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WiiM WiFi Streamer

chicks said:
Audirvana, which I've never tried before, recently announced a beta version for Linux. Some seem to love it, so thought I'd give it a whirl.

Updated an old Android TV Box with the latest version of Armbian Linux, installed the beta, went through WAY too much craziness to get a trial license, which took at least 6 attempts, and scanned some music on a USB thumb drive.

It finds all my UPnP and Chromecast devices just fine, as well as the optical and HDMI ports on the little TV box. Pointed it to my WiiM Pro, and it plays. So far, so good.

Unfortunately, the UI isn't at all to my liking, and apparently the theme can't be changed without a paid license. Which brings up the question, why the heck would anyone actually pay for this, give the excellent WiiM app and the very excellent LMS / Material Skin? It has "upsampling", which to me is simply a gimmick. Other than that, there's nothing here that other, open source, apps won't do (and much more).

My rating: meh.

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On Macs, it was just a download and play situation. I bought it a long time ago ( seems like it was maybe 40 or 60 dollars back when I bought it and it has worked for years and years, so no complaint about that price) and it still does the job even on the Silicon Mac chips. Logitech Media Server is not an easy download and play situation. It requires some research and/or trial and error setting it up. The menus are not nearly as easy to use as Audirvana ( at least when I setup LMS).

Audirvana sounded better than all the other apps I tried back in the day, so there was that… not sure why, but I am sure there is a write up about it somewhere.

Unfortunately, they went to a subscription service for new subscribers ( or $120 “one time” pay that is not really a lifetime of updates), which would make it much less desirable at this point. That being said my old version still (currently) works with my Mac, so I will occasionally use it for my own files, but at this point I mainly stream music, so would rather use native apps. I still have LMS, but can’t remember the last time I used it.
 
forum.wiimhome.com

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...
forum.wiimhome.com forum.wiimhome.com

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If I'm using a separate DAC with the streamer is there any advantage in getting the Ultra or the Pro over the WiiM Mini AirPlay 2?
 
The Wiim Mini and the Wiim Pro are essentially the same product with a different form factor and a few connectivity differences. They use the same internal DAC (as far as I know).

Wiim Pro ADDS: digital output over coax, optical input, wired network port, RCA outputs (vs 3.5mm jack), remote control included
 
The screen looks nice, but I sit too far away for practicality. I hook to my DAC with optical. That's the only connection I need. The headphone jack in the front is great. Something the Amp should have. I like it. But I won't buy it.
 
The image shows a USB-A port, so it is likely not for using the WiiM Ultra as a DAC for a computer (those are usually USB-B or USB-C ports), but instead for a USB drive. The WiiM Amp supports USB drives as well.
 
"Output" is interesting, and would also work from a USB-A port, like it does on a computer. Then you'd go USB-A to USB-B or USB-C for an outboard DAC that has either of those.
 

Meet WiiM Ultra - The Digital Hub for Your Music

Hi WiiM Community! Meet the WiiM Ultra – the centerpiece of your audio setup that's here to make your music experience better than ever. With top-notch components and a user-friendly design, it's not just a music streamer – it's your go-to for bringing high-quality sound into your home. Whether...
forum.wiimhome.com forum.wiimhome.com
 
I just bought my second Wiim product - the Wiim Amp to round out a great little music system for my daughter. She already had a pair of JBL L19's that I had gotten for her previously and I paired the Wiim Amp with a Fluance RT-31 Elite, a cheap little music cabinet and a pair of speaker stands. After a little tweaking and utilizing the built-in EQ, the system sounds terrific. Perfect for a medical resident who just wants to come home, hit play on Spotify or drop a needle on a record in her collection after a long shift at the hospital. I used to champion Sonos, but Wiim is seriously becoming the better product for the money. I'm using the Wiim Pro Plus as a streamer in my system, and I am highly impressed with it (using Roon/Tidal as the source.)

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Initial impression is it's another well thought out WiiM product. Good for them. Just keep supporting the Pro and Mini, which I own, they serve me well. I use the Pro and a Node 2 with external DACs (E30 II / Modi 3, respectively) so no need here.
 
It looks like the Wiim Ultra is available to order on Amazon. I was hoping for the silver version (which their FAQ says will be one of the colors), so I am going to wait it out and maybe watch some reviews. I am mainly interested in feeding the HDMI to my TV for album art, but the USB out could come in handy, too, since I have a currently unused Topping D10 sitting in the space (occasionally use it with an iPad).

If it had USB input, I would probably get one for my office, too. I may still get one for that space at some point to replace the Wiim Mini, but I will try out one in my living room and see if I still want to go that route. It would be nice having that touch screen right next to my office chair. Also, I could use the headphone output for variety since I have a Little Dot tube amp in the space now.
 
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