Стримеры — Wiim Ultra

The WiiM Ultra is a network streamer with a DAC and preamplifier from WiiM, and it is the top streamer in the brand's range, above the Pro Plus, Pro and Mini. It costs USD 349 and comes in Space Gray or Silver, and it adds a 3.5 inch glass touchscreen, a phono input and HDMI ARC to the WiiM streaming platform.

Key specs that matter

WiiM fits an ESS ES9038Q2M converter, a chip that can handle 32 bit and 384 kHz, but the Ultra works at up to 24 bit and 192 kHz. On the line output, noise sits 121 dB below full scale and THD+N of -116 dB, or 0.00015%, with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.1 dB. The headphone output reaches 119 dB signal to noise ratio, with THD+N of -99 dB at 300 ohm and -92 dB at 32 ohm. Inputs are a phono stage that accepts moving-magnet and moving-coil pickups, a line input accepting 2 V RMS, optical and HDMI ARC, the last two handling PCM up to 24 bit and 192 kHz and Dolby Digital. Outputs are RCA line, optical, coaxial, USB Audio Class 2.0 up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a 3.5 mm subwoofer output. Network connection is Wi-Fi 6, upgradeable to 6E, or gigabit Ethernet, with Bluetooth 5.3. Mains input is 100 to 240 V. The unit measures 211 x 200 x 72 mm and weighs 1.42 kg.

Engineering and use context

The volume knob doubles as a play and pause button, and a voice remote is included. Streaming covers Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, DLNA and Roon Ready, together with Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, SoundCloud and iHeartRadio in the app. The Ultra works with Alexa and Google Assistant and can join multi-room groups with other WiiM devices and Echo or Nest speakers. Files in AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA are supported. Tone can be shaped with 24 presets, a 10-band graphic equaliser, a 10-band parametric equaliser and separate settings for each source. Because the line input is digitised, analogue sources such as a turntable can be streamed to other WiiM players in the house. The USB output sends the digital stream to an external DAC, and the optical and coaxial outputs serve converters without USB. The subwoofer output lets a powered subwoofer be added to the system.

Pairing

The line output connects to an integrated amplifier or to active speakers, and with its volume control the Ultra can feed a power amplifier directly. The television links through HDMI ARC, and a turntable plugs straight into the phono input.

Alternatives

The WiiM Pro Plus is the lower-priced streamer with an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC.