WiiM Ultra

[antcollinet]

Question: apart from price would you prefer the Eversolo DMP-A8 over WiiM Ultra?
I am struggling which to use in future. My complete cable setup is symmetrical and using the DMP-A8 would avoid a RCA - XLR device (Funk SAM 1C).

Choose for your self, based on the features and functionality. Ignore sound quality which is indistinguishable.

It sounds to me like the balanced output of the DMP is one of those. But if you currently have nither - then you *have* to take price into account. Is the extra cost of the DMP worth it for the features you want. Only you can answer that.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Not sure about upcoming software improvements from either companies, ...
...
So from the pont of reducing complexity my heart goes to DMP-A8 but I do like the WiiM for size and price.

The next thing may be WiiM adding internal SSD and XLR. Or, the next thing may come from an entirely different company that isn't even on your radar today. Or, this may not even be relevant for you in the first place, since your style is to purchase and then enjoy what you have for years on end.

If both are within your budget, and you have done your due diligence, then often the right answer is to follow your heart since that is your internal voice speaking your preference of the available options for your situation and your approach. And then enjoy it!!! If you later come to think you chose wrong, you can always course correct down the road.

 

[rgruber]

If you're considering the DMP-A8, I'm assuming price isn't your biggest factor.

It also sounds like you'd like a cleaner setup without any extra cables/converters etc, so I'd go for the A8.

The only thing that would hold me back, keeping in mind I've never used either product, is that one review I saw roasted the UI of Eversolo products:

No idea if this guy knows what he's talking about, but it popped up in my feed awhile back and stuck in my head.

In products like these where sound difference is negligible, software and interface becomes a big deal in your day to day enjoyment of the product. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about WiiM's interface.

Other option would be buy the WiiM now, knowing that at some point in the not too distant future, someone, maybe Wiim, will come out with one with balanced outs and maybe a drive bay. How you feel about planned obsolescence is up to you.

Good point. But to be honest, my setup is quite static. I lived happily with a SONOS Port for years until they screwed the software recently and I now want to switch to another brand.
So both WiiM and Eversolo have far more than I need.

Not sure about upcoming software improvements from either companies, but I guess both will have some kind of SW lifecycle plan. And as long as there are no real flaws which they do not solve, I would be fine with the existing features.

Big advantage of the DMP-A8 is the ability to add a SSD internally which could host all my audio files, so no need of any NAS based settings.
Second advantage are XLR outputs.

Of course I coud add USB harddisk to the WiiM as well as RCA2XLR converter, but this adds physical devices, more cabling and add. power supplies.

So from the pont of reducing complexity my heart goes to DMP-A8 but I do like the WiiM for size and price.

Sorry for beeing offtopic…

 

[somebodyelse]

Just to flip the discussion, what more could the Ultra do?

Maybe balanced outs, and better room correction, but I think we’re clutching at straws after that.

On the hardware front:

1. Balanced outputs for both main and sub
2. Probably phono stage improvements like switchable loading for MM - currently even the input capacitance is unspecified. Arguably a bit niche and better left to an external unit though.

Software improvements - assuming within current processing capabilities - assuming they're not already there or on the roadmap:

1. Separate DSP and volume profiles for different outputs - headphones vs. speakers being the most obvious reason.
2. JiveLite-like local control of LMS (I gather you have to use phone app or browser)
3. More DSP options for phono input similar to Puffin/Waxwing (can partly be covered by current per-input PEQ but not entirely)
4. USB audio inputs for those needing more inputs than natively available - like the USB DAC output they recently added support for.
5. Import PEQ settings from AutoEQ and similar sources for headphone/speaker correction

I'm sure I could think of a few more after some hands on time. I'm assuming the help page and docs will catch up with the new models soon - I'm mainly interested in the API docs.

 

[Brian Hall]

Question: apart from price would you prefer the Eversolo DMP-A8 over WiiM Ultra?
I am struggling which to use in future. My complete cable setup is symmetrical and using the DMP-A8 would avoid a RCA - XLR device (Funk SAM 1C).

The DMP-A8 does not add anything I need over the Wiim Ultra. I have a DMP-A6 in my main system and it is great, but it does lack an HDMI input so I'm considering selling it and replacing it with another Wiim Ultra. The DMP-A6 has no advantages over the Ultra unless you insist on XLR which isn't really important. The bigger screen is nice, but the screen on the Ultra is big enough to see what's playing.

If the Ultra didn't exist and the A8 was priced like the A6, I would have considered getting one. The Ultra does exist and I don't think the price of the A8 is justifiable now for what little it adds.

 

[Brian Hall]

Just to flip the discussion, what more could the Ultra do?

Maybe balanced outs, and better room correction, but I think we’re clutching at straws after that.

I wish the Ultra had included a coax input and a USB C input instead of a phono input.

 

[Purité Audio]

Pity the Ultra doesn’t have xlr, perhaps next iteration.
Keith

 

[Brian Hall]

No idea if this guy knows what he's talking about, but it popped up in my feed awhile back and stuck in my head.

In products like these where sound difference is negligible, software and interface becomes a big deal in your day to day enjoyment of the product. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about WiiM's interface.

I actually like the Eversolo app a little better than the Wiim app, but both get the job done.

 

[Abdo]

linear power supply, what do you think for WiiM Ultra and other streamers would it really make a noticeable difference in sound quality?

