WiiM Ultra Review – Is There Anything This Jam-Packed Streamer Can’t Do?
The Ultra currently sits at the top of WiiM’s lineup, above the WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Amp, offering an impressive blend of audiophile features and connectivity options without the high price tag. Whether you’re upgrading an older hi-fi system or seeking a cost-effective way to bundle your favourite streaming services with a quality DAC, the WiiM Ultra may just be your new best friend.
Find out for yourself below.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The WiiM Ultra is an all-in-one, high-quality, and affordable network streamer, DAC, and pre-amp that enhances any audio setup with advanced streaming capabilities. It features the premium ESS Sabre DAC chip and offers a wide range of connectivity options.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here are a few pros and cons that might help you decide:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent audio performance with the ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC | This is the only WiiM product that doesn’t support Apple AirPlay |
| Features HDMI ARC, RCA, optical, coaxial, USB, and phono MM inputs | Fairly basic room correction compared to advanced systems like Dirac Live and Audyssey |
| A competitive product with advanced features, all under ＄325 | Slight lag when switching songs in high-resolution formats |
| Easy setup and EQ through a responsive onboard touchscreen and intuitive app |
立即选购
Key specifications
| THD+N (analogue out) | 115dB (0.00018%) |
|---|---|
| Supported streaming services | Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer and SoundCloud Supported |
| Smart home technologies | Works with Chromecast Audio, Google, Siri and Alexa |
| Internet radio support |
TuneIn, iHeartRadio, vTuner and Radio Paradise |
| MQA compatibility | MQA Renderer |
| Roon support | Roon Ready |
| Network connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz triple bands Ethernet 10M/100 Mbps |
| Audio codecs supported | MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, AIFF, OGG Supported |
| Analogue input (ADC) | Fixed 192k, 24bit |
| Memory | 512MB Flash + DRAM |
| Rone control | Adaptive EQ and Graphic Equaliser built-in |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 121 dB |
| RCA input(s) | 2 |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| HDMI input(s) | ARC Input |
| DAC chip | Dual ES9038Q2M |
| Headphone amp | TPA6120A2 |
| Digital output(s) | Coaxial, optical |
| Fixed analogue output(s) | 1 x RCA Pair |
| App control | WiiM Home |
| LCD touch screen | 3.5" |
| Chassis | Aluminium |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 205 x 205 x 73 mm |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
WiiM Ultra review
What does the WiiM Ultra do?
When I got my hands on the WiiM Ultra, at least three people asked me the exact same question: “So what’s that supposed to do then?”
It’s a fair question. With a price tag nearing 325＄ and so many integrated amps and smart speakers – like the Sonos Era 300, JBL Authentics 200, and Yamaha MusicCast 50 – already offering streaming capabilities at lower prices and with less clutter, it’s easy to turn your nose up at the idea of a dedicated streamer.
However, once you explore what the WiiM Ultra brings to the table, you can see that this doesn’t just serve as another component in your audio setup for the sake of it; it enhances it, offering sound quality, flexibility, and connectivity that directly challenges the competition.
Compact and effortlessly compatible, the Ultra is easy to integrate with your existing equipment, breathing new life into any audio setup regardless of its age.
And in my opinion, that’s the main benefit: bridging that gap between old and new.
At the heart of the WiiM Ultra is the high-performance Dual ES9038QM2 Sabre DAC, which handles high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD512. Add this with your reliable old hi-fi system, and bam! You’ve suddenly got access to a digital world of music and audio entertainment.
The Ultra is a great way to test the waters of hi-fi network streaming and supports a wide range of services, including Tidal and Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Chromecast, DLNA, and more, making it an indispensable hub for all your digital music needs.
It is worth noting that there’s no support for AirPlay compared to the WiiM Mini, Pro, and Pro Plus; not the end of the world considering the range of alternatives, just something to keep in mind.
