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.

 

[WiiM Support]

Just confirming that "USB media server" means the Ultra will have a music server onboard and not need a separate computer running to support playback of local files? Just need to plug a portable USB drive into the rear panel of the Ultra. The server will support streaming to other WiiM players? Is it using DLNA/UPnP? Please make sure it is capable of "gapless" playback. Thanks.

Hi Apesbrain,

Yes, the 'USB media server' on the Ultra means it has an onboard music server, eliminating the need for a separate computer for local file playback. The USB media server is DLNA/UPnP compliant so you can use it with other DLNA/UPnP devices, including all WiiM devices. This feature is also available in our latest WiiM Amp.

 

[Labjr]

Will the "Ultra" version be able to stream native DSD and ISO images either internally or out to an external DAC via USB?

 

[Smartplug]

Hi Apesbrain,

Yes, the 'USB media server' on the Ultra means it has an onboard music server, eliminating the need for a separate computer for local file playback. The USB media server is DLNA/UPnP compliant so you can use it with other DLNA/UPnP devices, including all WiiM devices. This feature is also available in our latest WiiM Amp.

Can wiim ultra be use as preamp without loosing quality as the volume go down. I try the pro as preamp but to my ear it looses fidelity at low volume. Thanks!

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

The room correction EQ also applies to the USB output.

Yes, exactly.

This is quite excellent.

I suppose the important thing is that, after all this processing, delay can be set correctly so that the mains and sub are in synch.

I’m very much looking forward to this.

Thanks for the updates. I see it’s due for release in the second quarter of the year (April/May/June). Just be aware that my birthday is in April.

 

[rccarguy]

Phono input? No, thanks.
I guess I will keep the Pro.

What's point of phono stage? Those with high end system will use a dedicated phono stage. I wouldn't want a phono stage inside a audio streamer. And those with budget players have built in phono stage.

 

[Yoku-San]

What's point of phono stage? Those with high end system will use a dedicated phono stage. I wouldn't want a phono stage inside a audio streamer. And those with budget players have built in phono stage.

I would use the WiiM Ultra to replace as many Devices as possible (including a Phono Preamp).

I think that many people use older turntables that do not fall into the high-end category and do not have built-in Phono stages.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

What's point of phono stage? Those with high end system will use a dedicated phono stage. I wouldn't want a phono stage inside an audio streamer. And those with budget players have built in phono stage.

I’m tempted to agree to some extent, but much of the vinyl revival defies logic.

There will certainly be people out there for whom this is a big plus, irrespective of my own thoughts and feelings.

 

[mags]

Looks great, but I see AES dig out and fully balanced XLR analog out is missing. You cannot call it “Ultra” and also expect to compete with the Eversolos of the world without this capability.

+1 on balanced XLR (as my Nord Hypex poweramp only has XLR inputs).

 

[tgf427]

Hi Steve, Team

Here are the upgraded features of the WiiM Ultra.

- USB out
- USB media server
- Sub out
- HDMI ARC
- Wi-Fi 6/BT LE audio
- A display
- Integrated power supply
- Phono input

I assume that the integrated power supply will be a SMPS. If so, i hope you will offer a DC input solution as well. Like Fiio did with their R7. It will make it easy to use an aftermarked linear power supply with the Wiim Ultra.

 

[kalle]

it seems none of you understand that xlr is normally twice the voltage. for many higher powered amps 2V rca is not enough.

 

[cc_rider]

I assume that the integrated power supply will be a SMPS. If so, i hope you will offer a DC input solution as well. Like Fiio did with their R7. It will make it easy to use an aftermarked linear power supply with the Wiim Ultra.

That would only add cost for a tiny niche of consumers with vivid imaginations. Makes zero sense.

 

[Brantome]

it seems none of you understand that xlr is normally twice the voltage. for many higher powered amps 2V rca is not enough.

Please keep comments courteous - that could easily have been expressed better. Thanks

 

[pat1975]

This is quite excellent.

I suppose the important thing is that, after all this processing, delay can be set correctly so that the mains and sub are in synch.

I’m very much looking forward to this.

Thanks for the updates. I see it’s due for release in the second quarter of the year (April/May/June). Just be aware that my birthday is in April.

hello Steve,

What is the max delay that can be set ? I ask because i have a specific set of active speakers...

Thank you

 

[Brantome]

hello Steve,

What is the max delay that can be set ? I ask because i have a specific set of active speakers...

Thank you

The product is still in the design stage and I think the statement above was no more than a wish or an expectation, so there's no news of any of those details

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

hello Steve,

What is the max delay that can be set ? I ask because i have a specific set of active speakers...

Thank you

No idea.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

Hi Steve, Team

Here are the upgraded features of the WiiM Ultra.

- USB out
- USB media server
- Sub out
- HDMI ARC
- Wi-Fi 6/BT LE audio
- A display
- Integrated power supply
- Phono input

Hello again @WiiM Support , I’m afraid I have another question.

In the past it’s been advised that users don’t use the volume control on your streamers, but set it to fixed output, then use something downstream (your amp/pre-amp) to control volume.

Clearly, with separate outputs for main speakers and a subwoofer, this wouldn’t be suitable, as the amp downstream would only adjust the volume of the mains, while the sub volume would remain constant - ditto if you were using the Ultra’s sub out and an off board DAC for the mains.

Will the ultra have some sort of pre-amp functionality where volume for both mains and sub are controlled together?

Many thanks.

 

[pat1975]

The product is still in the design stage and I think the statement above was no more than a wish or an expectation, so there's no news of any of those details

thank you for your answer.

If a delay could be set, it would be a game changer (for me).

 

[audiobliss]

Could we just have a Pro with USB, coax and optical out, BT LDAC, RCA in, 12v trigger, upgraded chassis and components.
NO dac
No phono stage
No xkr
No sub out
No display
No volume control
No EQ
No hdmi
No 12s
So I don't have to pay for all that unnecessary stuff that my dac/preamp or Intergrated Amp dose.

 

[onlyoneme]

Sure, just design and build one solely for yourself.

 

[Matterhorn]

Sure, just design and build one solely for yourself.

Exactly, they can't please everyone. I see their conundrum. They can try to design for the home theater and Sonos type croud or the audiophile crowd. I think it was quite an accomplishment to get the audiophile crowd interested in the fist place.