WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[mdsimon2]

There was a stink about it not supporting Apple Airplay 2 and that seems to be either a hardware or a licensing issue but nothing I care about. I will never buy an Apple device and most of my friends and family are on Android anyway.

The big stink was related to AirPlay casting which they previously supported (and advertised as a feature) and took away. In this case it was AirPlay casting, but I don't like the idea that manufacturers can take away capability via automatic software updates, you never know when some functionality that you depend on will be removed.

Does the sub output have an adjustable LPF? Any delay functionality? Does applying the sub output automatically apply a corresponding HPF on the main output?

Michael

 

[Power Pop 23]

Thank you for the review of the WiiM Ultra streamer.

@amirm

Is it possible for you to assess the performance of the 'Automatic Room Correction' feature before you return the WiiM Ultra ?

 

[Jole]

Could someone has reasonable explanation why all wiim products convert dsd to pcm on output (even usb). People have better dacs and want to transfer dsd direct to them. This is more question for wiim policy but this forum is full of technical and experienced members that's why I am asking...strange because they need so small efforts to catch with this price policy many people. Evosound A6 cost double.. around 800 euros but is developing this path that I mentioned...
Regards

 

[Labjr]

IMO, this reminds me of a Resmed CPAP machine.

 

[Tremolo]

Could someone has reasonable explanation why all wiim products convert dsd to pcm on output (even usb).

You can't apply dsp to a dsd file, I imagine that's the reason

 

[somebodyelse]

The big stink was related to AirPlay casting which they previously supported (and advertised as a feature) and took away. In this case it was AirPlay casting, but I don't like the idea that manufacturers can take away capability via automatic software updates, you never know when some functionality that you depend on will be removed.

It's not ideal - it would be good to be able to make updates manual only, with an accurate changelog so you could decide to stick with the version you have if anything untoward happens. But then you might need to stick with the existing app version to match it.

I'm encouraged that the vast majority of the changes have been fixing bugs and adding functionality,

Does the sub output have an adjustable LPF? Any delay functionality? Does applying the sub output automatically apply a corresponding HPF on the main output?

You set the crossover frequency, which gives matching LR4 LPF and HPF. There are delay and bypass options, but nothing yet for setting different crossover slopes.

 

[DearSX]

I'm not planning to use phono,, built in HP amp, or an analog input. I do want to use it as a Pre-amp. Then just streaming from Qobuz or connected to optical on my TV. then RCA out to my amp. I also use the EQ. and I like the display. I don't use the built in volume knob, it does kinda suck.

Right now I actually have it connected to my A70 HP/Pre using Analog out, and then balanced to my amp. A70 has a great volume knob and is an awesome HP.

Is that how you get the full/best measured performance?

 

[JaccoW]

The big stink was related to AirPlay casting which they previously supported (and advertised as a feature) and took away. In this case it was AirPlay casting, but I don't like the idea that manufacturers can take away capability via automatic software updates, you never know when some functionality that you depend on will be removed.

Which is definitely an issue. But they have offered full refunds to people who bought it because of that. And assuming it is out of their hands it is the only thing they can do. This has been a reason for a class-action lawsuit before.

 

[ErLan]

Thanks for the great review and forum feedback.

For the 'arm' that is currently running a 2.1 configuration
Can someone elaborate more on the bass management capabilities of this device, mainly:
- ability to set delay between Lt/Rt/Sub?
- ability to Eq each channel Lt, Rt, Sub saparately?
- Number of filters per channel?
- convolution 'engine' for deployment of FIR?
- crossover HPF/LPF slope (db/dec) (12/24, 12/12, 24/24, configurable?

Thanks!

 

[GXAlan]

Which is definitely an issue. But they have offered full refunds to people who bought it because of that. And assuming it is out of their hands it is the only thing they can do. This has been a reason for a class-action lawsuit before.

Not really. The full refund was “return it to the retailer” within the time window you bought it. People who had older versions were allowed to halt firmware upgrades.

I would be interested in a Sonos Port XLR version with HDMI eARC and support for wireless Era 300 surrounds.

The Bluesound Node Icon gets into AVR prices and I don’t know if it allows wireless rears.

A modern WXA-50 with HDMI eARC would be interesting too. They had a WXC-50 which was the pre amp version. When you look at the amp section back then, you can see how it compares to the WiiM Amp.

