WiiM Ultra

[DannyBoyNYC]

If you care about your music playback, you won't use Airplay2 just like you won't buy mp3 files. Airplay2 compresses audio without warning. There are so many better options like UPnP supported by Audirvana and other quality audio gear. Airplay2 will likely sound better than Bluetooth but if you want to be sure your music is delivered without compression you will use UPnP or a direct connection to your DAC via USB.

My system isn't resolving enough to hear the difference! lol

 

[Jkdjedi]

That is not conflicting, and matches what they have on their product specification for the WiiM Ultra. It can be used as a media storage device ("Storage/Audio Out") or an output audio streaming port.

But, it cannot be used as in input audio streaming port. Which is what @Jkdjedi was referring to.

I saw the reviewer saying it was output but he had just received it, he might have been ignorant to the entire facts.

Edit: found this on the Wiim Forums

"The USB port on this device supports dual functionality: it can be used for USB storage as an input or as a USB audio output. For simultaneous use of both functions, you can connect a USB hub."

 

[elmoe420]

You would think Linkplay/Wiim would be a lot more aware than us of Apple and their 'tactics'. It can't be a secret to them and obviously the decision to enable Airplay casting has backfired badly.
Wiim certainly have to take some of the responsibility.

Very fair, Apple has operated in this way for decades and Linkplay/WiiM gambled and lost. Still can't stand Apple's gross tactics. Personally, I haven't bought one of their products since a IIGS.

 

[elmoe420]

I have no knowledge of exactly how hard they are to work with. I just have tons of devices from companies (including Wiim) that could navigate the issue before releasing their product. This is why it is a Wiim issue and not an Apple issue. Even if you have to jump through hoops, it is getting done by nearly every other streamer on the market...including stand alone speakers and Airplay devices. This is a Wiim issue.

Apple is refusing to give MFI certification on the WiiM Ultra (or likely any new Linkplay products) as retaliation because they are upset that WiiM added Airplay transmission as a feature to previous MFI certified products. Airplay transmission clearly being a software feature that they want to restrict to only their 1P devices.

Edit: I'll add that WiiM already removed the Airplay transmission feature ostensibly to try and smooth things over with Apple but apparently this wasn't enough so we are seeing the continued punishment unfold.

This is classic Apple anti-consumer practices to lock people into their expensive 1P ecosystem while being able to defend in a regulatory environment that they "allow 3P".

In my opinion, it is very legitimate to be upset with WiiM for falling into this decades-old trap and poorly communicating the 11th hour lack of MFI certification to customers. That's on Linkplay/WiiM for sure and I hope they learn from this.

 

[Jkdjedi]

Stoked!!

 

[joostdh]

Apple is refusing to give MFI certification on the WiiM Ultra (or likely any new Linkplay products) as retaliation because they are upset that WiiM added Airplay transmission as a feature to previous MFI certified products.

As they say on wikipedia: citation needed. Is this a fact or some kind of wish thinking by those that despise Apple? (which if fine, you do you)

 

[Joffy1780]

Stoked!!
View attachment 383356

I have to say, it does look lovely

 

[elmoe420]

As they say on wikipedia: citation needed. Is this a fact or some kind of wish thinking by those that despise Apple? (which if fine, you do you)

You are already well aware of the information WiiM posted about this, as you're active in the thread on their official forums. You are free to believe whatever you want. As you said, you do you.

 

[uofmtiger]

If you care about your music playback, you won't use Airplay2 just like you won't buy mp3 files. Airplay2 compresses audio without warning. There are so many better options like UPnP supported by Audirvana and other quality audio gear. Airplay2 will likely sound better than Bluetooth but if you want to be sure your music is delivered without compression you will use UPnP or a direct connection to your DAC via USB.

It’s a convenient feature and many use it. As I mentioned, I don’t use it with my Wiim, but still have access to it via my computer being connected to the line input of the Ultra ( using a switch). Airfoil Speaker allows my Mac Mini to work as a AirPlay receiver.

I have tested DLNA with Audirvana today and it works great, but most of my streaming is via Amazon Music.

