WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[pogo]

From my point of view, you can't base this on a subset of possible measurements.
Missing measurement, for example, intersample clipping behavior, ...

 

[Brian Hall]

From my point of view, you can't base this on a subset of possible measurements.

Well, you also like the Blue sound MQA stuff so...

 

[bachatero]

MQA? More like Music Quality, Absolutely not

 

[Emlin]

MQA? More like Music Quality, Absolutely not

(Very) Manipulative and (very) Questionable Audibility?

 

[antcollinet]

The first post in this thread. This is the review thread for the Ultra.

Exactly

Is there any evidence?

The defects in the built in DAC are already inaudible. The RME might have slightly better measurements (I've not looked) but even if it does the defects cannot be "more" inaudible.

 

[antcollinet]

From my point of view, you can't base this on a subset of possible measurements.
Missing measurement, for example, intersample clipping behavior, ...

Please feel free to show evidence of things not measured resulting in audible artefacts with real music.

 

[JustJones]

Is there any evidence?

Here's the RME V2 to compare with the Ultra. Maybe that Watts fellow who hears at -300dB can tell a difference?

RME ADI-2 FS Version 2 DAC and Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the updated version 2 of the RME ADI-2 FS DAC and headphone amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by the company. The cost us US $1,149. The ADI-2 looks very nice in black with a bright, super responsive display (doesn't come out as well in the...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[pogo]

The audio quality difference between the built in DAC, and the external DAC will not be audible.

I would be cautious about making such sweeping statements, as we do not know the implementation including the gain structures.
As an example, NAD is currently introducing DDH (Dynamic Digital Headroom).

Please feel free to show evidence of things not measured resulting in audible artefacts with real music.

For example:

 

[antcollinet]

For example:

We know what inter-sample overs are. I've yet to see anyone demonstrate audibility with real music signals which have not been inappropriately increased in level prior to sending to the DAC. Blind testing would be required. Can you find any such demonstration in that video?

 

[dtaylo1066]

I have had my Ultra for a month. I spent two hours last evening in a very critical listening session with some of my all-time favorite tracks, tracks that I believe are not only great music but great recordings, and across several musical genres. I was streaming music from Tidal.

Objective measurements indicate the Ultra is a well engineered device, meeting or surpassing what we on ASR consider transparent and SINAD thresholds. Operationally, the WiiM Ultra and its attendant app works flawlessly when driven by my Apple IOS phones or Samsung Android table devices.

Objective and subjective audio enthusiasts have gushed over the Ultra's performance and value. I must concur. For not more than $300 the sound and functionality are incredibly good -- in reality a new benchmark for that price. I consider the Ultra to be the best value and best performing piece of audio equipment I have ever purchased in my 50 years in this addiction. I got the Black Friday deal of 20% off. Ridiculous bargain!!! This machine would sell at $699, IMHO.

If you think an outboard DAC will improve your sound or make you more happy, then go for it. Personally, I am quite smitten by the Ultra with its inboard DAC and ADC.

My system: Ultra into Hypex UCD DIY amplifiers into DIY SEAS 6.5 inch monitors.

 

[Paffi]

My Wiim Ultra makes many "autopause" and stops it's output when feeded via line in irregularly. Sometimes flawless for hours and sometimes every 2 mins. That's really annoying xD

 

[EddNog]

My Wiim Ultra makes many "autopause" and stops it's output when feeded via line in irregularly. Sometimes flawless for hours and sometimes every 2 mins. That's really annoying xD

What are you feeding into the analog line-in? Does that source happen to have digital output? If it does, you may have better luck using the digital input instead.

-Ed

 

[antcollinet]

My Wiim Ultra makes many "autopause" and stops it's output when feeded via line in irregularly. Sometimes flawless for hours and sometimes every 2 mins. That's really annoying xD

What is the source? Where are you controlling the volume? If you are controlling the volume by turning down the source, and keeping the Wiim and Amp at higher volume settings, you might want to reverse that.

 

[dtaylo1066]

Are you feeding the WiiM a turntable signal into the line in? If so, I presume though a phono preamp? Have you adjusted the input level in the adjustments area?

 

[Vieux]

it's the auto detect, that is on to toslink or other input, just turn it off, it does that, when i listen music and watch some tv, when the music mute, it goes ont tv and i have to switch back.

but it's fun for family, whatever the open first the wiim goes on and play it, but with multiple device playing together could be anoying, so turn off the auto sensor! in each sources!

"too much technologies, will get you in the end" on the Queen songs!

 

[MingChops]

For a luddite like me who still relishes the old ways.... - how is the WiiM's digital volume? Any noticeable losses?

My apprehension is from my limited experience with digital volume, limited to my old Node 2i digital volume and it sounds clearly worse than when full scale output into an analogue pre.

Also do we know what bit depth and sample rate the DSP is operating at? I'm also considering a Flex which is 32/96.

Thanks

 

[antcollinet]

For a luddite like me who still relishes the old ways.... - how is the WiiM's digital volume? Any noticeable losses?

My apprehension is from my limited experience with digital volume, limited to my old Node 2i digital volume and it sounds clearly worse than when full scale output into an analogue pre.

Also do we know what bit depth and sample rate the DSP is operating at? I'm also considering a Flex which is 32/96.

Thanks

There is no quality loss coming from digital volume control as long as DAC output noise is not audible.

 

[Vieux]

For a luddite like me who still relishes the old ways.... - how is the WiiM's digital volume? Any noticeable losses?

My apprehension is from my limited experience with digital volume, limited to my old Node 2i digital volume and it sounds clearly worse than when full scale output into an analogue pre.

Also do we know what bit depth and sample rate the DSP is operating at? I'm also considering a Flex which is 32/96.

Thanks

Well, just to know, that everything that get in analogue or digital is digitalized at the source! so i guess, no loss except the one when it's first digitalysed. yes even the phono, is digitalized, no analogue amp, in there...

in the gear/audio input/line in input resolution you have the choice of 44.1 to 192khz and 16bit or 24bits

 

[dtaylo1066]

Why pick 96hz over 192?

 

[EddNog]

Why pick 96hz over 192?

Probably the default and since he doesn’t use the line in he never changed it, if I had to guess.

-Ed