One can hear 30 db below the noise floor of the room. In my experience you will hear the noise/ hiss of the (power) amplifier first, before the Ultra.
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WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review
- Thread starter amirm
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I’ve also found the ultra when doing a separate L/r correction to be far better using flat,it audibly distorts my rh speaker using harman,on the other hand the pro when doing it in stereo was better using harman,what a great device both are tho.
Hello all,
I have a pair of Beolab 3 connected to an airport express 2. I would like to improve this system and add a subwoofer (Svs micro or Rel T0). I already have a Kef t3 but I'm not very happy with it.
The Beolab 3 are nice little speakers and my wife agrees with their ‘aesthetics’... However, they are quite ‘bright’ at the top end of the spectrum (thanks to the ICEpower class d amp...) which can be a bit tiring to listen to.
I'm trying to tame this fault or at least not exacerbate it.
After going through all the tests, it seems that the wiim ultra with the preamp output also has this fault, according to a local seller, the sound is even “metallic”. He recommended the bluesound node 2025 which would be more musical on the preamp output.
For half the price of the Node with Dirac Live. The wiim has a lot to offer for the price: calibration, updates, just lack of AirPlay.
I can test both by the end of the month but I'd like your opinion if you've been able to compare the two preamp outputs.
Thank you very much
I have a pair of Beolab 3 connected to an airport express 2. I would like to improve this system and add a subwoofer (Svs micro or Rel T0). I already have a Kef t3 but I'm not very happy with it.
The Beolab 3 are nice little speakers and my wife agrees with their ‘aesthetics’... However, they are quite ‘bright’ at the top end of the spectrum (thanks to the ICEpower class d amp...) which can be a bit tiring to listen to.
I'm trying to tame this fault or at least not exacerbate it.
After going through all the tests, it seems that the wiim ultra with the preamp output also has this fault, according to a local seller, the sound is even “metallic”. He recommended the bluesound node 2025 which would be more musical on the preamp output.
For half the price of the Node with Dirac Live. The wiim has a lot to offer for the price: calibration, updates, just lack of AirPlay.
I can test both by the end of the month but I'd like your opinion if you've been able to compare the two preamp outputs.
Thank you very much
you should apply Eq/Peq with Wiim Ultra to the frequencies that seem bright to you, test first what frequencies they are and add some eq
Audionaut
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gives more financial Benefit for the seller.
As you wrote yourself, your speakers are brightly tuned.
I don't think the "fault" is due to the Ultra or the Icepower, because I find both to be transparent and neutral.
You could try doing an Auto EQ with the WiiM Ultra first.
Flat gives me the best results.
If that doesn't help, optimize it yourself with the parametric or graphic equalizer until the sound is right for you.
JeremyFife
Major Contributor
Hi, allow yourself a 'sense check' about your dealer's comments ...
"metallic", "more musical" ... those are red flag warnings. Electronics are not musical, the pass a signal correctly or they don't.
"Metallic" might indicate elevated high frequencies (or lower LF, to make HF more obvious)
Measurements of the WiiM don't show that behaviour. There is no 'fault'. I've no reason to think that the Bluesound does either.
As you say, your speakers probably influence the sound.
Either the WiiM or the Bluesound will give you the tools you need (PEQ/Room Correction/Dirac) to adjust your speakers. Choose based on features and your personal preference.
I like the WiiM app, but AirPlay may be the deal-breaker for you.
Watch out for unfounded, subjective sales talk. Do see what a PEQ tweak can do for your system
"metallic", "more musical" ... those are red flag warnings. Electronics are not musical, the pass a signal correctly or they don't.
"Metallic" might indicate elevated high frequencies (or lower LF, to make HF more obvious)
Measurements of the WiiM don't show that behaviour. There is no 'fault'. I've no reason to think that the Bluesound does either.
As you say, your speakers probably influence the sound.
