The WiiM Ultra audio streamer takes the network features of the popular WiiM Pro and adds a host of new functions: a built-in preamplifier with HDMI eARC and phono inputs, a headphone output, microphone calibration, a color touchscreen and a new DAC are all combined to create an ultra-versatile device. Priced at €399, does it follow in the footsteps of the brand’s other highly acclaimed products?
Included accessories
Like all the brand’s devices, the WiiM Ultra makes a strong impression as soon as it’s unpacked. Inspired by the minimalist elegance of Apple’s products, its cardboard packaging boasts a sleek design: an immaculate white background featuring an illustration of the streamer and the logos of compatible technologies. Inside, every element is carefully arranged to guarantee optimum protection. The device is accompanied by a full set of essential accessories: a remote control (batteries not included), HDMI cable, power cable, RCA cable, optical cable and even a grounding adapter to connect a turntable.
Presentation
Design
While the WiiM Pro‘s ultra-compact 14cm format and 4cm thickness allow it to be concealed behind an amplifier or cabinet, the WiiM Ultra opts for a slightly larger format, measuring 20x20cm and with a thickness of 7cm. This way, it asserts its vocation to sit proudly among the other components of a hi-fi system. To underline this premium positioning, the polymer chassis of the WiiM Pro gives way to aluminum side panels, offering a more sophisticated look. While the top is still in polymer with an imitation-metal finish, the build quality is such that it’s hard to tell at first glance. The only way to determine the exact material is by touching the streamer.
Following the trend set by EverSolo with the EverSolo DMP-A6 and EverSolo DMP-A6 Master Edition, and more recently with the Bluesound Node Icon and FiiO R7, the WiiM Pro network player features a color touchscreen on the front panel. With a diagonal of 3.5″, it lets you simply swipe from left to right, or vice versa, to navigate through different windows to select the source, output and user presets, or activate a DSP from among the 24 available modes.
The WiiM Ultra’s screen offers smooth navigation through the tracks on an album or playlist, whether they come from streaming services or local files. However, playback must be launched from the WiiM Home mobile app, as the integrated screen does not currently allow direct access to your music library or the catalog of online platforms. A feature that could, however, be added via a future software update. As it stands, the screen’s main role is aesthetic and informative: it displays the album cover or information such as the title, resolution and current playback time. The WiiM Ultra streamer also features a needle-type mono VU meter. Although very attractive, it has a certain latency that limits the realism of this effect.
HD streaming and multi-room
The network features remain identical to those of the brand’s other streamers and amplifiers. The expertise of parent company LinkPlay is once again apparent, offering seamless streaming and multi-room management. The WiiM Ultra provides direct access to most major streaming services: Spotify, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora and SoundCloud. Web radio fans will enjoy vTuner, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and Radio Paradise to access stations from all over the world. What’s more, the WiiM Ultra enables playback of audio files shared via DLNA on the local network, with support for up to 24-bit/192kHz.
On the other hand, it is a shame that AirPlay 2 isn’t featured, as it was supported on the brand’s previous equipment. Fortunately, this gap can easily be filled by Chromecast and Bluetooth technologies, which enable music to be received from any smartphone, tablet or computer. Conveniently, the Bluetooth controller is bi-directional, making it possible to stream wired sources connected to the WiiM Ultra or streamed music to Bluetooth headphones or a pair of wireless speakers.
Thanks to the LinkPlay ecosystem, the WiiM Ultra streamer can be integrated into a multi-room system to enjoy music throughout the house. WiiM amplifiers and players can be paired with it, as well as any equipment featuring LinkPlay technology. Increasingly popular, this technology is now employed by a number of manufacturers, including Audio Pro (Audio Pro G10, Audio Pro A10 MKII, etc.), Octavio (Octavio AMP, Octavio Maestro and Octavio Stream) and Elipson (Elipson Multiroom range). All this equipment from different brands can work in symbiosis. Multi-room listening sessions can also be carried out with Amazon Echo and Google Home devices.
App and remote control
Despite the integration of the touchscreen, the WiiM Home app for iOS and Android remains the WiiM Ultra’s main control center. Frequently updated, it offers a simple, highly functional display. Stable and intuitive, it provides access to streaming services, web radios, music shared over the network and various settings. You can select the source, adjust the volume and tone or personalize the listening experience. To do this, 24 DSP modes are available to suit all musical genres. What’s more, a 10-band graphic equalizer and a parametric equalizer let you fine-tune the sound reproduction to your preferences. And of course, each parameter can be applied to an individual source, enabling separate settings for streaming, Bluetooth, the TV, line, optical or phono inputs.
Better still, the latest update to the WiiM app introduces a new function for acoustic calibration. The latter uses the microphone of the smartphone on which the app is used to measure the properties of the room, speaker placement and hi-fi system, in order to correct any faults. Last but not least, you can set alarms, routines and sleep functions to go to sleep or wake up to the sound of your favorite music.
The WiiM Ultra music player comes as standard with the WiiM Remote. Although made entirely of plastic, it’s easy to grip and provides quick access to various controls: source selection, track selection (previous or next track), volume control and selection of four custom presets. It’s a real asset for quickly controlling the streamer without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket. Better still, a dedicated button enables you to activate the Alexa or Google Assistant voice assistant to control the streamer vocally.
Analog preamplifier and DAC
Located on the rear panel, the WiiM Ultra streamer’s range of connectors is comprehensive enough for any scenario. Thanks to RCA, phono and optical inputs, you can connect a wide range of sources, such as a turntable or a CD player. Better still, an HDMI ARC port lets you retrieve sound from your TV. This means that the WiiM Ultra can not only convert or pre-amplify signals, but also stream them via the multi-room system to any LinkPlay-compatible equipment. A real asset for enjoying the sound of your records throughout the house, or in a room far from the turntable.
