WiiM Ultra

[tjf]

Has anyone seen the plans for Dirac on Bluesound products?
Long time Bluesound user but have the Pro Plus I enjoy

As a Node 130 owner I've been looking for updates on this -- now the only evidence so far is the intro of the NAD C700 V.2 that has Dirac as the V.1 unit didn't...

Otherwise total radio silence from Bluesound, NAD, and Lenbrook about ANY Bluesound branded products being updated or even replaced (Node N140?) with the Dirac capability...

This really sounds like Lenbrook floating some PR BS to get potential streamer buyers to keep considering a Node 3, Node X, or Powernode 3 instead of jumping ship over to Wiim with their Room Correction feature -- Wiim is likely causing many sleepless nights @ Lenbrook HQ -- it seems that only NAD branded products with sufficient processing horsepower (like the C700 V.2) will get Dirac...

Hope I'm wrong -- I'd love to get an update for my Node 130 to add Dirac (prob would need one of the NAD USB Dongle interface + mic kits to make it work)

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Has anyone seen the plans for Dirac on Bluesound products?

As a Node 130 owner I've been looking for updates on this...

What does this have to do with the WiiM Ultra?

 

[Laserjock]

What does this have to do with the WiiM Ultra?

Not much, just a promise of something similar that WiiM has already made good on

 

[Jkdjedi]

What does this have to do with the WiiM Ultra?

Comparison discussion is all.

 

[Cool Runnings]

I'm a fan of WiiM. Have been using the Wiim Mini and WiiM Pro. So I have been waiting with anticipation for the Ultra but so far what I have seen and heard has been disappointing.

On top of what I expect to be the great streaming and DAC performance, I really appreciated the other functionalities like the LCD screen, subwoofer out/management. Not to mention, EQ/PEQ and DSP. For me, the Ultra is unbeatable value for money for overall performance and functionality and aesthetics. I can't find anything close to this even for twice or 3 times the price.

However no Airplay is a showstopper for me even though I will be using it 80% of the time with TIDAL or Spotify. I am even considering pairing a Wiim Pro with Wiim Ultra simply for the LCD and subwoofer out features of the Ultra. Seems to be still good value vs other alternatives.

What do you all think? Does anyone here have any other issues using the Ultra so far? Do you think WiiM will be likely to put in Airplay into the Ultra at some point?

 

[Brian Hall]

I'm a fan of WiiM. Have been using the Wiim Mini and WiiM Pro. So I have been waiting with anticipation for the Ultra but so far what I have seen and heard has been disappointing.

On top of what I expect to be the great streaming and DAC performance, I really appreciated the other functionalities like the LCD screen, subwoofer out/management. Not to mention, EQ/PEQ and DSP. For me, the Ultra is unbeatable value for money for overall performance and functionality and aesthetics. I can't find anything close to this even for twice or 3 times the price.

However no Airplay is a showstopper for me even though I will be using it 80% of the time with TIDAL or Spotify. I am even considering pairing a Wiim Pro with Wiim Ultra simply for the LCD and subwoofer out features of the Ultra. Seems to be still good value vs other alternatives.

What do you all think? Does anyone here have any other issues using the Ultra so far? Do you think WiiM will be likely to put in Airplay into the Ultra at some point?

Why use Airplay for Tidal or Spotify? They both have connect options from their own apps.

 

[Cool Runnings]

Why use Airplay for Tidal or Spotify? They both have connect options from their own apps.

Airplay for when I want to cast Youtube or some other non music streaming service.

 

[Jkdjedi]

Airplay for when I want to cast Youtube or some other non music streaming service.

I'm streaming YouTube Music to the Ultra as I'm writing this. It has a built in Chromecast.

 

[Brian Hall]

Airplay for when I want to cast Youtube or some other non music streaming service.

You can Chromecast Youtube Music. Amazon Music HD has Alexacast. Both work great with the Wiim Ultra.

 

[Petrushka]

I'm a fan of WiiM. Have been using the Wiim Mini and WiiM Pro. So I have been waiting with anticipation for the Ultra but so far what I have seen and heard has been disappointing.

On top of what I expect to be the great streaming and DAC performance, I really appreciated the other functionalities like the LCD screen, subwoofer out/management. Not to mention, EQ/PEQ and DSP. For me, the Ultra is unbeatable value for money for overall performance and functionality and aesthetics. I can't find anything close to this even for twice or 3 times the price.

However no Airplay is a showstopper for me even though I will be using it 80% of the time with TIDAL or Spotify. I am even considering pairing a Wiim Pro with Wiim Ultra simply for the LCD and subwoofer out features of the Ultra. Seems to be still good value vs other alternatives.

What do you all think? Does anyone here have any other issues using the Ultra so far? Do you think WiiM will be likely to put in Airplay into the Ultra at some point?

I expect to use it as a source for a Sonos Port. If Sonos sound quality isn’t enough, then Roon looks like the step up.

As far as I can tell, those are the only good multi-room options.

Airplay currently only allow casting from Apple devices.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I'm a fan of WiiM. Have been using the Wiim Mini and WiiM Pro. So I have been waiting with anticipation for the Ultra but so far what I have seen and heard has been disappointing.

