Features wanted in a Wiim Ultra 2

[canard]

We need to get rid of unnecessary stuff or gadgets...it will be cheaper...!!:
screen
HDMI
phono mc

To add
coaxial num input
balanced output (see jack to save space)
2nd sub output (L+R or mono)

To be improved:
-dac and all clocks inside
- input line
-phono mm,
and higher-quality headphone output




The solution , in parrallele, another machine will remain AVR-oriented, multi-channel, with gadget screen etc... ,-)

 

[canard]

More seriously...

Improving the two "old" entry-level products, focused solely on audio and without a screen, with the benefit of time and experience, the Mini and Pro Plus, would certainly be welcome...

better adc /dac ..
and
perhaps subs more, usb, (and balanced output) in "plus plus"



The real snub would be a really good quality mini mk2 in audio adc/dac even if modest in size and cost... (airplay?)
(what launched wiim...after google's long abandonment of the chromecast audio niche)
a challenge just as interesting as the move upmarket in the race with Bluesound Eversolo etc...see more...
;-)

 

[amil]

Full or modified versions of supported music service apps. Having Spotify menus on the touch screen was what I thought I was buying into with the Ultra, much like it is available on pretty much any smart device or TV.

 

[EddNog]

Can't we just keep this entire thread within this discussion?

Thread 'Which and when will the successor of the Wiim Ultra be released on the market?'

Jan 24, 2025

Hello everyone, it's been several months since wiim presented the Ultra on May 9th at the High End Munich 2024. On this forum there is a section where users describe which device they would like wiim to produce. In this post instead I would like to know if anyone has any news on when and what the heir of the wiim ultra will be and what features it could have. I have owned the Wiim ultra since day 1 and I am enthusiastic about this machine and the immense support it receives. Now however I would like to know if as with eversolo, bluesound and other brands wiim is preparing to storm the...

• Flatron7
• wiim ultra
• Replies: 111
• Forum: All things about WiiM Ultra

-Ed

 

[Burnside]

Full or modified versions of supported music service apps. Having Spotify menus on the touch screen was what I thought I was buying into with the Ultra, much like it is available on pretty much any smart device or TV.

That’s not going to be possible as said in your other question.

 

[adias]

@WiiM Team @WiiM Support @RyanWithWiiM
A useful feature on ALL WiiM products would be a simple power switch, perhaps located near a corner in the back of the unit. My devices are on 24/7 so I would not use it for that, but after each FW upgrade I often need to do a power cycle and that requires removing/reinserting the attached power cable which is less convenient.

 

[jfbuk]

@WiiM Team @WiiM Support @RyanWithWiiM
A useful feature on ALL WiiM products would be a simple power switch, perhaps located near a corner in the back of the unit. My devices are on 24/7 so I would not use it for that, but after each FW upgrade I often need to do a power cycle and that requires removing/reinserting the attached power cable which is less convenient.

You could try somethlng like this in the interim

Sonoff

 

[Kblade97]

I like my Wiim Ultra but would love to see the following in an updated version:
- A DAC chip one step up, like in the Amp Ultra
- XLR balanced out
- 4 or 5 inch screen
- Better pop and noise reduction via HDMI and Optical In
- No need for Phono In or Headphone Out
- All the other I/O ports can stay the same

This would be my dream DAC/media streamer and preamp.

What would you like in an altered version 2?

Why balanced?

 

[Persona Grata]

For two reasons. For situations where you have the Wiim far from the amplifier and for those who use amplifiers like the Topping B200 that only use balanced XLR inputs.

 

[Kblade97]

For two reasons. For situations where you have the Wiim far from the amplifier and for those who use amplifiers like the Topping B200 that only use balanced XLR inputs.

Adapter on balanced input. Cardas makes them. A little pricey. I’m sure you could find a different brand cheaper.
I’ve run single ended over 25 feet never a problem. As a matter of fact there is a lot of expensive nice gear that does not have balanced connectors. And to make a fully symmetrical circuit to make it balanced is a lot more EXPENSIVE . I just think it’s a waste, a lot of things we could benefit from than balanced connectors , especially since it’s an easy work around

 

[EddNog]

Adapter on balanced input. Cardas makes them. A little pricey. I’m sure you could find a different brand cheaper.
I’ve run single ended over 25 feet never a problem. As a matter of fact there is a lot of expensive nice gear that does not have balanced connectors. And to make a fully symmetrical circuit to make it balanced is a lot more EXPENSIVE . I just think it’s a waste, a lot of things we could benefit from than balanced connectors , especially since it’s an easy work around

Ultra is meant to be a flagship device. I don't think the added cost of true differential outputs is outlandish for a flagship product. Plus, adapters do nothing for amps that need to be fed a true balanced, differential signal, such as running dual Schiit Vidars in monobloc configuration.

