Wiim Ultra Network Music Streamer Pre: A Deeper Dive

Design and Build Quality

• Premium Aesthetics: The Wiim Ultra's aluminium casing and sleek design give it a premium, Apple-like aesthetic that complements modern home audio setups.
• Colour Options:The streamer is available in both silver and space grey finishes, allowing users to match their existing equipment or personal style.
• Large Volume Knob and Touchscreen:The oversized volume knob provides tactile control, while the colour touchscreen adds a touch of modernity and offers intuitive
• Compact Footprint: Despite its feature-rich design, the Ultra maintains a compact footprint, making it easy to integrate into various audio systems.

Connectivity Options

• Versatile Inputs:The Ultra offers a wide range of inputs, including analog, digital optical, coaxial, and HDMI This allows for seamless integration with various audio sources, from turntables to TVs and set-top boxes.
• Multiple Outputs:The streamer provides analog, digital optical, and coaxial outputs, ensuring compatibility with a variety of amplifiers and speakers. Additionally, a dedicated subwoofer output enhances bass performance.
• USB Port:The USB-A port allows for connecting external storage devices, enabling users to access their personal music libraries directly.

Audio Performance

• High-Quality DAC:The Wiim Ultra features a top-notch ES9038 Q2M DAC, capable of delivering high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. This DAC is known for its exceptional detail and clarity, making it particularly adept at rendering a wide range of audio material with precision.
• Lossless Audio Support: The streamer supports a wide range of lossless audio formats, preserving the original quality of your music files.
• Room Correction Feature:The Wiim Ultra's room correction feature (available for iPhone users) analyses your listening environment and adjusts the EQ settings accordingly, optimising sound quality based on your room's acoustics.
• Subwoofer Integration:The dedicated subwoofer output allows for enhanced bass performance, providing a more immersive listening experience.

Strengths in Audio Material

• High-Resolution Audio:The DAC shines with high-resolution audio files, providing a clear and detailed soundstage that reveals subtle nuances in recordings.
• Classical Music:The DAC excels at classical music, handling dynamic range and complex textures with a rich and immersive listening experience.
• Jazz and Acoustic:For jazz and acoustic genres, the DAC’s clarity and low distortion ensure that instruments and vocals are reproduced with natural timbre and depth.
• Electronic and Rock Music: The DAC’s precision and speed make it well-suited for electronic and rock music, delivering impactful bass and clear, energetic highs.

Features and Functionality

• Streaming Services:The Ultra supports a variety of popular streaming services, including Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and more, offering a vast library of music at your
• Personal Music Libraries:The streamer can access your personal music library stored on a NAS or computer, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes.
• Multi-Room Audio:The Wiim Ultra can be integrated into a multi-room audio system, allowing you to play music throughout your home.
• Voice Control:Compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the Ultra can be controlled using voice commands.

Additional Considerations

• No Apple AirPlay:While the Ultra offers a wide range of connectivity options, it lacks Apple AirPlay support. This may be a limitation for users who rely heavily on Apple devices
• No Native Apple Music or YouTube Music Support:The Ultra does not have native support for Apple Music or YouTube Music. However, these services can be accessed through other means, such as casting from a smartphone or tablet.
• HDMI Audio Quirks: Some users have reported minor issues with HDMI audio switching when using the Ultra with TVs or AV receivers.

Final thoughts

The Wiim Ultra is a powerful network music streamer that offers exceptional audio quality, a wide range of features, and a premium design. Its versatility and connectivity options make it a suitable choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. While the lack of AirPlay and some minor quirks may be drawbacks for certain users, the Ultra's overall performance and value proposition make it a compelling option in the high-end streamer market.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who Should Consider This Streamer?

• Audiophiles looking for high-quality sound at a reasonable
• Users with existing Wiim products (but be aware of the AirPlay limitation).
• People who want a streamer with a variety of connection options and a touchscreen

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Apple users who rely heavily on
• Those who need native support for Apple Music or YouTube
• Users who want to connect their computer directly to the
• Users looking for high-resolution support and features from other streamers, such as the Eversolo DMP Streamer/DAC.

For more information or to experience the Wiim Ultra in person, visit Sydney HiFi Mona Vale today.