WiiM Ultra

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.

 

[redjr]

I’m quite surprised that we haven’t seen more discussion of the Fiio R7 so far, especially as it’s a streamer with a display.

It also has a headphone amp (which people have mentioned), balanced outs (which people have mentioned), and the facility to connect to a large screen (which people have mentioned).

I’m sure the new WiiM will be in competition with this model, as (so far at least) the WiiM looks like it’ll be similar, and that they’ll be in the same section of the market.

The FiiO R7 is a very compelling device. I've wanted one because I love gadgets. But, you see their new R9. I also use a FiiO K9 Pro (AKM variant) in my main listening room. Absolutely love it. Sorry, off topic again.

I'm surmising the Ultra's screen will be a new derivative of the Android app? Seems to make the most sense.

 

[redjr]

I think at the moment the Pro and + are a great value as a digital transport for higher end DACs. I seriously doubt that WiiM will rise up to the level of a high end DAC with the built-in. I hope they surprise me but I'm not holding my breath. If the USB output of the Ultra works well and the price is still reasonable I will probably buy one. If it gets too expensive, I'll most likely keep using the the Pro.

Yes. USB out is essential, and I was very disappointed when I found out my spanky new Pro+ did not accommodate it. But, I'm over it and will likely purchase the Ultra, if the planets are aligned properly. Anyone want a brand new Pro+ ? PM me.

 

[Matt_Holland]

Why all these requests for USB output and no DAC? This seems like such a niche request.

If the Ultra has a state of the art DAC then you can sell your existing DAC (presumably with USB input) and have a one box solution.

The Ultra will no doubt also have a transparent pre-amp capability, so you can sell your existing pre-amp too.

Ultra will have more features, not less.

 

[Brantome]

Why all these requests for USB output and no DAC? This seems like such a niche request.

If the Ultra has a state of the art DAC then you can sell your existing DAC (presumably with USB input) and have a one box solution.

The Ultra will no doubt also have a transparent pre-amp capability, so you can sell your existing pre-amp too.

Ultra will have more features, not less.

I guess this stems from at least the Pro, if not the Mini, for those who already had a preferred DAC that only had USB but not an optical input. The request does go back a fair time for those of us who have been on this forum and prior to that the very long threads on ASR, and given the number of times it has been asked for over the piece, I’d say it’s hardly niche.

 

[Labjr]

Since the WiiM Mini first hit the shelves, there have been regular questions about doing exactly that…

Phono setups are very fussy traditionally. Input impedance, cartridge loading, capacitance, gain, hum etc. Good luck to anyone who thinks a built-in phono stage will satisfy all the vinyl people.

 

[adias]

Phono setups are very fussy traditionally. Input impedance, cartridge loading, capacitance, gain, hum etc. Good luck to anyone who thinks a built-in phono stage will satisfy all the vinyl people.

It’s a joke. Phono preamps are specialized gain stages. There are not many audio specialists capable of doing them well. Schiit Audio has 2 outstanding units.

 

[redjr]

Why all these requests for USB output and no DAC? This seems like such a niche request.

If the Ultra has a state of the art DAC then you can sell your existing DAC (presumably with USB input) and have a one box solution.

The Ultra will no doubt also have a transparent pre-amp capability, so you can sell your existing pre-amp too.

Ultra will have more features, not less.

Generally, it would be ideal if it simply had a USB data port, so that the WiiM would be recognizable by a computer, or for use with a thumb drive. This is not an unreasonable request or feature. It would extend the usefulness of the device. One big reason is, it makes easy to use the WiiM as a playback device on little SBC - where in a DIY world someone may want to store their library locally on an SSD. Why WiiM left it off is truly a mystery, because most streamers today include the functionality. But hey, they've seen the light and it will be included on the Ultra. I never said it would have less feature, by adding it. That's nonsensical.

 

[simbun]

Generally, it would be ideal if it simply had a USB data port, so that the WiiM would be recognizable by a computer, or for use with a thumb drive. This is not an unreasonable request or feature. It would extend the usefulness of the device. One big reason is, it makes easy to use the WiiM as a playback device on little SBC - where in a DIY world someone may want to store their library locally on an SSD. Why WiiM left it off is truly a mystery, because most streamers today include the functionality.

Admittedly I've never looked into this market (mainly because onboard servers/indexers are usually garbage) but what other streamers include this functionality?

