WiiM Ultra

Updated on 5/25/2024

Check out this fuller thread about our official announcement of the WiiM Ultra - https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/meet-wiim-ultra-the-digital-hub-for-your-music.3487/

Updated on 4/19/2024

Hi Team,

We're excited to give you a sneak peek at the WiiM Ultra, your future go-to digital hub for all things music! We're putting the final touches on this innovative product and are on track for a Q2 release. Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for launch!




Original message by Brantome:
As mentioned in a user reply from the WiiM/Linkplay CEO on the WiiM Fan Page on Facebook, WiiM are developing a new device called the WiiM Ultra which will have a screen, aluminium case and USB audio output. It should be available Q2 2024, so a good five to six months away.

Guess @Smartplug is due a prize (e.g. I'll lay off gently ribbing them about their constant 'when' questions) as I think they first suggested that name a while ago

That's the entirety of the information I have, but WiiM do say they'll release more details in due course.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

Just noticed, it’s been 6 months to the day since this thread started.

 

[MrMan]

If it can connect directly to a power amp and adjust volume then yes it's a (digitial) preamp.

So just like the Pro & Pro Plus then. Does anyone actually connect these directly to power amp (with no volume control) ?

 

[cooky560]

There are also power amps out there that have volume controls. Variance is the nature of the beast lol.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

So just like the Pro & Pro Plus then. Does anyone actually connect these directly to power amp (with no volume control) ?

It’s just my feeling, and we can quibble over terms, etc., but I think the physical volume control is what makes it a preamp, in comparison to the Mini, Pro or Pro Plus.

I’m not sure I’d want to have a set up (source straight into power amp) where there was no physical volume control.

Here’s the kicker. WiiM specifically say in the other streamers to leave volume at full for bit perfect. They don’t for the Amp - can’t really, as it’d just meaning leaving it full power constantly.

I wonder what they’ll say for the Ultra.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

There are also power amps out there that have volume controls. Variance is the nature of the beast lol.

True. But that’d be no good for this if you were using the sub out.

 

[cooky560]

True. But that’d be no good for this if you were using the sub out.

True, to be fair I've never owned a sub in my life, most of my speakers produce enough bass on their own.

Indeed people have asked me "where have you hidden the sub"?

 

[bherren]

So just like the Pro & Pro Plus then. Does anyone actually connect these directly to power amp (with no volume control) ?

Yes. I used to have a topping D70 Pro DAC in between but recently realised I couldn't hear the difference vs using the Pro Plus output directly into the amp so I took it out and will sell it

I also have the TV going to the pro plus optical in and the turntable to the analog in (via a Schiit Mani). So I pretty much use it as a preamp.

The power amp is an Apollon NCx500 Stereo (which I am *very* happy with btw).

 

[MrMan]

Pro Plus output directly into the amp

Are you worried about bumping the WiiM app volume to max or it being non bit-perfect (losing bits)?
Would be nice if they gave the option for an up/down or dial volume control.

 

[bherren]

Are you worried about bumping the WiiM app volume to max or it being non bit-perfect (losing bits)?
Would be nice if they gave the option for an up/down or dial volume control.

Not really, it hasn't been a big issue. With the amp gain at 20db and the pro plus output at 2V, it would get quite loud but wouldn't kill my speakers.

For volume control I use the WiiM remote.

But the Ultra will fit nicely as a replacement for the pro plus in my setup I think

 

[ABAstroUK]

Yes. I used to have a topping D70 Pro DAC in between but recently realised I couldn't hear the difference vs using the Pro Plus output directly into the amp so I took it out and will sell it

I also have the TV going to the pro plus optical in and the turntable to the analog in (via a Schiit Mani). So I pretty much use it as a preamp.

The power amp is an Apollon NCx500 Stereo (which I am *very* happy with btw).

The Apollon looks like a beast, what speakers are you driving with it?

 

[joffy1780]

Are you worried about bumping the WiiM app volume to max or it being non bit-perfect (losing bits)?
Would be nice if they gave the option for an up/down or dial volume control.

You can set a safe max volume level as well, just in case.

 

[bherren]

The Apollon looks like a beast, what speakers are you driving with it?

Piega Classic 3 for now

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

You can set a safe max volume level as well, just in case.

I was unaware of that, thanks for pointing it out.

Where is that feature?

 

[joffy1780]

I was unaware of that, thanks for pointing it out.

Where is that feature?

Its in 'audio settings' I think it's called that (can't check app at the minute). Section where you choose bit depth, sample rate etc

 

[ABAstroUK]

The per source volume control option is at the bottom of the Audio Inputs screen, not sure that does volume limit?

 

[Brantome]

Do you mean volume limit? That’s more of a multiplier, but could be viewed or used as a max volume I guess.

 

[bherren]

Do you mean volume limit? That’s more of a multiplier, but could be viewed or used as a max volume I guess.

Yes that's the one. Though I haven't needed it so far

 

[Brantome]

Yes that's the one. Though I haven't needed it so far

I use it because I apply PEQ and REW suggests the values I use need headroom so I have my volume limit set at 94% to minimise the chance of digital clipping.

 

[joffy1780]

I use it because I apply PEQ and REW suggests the values I use need headroom so I have my volume limit set at 94% to minimise the chance of digital clipping.

I do this with one of my Pros (I have volume fixed on this one) with the other I've lowered the max volume further as a precaution as I use it to control system volume and little hands can easily get hold of the remote.

 

[djwalter2000]

It’s just my feeling, and we can quibble over terms, etc., but I think the physical volume control is what makes it a preamp, in comparison to the Mini, Pro or Pro Plus.

I’m not sure I’d want to have a set up (source straight into power amp) where there was no physical volume control.

Here’s the kicker. WiiM specifically say in the other streamers to leave volume at full for bit perfect. They don’t for the Amp - can’t really, as it’d just meaning leaving it full power constantly.

I wonder what they’ll say for the Ultra.

I'd like to better understand how/why adjusting the volume on a Pro compromises the bit perfect aspect of the stream. Any additional info would be appreciated.