Wiim Ultra vs Node Icon

[DG77]

We are in exactly the same situation, I also use the digital output at the same time as the subout. In fact, the new beta that allows you to use the USB at the same time with the Wiim subout is really a bomb. It allowed me to connect my DDC singxer su-6 to the Wiim Ultra via USB, significantly improving the digital audio quality of the Wiim towards my Dynaudio focus 60XD and at the same time being able to use my Arendal 1723 2v subwoofer. As for functionality, the Wiim Ultra is truly unbeatable. I also used a node n130 lately (using the coaxial spdif output) and unfortunately I have to admit that the node sounds significantly more natural, more harmonics and in a more analog way. However, the node does not have the same functions and adjustment possibilities as the Ultra which also sounds more dynamic and loud. The blanket is short. The optimus would be a fusion between Bluesound and Wiim.

Truly we are in the same configuration!
I also use digital out to active speakers (Dali Rubicon 6C), and I will today test the SMSL PO100 USB to digital to check if I notice any improvements.
I think your speakers are a notch better than mine though!

 

[DG77]

How do you find the bluos and WiiM apps compare? The reviewer seems to have a downer on the WiiM app too, lauding the bluos app.

Maybe I should ask him about the less than stellar Alexa and Amazon Music HD support on Bluesound, but I guess he wouldn't be using that anyway on his audiophile “revealing” system

I find both apps good, but for configurability the Wiim app is superior, and of course both the Wiim app and the Wiim device has far more options.
As for pure playback from streaming services (how I use them) I think they are equal.

FYI I have the Bluesound module in my active speakers, and it sometimes gets "slow"/laggy, but it is running on a 1GHz ARM CPU so...

 

[DG77]

We are in exactly the same situation, I also use the digital output at the same time as the subout. In fact, the new beta that allows you to use the USB at the same time with the Wiim subout is really a bomb. It allowed me to connect my DDC singxer su-6 to the Wiim Ultra via USB, significantly improving the digital audio quality of the Wiim towards my Dynaudio focus 60XD and at the same time being able to use my Arendal 1723 2v subwoofer. As for functionality, the Wiim Ultra is truly unbeatable. I also used a node n130 lately (using the coaxial spdif output) and unfortunately I have to admit that the node sounds significantly more natural, more harmonics and in a more analog way. However, the node does not have the same functions and adjustment possibilities as the Ultra which also sounds more dynamic and loud. The blanket is short. The optimus would be a fusion between Bluesound and Wiim.

How do you find the Dynaudios manage low end base respons in the room? I once tried the Focus20 (I think) and found the bass overwhelming.

 

[merifon]

As for pure playback from streaming services (how I use them) I think they are equal

If look at Tidal connect playing screen, you'll notice that with WiiM, it updates every second, whilst with Bluos, it updates every five seconds. This desynchronizes lyrics display and for me, it's annoying...

 

[Flatron7]

How do you find the Dynaudios manage low end base respons in the room? I once tried the Focus20 (I think) and found the bass overwhelming.

mine are the focus 60 XD which are much superior to the current series. They have beautiful bass but my listening room is 60m2 and therefore I have no oppression from the bass in fact I can also afford the very powerful Arendal 1723 2v sub without any problem. The environment always makes the difference

 

[DG77]

If look at Tidal connect playing screen, you'll notice that with WiiM, it updates every second, whilst with Bluos, it updates every five seconds. This desynchronizes lyrics display and for me, it's annoying...

Ah true, I use the built in Tidal connection in the blueos app though so did not notice that.

 

[DG77]

mine are the focus 60 XD which are much superior to the current series. They have beautiful bass but my listening room is 60m2 and therefore I have no oppression from the bass in fact I can also afford the very powerful Arendal 1723 2v sub without any problem. The environment always makes the difference

for sure, the room makes a huge difference, my room elevates 39Hz by 15db
They did miss out on adding Tidal/streaming on the Sound hub though right? Else you would not need the Wiim I guess.

 

[merifon]

Ah true, I use the built in Tidal connection in the blueos app though so did not notice that.

Just curious, why rely with API for external Apps, instead of Tidal Connect that it's far more focused and willful in the suggestions and other features?

 

[DG77]

Just curious, why rely with API for external Apps, instead of Tidal Connect that it's far more focused and willful in the suggestions and other features?

I just like to tinker so having it all in one app (wiim app) makes it easier for me

 

[Flatron7]

for sure, the room makes a huge difference, my room elevates 39Hz by 15db
They did miss out on adding Tidal/streaming on the Sound hub though right? Else you would not need the Wiim I guess.

Exactly ...

 

[darth]

To be fair, doesn’t their technical note advise that can be managed by using the an rca connection to the external device to ground it? I’m all for a bit of light hearted Bluesound bashing but if there’s an easy fix for a solution, surely it’s no big deal?

I don't have an RCA to plug into on the other end. I tried plugging in the nodes RCA into the ground of the power strip, which helped a bit but hum just got fainter and didn't go away. No guarantees their solution works either. But besides that, out of principal, not paying $1000 for a device which has an inherent design flaw
Known to them based on similar issues with their prior devices but still failed to provide a proper grounding wire/pin.

 

[darth]

I don't have an RCA to plug into on the other end. I tried plugging in the nodes RCA into the ground of the power strip, which helped a bit but hum just got fainter and didn't go away. No guarantees their solution works either. But besides that, out of principal, not paying $1000 for a device which has an inherent design flaw
Known to them based on similar issues with their prior devices but still failed to provide a proper grounding wire/pin.

Can see more comparisons and discussion about it here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...2024-icon-streamer.58100/page-18#post-2193646

 

[Flatron7]

Siamo davvero nella stessa situazione!
Utilizzo anche l'uscita digitale per altoparlanti attivi (Dali Rubicon 6C) e oggi testerò l'SMSL PO100 USB-digitale per verificare se noto miglioramenti.
Penso che i tuoi diffusori siano un po' meglio dei miei!

Different not better in my opinion..

 

[gazza1101]

Really interesting review. It was tested in DAC and pure streamer mode and the results were good. I also understand that it is also compared with the ultra and it seems better than the ultra in both modes but especially in DAC mode. Obviously neither ULTRA nor ICON could do anything against the very high-end machines used as benchmarks

I think that the Icon should be a little better sounding it's 2.5 times the price, add the price of Dirac which is likely to be £200-£300 pounds that's an expensive streamer!!

 

[steadyshot]

I think that the Icon should be a little better sounding it's 2.5 times the price, add the price of Dirac which is likely to be £200-£300 pounds that's an expensive streamer!!

Not a little better . He says that the 349pound device is at most for background music compared to it…

 

[Burnside]

Not a little better . He says that the 349pound device is at most for background music compared to it…

Yeah, very deprecating comment. Comes across as prejudiced

 

[slartibartfast]

Yeah, very deprecating comment. Comes across as prejudiced

Shock, horror! YouTube reviewer says expensive streamer is better than cheaper streamer

 

[gazza1101]

Not a little better . He says that the 349pound device is at most for background music compared to it…

Oh OK, I've not read it as the icon is a little more than I would want to pay for a streamer and I'm very happy with the Ultra.

 

[DG77]

I think that the Icon should be a little better sounding it's 2.5 times the price, add the price of Dirac which is likely to be £200-£300 pounds that's an expensive streamer!!

It should definently sound bettet for that price indeed!

 

[hgo58]

It should definently sound bettet for that price indeed!

There is not necessarily a correlation between price and sound quality but probably between price and build quality.