WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[somebodyelse]

Another reason would be having something digital downstream, like a DSP based crossover, so using a digital interconnect saves a DA/AD round trip.

 

[Rit]

But let me clarify something: it's an excellent DAC streamer, almost everyone buys it but then uses it with an external DAC

What did I miss in the reviews ?

Is its ESS ES9038 Q2M chip bad ?

You did not miss anything it’s a fine DAC but some people like myself will always wonder what’s possible, and “unfortunately” keep spending money!

 

[rjp]

I tried to hear the difference between the ultra DAC and the one in my Cambridge Audio cnx v2 in A/B testing with a quick switch and level matched. I could not hear any difference.

 

[john61ct]

A lot of people have balanced amps or active speakers with balanced connects. External DAC not necessary for auditory improvement but just electronic cleanliness.

Would just converting from the analog RCA to balanced XLR be just as good, say Aphex 124b?

 

[thcdru2k]

Would just converting from the analog RCA to balanced XLR be just as good, say Aphex 124b?

I think audibly probably the same

 

[BobbyTimmons]

A downside of this compared to the Wiim Pro and Pro Plus is the use of the internal PSU. External PSUs are a lot easier to replace.

 

[Audionaut]

A downside of this compared to the Wiim Pro and Pro Plus is the use of the internal PSU. External PSUs are a lot easier to replace.

I'm one of those people who prefer internal power supplies. Until recently, I hadn't known any different when it came to audio equipment, and I just don't see the appeal of those small to large boxes that end up piling up.
Internal power supplies are perfectly tailored to the device, safer, more practical, and more aesthetically pleasing.

 

[morillon]

I'm one of those people who prefer internal power supplies. Until recently, I hadn't known any different when it came to audio equipment, and I just don't see the appeal of those small to large boxes that end up piling up.
Internal power supplies are perfectly tailored to the device, safer, more practical, and more aesthetically pleasing.

On modest devices with potentially very uncertain future after-sales service... modest switching power supplies being among the most likely to fail... the idea of having them external is not unwelcome.

 

[antcollinet]

A downside of this compared to the Wiim Pro and Pro Plus is the use of the internal PSU. External PSUs are a lot easier to replace.

In my 50+ years of buying gear, I've never had an internal PSU need replacement.

 

[morillon]

In my 50+ years of buying gear, I've never had an internal PSU need replacement.

Switched-mode power supplies, as they're standardized "chip"?
Landfills are full of them...
The quality is improving, but still...
;-)

In any case, a simpler sav to manage if there are any problems, right?
;-)

 

[Jazz]

I have one Open Network Stream lossless station in my Presets. It is much louder than any other thing I play on the Ultra. Streaming, other stations, etc.
How can I reduce volume on JUST this one preset or station to match all the other streaming sources?

 

[Pausi]

I don’t think you can adjust volume per station just pregain setting per input source.

 

[john61ct]

Up to 12 different station presets, each can have their own volume level included

 

[BobbyTimmons]

In my 50+ years of buying gear, I've never had an internal PSU need replacement.

I'm guessing you have a very stable grid in your area?

 

[anonyless]

I have one Open Network Stream lossless station in my Presets. It is much louder than any other thing I play on the Ultra. Streaming, other stations, etc.
How can I reduce volume on JUST this one preset or station to match all the other streaming sources?

you can create a custom EQ specifically for that preset (reducing levels on all 10 EQ bands) and have it applied only to that preset

 

[antcollinet]

I'm guessing you have a very stable grid in your area?

True - Uk does not have the power infrastructure issues that exist in some areas of USA.

 

[Jazz]

you can create a custom EQ specifically for that preset (reducing levels on all 10 EQ bands) and have it applied only to that preset

This does not work.

 

[mlsstl]

Switched-mode power supplies, as they're standardized "chip"?
Landfills are full of them...
The quality is improving, but still...
;-)

In any case, a simpler sav to manage if there are any problems, right?
;-)

That's not been my experience with audio equipment. The only internal power supplies I've ever had to fix involved replacing the capacitors on 20+ year old tube equipment. I've never lost either an internal SMPS power supply nor an external one on even an inexpensive piece of audio equipment. Even with the super-cheap SMPS wall warts that one gets with phones, Rokus, tablets, etc., I think I've only ever had to replace two of those.

 

[Ruediger]

I'm guessing you have a very stable grid in your area?

If you really have grid problems to the extent of devices going defect, you should protect them with a simple ups. Doesn't cost much.

It's very rare here to be the case, but we have one work location with that problem. Every PC station and machine has to have an ups. It's not pleasant, but much cheaper than broken machines.

 

[mrehorst]

That's not been my experience with audio equipment. The only internal power supplies I've ever had to fix involved replacing the capacitors on 20+ year old tube equipment. I've never lost either an internal SMPS power supply nor an external one on even an inexpensive piece of audio equipment. Even with the super-cheap SMPS wall warts that one gets with phones, Rokus, tablets, etc., I think I've only ever had to replace two of those.

Back when I used to build 3D printers I made the mistake of using a cheap "LED supply" from Aliexpress. It was a 24V 8A switcher. The load on it was never close to 8A but it died pretty quickly. I saw many similar stories from others on 3D printing forums. I immediately switched to MeanWell power supplies and have never had another problem, and they only cost about $5 more than the cheapo POS supplies. Quality power supplies come with certifications proving they've been tested and manufactured to quality and safety standards. If you don't see certification labels all over a power supply, it's one of the POS type.