My experience with Wiim Ultra

Hello,

I'm new here and recently purchased the WIIM Ultra, primarily for my Audio-Technica AT-LP120X turntable. I wanted to use the Phono out and connect it to my Nakamichi Shockwafe 7.2.4 Sound system, transforming my living room into a true entertainment environment. Initially, I connected the LP120X directly to the Nakamichi using the line out from the record player, but the output wasn't satisfactory. Therefore, I began searching for pre-amp solutions and discovered the WiiM Ultra. I was prepared to spend around $300-400 on a pre-amp, and this device caught my attention due to its numerous connectivity and streaming options, offering much more flexibility than a regular pre-amp.

I watched several reviews, and while most were positive, they also mentioned that the Phono pre-amp was the weakest part. Despite this, I decided to give it a try and couldn't be happier.
I'm extremely pleased with how the Phono pre-amp, paired with my Audio-Technica LP120X and Ortofon Red MM, outputs to my Nakamichi. It has brought a new level of dynamic range and overall clarity to my records.

While this setup may not be what some consider true Hi-Fi, as the signal is digitized using the Digital Optical Out, in my opinion, it perfectly complements the Nakamichi system and has tremendously improved the sound of my turntable.
Since my Nakamichi supports 192Khz/24 bit, that's the setting I chose.
Additionally, the ability to use several stages of amplification, including the equalizer and output gains, allows me to fine-tune the sound to my preferences.

Another great feature is the extensive connectivity options this device offers for its price range. I really feel like I hit the sweet spot. One disappointment is the HDMI, which doesn't support eARC, leaving that task to the Nakamichi.
However, I love the possibility of connecting various BT devices to it. Connection-wise, it's very straightforward and user-friendly, with a nice display that allows me to monitor output VU power.
It would be great to have a widget that shows the original versus output power in an analog way, as there is plenty of screen space available for dual VUs.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with the device itself, the sound quality, the amplification stages, options, configurability, design, and ease of use.

Best regards,
 
My new Ultra arrived yesterday, connected it to my trusty Kenwood integrated amp and Mission 734 floorstanders. Bought it mainly to stream Spotify, which I struggled to get it to connect to initially, but after reading threads here I sorted it. Have to say I’m very impressed with this little box, we have excellent WiFi and the sound quality is seriously impressive compared to my previous Bluetooth set up, enjoying the app too. Haven’t been able to drag myself away from it since it arrived, I suspect my vinyl will be taking a back seat for a while 😊
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3828.jpeg
    IMG_3828.jpeg
    244 KB · Views: 31
I concur that the WiiM Ultra's built in DAC is its biggest limitation.

I run three... two with external USB DACs and one with it's internal DAC. The Internal DAC sounds flat and dry. I mean, IMHO, it's not a problem because the Ultra is inexpensive enough...
 
Estoy pensando en agregar un j2 con 3602. ¿Cómo se comportará frente al j3?

I've tried the Sparkos.... currently I'm running the Burson Vivid V7s in my Burson DAC.

He provat els Sparkos... actualment faig servir els Burson Vivid V7 al meu DAC Burson.
.
 
I concur that the WiiM Ultra's built in DAC is its biggest limitation.

I run three... two with external USB DACs and one with it's internal DAC. The Internal DAC sounds flat and dry. I mean, IMHO, it's not a problem because the Ultra is inexpensive enough...
I guess it's because the WiiM DAC don't have as much harmonic distortion as the others. That will make it sound flat when compared.
 
I guess it's because the WiiM DAC don't have as much harmonic distortion as the others. That will make it sound flat when compared.

(1) You don't know what DACs I'm running. How can you make such a statement?

(2) THD is not the correct item... it's the harmonic distortion spectrum that matters. 2nd order is mostly inaudible up to 1%.. 3rd makes the sound "dry", higher harmonics are very objectionable.
 
(2) THD is not the correct item... it's the harmonic distortion spectrum that matters. 2nd order is mostly inaudible up to 1%.. 3rd makes the sound "dry", higher harmonics are very objectionable.

You must have really good hearing. The distortion and noise combined on the Ultra's analog output is 0.00015%. That would include 2nd & 3rd orders and everything else. I can remember when anything less that 1% on a tube amp was considered really good!

As they say, YMMV, but I've compared the Ultra's DAC to a number of others and am very pleased with it. But, sounds like you have a setup that you enjoy, so play on!
 
(1) You don't know what DACs I'm running. How can you make such a statement?
.
Because it is irrelevant. A transparent DAC is what is. A couple of hundred or even thousand Dollars won‘t make it any better sonically. Different if desired, but not better if you want the true info from the data.
 
Whatever... it's music... I don't use my scope when I listen to music.

Although I have monitored the bias while listening to adjust the sound to my liking. That's why my amps, DACs and processors all have thumbscrews holding their top lids... so I can pull them out easily.

Oh, no, I didn't open the WiiM... no user replaceable parts inside.. so sez the lawyers. IMHO, the sound difference with most DACs is not the decoding itself but the analog output section... that's why rolling opamps can make so much change... but good opamps are not cheap and the product managers are horrendous when managing the BoM (bill of materials).

Anyhow, I like it the way it is. I can change DACs if I feel like it... but to me. the true killer thing is that I can get bit perfect high rez audio from Android and Chromebook.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top