Upgrade from Mini to Ultra? (or Node N132)

[mabuse205]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently using a WiiM Mini, which is connected to a stereo amplifier.

I listen to music through floor-standing speakers. I'd like to buy higher-quality speakers soon, but I think I might start with a better streamer first.

So my most important question is: Is the Ultra a SOUND improvement over the Mini? In the audible sense? Is it more detailed, does it reproduce better?

I like the WiiM brand and the app, so I'd tend to stick with it.

Or should I buy the Node N132?
That would give me the option of buying Dirac and using a good room calibration.

Yes, I know, WiiM also has room correction, I tried it, but it sounded really bad, everything sounded completely "muddy"

I should also add that I only listen to stereo. Two floor-standing speakers, that's it.
And, no, there won't be a subwoofer or anything else.

To be honest, I don't really want to delve into Dirac.
Does Dirac really help me that much in stereo?

But on the WiiM, I like using the graphic equalizer, especially with slight boosts in the bass and treble ranges.

My idea is to buy a better streamer first.
And then better speakers.

What do you think?

Is that the right approach?

And is the Ultra audibly better than the Mini?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[slartibartfast]

Yes, I know, WiiM also has room correction, I tried it, but it sounded really bad, everything sounded completely "muddy"

Results of WiiM room correction is highly dependent on the microphone used and the settings employed. What did you do?

 

[mabuse205]

I bought a small microphone and mounted it on the tablet for calibration.
I tried several times, but everything sounded worse than without calibration.

I'm happier with the manually adjusted equalizer.

 

[slartibartfast]

Ich habe mir ein kleines Mikrofon dazu gekauft und das Tablet zum Einmessen fixiert.
Mehrere Versuche, aber es klang alles schlechter als ohne Einmessung.

Mit dem manuell eingestellten Equalizer bin ich glücklicher.

Which small microphone?

 

[Valentino]

Curators note: Please post in English at all times.

The Ultra should be audibly better than the mini. The Wiim Pro Plus sounds just as good as the Ultra, so it is a good proposition if you don’t need the extra functionality (like the screen, sub out, phono input, headphones out) of the Ultra at 3/5 of the price.

 

[Mr Ee]

I'm currently using a WiiM Mini, which is connected to a stereo amplifier.

If your connection is the mini analog (3.5mm) out then absolutely yes, the ultra's analog out is, imo, massively superior to the mini (and the pro).
I can't comment on the pro plus personally (don't have one), but as @Valentino asserts above, I've seen many posts saying the pro plus is comparable to the ultra, for analog out.

Make sure you audition any speakers before buying!

 

[mabuse205]

Which small microphone?

This one:

Lavalier Microphone

 

[slartibartfast]

This one:

Lavalier Microphone

I doubt it has a flat frequency response at low frequencies.

 

[mabuse205]

If your connection is the mini analog (3.5mm) out then absolutely yes, the ultra's analog out is, imo, massively superior to the mini (and the pro).
I can't comment on the pro plus personally (don't have one), but as @Valentino asserts above, I've seen many posts saying the pro plus is comparable to the ultra, for analog out.

Make sure you audition any speakers before buying!

My amplifier ("vintage" : Marantz SR 4021) has only analog inputs.
Therefore I would connect my CD Player with a digital cable to the WiiM.

I still have a record Player, but honestly I not use it anymore.
It is so comfortable to stream with my tablet...

 

[jxrxme]

In the event of currently using AirPlay 2 with the mini: The Pro Plus does support AirPlay 2, the Ultra doesn’t.

 

[Bozzz]

In the event of currently using AirPlay 2 with the mini: The Pro Plus does support AirPlay 2, the Ultra doesn’t.

True. But it’s easily added though

 

[mabuse205]

I do not use airplay.
I am an android user.

Just changed from Amazon Music unlimited to Tidal connect.
Both normally works fine with WiiM.

 

[mabuse205]

I thought the DAC in the Ultra is better than the one in the Pro Plus?

And How about the Node?
It is hard to find tests that compare both.
Some Tests say the Node sounds a bit better, clearer.
In other forums some say Node is better, Some say you cannot hear a difference.

 

[Valentino]

The «betterness» of the Ultra DAC is academic, or audiophile nonsense (take your pick). All measurements suggest that the differences are inaudible in controlled listening comparisons.

IIRC the Node (Edit: that's the Icon, not the N132) sounds «better» because it has one of these audiophile so nonsensical slow roll of anti aliasing filters (which also can be selected on the Ultra. Not sure about the Pro Plus. Different DAC chip).

 

[jxrxme]

Pro Plus Filter Types are:

 

[mabuse205]

I musst confess, I never heard about this filters...
Do I have to choose one of the six?
Does the Ultra have the same filters?

@Valentino
So, you say, Pro Plus or Ultra have the same Sound quality?
And Node N132 is not "better"?

But Pro Plus and Ultra are better than my actual Mini?

 

[Valentino]

I would rank the sound quality of the Pro Plus and the Ultra equal and above the Node 132 and the 132 above the Mini.
As for filters you're ok with default on the WiiM boxes.

 

[mabuse205]

Okay, so it should/ could be a WiiM Pro Plus or Ultra for the sound quality.

What are your opinions about dirac?
Ist it necessary/ a good choice for stereo?

 

[Valentino]

I would not put any money into Dirac. Using learning and a combination of the WiiM auto-eq and manual settings will get you there. I recommend an Umik-1 measurement microphone if you want to play and learn. An iPhone microphone is by the way ok above 50 Hz, but doesn't get that bottom octave right.

 

[mabuse205]

My next question concerns connecting the streamer to the amplifier.

Currently, I can only use an analog RCA input, as my existing amplifier doesn't support anything else.

Would it be better (in terms of sound) to use an amplifier with HDMI and/or optical inputs and use one of the two inputs accordingly?