I voted great since it’s a great product for the feature set *and* it is a feature set challenge for Established and Upstart companies to replicate.

 

[BrooklynNick]

I have the Ultra on my desk as part of my home office setup. I really like having the screen. Especially with playlists or new music, I love being able to glance at it and see what is playing. I'm very happy with the purchase, but I do wish it supported AirPlay.

I'm running the USB out to my D90LE because I already have it and I need balanced outs. I wasn't expecting much from the headphone output, so from my D90LE I route to my A90 Discrete for headphones and to my Octave V4 (which only has balanced inputs) for my electrostatic headphones.

I use the volume control on the A90, so I appreciate that the Ultra has a fixed volume option. I only use the Ultra volume as a pause button (you push it). I find it pretty handy as quick way to pause.

@amirm Would you be willing to test the USB and coax digital outputs to see if they are the same as the optical output you tested?

 

[testp]

Why emphasize bit rate and sample size instead of volume control?

bc apparently we like to show off bit- & sample rate

 

[mdsimon2]

Which is definitely an issue. But they have offered full refunds to people who bought it because of that. And assuming it is out of their hands it is the only thing they can do. This has been a reason for a class-action lawsuit before.

I was not offered a full refund because I did not purchase from Amazon and was told to contact my reseller 8 months after I purchased. My unit had already received the updated firmware and they would not allow me to revert to an older firmware. I find this behavior extremely unacceptable.

Michael

 

[DSJR]

Our local audio salon sells Wiim currently (hopefully they can bring their collective gaze down from the multi-grand streamers they usually promote). They currently list the amp and Pro Plus at for them, absolute beer-budget prices. At least someone not sure, could have a play with one...

This unit needs to ditch the phono stage and turn it into another line input (most of the better low-cost turntables to be used with this kind of box have perfectly useful RIAA stages built in and the pennies saved, could go into improving the display graphics or beefing up the headphone output maybe, although in Europe, the EU seems to have hobbled maximum headphone output levels too much for some 'phones.

 

[pogo]

If the WiiM still had Dirac Live, it would be a no brainer. The Bluesound Node Icon (Dirac Live ready), with its better ADC and DAC section, will probably set the bar very high in the near future.

 

[NoMoFoNo]

I really love the Wiim Pro I bought a while back but Wiim is kinda jumping the shark with their iterations and model names. Their lineup has become confusing, at least to me. Too many uses of the words 'pro' and 'ultra' and 'streamer' and 'amp' in multiple combos that make it harder than it should be to know the progression in their lineup.

 

[dzerig]

Quite an excellent device, bringing another value component sized sort of and high performing streamer.

wiim saves money by keeping interface design inhouse, but Amir's criticisms (especially the lack of volume level indicator!!!) are the result.

Find an advanced design student willing to intern for cheap at least.

I don't personally find the names confusing, but there will become a problem as more similar components released.

When compared to recent excellent products produced by Wiim, the added features of the Ultra (DAC aside) are unfortunately underwhelming. It won't make my short list.

I think this would appeal to someone who wants a larger component than cheaper wiim for their living room, plug in tv, cd player and even a turntable and/or add wiim's amplifier. Their cheaper streamers are such a great value that it is not really possible to add much at this price level to match Bluesound quality which is 2x the price.

I am interested to see if they add an Ultra+ at the $500+ level.

 

[Dougey_Jones]

Another banger from WiiM. In my mind, they've been making a case for audiophiles to choose them over Sonos. They just need to continue to polish their software and multi-room integration tech.

Almost there.

 

[gwing]

I really love the Wiim Pro I bought a while back but Wiim is kinda jumping the shark with their iterations and model names. Their lineup has become confusing, at least to me. Too many uses of the words 'pro' and 'ultra' and 'streamer' and 'amp' in multiple combos that make it harder than it should be to know the progression in their lineup.

Gosh it's not that hard.

It's either a simple streamer or an amp with built in streamer.

There's just one amp and the streamers go up in quality level as mini,pro, pro+, ultra which is a lot simpler to understand than all those manufacturers who just give model names without any meaning.

 

[TimW]

Hey @amirm, Thanks for another great review! Would you be able to measure the capacitance and resistive loading of the phono input? These specs can have a significant impact on the frequency response of various cartridges and it would be good to know.