WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[gasolin75]

So what to do for best sound ?

Analog out and in

Digital out and in or last option

A dac between the streamer and amp, digital from the streamer to the dac and analog into the amp avoiding a properly okay dac in the amp

It's always digital from my pc into the streamer

 

[john61ct]

Analog out and in

No such thing here, Analog must be ADC converted on the way in, DAC on the way out

 

[john61ct]

A dac between the streamer and amp, digital from the streamer to the dac and analog into the amp avoiding a properly okay dac in the amp

In this case the DAC in the streamer is fine, simplest is just use it

 

[thcdru2k]

as opposed to something like Aphex 124b ?

That seems like a reasonable alternative .. more expensive than some DACs less expensive than others

 

[john61ct]

Higher price ≠ better.

The usb out can be used for a dac, if the internal dac is more than okay, why this option?

In case you want to go digitally to a completely different device!

It's just a streamer + preamp, there could be all kinds of gear between that USB output and the final power amp.

I use a headphone amp much better than the one included for example.

Or if you are doing more complex DSP, better DRC or more complex bass management than what Wiim offers.

 

[gasolin75]

No such thing here, Analog must be ADC converted on the way in, DAC on the way out

analog out of the streamer and analog into the amp

 

[john61ct]

So what to do for best sound ?

Analog out and in

Digital out and in or last option

A dac between the streamer and amp, digital from the streamer to the dac and analog into the amp avoiding a properly okay dac in the amp

It's always digital from my pc into the streamer

You buy the amp that is best to drive your speakers (or best value).

If the amp takes analog and requires a gain boost, give it that. Or select an amp that doesn't.

If that amp takes digital input, do that.

The most direct path between the Wiim and that amp is "best".

Fewer devices the better, simpler the better.

But a DDC format conversion should be transparent, more so than adding an unnecessary DAC.

FYI off topic, for maximum flexibility, more complex systems, a Topping D10S will take the Wiim USB and CONCURRENTLY output TOSlink, S/PDIF Coax AND high quality RCA SE analog

available also in balanced output version D10B.

But you don't need that

 

[john61ct]

> Even if there are options superior to the Wiim Ultra's internal DAC, does the added expense really yield a significant improvement? I doubt it. In my opinion, any expenditure eventually ends up being limited by the speakers or the listening room. That said, everyone's perception varies depending on their own ears.

There is no audible "superiority".

Such a perception would be an illusion.

You are right, spend money elsewhere

 

[harkpabst]

analog out of the streamer and analog into the amp

We don't even know what your new amp is so far. Nor why you decided to replace the WiiM Vibelink Amp with it.

 

[gasolin75]

TAGA Harmony HTA-800 (2020)

Hybrid amplifierClass A/B

www.tagaharmony.com

 

[Ruediger]

Quite a different amp. Would be a serious downgrade on many fronts for me over the Vibelink.

But other listeners other preferences.

There should be no problem with line in to that amp. Another DAC after the Ultra won't do anything useful. You can use optical in from the Ultra and try out the CirrusLogic DAC in that amp. No big difference to expect, but maybe you like the cabling better.

 

[gasolin75]

Try reading some of the reviews

 

[Ruediger]

Try reading some of the reviews

There won't be many with comprehensive measurements. Just opinions. It doesn't make much sense with what the manufacturer already states. Unless you want to show off how dirty the signal gets and how low the power output is. But why would you do that, it's a tube amp, people buy it for that tube experience.

In comparison to the Vibelink with attributes clean-neutral-powerful it is on the opposite of the spectrum. And that's perfectly fine. They don't excessively overprice it or try to make it something it is not, as far as I can see. If you like it, go for it.

 

[EXDJF]

USB is only output audio to external DAC or storage input (local music files). Supposedly you can connect to a USB hub if you want simulataneous audio output and reading files. I use toslink for CD transport

Ops,
but won't the USB hub create noise or interference if you connect an external DAC and a USB stick to the Wi-Fi Ultra at the same time?

I doubt it.

 

[harkpabst]

... but won't the USB hub create noise or interference if you connect an external DAC and a USB stick to the Wi-Fi Ultra at the same time?

No, IT wouldn't create noise in the analogue domain.

 

[gasolin75]

Amp reciewed problem solved (a new has arrived)

Digital in on the amp doesn't work

Analog out (wiim ultra) and in on the amp is approved

Update it does work

 

[JSG1469]

FYI: Amazon is doing 20% off on the Ultra. $263 as I type.

 

[HakanC]

In Europe Auditorium.de is selling the Ultra, and many more products, with discount
€309 for the Ultra

WiiM Ultra - High-Res-Streamer and Preamp - Space Gray | Auditorium

Buy WiiM Ultra - High-Res-Streamer and Preamp at Auditorium Onlineshop! ✓ Specialised trade ✓ Individual purchase advice ✓ Wordwide shipping ✓ Trade-in possible ✓ 2% discount for prepayment ✓ Best prices

www.auditorium.de

 

[AgarWave]

One thing I really appreciate about WiiM is that they're still actively improving Room Correction through firmware. It's rare to see companies continue refining DSP features after launch instead of treating the product as "finished.

 

[Ruediger]

My impression is that they are active on all fronts. And there is still a lot more that can be done on this platform just by smarter software.

It's two firmwares ago when I compared RoomFit/Umik-1 with REW/Umik-1 in a large and difficult room of my house. The measurement was pretty much the same (expected) but also the filter suggestions were very similar. I have found RoomFit to be tiny bit more aggressive to get to the target curve than my standard REW approach. And the 3 target curves doing exactly as advertised. At least with an Umik-1 I would say it's very good and probably all that is needed for many music listeners.