Its sleek aluminium casing houses a 3.5-inch touchscreen, so it’s user-friendly and feels more upmarket than its relatively modest price bracket. But it’s not just about looks – the WiiM Ultra is packed with a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Whether you need HDMI ARC for TV, USB, optical or coaxial outputs, RCA Line In and Out, or even a phono stage for turntables, this streamer has you covered.
First impressions
As I’ve mentioned, the WiiM Ultra looks great for the asking price.
I’m reviewing the space grey variant, but there’s also a silver option, which – apart from the black glass front panel and volume nob – bears more than a passing resemblance to an Apple Mac.
If you were to use the Ultra in your home office or studio for background music, you’d end up with a pretty stylistically cohesive entertainment system.
Nevertheless, the WiiM Ultra holds its own when it comes to build quality. As you lift it out of the box, it’s clear it’s no heavyweight, but it also doesn’t feel cheap. Considering this is currently the top of WiiM’s line, the seamless aluminium casing with no visible bolts or screws gives it a premium feel that belies its price point.
Its size also makes it easy to incorporate into any setup without dominating the available space.
That being said, the 3.5-inch touchscreen really does make tactile navigation for desktop use only.
Used in a living room, with the Ultra on your sideboard, bending or kneeling to use the touchscreen up-close could get a bit tedious, which is fine considering you’ll primarily be using the WiiM Home app anyway. However, it’s a consideration to make if you’re looking at the Ultra as a budget-friendly alternative to the FiiO R7 or Eversolo DMP-A6 and their gargantuan-by-comparison five and six-inch screens.
That said, I’m not opposed to the screen. Many streamers lack a display altogether, WiiM’s Pro and Pro Plus included, and in this digital age, we’re losing touch with some really gorgeous album artwork. Musicians are artists after all, so having a direct link to that form of artistic expression really adds to contemplative listening sessions… even if you are having to squint a bit.
We’ve come a long way since record sleeves.
Usability
Right, let’s roll up our sleeves and get the Ultra plugged in!
Unlike WiiM’s all-in-one solution, the WiiM Amp, the WiiM Ultra has no on-board amplifier for passive speakers.
This device functions solely as a pre-amp and network streamer, meaning you’ll need to connect it to an external amplifier or a pair of active speakers if you’re aiming for a compact hi-fi system with minimal additional components.
For private listening, the Ultra is equipped with a TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier, offering front-panel output, along with Bluetooth connectivity for use with both wired and wireless headphones.
To set up the WiiM Ultra, start by connecting it to your amplifier or speakers, and then let the WiiM Home app guide you through the connection to your network. The process is remarkably straightforward, and I had the streamer up and running in just a few minutes.
The Ultra also comes with RCA, optical, and HDMI cables, so if your other equipment’s ready, you can connect an amplifier, TV, and an additional source like a CD player or turntable right from the word “go!”
A bonus of this is if you’re using an older amp or pair of speakers with limited connectivity, the Ultra instantly gives you a way of connecting a large portion of your home entertainment system. To say nothing of the immense potential of wireless connectivity and WiiM multiroom for now, the physical inputs include LINE IN, Phono MM, optical, HDMI ARC, USB, and LAN.
Outputs include LINE OUT, subwoofer out, optical and coaxial, as well as a 12V trigger output to synchronise power with a compatible amp.
Performance and sound quality
I’m using this as an opportunity to turn the Denon RCD-M41 smart; two fairly compact, low-cost units taking up hardly any space on the media cabinet.
To familiarise myself with it, I navigate to Qobuz through the list of streaming and radio services and cue up Public Service Broadcasting’s The Race for Space. My first impressions of the app are positive – it’s responsive, intuitive, and packed with features.
Everything is easy to find, and by the time I start playing the first track, the Ultra has only been out of the box for about ten or fifteen minutes, which included a quick round of speaker latency testing and room correction during the app’s guided setup.
Be aware that by room correction, I am just talking about holding my iPhone up and letting the Ultra play a quick test tone.
Assisted equalisation like this can vary massively depending on what model or brand of phone you’re using to run the app and it doesn’t really compare to dedicated correction services like Dirac Live or Audyssey.
