify Connect" or "Google Cast", or do you see two WiiM Pro listings for the same device, one labeled with "Google Cast" and the other unlabeled (implying Spotify Connect)?

 

[CheapskateCCAOwner]

You missed the elephant in the room, which is the reason most people IME buy such devices: Ultra fails to support AirPlay.

Good catch!

I'm an Android/Windows guy, so AirPlay support doesn't matter to me one way or the other, but it's definitely a major concern for some.

 

[Berwhale]

When I enable the "Allow Google Cast Service" option in the WiiM app for my WiiM Pro, my Spotify app lists the "Google Cast" option for my WiiM Pro device, but oddly, not the "Spotify Connect" option. And since Google Cast doesn't support Spotify lossless (and more importantly, since it doesn't support gapless), choosing the "Google Cast" option is not ideal.

When I disable the "Allow Google Cast Service" option in the WiiM app for my WiiM Pro, my Spotify app lists the "Spotify Connect" option for my WiiM Pro, but not the "Google Cast" option (as expected). Although inconvenient because I use Google Cast for other DLNA streaming apps,, this configuration at least allows for lossless streaming and gapless playback in Spotify on my WiiM Pro - I just reenable Google Cast when I need to use other (non-WiiM) DLNA controller apps or to allow for multi-room playback when grouping my WiiM and Chromecast Audio devices.

It didn't use to be this way: Spotify used to list my (single) WiiM Pro device with an option arrow, allowing me to choose between Spotify Connect and Google Cast. Strangely, the option to choose between Google Cast and Spotify Connect went away a month or so after Spotify Lossless became available on my Spotify account.

What do you see in Spotify? Do you see one WiiM Pro device listed with an option to select either "Spotify Connect" or "Google Cast", or do you see two WiiM Pro listings for the same device, one labeled with "Google Cast" and the other unlabeled (implying Spotify Connect)?

In Spotify, the device appears once as 'WiiM Pro' only. I have another device which is Google Cast capable and that does show with 'Google Cast' under it's name. I don't see any option to choose how I connect to the WiiM Pro, but it is connected lossless...

Spotify is running on Android and its the same on both my phone and tablet. WiiM Pro firmware, WiiM app and Spotify are all updated to their latest versions.

I do recall having some trouble getting lossless to work initially, but I can't remember exactly what I did to get it working. I may have re-installed Spotify, the WiiM app or reset the WiiM Pro.

 

[Merifon]

Thanks for this review.

Another cheap streamer.

Personnaly, I'm invested in BlueOS ecosystem, so a second hand Node makes more sense for me.
Especially if you want to attach an external DAC, like I measured here:

Bluesound Node N100 (first generation) measurements with external DAC

I own quite a few old Bluesound Node N100 (Yes, the first generation Node N100) I purchased the first one new more than 10 years ago. Then added several, all second hand, because they are easy to find on the used market and quite cheap. (last 2 I purchased were at 125€ and 135€ apiece)...

www.audiosciencereview.com

But this one makes perfect sense if you start from zero and already have a good DAC hanging around...

I use Bluos and WiiM both. Maybe it's the NAD C3050LE implementation of Bluos but it can't compare with the versatility and reliability of WiiM. Every, really every Bluos FW update, usually very late compared to WiiM's ones (Qobuz connect compatibility it's just last exemple), new problems arise and bugs and quirks need ages to be corrected, whilst WiiM never gave me a single problem in years.

 

[forumlurker]

You can set different EQs per input, so make sure you haven’t accidentally disabled it for the input you’re using (I’ve done this and confused myself in the past)

I will double check that.

For context: I created a PEQ "nothing" with everything flat, and PEG "HD6xx" with the headphone settings (as in my mobile DAC-amp. No difference.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Here are the differences between the WiiM Mini and the WiiM Pro:

The Mini cannot have Room-Fit and EQ active simultaneously.

 

[SMc]

Have you, or anyone here, actually tested the PEQ? This was the most important feature for me to add a streamer into my headphone audio chain.

I just bought the Pro Plus version, but the PEQ doesn't seem to have no effect on (at least) the optical out. The Graphic EQ does have an effect. (same PEQ settings as in my other setups e.g., PC or mobile headphone amp)

TV optical out -> optical in of Wiim Pro Plus (or Qobuz streaming from the Wiim App) -> optical out into optical in of Schiit DAC -> balanced out into headphone amp.

I use PEQ to take down a bass boom the room eq didn’t fix. The Pro connects to an amp by optical.

It would take some work to improve on the results for tv but I haven’t tested it as such.

 

[Reed]

I have a WiiM Pro in a spare bedroom/office headphone setup. Driving a FiiO K11 and Sennheiser HD58X headphones. PEQ is a must with these headphones and I’m using oratory numbers. Using Apple music on my iPhone as the source. Compact, user-friendly system.

 

[JeremyFife]

Thanks for the review Amirm, having kit measured in a standardised way is incredibly helpful.

I think we knew that this wasn't 'great ': going down to a Wiim Mini or up to a Pro Plus makes far more sense.

 

[Merifon]

Thanks for the review Amirm, having kit measured in a standardised way is incredibly helpful.

I think we knew that this wasn't 'great ': going down to a Wiim Mini or up to a Pro Plus makes far more sense.

This has more precise clock than mini so less more jitter (anyway a modern dac easily recovers), some reliable tests certified this and it has more features. I got one pro to digitally connect to a Nad Bluos amp, to compensate lack of features by Bluos and add one more toslink input. Since no analog output was needed, the pro makes absolutely sense and I'm not fully agree with the final judgment. It's a device conceived for digital output only and does this perfectly.