As for outputs, the WiiM Ultra features an optical, USB and RCA connector for easy connection to any amp, external DAC or active speaker. The level of the RCA output is variable, allowing it to be used as a preamplifier directly associated with a power amp. A practical trigger output automatically switches on a compatible amp as soon as a signal is sent to the streamer. This way, even a vintage hi-fi system can be fully automated.
Audio architecture
To make the most of streaming and associated sources, the WiiM Ultra network player incorporates an ESS Sabre ES9038 Q2M DAC for bit-perfect playback of Hi-Res streams up to 24-bit/192kHz. With the exception of DSD tracks, most formats are supported. This DAC is combined with a high-quality pre-amplification circuit offering a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB and distortion of less than 0.00018%. Features that ensure a transparent, accurate reproduction. This WiiM Ultra streamer also features its own headphone amplifier with TPA6120A2 module. The latter is combined with a dedicated 3.5mm mini-jack output on the front panel, so you can enjoy your music without disturbing those around you. However, the performance offered by this headphone amplifier isn’t as good as the line output.
Installing the WiiM Ultra streamer
Installation of the WiiM Ultra streamer is done in just a few quick steps from the WiiM Home app. You’re prompted to connect the device to the WiFi network if it’s not connected via Ethernet, rename it and select the room in which it’s installed. You can then associate your various streaming services and start playing music.
To optimize sound reproduction, the WiiM Ultra features acoustic calibration. Using the smartphone’s microphone, this process analyzes the acoustic characteristics of the room and the hi-fi system to correct any imbalances and defects. Quick and easy, the process takes less than two minutes. All you have to do is remain at the listening position, smartphone at ear level, during the series of measurements. Once the analysis is complete, the WiiM Ultra generates an equalization curve perfectly adapted to your configuration, guaranteeing a tailor-made sound reproduction. In our room, however, calibration proved inconclusive, reducing bass depth and treble definition. We therefore refined it manually.
For this review, we paired the WiiM Ultra as a source with NAD, Pioneer, Marantz and Cayin amplifiers that lack network features. As these models are purely analog, we connected the player via RCA using the included cable. The speakers used were the KEF Q Concerto Meta, as well as several Cabasse floorstanding speakers and a pair of Magnepan panels. The player’s preamplifier capabilities were then tested with the Tonewinner AD 2500 PRO power amp.
Listening impressions
With the factory settings, the WiiM Ultra network player delivered a balanced reproduction, with excellent handling of dynamics and attacks. On the album Ask That God by the duo Empire Of The Sun, the WiiM Ultra effectively underlined the boundless energy emanating from this record. The bass was punchy, with firm, tight and correctly articulated low frequencies. Their exemplary definition provided a solid foundation for each track and a pleasant sense of depth.
The vocals were highlighted slightly, reinforcing the impression of proximity with the artists. On Anette Askvik’s Liberty, the Norwegian vocalist’s vocals were clear and expressive. They took center stage with remarkable presence. The high transparency of the streamer allowed every nuance and articulation to be perceived, giving the listening experience a truly emotional quality.
The soundstage was wide and well-defined, with precise placement of the various instruments in space. The music had room to breathe, giving each element enough space to express itself. However, on particularly complex or densely orchestrated passages, the delineation offered by the WiiM Ultra sometimes revealed its limits. Accuracy remained satisfactory, but some elements appeared slightly less crisp, with messier juxtapositions during the most complex parts. However, with calmer tracks, such as acoustic pieces, string quartets and jazz tracks, the streamer excelled in highlighting the slightest nuances of each instrument.
WiiM Ultra vs EverSolo DMP-A6
The EverSolo DMP-A6 offers a host of new features, including support for Hi-Res files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD, a larger touchscreen to dispense with the mobile app altogether, and more extensive connectivity with an XLR balanced output. It is also more musical, with a wider soundstage offering a truly holographic sound. However, the WiiM Ultra is an excellent alternative at almost half the price. It even has a number of advantages, such as the acoustic calibration, phono input and included remote control.
Who is this player for?
The WiiM Ultra is the most affordable touchscreen streamer currently available. Ideal for modernizing a hi-fi system without changing the main components, it transforms vintage equipment into a fully connected system. Its broad compatibility opens the doors to music streaming, with intuitive access to most online platforms, web radios and playback of files shared over the local network. At the same time, it can also be used as a preamplifier stereo system to pair with a power amp, or to stream the sound of all your sources, including a turntable and a TV, to various multi-room components around the house.
Conclusion
The WiiM Ultra network player marks a significant advance on the best-selling WiiM Pro, while remaining affordable. At €399, it succeeds in combining high-level sound performance, premium design and features that are rare in this price range, such as a phono input, HDMI ARC and an amplified headphone output. Its parametric equalizer, numerous DSP modes and acoustic calibration allow total customization for perfect integration into any hi-fi system. Although the touchscreen would benefit from certain functionalities such as a search tool and access to the user’s music catalog to become truly perfect, it has an undeniable aesthetic appeal, providing a visually appealing and fun listening experience. The acoustic calibration could also be perfected, with an included microphone to eliminate the many variables of the smartphone used in the current process.
We liked:
- The premium design
- The balanced sound
- The transparent reproduction
- The well-designed mobile app
We would have liked:
- A more functional touchscreen (search function, streaming apps, etc.)
- DSD support
- More efficient management of complex compositions
- To have kept AirPlay 2 compatibility
- More accurate microphone calibration (highly variable depending on the phone used)
