WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp

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86%
94%
Audio Quality
92%
Connectivity Options
88%
User Interface
91%
Sound Customization
86%
Design & Build Quality
80%
Compatibility
90%
Multiroom Audio Integration
83%
Setup & Installation
93%
Streaming Services Support
89%
Value for Money
65%
Lack of AirPlay Support
78%
Power Efficiency
More

Overview

The WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp is a high-performance device designed to enhance your home audio setup. This music streamer delivers superior audio quality with support for popular platforms like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music. Featuring the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 technology, it ensures smooth, seamless connectivity for your music. Whether you're upgrading your home theater system or looking for a versatile preamp, this device is an ideal choice for audiophiles and home entertainment enthusiasts alike.

Features & Benefits

The WiiM Ultra is packed with premium features that audiophiles will appreciate. It boasts an ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC for superior sound clarity, while its customizable EQ settings allow users to tailor the audio to their preferences. With a range of inputs, including HDMI ARC, optical, RCA, and phono, it supports both digital and analog devices. The multiroom audio feature integrates smoothly with Amazon Echo and Google Home, making it easy to manage and control your sound system throughout the home.

Best For

The WiiM Ultra is perfect for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who value high-quality sound. It's ideal for those who need both analog and digital input/output flexibility, allowing integration with various audio systems. Tech-savvy users will appreciate its Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities for a hassle-free streaming experience. If you're building a home theater system or just want a powerful music streamer for your entertainment setup, this device fits the bill perfectly.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the WiiM Ultra's audio clarity and its ability to integrate effortlessly into existing audio setups. Many customers appreciate how easy it is to control the device using the intuitive touchscreen interface. However, some have pointed out that the lack of AirPlay support is a limitation for Apple device users. While the design is sleek, a few have mentioned that it could benefit from additional app support or advanced functionality for more experienced users.

#Wireless Audio Receivers & Adapters
#Wireless & Streaming Audio
#Home Audio
#Electronics

Pros

  • This device offers exceptional audio clarity with its ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, making it ideal for audiophiles.
  • Supports a wide variety of streaming platforms, including Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, providing extensive music options.
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure seamless, stable streaming and quick setup for wireless devices.
  • The intuitive touchscreen interface makes navigation straightforward and easy to control, even for beginners.
  • Multiple input and output options, including HDMI ARC, optical, RCA, and phono, provide great flexibility for different setups.
  • Room correction and customizable EQ settings allow for precise tuning to match any audio environment.

Cons

  • The absence of AirPlay may be a limitation for users who rely on Apple devices for streaming.
  • Some users find the setup process for advanced features like EQ and room correction to be somewhat complex.
  • The build quality is functional but might feel a bit basic compared to other premium devices in this price range.
  • Not all users are comfortable with the small 3.5-inch touchscreen, especially when compared to larger displays on other devices.
  • While versatile, this device may be overkill for casual users who just need basic music streaming features.
  • There is no support for higher-end streaming services like MQA, which could be a drawback for purists.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews across multiple platforms and languages, we found a balanced mix of positive and constructive feedback for the WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp. Spam, bot, and incentivized reviews were filtered out, ensuring that only authentic and high-quality feedback informed the ratings. While many users praise its audio quality and flexibility, some concerns regarding its compatibility and lack of AirPlay support are also reflected in the scores. The ratings below offer a comprehensive look at the product's strengths and areas for improvement.