 

[Matt_Holland]

Generally, it would be ideal if it simply had a USB data port, so that the WiiM would be recognizable by a computer, or for use with a thumb drive. This is not an unreasonable request or feature. It would extend the usefulness of the device. One big reason is, it makes easy to use the WiiM as a playback device on little SBC - where in a DIY world someone may want to store their library locally on an SSD. Why WiiM left it off is truly a mystery, because most streamers today include the functionality. But hey, they've seen the light and it will be included on the Ultra. I never said it would have less feature, by adding it. That's nonsensical.

I’m not saying the request for USB audio output isn’t reasonable. It’s a good feature.
I’m wondering why people are asking for the Ultra to have USB out BUT to NOT have a DAC. A DAC-less Ultra would be a very niche product.

 

[redjr]

I’m not saying the request for USB audio output isn’t reasonable. It’s a good feature.
I’m wondering why people are asking for the Ultra to have USB out BUT to NOT have a DAC. A DAC-less Ultra would be a very niche product.

Well, I'm NOT asking for a 'non-DAC' Ultra. The Ultra should include the DAC, and for the majority of users, the built-in DAC will serve them well, and in most situations. It's the heart of the streamer. Many users are happy with an all-in-one device for the simplicity of use. Just give other users the ability to use a USB connection for even more flexibility.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

I know in the early-ish days of CD some manufacturers would split the player in two, and sell the transport and DAC separately.

However, that aside, I’m not sure I’ve seen a source which needs a DAC but doesn’t contain one.

So here’s the thing, is the Ultra all about being ‘ultra’ (the very best?) in terms of features, or in terms of sound quality/spec? In some instances the two are tied together. Some have asked for balanced outputs, which has a feature, but any benefit would be more than lost if the internal DAC were poor.

 

[tom_tom]

I would want a DAC inside and variable volume. I'm planing to use it as a preamp with variety of power amps.

 

[grovkalle]

Well, I'm NOT asking for a 'non-DAC' Ultra. The Ultra should include the DAC, and for the majority of users, the built-in DAC will serve them well, and in most situations. It's the heart of the streamer. Many users are happy with an all-in-one device for the simplicity of use. Just give other users the ability to use a USB connection for even more flexibility.

I would like a 'non-DAC' streamer but I also understand that the market is a bit slim for such products

 

[redjr]

It's really beginning to sound like a certain segment of the user base(and new users), want some sort of streamer/DAC, preamp hybrid device. Why not add a couple analog inputs, SUB-out, and tone controls(maybe not ), If the new features are added to the Ultra as mentioned in this thread, it should satisfy most of the users. Sure, we're not going to get everything, but I see the screen being the most costly to implement while keeping the 'budget' and affordability in the WiiM device line. IMO, screens are good, especially if the use-case is near-field listening, where you need/want the control.

 

[grovkalle]

It's really beginning to sound like a certain segment of the user base(and new users), want some sort of streamer/DAC, preamp hybrid device. Why not add a couple analog inputs, SUB-out, and tone controls(maybe not ), If the new features are added to the Ultra as mentioned in this thread, it should satisfy most of the users. Sure, we're not going to get everything, but I see the screen being the most costly to implement while keeping the 'budget' and affordability in the WiiM device line. IMO, screens are good, especially if the use-case is near-field listening, where you need/want the control.

Yes but as someone else mentioned: "should the Ultra stand for ultra many features or ultra superb sound quality". Wait I think I know what most of you will answer... both!!!

 

[kalle]

I would like a 'non-DAC' streamer but I also understand that the market is a bit slim for such products

for some reason some people think removing functions improves the others. for example the dac parts in the mini would cost you a few dollars. i guess one could remove it, raise the price on the rest and claim the digital outputs are super high fidelity, like some scam companies would try to do. wanting products with less features like a dac which could be used in any sound system dont make much sense

edit; lol didnt see your nickname

 

[Achim1811]

For me WiiM is on a very dangerous way to overload their items with features more and more. If this would go together with using better components and build-quality it could be ok or at least less dangerous. Problem is that such items already exists on the market. WiiM builds superb devices in price/performance relation. But dreaming to get an even mid-fi device for a low-fi price will remain a dream.

 

[kalle]

what do you consider hi-fi when the signal of a pro plus is objectively better than a lot of top dollar so-called high-end equipment?

 

[dato1121]

What will be wiim ultra dac? will it support dsd?

 

[Smartplug]

What will be wiim ultra dac? will it support dsd?

We don’t know maybe you should ask wiim via wiim app and see what they say,