Wiim Ultra or MiniDSP flex?

[dtaylo1066]

So, I am debating. I have a TinkerBoard/volumio based streamer that works fine, but has its quirks. I also have a turntable. Both now run through an Emotiva Stealth Dac which is long in the tooth, and my spouse likes to listen to her old records, so an analog in is important. The Emotiva has an analog in, but I think with age has a few hiccups in performance. My Hypex amps are balanced, but I can figure a way to run an RCA to XLR cable into them if I go Wiim, or get or make a conversion box.

Wiim seems super-handy and makes it all work in one simple and full-featured box, and measures well. MiniDSP flex may measure a bit better, has more sophisticated DSP and also crossover capabilities (I also DIY speakers, so may use that one day), but has no streaming capabilities.

I am leaning Wiim, and the cost is ridiculously low. Any Flex owners who would steer me that way?

Wiim Ultra owners, are you happy as the proverbial pigs in mud? One might argue it is the best value in all of audio!

 

[Matt_Holland]

The beauty of the Wiim products is the ease of use. The auto-sensing inputs make them fool proof.

What about getting an Ultra and seeing how you get on using it as a pre-amp/streamer. Then, if you feel you need more flexibility, add a MiniDSP and use the Ultra just as a source.

I’m holding out for Wiim to make an “Ultra +” with balanced outputs and multiple sub outputs. They can lose that stupid display too!

 

[dtaylo1066]

The beauty of the Wiim products is the ease of use. The auto-sensing inputs make them fool proof.

What about getting an Ultra and seeing how you get on using it as a pre-amp/streamer. Then, if you feel you need more flexibility, add a MiniDSP and use the Ultra just as a source.

I’m holding out for Wiim to make an “Ultra +” with balanced outputs and multiple sub outputs. They can lose that stupid display too!

Yes, that is how I am leaning. Ultra has all I need other than balanced out, but for the cost, you can't get it all. And ease of use seems a no brainer. I could always run it into a MiniDSP as you suggest, or an external DAC for a balanced out. It is debatable how much I might want a digital crossover function in the future, as I do have some drivers hanging around, but as suggested, I could always run through a Flex down the road.

 

[JeremyFife]

The Flex does things the WiiM can't, but if you don't NEED them then the WiiM makes very good sense.
(I'm a Flex owner, but that was before WiiM )

Actually, what I'd be tempted by - since you don't NEED a crossover - is the WiiM Pro Plus and a Topping L70 (headphone amp but also preamp with Balanced out). That's just to add confusion though!

 

[dtaylo1066]

The Flex does things the WiiM can't, but if you don't NEED them then the WiiM makes very good sense.
(I'm a Flex owner, but that was before WiiM )

Actually, what I'd be tempted by - since you don't NEED a crossover - is the WiiM Pro Plus and a Topping L70 (headphone amp but also preamp with Balanced out). That's just to add confusion though!

We are pathetic audio geeks and addicts, some degree of confusion and lack of simplicity are part of the mania.

 

[Sillysilly]

Just had this same dilemma. Got the WIIM Ultra as it was available right in front of me in-store and I could return it if I didn't like it and then go for the Flex or something more expensive.

Lets me adjust crossover, gives me parametric equaliser, streams, adjustable sub out with basic room correction and sub sync. I wanted XLR too but in reality once plugged in would I notice the difference? Likely not and it does everything in one box with ethernet, without needing a laptop or spending 8 years reading guides. Now I'm technical bit why can't everyone else make things as easy to use as WIIM. Now I've seen how easy it can be, screw anyone else that can't be bothered to improve or just copy them. I can adjust by album or set
of speakers if I want its so quick x easy.

Make sure you switch on full bass before adjusting if using a sub, out of the box it sounded terrible.

Staying put until they release an ultra ultra. The VU meter screen setting is worth keeping it alone.

No doubt they are going to improve room
correction, pre, DAC in future and add XLR in the future.

 

[Valentino]

If you just need two output channels plus (mono) sub the Ultra is fine, especially since it’s user interface is much easier in daily use. To me the Flex models are all set up and forget.
I need 8 output channels for my four way dipole system so I have a Flex Eight hanging off the (working as a streamer-preamplifier) Ultra optical output. It’s line output feeds a Topping L30, and a Cambridge Alva Duo feeds the line input (because the Ultra phono input is a toy). My ethernet sources are LMS and Spotify.
I hope the PEQ per output is coming soon. I’like to EQ my headphones. The Flex Eight handles the loudspeakers already.

 

[Sillysilly]

Aaa yes, I DIY speakers too. The second I want digital crossover + sub I'm going to need to relegate it to streaming duties and upgrade to a proper 8x DSP.

 

[Mort]

Wiim devices are great streamers. Get the ultra and later add a MiniDsp 2x4HD (or no HD if you are sure you'll never use Dirac live).

I have one Wiim pro -> MiniDsp DDRC-24 and a Wiim Ultra -> MiniDsp DDRC-24 -> Topping A70 Pro. The latter let's me switch between two sets of speakers and headphones each with a different Diraclive preset. Together they are very easy to use.

 

[Gga]

Have you considered the new bluesound node with dirac?

 

[dtaylo1066]

With Black Friday discount, I pulled the trigger on the Wiim Ultra. I can always Minidsp down the line if I need crossover support. 20% off Wiim is too ridiculous a feature set and performance level to pass up.

 

[Mort]

With Black Friday discount, I pulled the trigger on the Wiim Ultra. I can always Minidsp down the line if I need crossover support. 20% off Wiim is too ridiculous a feature set and performance level to pass up.

Wiim is the gateway drug to MiniDsp.

Was for me anyway. Experiment with it, you'll enjoy the upgrade to MiniDsp later but I think this is the right path.

 

[Chota]

Wiim is the gateway drug to MiniDsp.

Was for me anyway. Experiment with it, you'll enjoy the upgrade to MiniDsp later but I think this is the right path.

How have you implement the minidsp in your setup? do you still use the WiiM with minidsp?

 

[Mort]

How have you implement the minidsp in your setup? do you still use the WiiM with minidsp?

I still use a wiim pro yes, just for streaming. The Flex HT replaced the Wiim Ultra for me.