Features wanted in a Wiim Ultra 2

[Kblade97]

For me the ultimate Ultra (Plus) would be without any analog parts and full focus on the digital handling and services. That means better CPUs, more memory, multiple digital in/out (coax, optical, usb) but no DAC or ADC.

Then if WiiM would make highend active speakers (floor standing and sub) with LinkPlay module and top-end DACs, that would be the optimal setup. Else there are many good active speakers with digital input that can be used. I really prefer active speakers with unit optimized DSP and amplifier, to standalone amplifiers and passive speakers. Let us have digital signal all the way. No need for any kind of "smart" cables.

For the WiiM Ultra Plus I would also like to see the screen extended to the full width. No need for the volume knob for me.

You wouldn’t like to see a beefed up analog input, and output stage? Them making a streamer without any analog input /output stages would be a very limited market. Then I would say do both because I have a nice preamp and amp and I would like a streamer with the best analog input/output stage as possible. Also, I would like beefier RCA / input/outputs connectors. Obviously adding more computing power would be a huge benefit as well.

 

[hgo58]

Unfortunately, that limits your options over time. I have had 3 DACs and 2 preamps in my system with the same speakers. With separates, I can fine tune the sound rather than getting just what the manufacturer wants.

Ok, yes. If you like to play with the equipment you will get less choices of hardware.

I fine tune the sound to my like, using the digital DSP (software).

 

[dtc]

Ok, yes. If you like to play with the equipment you will get less choices of hardware.

I fine tune the sound to my like, using the digital DSP (software).

One of the biggest changes I have made was moving from a solid state preamp to a tube preamp. I don't think you can mimic those 2 sounds with DSP. Plus there are people who do not want to convert analog (like vinyl) to digital.

There is a place for a highly integrated system, but it does limit your available market.

 

[hgo58]

One of the biggest changes I have made was moving from a solid state preamp to a tube preamp. I don't think you can mimic those 2 sounds with DSP.

Maybe, maybe not. I don't like the distorted sounds of tube amps, so I haven't tried.

Plus there are people who do not want to convert analog (like vinyl) to digital.

The turntable should of cause have it's own (fine tuned) ADC.

There is a place for a highly integrated system, but it does limit your available market.

I don't go for a fully integrated system but for an all digital setup where the speakers are as neutral as possible.

That would be the next generation HiFi and I would love to see WiiM participate.

 

[Danny Linguini]

I say 'stuck' because it could be different if people want it. I see a lot of benefits in having the DAC and Amps as part of the speaker itself. Allowing the set to be fine tuned to the sound the manufacturer wants.

Avoiding any analog parts in the signal chain would eliminate much of the issue with noise, ground loops, etc.

What are the limitations and constraints?

Well, right off the bat you need a power supply at every speaker location. Not everybody is set up for that - I know I’m not. You’re also pigeon-holed into setups that will be relatively costlier to replace if you’re sticking to that approach. But probably most importantly, as @dtc touched on above, I want to fine-tune my setup the way I want to hear it, not the manufacturer. That’s a whole lot easier to do with separates.

 

[allaces305]

A dual left and right VU meter screen display

 

[hgo58]

Well, right off the bat you need a power supply at every speaker location. Not everybody is set up for that - I know I’m not.

Just a power cable instead of the speaker cable.

You’re also pigeon-holed into setups that will be relatively costlier to replace if you’re sticking to that approach.

The speakers are a bit more costly but you don't need an seperate amplifier with cabinet, connections, etc.

But probably most importantly, as @dtc touched on above, I want to fine-tune my setup the way I want to hear it, not the manufacturer. That’s a whole lot easier to do with separates.

As said, the speakers can be made neutral and the fine-tuning is done by the pre-amp (WiiM Ultra).

In my setup I use network connected speakers over WiFi (Whafedale Diamond A2).

 

[castalla]

Just a bigger better display.... And a usb audio in for usb cd plus metadata lookup software enhancement in the app.

 

[Kblade97]

Ok, yes. If you like to play with the equipment you will get less choices of hardware.

I fine tune the sound to my like, using the digital DSP (software).

We can have both

 

[TonyE]

Maybe, maybe not. I don't like the distorted sounds of tube amps, so I haven't tried.

The turntable should of cause have it's own (fine tuned) ADC.

I don't go for a fully integrated system but for an all digital setup where the speakers are as neutral as possible.

That would be the next generation HiFi and I would love to see WiiM participate.

Like the guy said.... many of us don't want to digitize our analog sources.

For example, my turntable goes to an optimized DIY phono preamp, via balanced to a DIY preamp and then either balanced to one set of amps or single ended to another set of amps ( I have two speaker pairs hooked up to the same source ).

And, I do have a tube preamp in another system. It sounds fantastic... the only reason why it got kicked out from the main setup is its lack of balanced IO -plus the "solid state" DIY preamp uses transformers for voltage implication... it has no degeneration (gain) in its output stage.

And my digital source goes via the Ultra to an external DAC.

So, if anything, I'd prefer an Ultra with no analog inputs of anykind, perhaps an USB input as well in case I want to drive it with digitized audio over IP or over USB. But no.... the Ultra is not meant to be the source switching... at its price point it's can't afford the right components.

My current biggest beef is with the weird state of the WiiM Home application. Can they just make it uniform and well working? Right now my PC keeps losing the Ultra from the Tidal Connect selection and I have to toggle the "Preferred DNS Server" in order for it to be seen from the PC.

The PC interface is not very stable!

 

[adias]

For me the ultimate Ultra (Plus) would be without any analog parts and full focus on the digital handling and services. That means better CPUs, more memory, multiple digital in/out (coax, optical, usb) but no DAC or ADC.

Then if WiiM would make highend active speakers (floor standing and sub) with LinkPlay module and top-end DACs, that would be the optimal setup. Else there are many good active speakers with digital input that can be used. I really prefer active speakers with unit optimized DSP and amplifier, to standalone amplifiers and passive speakers. Let us have digital signal all the way. No need for any kind of "smart" cables.

For the WiiM Ultra Plus I would also like to see the screen extended to the full width. No need for the volume knob for me.

That is an Ultra transport and it has been proposed before. And no screen please and a beefed-up/filtered power supply. This does not exclude an evolved unit with internal dac and analog stages. So two units would cover it.