(as a side note, I believe Airfoil uses AirPlay 1, which would be (from my understanding) lossless, though not full hi res)

 

[Petrushka]

If you care about your music playback, you won't use Airplay2 just like you won't buy mp3 files. Airplay2 compresses audio without warning. There are so many better options like UPnP supported by Audirvana and other quality audio gear. Airplay2 will likely sound better than Bluetooth but if you want to be sure your music is delivered without compression you will use UPnP or a direct connection to your DAC via USB.

Here’s Bluesound’s page on airplay2:

https://www.bluesound.com/production.bluesound.com/current/bedrock/web/wp/airplay/

 

[joostdh]

You are already well aware of the information WiiM posted about this

I am. And Wiim has in no way implied Apple for not having Airplay. So I’m not sure why someone would spread those unfounded rumours. IMO they are not constructive for a healthy discussion. There are plenty of other factual reasons to hate on Apple if you so wish. But this is not one of them.

 

[Jkdjedi]

Anyone else notice the Wiim (android) app can control the Audioengine B-Fi? Surprised to see it, it found it quick on initial setup.

 

[Joffy1780]

Anyone else notice the Wiim (android) app can control the Audioengine B-Fi? Surprised to see it, it found it quick on initial setup.

There are Linkplay modules in a lot of devices, the iOs app picks up an old Jam WiFi speaker I have in the house.

 

[Joffy1780]

Powered by Linkplay Technology — Linkplay Technology

Our solution currently powers over hundreds of brands and smart products in multiple regions around the world, in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

www.linkplay.com

 

[Jkdjedi]

There are Linkplay modules in a lot of devices, the iOs app picks up an old Jam WiFi speaker I have in the house.

I was a little bummed I couldn't get 24 bit off the rca cables, only available through optical and coaxial.. the dac on this thing is (technically) better than anything I currently have so I'm stuck with it (which isn't a bad thing really..sounds freakn awesome)

 

[Dreamslayer]

I'm a PC/Galaxy S24+ user - mostly Amazon HD music (I never use Airplay)
I canceled my Wiim Ultra order (yes, after canceling the grey model then ordering the silver model) because the LW50 Wireless 2 is on sale and I'm pretty sure I can sell my passive LS50Metas and Amp for more or less what the integrated set go for which would significantly reduce the need for the Ultra (at least for now). I still have the Wiim Pro which I love but maybe I'll hold out for the Wiim Ultra Pro Plus...

 

[Jkdjedi]

Which one of these do I pick?

 

[gelo_mc]

Wiim stated that they cannot implement airplay due to missing hardware... In raspberry pi which runs on linux airplay can be implemented via software completely. Both platforms runs on a linux OS so definitely possible.

Not allowed since it is a commercial product that requires license to implement is understandable but saying it is completely not possible due to a missing hardware as a press release seems wrong

 

[gordinho]

I'm assuming some RCA to XLR adaptors. The Gennies have a rather hot gain on input anyway, so no real concerns regarding input voltage. Then a splitter from sub output to both subs.

Going from unbalanced to balanced using a cable adapter will work in most situations for short distances but the advisable scenario is to use a DI box.

These genelecs are basically designed for pro studio scenario in a balanced environment or via digital. You could consider using a DAC with balanced outputs or a soundcard, many have balanced outputs since that's what people use in studios.

 

[Ze Frog]

Going from unbalanced to balanced using a cable adapter will work in most situations for short distances but the advisable scenario is to use a DI box.

These genelecs are basically designed for pro studio scenario in a balanced environment or via digital. You could consider using a DAC with balanced outputs or a soundcard, many have balanced outputs since that's what people use in studios.

I may well do that, thanks for mentioning.

My use case won't be pro audio, just hi-fi listening at home. I know that's not the intended use case, but just a level of quality in pro gear that's great for the price. Dead flat response with one bit of PEQ, amplifiers inbuilt and perfectly matched to the driver's, doesn't make sense to go for anything else in my opinion.

Oh, and main reason DAC won't be balanced is because the Wiim Ultra, it's just too much of a good deal what with PEQ, bass management and everything in a one box solution for £350. Unless Wiim gets really poor measurements before the move and I put the system together, in which case I may well go with an RME ADI 2, or a Mini DSP Flex.