On top of what I expect to be the great streaming and DAC performance, I really appreciated the other functionalities like the LCD screen, subwoofer out/management. Not to mention, EQ/PEQ and DSP. For me, the Ultra is unbeatable value for money for overall performance and functionality and aesthetics. I can't find anything close to this even for twice or 3 times the price.

However no Airplay is a showstopper for me even though I will be using it 80% of the time with TIDAL or Spotify. I am even considering pairing a Wiim Pro with Wiim Ultra simply for the LCD and subwoofer out features of the Ultra. Seems to be still good value vs other alternatives.

What do you all think? Does anyone here have any other issues using the Ultra so far? Do you think WiiM will be likely to put in Airplay into the Ultra at some

The solution is simple. You can use your Mini for Airplay. Connect its optical out to the Ultra for all the other functionality you mention.

Job’s a good ‘un.

 

[Cool Runnings]

The solution is simple. You can use your Mini for Airplay. Connect its optical out to the Ultra for all the other functionality you mention.

Job’s a good ‘un.

Yup thanks. Just wanted some affirmation that this is the simplest fuss free option. I think I'll do this most likely.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

Yup thanks. Just wanted some affirmation that this is the simplest fuss free option. I think I'll do this most likely.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Cool Runnings]

Let us know how you get on.

Managed to order the Ultra on the Amazon US site for shipping to where I am in Asia. But it looks like I have to wait awhile for the unit to be shipped.

 

[joostdh]

What do you all think? Does anyone here have any other issues using the Ultra so far? Do you think WiiM will be likely to put in Airplay into the Ultra at some point?

WiiM has stated that airplay will never be coming to the current Ultra. Why all their other products have airplay except this one has never been clarified (Apple is to blame is a common unfounded rumour). All discussion on airplay have been closed or is closed on the Wiim forums which is mildly annoying.

Bringing up airplay also provokes responses as to why you would need it as there are alternatives A, B and C. And besides it is not (always) lossless. I get the impression these responses come from those that have never seen the extreme convenience of AirPlay. I use AirPlay plenty to cast audio that is not lossless in the first place (like internet radio). My family uses AirPlay for all kinds of stuff, they prefer convenience over sound quality any day (I know…). And it is very nice to be able to cast any audio you might have on your phone, regardless of the app it’s from.

I was extremely enthusiastic for the Ultra but cancelled my order because the lack of AirPlay is a downgrade and I’m not sure yet that using a different device as AirPlay receiver will not cause issues. Even if it has no further downsides I fell weird for buying a device that I know lacks something I would really like it to have.

Edit: I guess I’m just annoyed because I have and love the Wiim amp which is perfect for my situation besides the amplification part. The Ultra together with the Fosi V3 monos seem a perfect affordable upgrade.

 

[Cool Runnings]

WiiM has stated that airplay will never be coming to the current Ultra. Why all their other products have airplay except this one has never been clarified (Apple is to blame is a common unfounded rumour). All discussion on airplay have been closed or is closed on the Wiim forums which is mildly annoying.

Bringing up airplay also provokes responses as to why you would need it as there are alternatives A, B and C. And besides it is not (always) lossless. I get the impression these responses come from those that have never seen the extreme convenience of AirPlay. I use AirPlay plenty to cast audio that is not lossless in the first place (like internet radio). My family uses AirPlay for all kinds of stuff, they prefer convenience over sound quality any day (I know…). And it is very nice to be able to cast any audio you might have on your phone, regardless of the app it’s from.

I was extremely enthusiastic for the Ultra but cancelled my order because the lack of AirPlay is a downgrade and I’m not sure yet that using a different device as AirPlay receiver will not cause issues. Even if it has no further downsides I fell weird for buying a device that I know lacks something I would really like it to have.

Edit: I guess I’m just annoyed because I have and love the Wiim amp which is perfect for my situation besides the amplification part. The Ultra together with the Fosi V3 monos seem a perfect affordable upgrade.

Yup totally. The convenience of AirPlay for many iPhone users beyond just listening to music is a huge purchase factor. But I’m happy to try pairing with a Wiim mini given that it seems either impossible or at least a long wait for Ultra to have AirPlay. And even with the additional cost of a mini there isn’t any comparable device in the market for this value.

 

[joostdh]

And even with the additional cost of a mini there isn’t any comparable device in the market for this value.

This for sure. I feel like the Eversolo A8 is the only real next step up (hdmi arc is essential for me) and that is about four times the price.

 

[Joffy1780]

When people chime in just to say they don't need it.

Makes no sense to me, either.

 

[Cool Runnings]

This for sure. I feel like the Eversolo A8 is the only real next step up (hdmi arc is essential for me) and that is about four times the price.

I was looking hard at the A8. It’s 5-6 times the price for me vs ultra. I think the A8 is pretty much end game SOTA streamer/dac/preamp device atm. But the form factor, sub out and value of the ultra wins it for me. I don’t think SQ is distinguishable to my ears.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

The solution is simple. You can use your Mini for Airplay. Connect its optical out to the Ultra for all the other functionality you mention.

The other option, at a bit more expense, is a WiiM Pro ($105 *with remote* from WiiM's eBay refurbished page) if you prefer connecting via Ethernet and to gain back the S/PDIF input port (since you effectively lose that port for another device on the Ultra).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126298782521