However, if you’re using the Ultra as your introduction to hi-fi streaming, I’d say don’t be afraid to give it a go. If you don’t like what you hear, mess around with manual EQ until the sound’s to your liking. It’s all part of the fun of gear like this.
Back to the music, one thing I did notice when skipping to the third track, “Gagarin”, was that there was a short lag before each song loaded. Nothing major, but once the track is going, the energetic brass and bass fill the room with a clarity that’s immediately noticeable.
The crackly old newsreel samples sound especially vivid, with the imperfections of mid-century recording quality coming through in a way that feels intentional and engaging, adding a layer of atmosphere to the track.
The WiiM Ultra’s ES9038QM2 Sabre DAC does the trick when it comes to clarity, delivering jitter-free music that’s controlled without being emotionless and clinical, allowing the subtleties of the track to be better appreciated. We’re not talking extreme, high-end detail, but it’s certainly a noticeable upgrade.
I can only imagine what this would sound like on a more expensive system, because at the end of the day, what you’ve paired it with will be the final decider.
Regardless, I’m happy with the results as I experienced it and sad to have to give it back.
Affordability
As I’ve alluded to, the WiiM Ultra is priced around＄325, which is impressively low considering the features and quality it packs in.
While it’s true that you’ll need to pair it with an external amp or speakers, it’s still great value.
For that investment, you’re getting good build quality, high ES9038QM2 Sabre DAC performance, extensive connectivity options, and a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen – all in a compact design.
The Ultra delivers an audio experience that rivals streamers costing significantly more. However, this competitive pricing does come with a few trade-offs.
As already mentioned, unlike some higher-end streamers, the WiiM Ultra lacks support for Apple AirPlay 2, which could be a drawback for iPhone users invested in an Apple-based smart home system.
There’s also no USB output if you were planning on using this with an external DAC, limiting your system expansion options.
Despite these omissions, the WiiM Ultra delivers outstanding performance and flexibility on its own. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to experience high-quality network streaming without investing in a more costly, feature-laden streamer.
Who is the WiiM Ultra suited to?
The WiiM Ultra is for the type of person looking for a streamer, DAC, and pre-amp all in one neat package, who perhaps doesn’t want to or can’t afford to split those components into their individual units. Most importantly, it offers a solution for those looking to upgrade an amplifier that lacks modern wireless features.
If you have a reliable but ageing hi-fi setup, the Ultra breathes new life into it by adding high-resolution streaming capabilities without requiring a complete overhaul of your system. It’s perfect for audiophiles who have access to hi-res streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, and want a platform that will allow their music to sound its absolute best.
And with more widely used services like Spotify Connect and connectivity like HDMI ARC, the WiiM Ultra doesn’t have to be relegated to the hi-fi den but can sit quite happily in your shared living space too.
Alternatively, if you have a home office and a pair of active speakers, the Ultra is a great choice for compact desktop hi-fi under or around your monitors, with the touchscreen adding a dash of colour to your workspace.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or someone just dipping their toes into the world of hi-fi streaming, the WiiM Ultra provides an intuitive and affordable way to upgrade your system. It’s a versatile device that caters to both tech-savvy users and those who simply want to enjoy their music with minimal fuss.
WiiM overview
WiiM, a brand born from Linkplay Technologies, have quickly established themselves as a challenger in delivering high-quality, low-cost network hi-fi solutions. With a mission to make high-fidelity music accessible to everyone, WiiM offers a range of products that combine advanced streaming technology with affordability.
Their lineup includes the WiiM Mini, Pro, Pro Plus, and the versatile WiiM Amp, each designed to fill a niche at different budgets. What sets WiiM apart is their commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality without the premium price tag typically associated with hi-fi products.
Their devices aren’t only user-friendly but also adaptable, allowing users to create a multiroom system that syncs music across different spaces of their home. The WiiM Mini and Pro models are particularly popular for their compact design, while the WiiM Pro Plus enhances these offerings with even more advanced capabilities and connectivity.