 

[Purité Audio]

You need to look at each unit’s measurements so for example the Eversolo units will not be improved.
Keith

 

[Brantome]

linear power supply, what do you think for WiiM Ultra and other streamers would it really make a noticeable difference in sound quality?

The Ultra has its own power supply so you can’t use another

 

[uofmtiger]

I wish the Ultra had included a coax input and a USB C input instead of a phono input.

I agree with these two....just more digital inputs (especially, the two you mentioned). Do most people need 3 separate digital outputs? In the same space, I would have rather seen at least a coax in. Obviously, Airplay, which I think they should have waited on prior to release (not sure why they had to rush this to market in June). More analog inputs would be nice, too. A bigger screen. Native Apple Music (though probably not possible on this platform), but Fiio has it on their streamer.

 

[Abdo]

I agree with these two....just more digital inputs (especially, the two you mentioned). Do most people need 3 separate digital outputs? In the same space, I would have rather seen at least a coax in. Obviously, Airplay, which I think they should have waited on prior to release (not sure why they had to rush this to market in June). More analog inputs would be nice, too. A bigger screen. Native Apple Music (though probably not possible on this platform), but Fiio has it on their streamer.

Everyone needs different things. I bought the Ultra precisely because it was the only one I could find with a phono input. At least I didn't find any streamer in the $2,000 range with this input. I believe that an Ultra Plus in the future will come with these ports and a larger size and a larger screen.

 

[uofmtiger]

Everyone needs different things. I bought the Ultra precisely because it was the only one I could find with a phono input. At least I didn't find any streamer in the $2,000 range with this input. I believe that an Ultra Plus in the future will come with these ports and a larger size and a larger screen.

Unlike the post I quoted, I would not get rid of the phono input. I just want the inputs increased. I think a lot more people will use one service (maybe two if they have home server) as their digital audio input and possibly the phono input, so I think these two cover a lot of people. I like having a lot of options, so more inputs are useful.

 

[sealpin]

Thanks for all valuable input.
Price it not a main issue, I got a good bargain from my HiFi dealer which saves a few bucks.

Seems that the XLR out will be the main criteria…knowing that in home use symmetrical is not a game changer, but I my complete setup is all XLR, so why change it.

Second criteria is reduction of number of units and avoid add cabeling.

Phono is not a problem. I connected my turntable to a vintage Technics setup and could connect the Tape out of the Technics PreAmp to an analog input of the DMP-A8 - that should do the trick.
TV runs over SONOS Arc, Sub amd Play:1 and this setup is ok.

Maybe I will get myself a WiiM Ultra additionaly, just to check it’s features and to compare the UI … any you guys said it: sound wise I do not expect to hear any difference (I am 62 … ) but the UI and it‘s ease of use will make the difference.

Not sure if this was already asked: could I connect my Laptop as Audio Source to the WiiM? In that case, I could use the WiiM in my office with my two KH120 (yes, I am a Neumann addictive ).

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I completely understand, and feel for, those for whom the Ultra doesn’t have enough/the right inputs.

This is not a criticism of you.

I think the Ultra has an astonishing number of inputs.

1 - Streaming
2 - Bluetooth
3 - Optical
4 - USB storage
5 - Phono
6 - Line In
7 - HDMI

I can’t think of too many instances where 7 inputs would be seen as ‘a bit lite’.

Obviously, if all the ones you need are not there, that maybe doesn’t help. But anyone who a PC with USB out, or a digital source with coax out, can buy a very cheap converter and use the optical input.

As I say, I’m not criticising anyone’s needs, just adding a bit of perspective.

For the record, I have a shedload of CD rips on my PC, which I previously fed to a DAC using the PC’s USB out. I’m now copying those rips to an external drive, which I’ll plug into the USB input on the Ultra.

 

[Saponetto]

If it could work on DLNA or via WiFi Direct all my boxes would be checked...

 

[p.trianon]

I have the DMP A8 and the Wiim Ultra. There is no difference in sound quality between them. The WiiM has a variable sub out with HPF to the mains which the Eversolo does not. WiiM also has HDMI ARC with CEC. Eversolo has USB in which WiiM does not. The functionality of the apps are the same IMO. WiiM IMO has more functionality at a lower price. If they included USB in it would be perfect.

 

[somebodyelse]

Unlike the post I quoted, I would not get rid of the phono input. I just want the inputs increased. I think a lot more people will use one service (maybe two if they have home server) as their digital audio input and possibly the phono input, so I think these two cover a lot of people. I like having a lot of options, so more inputs are useful.

It's a tricky balance given the combinations of different inputs that people might want, and the cost that they add for people who don't need them. Wiim could make USB-attached input expansion units to stack with the Ultra and control through its interface. It/they could transfer signal over USB, or just be a USB-controlled switching unit feeding the existing inputs.

 

[rgruber]

The Ultra gets a hell of a lot right, it sounds like. Don't have one myself but plan on getting one.

Nice to have would be space for an onboard hardrive or ssd (less clutter), a really good phono stage (digitally enhanced would be fine like the Waxwing comments above) and XLR outs. Add another input or two if need be (not relevant for me but why not).

But these seem like features of an "Ultra Pro" which could retail for around $500 and still be a good deal. Maybe it would be more a full size 19" wide unit with a bigger screen.