Looking for a Tidal compatible streamer. Doesn't need any fancy features. I don't want any amplification, I've already got a preamp and power amp. A good DAC would be nice but isn't necessary. I'm willing to spend up to $800 as long as it's properly good. I've been a little interested in the Pro-Ject S2 ultra since it seems to fit the bill pretty well. But I'm interested to see what recommendations any of you might have. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
No frills streamer recommendations?
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I'm pleased with my WiiM Ultra. Got it for the streamer and it is easy to swap its internal DAC in and out.
The CPU of the WiiM Mini is a little under-powered, but from the "Pro" model upwards all WiiM's are "properly good".
Yes, the WiiM Ultra (US$330) seems to be flavour-of-the-month, I suspect because of its front panel display ... but the title of this thread starts with "No frills" - and I consider a screen to be "frills" on a streamer.
Thus I agree with spark1 that the Wiim Pro Plus (US$220) fits your description.
I prefer to use an external DAC, so I would go for the "Pro" (US$150) plus DAC, but that's just me.
The WiiM's fully support Tidal-Connect, the technically optimal streaming redirection method for Tidal, also allowing you to use the native Tidal app.
To the OP:
The difference between the Wiim Pro and Pro Plus is the DAC in them. The DAC in the Plus tests/measures notably better than the DAC in the Pro. I own both, and can hear a small difference. Can't definitively say it sounds subjectively better.
Of the three I own, two are connected to fairly well-regarded external DACs and one (a Pro Plus) is using its own DAC. The Pro Plus certainly doesn't pale in comparison.
While they are frills, at the low price of these devices, the parametric EQ and room correction functions built into them are a nice bonus. Note that when Wiim added room correction to their software, they made it available to their existing base via software update, rather than forcing us to buy a new device. Speaks well for their business practices.
EDIT - the other difference between the Pro and Pro Plus is that the Plus comes with a remote control. It can be purchased separately for use with the Pro. I've not messed with mine very much, but know they can be voice controlled.
The difference between the Wiim Pro and Pro Plus is the DAC in them. The DAC in the Plus tests/measures notably better than the DAC in the Pro. I own both, and can hear a small difference. Can't definitively say it sounds subjectively better.
Of the three I own, two are connected to fairly well-regarded external DACs and one (a Pro Plus) is using its own DAC. The Pro Plus certainly doesn't pale in comparison.
While they are frills, at the low price of these devices, the parametric EQ and room correction functions built into them are a nice bonus. Note that when Wiim added room correction to their software, they made it available to their existing base via software update, rather than forcing us to buy a new device. Speaks well for their business practices.
EDIT - the other difference between the Pro and Pro Plus is that the Plus comes with a remote control. It can be purchased separately for use with the Pro. I've not messed with mine very much, but know they can be voice controlled.
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It's worth noting that the S2 Ultra does not support Tidal-Connect.
What a pleasant surprise, then, that we are recommending a product that costs $220 !
I suspect because of its front panel display ... but the title of this thread starts with "No frills" - and I consider a screen to be "frills" on a streamer.
With the advancement of the app for my firestick I have a display i can see from the couch.
And I believe they stopped supporting over a year ago.
Seems the general consensus is the WiiM. I initially avoided it because it sounded like a Nintendo knock off lol. The other unit I've been considering is the Cambridge Audio AXN10 if I wanted something with a decent built in DAC. However I'm more than happy just getting a separate DAC. After some more research it seems like streamers are worth cheaping out on as long as it's run through a decent dac afterwards. I could be mistaken though
From what I've seen it has tidal support since 2023 but it does not explicitly state Tidal Connect so you may be right. I'm just partial to Pro-Ject as a brand so I think my views are biased
The DAC in the Wiim Pro Plus is more than decent. Measures very well, and sounds quite good.
Deleted duplicate post.
Our Pro is often being played from its analog outputs instead of from the BiFrost, its one less button push for the SO, no complaints.
My experience is that streamers from companies who don't specialize in streaming end up being "disposable", because the manufacturer often stops providing firmware updates when their new streamer models come out (so the old models stop working with new content provider updates, or when new streaming services come out). I'd go so far as to say that's more common than not for companies where streaming is a "side product".
Based upon the above alone, I would say the going with WiiM, who specializes in streaming, is much more likely to have longevity in terms of long-term continued support of firmware updates and supporting new streaming services. Given the OP's $800 budget, I'd say the WiiM ultra is the way to go unless he specifically doesn't want a display or needs something smaller. The Ultra is a great product -- although it drives me a little crazy when I'm done using it that it doesn't have an off switch
(I have to pause the stream of whatever service I am using, and then it will eventually time out to the clock, seems senseless to me, much better to hit the off switch on my prior Grace Digital streamer).
One downside of the WiiM Ultra though, versus the Pro, is that (I think) the Ultra doesn't support Apple AirPlay 2 where the Pro models do (at least that was the case a while ago). If Airplay is a present or future need, that might be an issue with the Ultra.
Based upon the above alone, I would say the going with WiiM, who specializes in streaming, is much more likely to have longevity in terms of long-term continued support of firmware updates and supporting new streaming services. Given the OP's $800 budget, I'd say the WiiM ultra is the way to go unless he specifically doesn't want a display or needs something smaller. The Ultra is a great product -- although it drives me a little crazy when I'm done using it that it doesn't have an off switch
(I have to pause the stream of whatever service I am using, and then it will eventually time out to the clock, seems senseless to me, much better to hit the off switch on my prior Grace Digital streamer).One downside of the WiiM Ultra though, versus the Pro, is that (I think) the Ultra doesn't support Apple AirPlay 2 where the Pro models do (at least that was the case a while ago). If Airplay is a present or future need, that might be an issue with the Ultra.
ernieS
Well-Known Member
I’m really pleased with my setup. I had a WiiM Ultra prior. I picked up a Cambridge Dac magic 200, connected to the Wiim with usb. Beautiful dac implementation. I believe the CXN100 is their main streamer/dac.
Gigantic
A big, big love
I’m basically using my pro as a preamp in my second system, using it not only as a streamer, but also using the analog and digital inputs from my laptop and ADC, controlling the volume/gain from my smartphone or tablet. It’s more than adequate.
Seems like WiiM pro plus is the definitive way to go. My only other consideration is I've just remembered my nice new TV has Google TV built in with the tidal app. Would it still be worth getting the WiiM? Or should I just run coax or USB out from my TV into a DAC and into my preamp? I figure the latter would give me a bit more budget to play with and get a nice DAC. I suppose the WiiM would be more dedicated, but I'll admit I do like seeing the album cover and song name on the TV. Might still get a pro plus for some other setups I've got though. Namely an old SABA set I'm building out