By: CE Critic
WiiM, a rising star in the audio world, has unveiled the WiiM Ultra, a feature-packed streamer aimed at budget-conscious audiophiles. Retailing for $329, the Ultra promises high-resolution audio streaming and a host of features typically found in more expensive devices.
Key Features and Specifications:
- High-Resolution Audio: The Ultra supports various hi-res audio formats, ensuring pristine sound quality.
- Touchscreen Display: A 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen provides intuitive control and displays track information.
- Versatile Connectivity: The Ultra offers HDMI ARC, analog line-in, phono input, optical inputs, analog and optical outputs, a subwoofer output, and a headphone jack.
- Premium DAC: The ES9038 Sabre DAC ensures top-notch digital-to-analog conversion.
- Built-in Room Correction: This technology optimizes audio for your specific listening environment.
- Wireless Streaming: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide stable wireless connectivity.
- Streaming Services: Supports Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, Amazon multiroom, and Roon Ready.
- Preamp Capabilities: The physical volume knob and play button allow the Ultra to function as a preamp.
Availability and Pricing:
The WiiM Ultra is expected to be available in Q3 2024 for $329 on Amazon.
WiiM Amp Pro: A Powerful Streaming Amplifier
Alongside the Ultra, WiiM also introduced the WiiM Amp Pro, a 60-watt-per-channel streaming amplifier. While it lacks a screen, it shares many of the Ultra's streaming capabilities.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Powerful Amplification: Delivers 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms.
- High-Quality DAC: Ensures excellent audio fidelity.
- Compact Design: Easily fits into any home setup.
- Room Correction: Optimizes sound based on room acoustics.
- Streaming Services: Supports Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, Amazon multiroom, and Roon Ready.
Availability and Pricing:
The WiiM Amp Pro is also expected to be available in Q3 2024 for $369 on Amazon.
| WiiM Mini | WiiM Pro | WiiM Pro Plus | WiiM Ultra | |
| MSRP | $99 | $149 | $219 | $329 |
| Ethernet | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
| Chromecast Audio | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Nest Speakers and Display | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Echo Speakers and Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Multiroom with UHD | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Homepods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Alexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Google | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Siri | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with WiiM or Linkplay Devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airplay 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DLNA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TIDAL Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gapless Playback | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PEQ (Parametric EQ) | Yes | Yes | Yes (after firmware update) | Yes |
| 10 Band Graphic EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Linkplay Music Streaming Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roon Ready | – | Yes | Yes (after firmware update) | Yes |
| CPU | Dual Core A7 | Dual Core A53 | Quad Core Amlogic A113X | Quadcore A53 |
| DRAM | 128 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| Audio Input (wired) | Aux | Line-in, Optical | Line-in, Optical | Line-in, Optical, HDMI-ARC, Phono (MM), USB |
| Audio Output (wired) | Aux, Optical | Line-out, Optical, Coax | Line-out, Optical, Coax | Line-out, Optical, Coax, Subwoofer, Headphone |
| DAC | TI PCM 5121 | TI PCM 5121 | AKM AK4493SEQ | ESS ES9038Q2M |
| Built-in Amplifier | – | – | – | – |
| Subwoofer Output | – | – | – | Yes |
| Front Panel Display | – | – | – | Yes – Full Color/Touchscreen |
Conclusion:
WiiM is shaking up the audio market with its focus on affordable, feature-rich devices. The WiiM Ultra and Amp Pro offer compelling options for audiophiles looking to upgrade their home audio systems without breaking the bank. Their competitive pricing and comprehensive features make them strong contenders in the crowded streaming device market. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.
