WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[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

 

[Deleted member 72219]

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?

 

[Deleted member 78499]

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.

 

[Deleted member 78499]

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?

 

[Deleted member 72219]

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

 

[dtaylo1066]

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

I don't think you can go wrong with a WiiM or a Flex, it depends on the features you want, like or need. While I anticipate wanting a crossover function down the line for DIY speakers, which the Flex is brilliant at, I have no immediate need for that so went with the WiiM. Both have analog in. If you desire room correction, I would go with Dirac and Flex over WiiM, though the Ultra does provide some capabilities, though I'd imagine they fall short vs Dirac.

If I had wanted to spend more, I would have gone with the MiniDSP SHD as you get the whole enchilada.

Of course the Flex option does not include any streaming component, at which the Ulta excels. Though the Flex can be had in a balanced offering.

Ah, so many choices. Of course you could get the Ultra and feed it into the Flex and have it all!

 

[MingChops]

The line in ADC surely has no link to the DSP processing rate which is what I was asking about.

 

[MingChops]

I don't think you can go wrong with a WiiM or a Flex, it depends on the features you want, like or need. While I anticipate wanting a crossover function down the line for DIY speakers, which the Flex is brilliant at, I have no immediate need for that so went with the WiiM. Both have analog in. If you desire room correction, I would go with Dirac and Flex over WiiM, though the Ultra does provide some capabilities, though I'd imagine they fall short vs Dirac.

If I had wanted to spend more, I would have gone with the MiniDSP SHD as you get the whole enchilada.

Of course the Flex option does not include any streaming component, at which the Ulta excels. Though the Flex can be had in a balanced offering.

Ah, so many choices. Of course you could get the Ultra and feed it into the Flex and have it all!

I have half a mind on simplification so an Ultra with the matching form factor IOM amp, could be the ticket. But it means giving up a few old 'audiophile' ways, like analogue volume control!

I used to have a miniDSP 2x4 HD for managing sub integration in my HT setup, so am well versed in those products, for this application I don't really fancy them (SHD form factor sucks, Studio needs DAC's, Flex doesn't stream!) - but I would plan to use my Umik and REW to build filter sets for the WiiM PEQ.

 

[Audio Science Pal]

I have been using my new Wiim Ultra a few days now. Just connected to a power amp and a pair of Ascend Acoustic Sierra LX speakers to have a great sounding stereo.

 

[pogo]

you could get the Ultra and feed it into the Flex and have it all!

A Bluesound Node Icon would be more effective here.

 

[antcollinet]

Why pick 96hz over 192?

Why not? 192 brings nothing audible to the table that isn't already in 96. Or 48 come to that.