WiiM Ultra Review: A Budget HiFi Revolution for $329 right?
Having much experience in high-end audio, I’ve encountered everything from jaw-droppingly expensive components to hidden gems in the budget realm. The journey to find a balanced setup—something that delivers exceptional performance without an exotic price tag has been my lifelong pursuit. Enter the WiiM Ultra, a product that not only redefines the concept of “value” in HiFi but also challenges preconceived notions of what affordable audio gear can achieve.
Check Out: Best DACs Under $100: Detailed List
At just $329, the WiiM Ultra is a streamer, DAC, and preamp bundled into one sleek, aluminum-clad package. In a world where high-end audio often carries a price tag equivalent to luxury cars, this little device delivers a shockingly high level of performance, rivaling systems costing tens of thousands of dollars.
A Closer Look at the WiiM Ultra
The manufacturer positions the WiiM Ultra as the central digital hub of your audio system. Equipped with audiophile-grade components, a rich switching arsenal, and a bright 3.5-inch full-color touch screen. WiiM enables you to enjoy high-quality music from external sources, including smartphones, NAS servers, and streaming services like Qobuz, Tidal, Napster, Deezer, Spotify, and TuneIn, through a dedicated application or by utilizing AirPlay2, Chromecast Audio, Bluetooth, and LinkPlay.
One of the most remarkable features of the WiiM Ultra is its ability to connect to a wide range of devices seamlessly. From turntables to TVs, headphones, and smart speakers, the WiiM Ultra offers a complete and versatile audio solution. With advanced high-resolution audio capabilities, users can enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks with exceptional clarity, detail, and depth, no matter the source. Built-in room correction takes precise acoustic measurements of your room, creating customized speaker and subwoofer adjustments.
The WiiM Ultra’s connectivity includes a Phono input with a ground connector, HDMI ARC port, a 3.5 mm mini-jack on the front panel for connecting headphones, optical input/output, analog line input/output, digital coaxial output, subwoofer output, and a USB-A port for playing media files from flash drives. A Wi-Fi adapter and an RJ45 Ethernet port are provided for integration into a home computer network. There is also a 12-volt trigger for controlling, for example, an amplifier.
History of Wiim Ultra
Origins and Development
WiiM is driven by a passion for music and the belief that everyone deserves high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank. Founded by a team of audio enthusiasts with extensive expertise in streaming audio software and hardware, they collaborated with top brands like Harman, JBL, Yamaha, and Marshall to launch millions of smart audio devices worldwide. With WiiM, their mission is simple: make exceptional sound quality accessible to all.
Key Milestones
- Early Prototypes (2013-2015): Initial prototypes feature improved motion sensors and primary VR capabilities.
- Beta Testing (2016-2017): Extensive beta testing involved gamers and developers to refine the hardware and software.
- Official Announcement (2018): Nintendo announced the Wiim Ultra, creating a lot of excitement among gamers.
- Launch (2020): The Wiim Ultra was released and got lots of praise for its new features.
Elevating Your Audio Experience
The Wiim Ultra is more than just an audio device; it is a well-designed piece that is designed to give users an amazing sound experience. In the presence of a bright 3.5″ color touchscreen and physical volume knobs, it is easy to use for anyone and doesn’t require an expert to use this. What makes Wiim Ultra special is its variety of inputs and outputs, and delivering high-quality sound.
Also Read: iFi Zen DAC V2 vs Chord Qutest Comparison
Features of Wiim Ultra
Now let’s talk about the features of wiim ultra. Wiim Ultra is a quality network music streamer or player designed to deliver quality audio and easy connectivity options for your audio setup. Below are some of the key features of Wiim Ultra.
Sound:
The WiiM Ultra supports high-quality audio streaming with clear, detailed sound. Wiim Ultra is compatible with audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz. You can easily play all high-end audio formats like lossless formats, FLAC, and WAV, and you can also handle DSD files (by converting them to PCM). For even better sound, it uses a high-performance ESS ES9038 Q2M SABRE DAC. Wiim Ultra comes with a 3.5-inch Full-Color Touchscreen, Showing album art, playback information, and settings, reducing reliance on a smartphone app.
Connectivity:
Inputs: HDMI ARC, optical, line-in, phono (MM) for turntables, USB, and Bluetooth 5.3 with codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless.
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, line-out, subwoofer out, and a high-quality headphone jack with a dedicated amplifier.
Network:
Network: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Ethernet for stable streaming, plus AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for multi-room audio.
Streaming Services: Supports a wide range of platforms, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, and internet radio, with native app control via the WiiM Home app.
Multi-Room and Multi-Channel Audio: Wiim Ultra Integrates with other Wiim or AirPlay 2/Chromecast-enabled devices for synchronized playback across multiple rooms. Supports stereo pairing and multi-channel setups.
Voice Control and Smart Features: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice commands. Includes Room Correction technology to optimize audio based on room acoustics.