Either the WiiM or the Bluesound will give you the tools you need (PEQ/Room Correction/Dirac) to adjust your speakers. Choose based on features and your personal preference.
I like the WiiM app, but AirPlay may be the deal-breaker for you.
Watch out for unfounded, subjective sales talk. Do see what a PEQ tweak can do for your system
You need to stop listening to this local seller - he is just trying to upsell you. In fact I would avoid him altogether on the basis he has shown himself to be untrustworthy. The DAC in the Ultra is audibly identical to that in the node.
Like the node, the ultra also has built in room correction (but at a much lower cost) - which is what you really need to tame those highs. The sound "quality" you are talking about is simply frequency response of the speakers in your room.
In fact - what is the source you are sending to your Airport? You may be able to simply apply EQ on that(those) device(s) and avoid any additional expense at all.
EDIT : if you do go ahead with a device that will allow you to properly integrate a Sub - I'd give the Kef another go. You'll probably find with proper integration it works fine. (Proper integration will be needed with any sub if. you want it to sound right)
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just picked up my wiim ultra (at first i thought the top had some smearings on the paint, but that turned out to be protection film.)
build quality looks seriously impressive and casing seem to be aluminum.
volume knob is smooth as well, very well done!
have not tested it yet, but will soon..
build quality looks seriously impressive and casing seem to be aluminum.
volume knob is smooth as well, very well done!
have not tested it yet, but will soon..
somebodyelse
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Teardowns show it's a thin aluminium skin over a plastic frame, and a plastic bottom panel where the WiFi antennae are located. Plus some bits of steel to give it some weight.
I apologize if this question has been addressed, I could not find an answer through the search function. Can the Wiim Ultra simultaneously output a signal through its line out and its digital out (whether optical, coal or USB)?
They say they are working on it in their forum | QA page (not a big deal for me personally)
speaking of wiim, i finally turned it on today and managed to set it up, from software point-of-view alone wiim ultra looks serious, color me impressed (i did notice that going to fixed audio output had no warning question to confirm that) if it were me, i'd definetly add 'confirmation question' & even 3-4 sec. motion of unit going incrementaly to full power in which time user can hear and see it & cancel it by tapping on the screen there., but oh well.. cant ask for everything i guess..
Overall very happy with the streamer
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I just got the Ultra home and it gives a very nice impression. Smooth volume control, much better screen than I imagined and the app is logical. Smaller than I thought but perfect proportions. I'm waiting for my new amplifier to pair it with the Ultra, an Audiophonics AP300-S250NC. Will be delivered late this week. Trying to create a 2.1 system for movies and Tidal where space is limited. Speakers are Elac Solano BS283 and the subwoofer is a SVS sb-2000 pro.
This combo will be an (hopefully) upgrade from the Bluesound Powernode that I used. Anyone using the Ultra in a similar configuration as mine? Would love to hear your experiences.
This combo will be an (hopefully) upgrade from the Bluesound Powernode that I used. Anyone using the Ultra in a similar configuration as mine? Would love to hear your experiences.
I use the Ultra in a hypex Ncore configuration. The upgrade is using the room correction. It makes you buy a laser distance meter and an external mic to make some serious adjustments to the listening postion vs speaker /sub placement you* were postponing all these time. *(I meant me, obviously)
Thanks, @JustJones. It would be a nice feature; there are many reasons it could be valuable. Hopefully, they will be able to update the firmware to allow for it.
They have added exactly that pop up confirmation today.
Strange, if i activate the fixed volume in the Wiim app I don't get any pop up confirmation about this...I have the latest app-version.
Me too I'm using the Ultra directly connected to a power amplifier with 12v trigger (Rotel RB-06). I've had it for 4 months now and it still impresses me with the sound quality and ease of use. That Audiophonics was on my radar for a long time, but...
Seems like WiiM have teased an upcoming power amplifier to go with the Ultra.
The latest version of the WiiM Home app (3.1.3) now also supports import of calibration files of measurement microphones!
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