WiiM Pro Preview

pieterv1 · Dec 29, 2022

I lolled at this review

Seems very obvious to me, but at the same time, it could be important info for some people...

cc_rider · Dec 29, 2022

Looks like it's out of stock once again at Amazon USA. Popular item!

Firstman · Dec 29, 2022

For years, I’ve been streaming Amazon UHD from my iPhone to a Node 2i via AirPlay. I believe I’ve NEVER been getting the full audio experience that Amazon UHD offers, as Airplay caps out at 24bit/48kHz CD quality only.

My understanding is that with a Wimm Pro, I’ll finally be able get Amazon’s music wirelessly from my phone up to UHD 24-bit/192kHz via Alexacast. I’ll just need to ditch my Node 2i. At the same time, I’ll hook up a new external DAC via coax or optical to improve upon the Wiim internal DAC. Assuming I’m correct so far… this is all fantastic news!

My question: As I don’t have a computer in my listening room, a wired USB source isn’t an option. So absent USB, is the Wiim route described above actually a groundbreaking new method to wirelessly stream music at 24-bit/192kHz? Or are there other products out there doing the same thing, perhaps even better, never mind the cost?

Sorry if I’m rehashing, but I just want to make sure before I pull the trigger!

Mr Ee · Dec 29, 2022

I'm not aware of any other product that enables you to use the native amazon app to cast at full resolution.
Other products do allow you to stream amazon at full resolution from within their own apps (e.g. heos), but they then rely on the amazon apis.
I'm assuming you've tried amazon via your node / bluos to see how different that can be.

As for missing out at 'only' 24/ 48... (although I have no experience of how good, or not, airplay is)

Brantome · Dec 30, 2022

Mr Ee said:
I'm not aware of any other product that enables you to use the native amazon app to cast at full resolution.
Other products do allow you to stream amazon at full resolution from within their own apps (e.g. heos), but they then rely on the amazon apis.
I'm assuming you've tried amazon via your node / bluos to see how different that can be.

As for missing out at 'only' 24/ 48... (although I have no experience of how good, or not, airplay is)

Thé WiiM Mini was a world first to support bit perfect AlexaCast from the amazon music app up to 24/192 - you might say the Pro is the only other device that does

Ralph L · Dec 30, 2022

cc_rider said:
Hmmm... Well, if it's so easy to hear the difference in streaming bitrates and codecs, what's the point of showing the metadata? It should just be obvious, right?

Hmmm…. Bitrate, codec, and samplerate visibility is pretty standard stuff that I find extremely useful. I own numerous streamers that provide this basic information… that info is even available on antiquated 10+ year old streaming apps running on Android 2.3 (JPGs attached). My understanding of this forum is that it exists as a means to exchange ideas with other Wiimers, and provide a highly responsive Wiim management team with suggestions for further improvement to an already outstanding product. And that is what I am intending to do. OK, so we disagree on what metadata info is useful, but we can do so respectfully and minus the smarminess? Deriding posters that you may disagree with as audiophools, armchair experts, product development lackies, etc, etc, adds nothing to the value of this forum. . Everyone is entitled to their opinions and suggestions.

WiimFan · Dec 30, 2022

I am so looking forward to Roon integration on the Wiim Pro.

In the meantime, I have a couple of questions:

1. Can Wiim Pro handle DSD files internally? If not, can it pass DSD files to my DAC which is DSD512 capable?

2. I don't see "Dolby or "multi-channel" on the road map. How does Wiim Pro handle Atmos or surround tracks on popular streaming sites?

Brantome · Dec 30, 2022

WimmFan said:
I am so looking forward to Roon integration on the Wiim Pro. In the meantime, I have a question.

Can Wiim Pro handle DSD files internally? If not, can it pass DSD files to my DAC which is DSD512 capable?

Don't think so re the first part, and you'd be better and quicker getting a definitive response from WiiM by using the feedback section in the WiiM app

Exile72 · Dec 30, 2022

Ralph L said:
100% agreed... an important omission that would be very useful if included in a future update. The current Wiim app fails to show COMPLETE information for most internet stations. I rarely see the bitrate (speed) displayed. Listening to a 16/44 stream encoded as mp3 at a 128k bitrate is vastly inferior than listening to that same 16/44 stream encoded as aac over the same 128k bitrate. And, even if codec remains the same, listening to that 16/44 mp3 stream at a 128k bitrate will sound inferior to the same 16/44 mp3 stream delivered at 192k, 256k, or 320k. Is the stream mp3 or aac?... is the bitrate 32, 48, 64, 96, 128. 192, 256, or 320?.. . all important information that is currently unavailable most of the time in the current app version.