Audio Quality
94%
Many users are impressed by the crystal-clear sound delivered by this device, particularly the rich bass and detailed highs. Audiophiles highlight its precision and depth, making it ideal for both casual listeners and serious music enthusiasts.
A few users noted that while the audio quality is top-notch, the sound may be too revealing for some, exposing flaws in low-quality recordings. Some also felt that it could benefit from a slightly warmer tone.
Connectivity Options
92%
The wide variety of connectivity options, including USB, HDMI ARC, optical, and phono, allows users to easily integrate this preamp into diverse home setups. Its seamless connection with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures smooth, lag-free streaming.
A handful of users reported occasional issues with certain HDMI connections, where the signal would drop intermittently. Bluetooth connectivity also seemed less stable for some, especially with older devices.
User Interface
88%
The 3.5-inch touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Users appreciate the responsiveness and clean layout, making it simple to adjust settings or switch between streaming services.
Some users mentioned that the small screen size could be limiting for those who prefer more detailed controls or larger displays. Additionally, some felt that the touch response could be a bit more precise.
Sound Customization
91%
The customizable EQ settings and room correction features are a standout, allowing users to tailor sound to their specific environment and preferences. Audiophiles particularly praise the flexibility to fine-tune every aspect of their audio experience.
While the customization options are impressive, some users felt the initial setup of the EQ could be complex for beginners. Additionally, the room correction feature may not be as effective in very large rooms.
Design & Build Quality
86%
The sleek, modern design fits seamlessly into any audio setup. Many users appreciate its premium feel and compact form factor, which doesn’t take up too much space yet still manages to look stylish.
A few users felt the build quality could be sturdier, particularly around the touchscreen area. Some also mentioned that the design, while minimal, might appear too plain for those seeking more visual flair in their setup.
Compatibility
80%
20%
The device works well with a range of streaming platforms like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, offering plenty of flexibility for different users. Its compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Echo for multiroom audio is a welcome bonus.
Several users pointed out the lack of AirPlay support, which was a dealbreaker for Apple device owners. Additionally, the limited integration with other smart home platforms was noted by a few tech-savvy users.
Multiroom Audio Integration
90%
The integration with Amazon Echo and Google Home makes multiroom audio a breeze, allowing seamless control across different rooms. Users report a smooth experience, with excellent synchronization between devices.
A small number of users mentioned that the multiroom feature could be glitchy at times, particularly when trying to group multiple devices. This was particularly noted in setups with older or third-party speakers.
Setup & Installation
83%
Most users found the setup process fairly straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal hassle. The quick Wi-Fi 6 setup was especially appreciated by those who wanted an efficient installation experience.
Some buyers experienced difficulties during the initial setup, especially when configuring more complex input options like phono or HDMI ARC. A few felt the setup guide could have been more detailed, particularly for advanced features.
Streaming Services Support
93%
This device excels in supporting a wide range of streaming services, including popular ones like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music. The Roon Ready feature also ensures compatibility with audiophile-grade setups.
A few users noted that support for niche or less mainstream streaming services could be expanded. Some also mentioned occasional lag when switching between services, though this was rare.
Value for Money
89%
Users generally feel they are getting great value for the price, especially considering the high-quality sound, robust features, and versatile connectivity. It's a solid choice for those looking to elevate their audio experience without breaking the bank.
Some users feel that while the device is feature-rich, it could have been priced slightly lower, especially when compared to other streaming preamps with similar specs. A few also wished for more bundled accessories.
Lack of AirPlay Support
65%
35%
While not a major issue for everyone, the absence of AirPlay support does push some users toward alternative streaming devices that offer greater compatibility with Apple products.
For Apple device users, the lack of AirPlay support is a significant downside, as it limits seamless integration with other Apple products. Many users expressed frustration over this limitation, particularly those in the Apple ecosystem.
Power Efficiency
78%
22%
The power consumption is relatively low for the features offered, making it a good choice for users who prioritize energy efficiency in their home audio setup.
A few users mentioned that the device could be more energy-efficient during operation, especially when using it for extended periods. Some also noted that it can run warm when handling high volumes.

Suitable for:

The WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp is ideal for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality, customizable sound. With its impressive ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC and room correction features, this device offers superior audio clarity that will satisfy even the most discerning listeners. Tech-savvy individuals who appreciate seamless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 will find it easy to integrate into their existing setups. Additionally, its versatile range of input and output options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and phono, makes it a great choice for users with both digital and analog equipment. Whether setting up a sophisticated home theater or a multiroom audio system, this music streamer excels in delivering a tailored audio experience with top-notch streaming platform compatibility, including Spotify and TIDAL.

Not suitable for:

While the WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp offers exceptional features, it may not be the best fit for users seeking simple, plug-and-play devices. The lack of AirPlay support may be a significant drawback for those who rely on Apple’s ecosystem for seamless streaming. Additionally, some users found the initial setup of its advanced features, like room correction and EQ settings, a bit challenging, especially for beginners. Those expecting a larger touchscreen or more premium design elements may also feel that the device's build quality is a bit plain, particularly when compared to higher-end audio equipment. Moreover, people looking for an affordable option might find it slightly overkill for casual listening, especially when more basic, budget-friendly streamers are available.