If we were talking about a next-gen mid-tier device like whatever follows the WiiM Pro Plus, yeah, I agree, no need for balanced outputs, but the flagship should probably have this.

-Ed

 

[canard]

As we see a lot these days...
Space saving on the front, cost I imagine, etc....in jack...?
;-)
(First of all, there are two sub-differentiable L/R outputs, not to be forgotten... the function is or not... symmetrical or asymmetrical can still be bypassed.)

 

[adias]

You could try somethlng like this in the interim

Sonoff

Nah. Try that on a Ultra, Amp, Amp Pro, Vibelink, Amp Ultra. You need a few more Volts and of a different kind.

 

[jfbuk]

Nah. Try that on an Ultra, Amp, Amp Pro, Vibelink, Amp Ultra. You need a few more Volts and of a different kind.

Then buy something similar but for 110v/220-240v

 

[adias]

Then buy something similar but for 110v/220-240v

Those things are a workaround in some cases, but devices with proper power switches are preferred.

 

[Kblade97]

Ultra is meant to be a flagship device. I don't think the added cost of true differential outputs is outlandish for a flagship product. Plus, adapters do nothing for amps that need to be fed a true balanced, differential signal, such as running dual Schiit Vidars in monobloc configuration.

If we were talking about a next-gen mid-tier device like whatever follows the WiiM Pro Plus, yeah, I agree, no need for balanced outputs, but the flagship should probably have this.

-Ed

It’s twice the parts. Truly balanced is dual mono on both left and right inputs/outputs. Twice the parts, that raises the price immensely. And I think we could get more for that cost that would be more of a benefit. IMHO

 

[canard]

It’s twice the parts. Truly balanced is dual mono on both left and right inputs/outputs. Twice the parts, that raises the price immensely. And I think we could get more for that cost that would be more of a benefit. IMHO

I think you have very exaggerated ideas about the additional cost of this few compoments more when leaving the Chinese factory/workshop ;-)

 

[EddNog]

It’s twice the parts. Truly balanced is dual mono on both left and right inputs/outputs. Twice the parts, that raises the price immensely. And I think we could get more for that cost that would be more of a benefit. IMHO

As I said—I agree with you with regards to cost and mid-tier products.

But I will disagree with you regarding the follow-up to the Ultra, since we’re talking about a flagship product, and there are objective benefits/improvements (not to mention functional ones) to having true differential outputs. This isn’t a snake-oil/subjective matter.

No reason to place Toyota Corolla limitations on a Lexus LS.

-Ed

 

[dtc]

It’s twice the parts. Truly balanced is dual mono on both left and right inputs/outputs. Twice the parts, that raises the price immensely. And I think we could get more for that cost that would be more of a benefit. IMHO

The Wiim product does not necessarily need to be fully balanced. It can just have balanced outputs. Using a fully balanced design for the main system, as opposed to just the outputs, it a matter of the design of the system. In some cases it makes sense, in some it does not. I think what people are asking for is balanced output, not a fully balanced design throughout for a new Ultra.

 

[Persona Grata]

I am going back on my previous viewpoint and now believe, after some serious testing, that there is no need for a better DAC or balanced out. I have tried Topping E70 Velvet as an external DAC and tried balanced out to my power amp.
It is hard to admit but via blind testing (not me switching) I can't hear any
audible improvements. I also tried just a good active unbalanced to balanced converter (creating real +- balanced audio signal and gain at 4 Vrms out). No audible difference detected by young or middle-aged ears.

My conclusion is that I'll be very content with an updated Ultra, hopefully via software, but also via new improved hardware if necessary, that improves the internal signal processing and removes more noise and cracks from the HDMI-in and good support for Dolby 5.1 with two new Wiim Sound speakers and a virtual centre channel so you don't need a third one. That would be sweet and perfect for most of us in this budget device.