WiiM Ultra

[antcollinet]

I still have not understood why so many streamers dont enable users to use the TV (and its remote) as the user interface via eARC.

Because you'd need to build in a complete video/graphics subsystem just for this feature. Much more cost effective to do it over ethernet (which a streamer already has) to a device which already has the graphics/video system, as the Node and Wiim does.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Of course, as you’re controlling the WiiM using a smartphone or tablet, you could just screen share that to your TV.

 

[gwing]

ARC is not bidirectional - it is specifically a return channel, from the TV to the audio device.

Sure most VIDEO related devices can output video also TO the TV. Audio devices, not so much.

That was my expectation. It can't be too hard though when most of these devices are some form of computer in disguise, and should be even easier if an image capable screen is already incorporated. We still have one or two generations of streamers to go before the technology matures I guess.

 

[Yoku-San]

Of course, as you’re controlling the WiiM using a smartphone or tablet, you could just screen share that to your TV.

Or install the WiiM app on a Fire Stick or directly on Android TV.

 

[gwing]

Or install the WiiM app on a Fire Stick or directly on Android TV.

I haven't done that yet. Does the Android TV/Stick approach let you use Tidal connect so as the streaming is actually done by the Wiim directly or will it just be streaming from the Android TV app?

 

[Yoku-San]

You just control the streamer hardware via the WiiM App. It should not make any difference on which device you run the app. The streaming is done by the streamer hardware if you use Tidal Connect or Spotify Connect.

 

[5onderling]

Or install the WiiM app on a Fire Stick or directly on Android TV.

As far as I see there is no WiiM app for Android/Fire TV. Can you provide a link to the app your talking about?

 

[gwing]

You just control the streamer hardware via the WiiM App. It should not make any difference on which device you run the app. The streaming is done by the streamer hardware.

That has not been my experience. The Wiim app seems to have different capabilities depending on which platform you run it on e.g. on my PC I don't get access to the PEQ functions which are available from the ios Wiim app.

Having just checked I don't believe the Wiim home app is even available for Android TV, have you actually tried this?

 

[Yoku-San]

No, sorry, I have not tried it. But if you really want to try it out, you can try to download and install the Apk:

https://apkpure.com/de/wiim-home/com.linkplay.wiimhome

 

[Roolieman]

My plan is to compare Wiim Ultra vs Eversolo A6 as streamers only, and then choose what performs better.
DAC/Preamp will be external connected with USB or SPDIF coax.

 

[Purité Audio]

They will be identical in terms of SQ, I have compared Pro Plus and A-6.
Keith

 

[gwing]

They will be identical in terms of SQ, I have compared Pro Plus and A-6.
Keith

Likely so, however the Ultra and the Plus have different DACs and we haven't heard the Ultra yet.

 

[Emlin]

Likely so, however the Ultra and the Plus have different DACs and we haven't heard the Ultra yet.

There's no likely about it. They will sound the same.

 

[Purité Audio]

Likely so, however the Ultra and the Plus have different DACs and we haven't heard the Ultra yet.

Doesn’t matter as the Pro Plus and A-6 are audibly transparent just choose on price, features etc.
Keith

 

[gwing]

There's no likely about it. They will sound the same.

I've been around long enough to know that until stuff has been listened to or measured thoroughly we can't be certain they will turn out as we hope or expect.

However, I have a DAC with the same chip as the Ultra, and a Plus, and I can't distinguish between them them so yes, most likely, the Ultra and the Plus will sound alike. Probably , to my ears, however some folks think there is a different sonic signature between the Sabre and AK family of DACs.

 

[Roolieman]

Don't care about DAC chip in either since it won't be used.
I'm only interested in SQ difference between streamers only. Would be great if its the same as Keith says. Than Ultra is clear winner with even phono stage, so I can play with my ancient turntable sitting idle now.
There are opinions that even in digital domain, jitter and electric noise can affect SQ so will be happy to test if possible. Friend has purchased Rose 130 streamer so I will firsthand hear is there a difference in SQ between 5K, 1K, and 300$ streamers.

 

[Grotti]

I've been around long enough to know that until stuff has been listened to or measured thoroughly we can't be certain they will turn out as we hope or expect.

However, I have a DAC with the same chip as the Ultra, and a Plus, and I can't distinguish between them them so yes, most likely, the Ultra and the Plus will sound alike. Probably , to my ears, however some folks think there is a different sonic signature between the Sabre and AK family of DACs.

Same old story: those folks should validate their claims by conducting a proper ABX comparison. And there is none due to the fact, that they are not able to distinguish the two DACs without sighted bias.

 

[BrooklynNick]

"The WiiM Ultra will be available for $329 in the US on Amazon and select retail partners and rolled out internationally by Q3." (https://www.blog.wiimhome.com/post/unveiling-wiim-ultra-the-digital-hub-for-your-music)

I think this means it will be available everywhere at the same time, no?

I think this is a typo. In the Wiim forum they said:

WiiM Team said:
WiiM Ultra will be available for $329 in Q3 2024, first on Amazon and selected retailers in the US and later internationally. We'll make a formal announcement when it is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

 

[BrooklynNick]

BTW, they also said that the announced EUR/GBP prices are also a "typo":

Sorry this was a typo. We'll be closing this thread since we've launch the price of the Ultra. $329 is the US price. We'll share the EUR/GBP prices later that will include VAT.

 

[guy48065]

There's no HDMI output on the WiiM Ultra. Only an ARC input.

As Maxwell Smart would say..."Missed it by THAT much!"

I'm with others who would like to see this "almost perfect" streamer have a VIDEO output so I can see album art, bitrate, etc from my couch. To include an HDMI arc input is just a tease that it doesn't output what you see on the tiny display. Save the expense of the touch screen--i'd rather control it with the remote, from my couch, viewing on a 75" screen.

This is a quibble I long had with my Squeezebox, which the Pro+ has replaced--can't see the display from my seat.

Maybe the next iteration?
Wiim developers take note...