Physical Design: Compact aluminum chassis with a sleek, minimalist look, available in Space Gray or Silver. Includes a premium aluminum remote with voice control capabilities.
Additional Features:
Supports Roon Ready for advanced music management.
Offers low-latency Bluetooth for high-quality wireless audio.
USB port allows playback from external storage devices.
Customizable EQ settings and sound profiles via the WiiM Home app
Wiim Pro Plus vs Ultra
Below is a comparison of the WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra in table form, summarizing key differences based on available information.
| Feature | WiiM Pro Plus | WiiM Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £219 / $219 / AU$339 | £349 / $329 / AU$599 |
| Design | Compact (42 x 140 x 140mm, 400g), plain black box, no display | Larger, premium aluminum casing, 3.5-inch touchscreen, volume knob, headphone jack |
| DAC | AKM 4493SEQ (Velvet Sound, low distortion, slightly warmer) | ESS Sabre ES9038 Q2M (smoother, better resolution, less harshness) |
| Audio Support | Up to 24-bit/192kHz input, 768kHz/32-bit analog output | Up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM, 32-bit/384kHz max |
| Inputs | Line-level stereo RCA, digital optical | Line-level stereo RCA, MM phono stage, HDMI ARC, digital optical, USB-A |
| Outputs | Analog RCA, digital optical, coaxial | Analog RCA, digital optical, coaxial, subwoofer output |
| Wireless | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 (SBC, AAC) | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, DLNA, Roon | Google Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, DLNA, Roon (no AirPlay 2) |
| Additional Features | Voice-compatible remote, premium optical cable, multi-room audio, Roon Ready | Room correction, preamp functionality, USB storage, headphone support |
| Sound Quality | Accurate, slightly cooler, rich analog output (subjective) | Smoother, clearer mids/highs, better soundstage (subtle difference) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious users, simple setups, AirPlay 2 users | Analog RCA, digital optical, coaxial, and subwoofer output |
Notes:
- Sound Quality: Differences are subtle; Pro Plus may sound richer to some, while Ultra offers smoother, more detailed sound in high-end systems.
- Connectivity: Ultra is more versatile with HDMI ARC, phono stage, and subwoofer output; Pro Plus covers basics well.
- AirPlay 2: Pro Plus has it, Ultra does not, which may matter for Apple users.
Choose the Pro Plus for affordability and simplicity, or the Ultra for premium features and advanced connectivity.
Wiim Ultra Alternatives
Looking for an alternative? As I previously said, the WiiM Ultra is a high-quality music streamer with great sound, a touchscreen, and lots of connection options. But other similar devices offer good features, sound, and price. Below is a table comparing the WiiM Ultra with other popular music streamers in the budget and mid-range categories. These alternatives also support high-resolution audio, work with home stereo systems, and have been reviewed recently.
| Feature | WiiM Ultra | Cambridge Audio MXN10 | Bluesound Node | FiiO SR11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £349 / $329 / AU$599 | £349 / $399 / AU$749 (originally £449 / $499 / AU$899) | £299 / $299 / AU$499 (Node Nano) or £549 / $649 / AU$999 (Node) | ~€115 (~$125 / £100) |
| Design | Aluminum casing, 3.5″ touchscreen, volume knob, headphone jack | Compact black box, no display, functional design | Compact, minimalist, no display (Node Nano) or small display (Node) | Compact, small display, no touchscreen |
| DAC | ESS Sabre ES9038 Q2M (32-bit/384kHz, smooth, detailed sound) | ESS Sabre ES9033Q (32-bit/768kHz, supports DSD512, engaging sound) | ESS Sabre (Node: 32-bit/384kHz, Nano: 24-bit/192kHz) | No onboard DAC (requires external DAC) |
| Audio Support | 24-bit/192kHz PCM native, 32-bit/384kHz max | 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 | 24-bit/192kHz (Nano) or 32-bit/384kHz (Node), MQA support | Up to 32-bit/768kHz (via external DAC) |
| Inputs | RCA, MM phono stage, HDMI ARC, digital optical, USB-A | RCA, USB-A | RCA, optical, USB-A (Node); limited inputs (Nano) | USB-A, USB-C (for external DAC) |
| Outputs | RCA, digital optical, coaxial, subwoofer, headphone | RCA, digital optical, coaxial | RCA, optical, coaxial, headphone (Node); RCA, optical (Nano) | USB-A, USB-C, optical, coaxial |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (unspecified version) |
| Streaming | Google Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, DLNA, Roon Ready (no AirPlay 2) | AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify/Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, UPnP | AirPlay 2, Spotify/Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, MQA, Roon Ready | AirPlay 1, Roon Ready (no Spotify/Tidal Connect, Chromecast, UPnP) |