If you're looking for robust metadata you need to use Roon as your music controller app.

d6jg · Dec 30, 2022

Exile72 said:
If you're looking for robust metadata you need to use Roon as your music controller app.

Or LMS

Firstman · Dec 31, 2022

Using Alexacast for Amazon UHD 24/192, has anyone compared the Wimm Pro internal DAC vs. streaming via Airplay from the Node2i (therefore lower 24/48 bitrate) using the Node2i’s presumably better internal DAC?

I’m curious if it’s worth ditching the Node2i for the Wiim Pro without getting an external DAC.

Brantome · Dec 31, 2022

Firstman said:
Using Alexacast for Amazon UHD 24/192, has anyone compared the Wimm Pro internal DAC vs. streaming via Airplay from the Node2i (therefore lower 24/48 bitrate) using the Node2i’s presumably better internal DAC?

I’m curious if it’s worth ditching the Node2i for the Wiim Pro without getting an external DAC.

Or feed the Pro into the Node’s better DAC?

cc_rider · Dec 31, 2022

Firstman said:
Using Alexacast for Amazon UHD 24/192, has anyone compared the Wimm Pro internal DAC vs. streaming via Airplay from the Node2i (therefore lower 24/48 bitrate) using the Node2i’s presumably better internal DAC?

I’m curious if it’s worth ditching the Node2i for the Wiim Pro without getting an external DAC.

Not so sure the Node 2i has a better DAC, actually.

Review and Measurements of Bluesound NODE 2i Streamer

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Bluesound Node 2i Streamer. It is on kind loan from a member and costs $499. I am assuming their target market is where SONOS dominates if you are familiar with that brand. From the outside, this is one looking and feeling unit! The unit is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Brantome · Dec 31, 2022

cc_rider said:
Not so sure the Node 2i has a better DAC, actually.

Review and Measurements of Bluesound NODE 2i Streamer

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Bluesound Node 2i Streamer. It is on kind loan from a member and costs $499. I am assuming their target market is where SONOS dominates if you are familiar with that brand. From the outside, this is one looking and feeling unit! The unit is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Fair enough, I’ve just always assumed that given the large price difference and the very vocal “nodophiles” that its DAC was better than the WiiM Mini’s…

Firstman · Dec 31, 2022

cc_rider said:
Not so sure the Node 2i has a better DAC, actually.

Review and Measurements of Bluesound NODE 2i Streamer

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Bluesound Node 2i Streamer. It is on kind loan from a member and costs $499. I am assuming their target market is where SONOS dominates if you are familiar with that brand. From the outside, this is one looking and feeling unit! The unit is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Either way, it seems like there’s a consensus that a new Topping or Schiit DAC Will better both the internal Wiim or Node2i DACs. So I’ll probably just try the Wiim alone, then add an external DAC later on.

I don’t think you can stream into the Node2i DAC.

Brantome · Dec 31, 2022

Firstman said:
Either way, it seems like there’s a consensus that a new Topping or Schiit DAC Will better both the internal Wiim or Node2i DACs. So I’ll probably just try the Wiim alone, then add an external DAC later on.

I don’t think you can stream into the Node2i DAC.

I understood it had a toslink input that you could potentially feed the WiiM into

d6jg · Dec 31, 2022

Firstman said:
Either way, it seems like there’s a consensus that a new Topping or Schiit DAC Will better both the internal Wiim or Node2i DACs. So I’ll probably just try the Wiim alone, then add an external DAC later on.

I don’t think you can stream into the Node2i DAC.

The onboard DAC in the Mini is only OK but using Optical out at 100% to a better DAC is much better.
Airplay will never give you anything beyond 24/48 btw

Firstman · Dec 31, 2022

Brantome said:
I understood it had a toslink input that you could potentially feed the WiiM into

You are correct. It has a 3.5mm mini toslink input.

canard · Dec 31, 2022

no just... 3.5mm analogique... with the mini..
the pro have a input toslink

Firstman · Dec 31, 2022

canard said:
no just... 3.5mm analogique... with the mini..
the pro have a input toslink

… sorry, my comment was in reference to the Node2i DAC having a 3.5mm mini toslink input. So you can use the Node2i as a standalone DAC.

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