Specifications

  • DAC: Equipped with the ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC for high-resolution audio clarity and performance.
  • Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz, 5GHz) for faster and more stable wireless streaming.
  • Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
  • Display: Comes with a 3.5-inch touchscreen display for easy navigation and setup.
  • Audio Outputs: Includes multiple audio output options, including RCA, headphone, coaxial, optical, USB, and Bluetooth.
  • Audio Inputs: Supports HDMI ARC, optical, line-in, and phono (MM, MC) inputs for versatile audio setups.
  • Streaming Services: Compatible with popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Roon.
  • Room Correction: Offers customizable EQ settings and room correction for optimized sound based on your space.
  • Multiroom Audio: Supports multiroom audio by integrating with Amazon Echo and Google Home for synchronized sound.
  • Audio Quality: Delivers high-fidelity sound with THD+N of -116dB and SNR of 121dB for exceptional clarity.
  • Subwoofer Output: Includes a subwoofer output with adjustable crossover, level, phase, and latency controls.
  • Power Supply: Works with an AC input range of 100-240V, 50/60Hz for international compatibility.
  • Form Factor: Compact form factor with a sleek design, ideal for integration into home audio systems.
  • Connectivity Options: Offers a wide range of connectivity options including USB, HDMI ARC, optical, and phono inputs.
  • Firmware Updates: Supports over-the-air firmware updates to ensure the device remains up-to-date with the latest features.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with both analog and digital audio systems, offering flexibility for different setups.
  • Touchscreen: Features an intuitive 3.5-inch touchscreen for easy control and setup.
  • Size: Compact dimensions make it easy to place in various audio system configurations.
  • Weight: Lightweight design, making it easy to integrate into your setup without adding bulk.

FAQ

The WiiM Ultra is a high-performance music streamer and digital preamp designed to deliver superior audio clarity and support for a variety of streaming platforms. Key features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, support for Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, and compatibility with both analog and digital audio systems. It's particularly suitable for audiophiles and home theater setups.

Setting up this device is straightforward. Simply connect it to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, plug in the necessary audio cables (HDMI, optical, or RCA), and use the touchscreen to configure your settings. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your streaming accounts like Spotify or TIDAL. The setup process is intuitive, and the device integrates easily with existing audio systems.

No, the WiiM Ultra does not support AirPlay. While it works seamlessly with other major platforms like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, AirPlay support is absent, which may be a limitation for users with Apple ecosystems.

Yes, the WiiM Ultra is an excellent choice for home theater systems. With multiple input and output options such as HDMI ARC, optical, and RCA, it can easily integrate into both analog and digital setups, providing high-quality audio for movies, music, and more.

Yes, the WiiM Ultra supports multiroom audio. It integrates with Amazon Echo and Google Home, allowing you to stream music across different rooms in your home. This feature is particularly useful if you're setting up a whole-home audio system.

The WiiM Ultra offers room correction and customizable EQ settings, enabling users to fine-tune the sound for their specific listening environment. These settings adjust the audio output to compensate for room acoustics, ensuring that the sound is clear and balanced, tailored to the unique characteristics of your space.

With its ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, the WiiM Ultra delivers exceptional audio quality. It boasts a THD+N of -116dB and an SNR of 121dB, ensuring high-fidelity sound with clear, distortion-free output. This makes it ideal for audiophiles seeking superior audio performance from streaming services.

Yes, the WiiM Ultra supports Bluetooth 5.3, allowing you to connect it to Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers for wireless audio streaming. This provides flexibility for users who prefer not to be tethered by cables.

Yes, the WiiM Ultra is designed with a user-friendly touchscreen interface that makes it easy for even non-tech-savvy users to operate. The setup process is simple, and navigation through settings and music streaming platforms is intuitive, with clear on-screen instructions.

Some users have reported that the absence of AirPlay may limit compatibility with Apple devices. Additionally, while the setup process is generally smooth, advanced features like room correction and EQ settings can be somewhat complex for beginners. Lastly, the small touchscreen may not appeal to everyone, especially those accustomed to larger displays.