| Additional Features | Room correction, preamp functionality, voice remote, multi-room audio | StreamMagic app, multi-room audio, simple setup | BluOS app, multi-room, hi-res audio focus, voice control (Node) | Basic streaming, no app ecosystem, focus on AirPlay/Roon |
| Sound Quality | Engaging, insightful, dynamic, and slightly better transparency | Smooth, detailed, spacious; excellent for the price, slightly less dynamic than MXN10 | Rich, detailed, slightly better than Ultra in high-end systems | Dependent on external DAC; limited streaming options |
| Best For | Versatile setups, TV/turntable integration, touchscreen fans | Budget audiophiles, AirPlay 2 users, pure sound quality focus | Multi-room setups, MQA fans, balanced sound | Engaging, insightful, dynamic, slightly better transparency |
Wiim Ultra Specifications:
Touch Display
Glass-covered 3.5″ vibrant touchscreen display:
Displays App widgets, large album pictures, playback control, playing queue, presets, EQ, audio input and output, and device settings. Guides users through the OOBE and OTA
Provides feedback when there’s a change in the play mode
Controls
Volume knob, play/pause, set up, and more
LED
4-Color RGBW LED indicates the device status
Audio Input
HDMI ARC, Optical, Line, and Phono (including MM, MC), up to 24-bit/ 192 kHz
Audio Output
RCA, Headphone, Coax, Optical, and USB, up to 192 kHz/ 24-bit
Wireless to another BT, DLNA receiver
Performance
Line out：
Maximum output: 2.1V RMS
SNR: 121 dB (A-wt)
THD+N (1 kHz): 0.00018% (-115 dB) for 44.1k to 192k
FR curve:+/-0.05 dB
Headphone out：
300 ohms: SNR (119 dB), THD+N (-99 dB)
32 ohms: SNR (119 dB), THD+N (-92 dB)
EQ
24 preset EQ settings, 10-band Graphics EQ, 10-band parametric EQ
Subwoofer Output
Comprehensive bass management
Adjustable crossover frequency, level, phase, and latency.
Power Supply
100-240V AC input, 50/60 Hz, 0.5A Max
Network
Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz triple bands.
10M/100 Mbps LAN
External Storage
Access personal media library and use it as a media server for other WiiM and DLNA devices.
Support FAT32, NTFS, and EXT4 file systems.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE and BT LE Audio, supports both A2DP receiver and transmitter, AVRCP, and HID, and works with the WiiM voice remote.
Supported Streaming Protocol
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Google Cast Audio (CastLite), Alexa built-in, DLNA, Squeezelite, Roon Ready
Performance: Punching Above Its Weight
I tested the WiiM Ultra in a setup that included $10k KEF Blade Two Meta speakers and $10k McIntosh MC611 mono amps a system totaling $30k. Replacing my $15k reference streamer and preamp setup with the Ultra was a leap of faith, but I was blown away by what I heard.
Sound Quality
The Ultra produced a sound that was:
- Quiet: Remarkably low-noise floor, even with high-end amps and speakers.
- Rich and Musical: Slightly warm, with weighty bass and a natural midrange.
- Engaging: While not as detailed or holographic as my reference gear, it was incredibly enjoyable.
Tracks like Anna Leone’s “All That I Ever Did” showcased the Ultra’s ability to render vocals with solidity and emotional impact. Compared to my AGD Alto II DAC and preamp, the Ultra was slightly less open and detailed but made up for it with a more cohesive, analog-like sound.
Comparison to High-End Gear
While the Ultra didn’t dethrone my stack in resolution or separation, it wasn’t embarrassed by the comparison. It held its own, providing a musical experience that was just as enjoyable, albeit with a different flavor.
What Sets It Apart
The WiiM Ultra proves that diminishing returns are very real in audio. Spending more money might yield incremental improvements in detail and build quality, but the Ultra delivers 85% of the performance of reference-grade gear at a fraction of the cost.
Its value proposition is unmatched. Even compared to competitors like the Bluesound Node or Eversolo DMP A8, the Ultra offers a warmer, more musical presentation at a significantly lower price.
Wiim Ultra Price:
The WiiM Ultra music streamer has a retail price of $329 in the US, £349 in the UK, and AU$599 in Australia. Some retailers have offered it at a discount, such as $279 during a flash sale on Amazon
Conclusion:
The WiiM Ultra is not just an entry-level product; it’s a disruptor. It’s rare to find a budget piece of HiFi gear that integrates so seamlessly into high-end systems without compromising the experience. For those looking to explore high-fidelity sound without breaking the bank, the Ultra is the best product of 2024 hands down.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer, the WiiM Ultra proves that great sound doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For $329, this is a no-brainer.
Rating: 5/5
Pros: Exceptional value, musical sound, versatile features.
Cons: Slight lag with high-res streaming, build quality not on par with ultra-high-end gear.
If this is just the beginning for WiiM, the high-end audio world should take notice. The future of affordable HiFi is here.
