WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp – In-Depth Product Review

If you’re looking for a high-quality music streamer that combines sleek design, premium audio performance, and versatile connectivity, the WiiM Ultra Music Streamer & Digital Preamp might just be the perfect addition to your sound system.

But is it worth your investment? In this detailed review, we’ll break down its key features, performance, pros, and cons—and most importantly—help you decide if it’s the right choice for your audio setup.

First Impressions: Design & Build Quality.

Right out of the box, the WiiM Ultra impresses with its sleek aluminum chassis and vibrant 3.5-inch touchscreen. It looks premium, sitting comfortably alongside high-end audio gear like Marantz or Denon components. The build quality is solid, and the minimalist design ensures it blends well in any home entertainment setup.

Unlike cheaper plastic streamers, the WiiM Ultra feels like a high-end device, justifying its price point with both aesthetics and durability.

Key Features & Benefits.

1. Audiophile-Grade Sound Quality.

The WiiM Ultra is equipped with an ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, which delivers crystal-clear audio with a Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise of -116dB and an SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) of 121dB. These specs mean minimal distortion and maximum clarity, whether you’re streaming Spotify, Tidal, or playing high-res FLAC files.

But here’s the real game-changer: You can bypass the internal DAC and feed a digital signal (via SPDIF, Optical, or Coaxial) into an external DAC like the Denafrips Ares 2 (as mentioned in the positive review). This feature is a major win for audiophiles who already own a high-end DAC and want to maximize sound quality.

If you’re interested in the WiiM Ultra but want to see how it compares to other streamers in real-world setups, click the link in the description for in-depth user testimonials and side-by-side comparisons.

Why this matters:

If you’re picky about audio fidelity, the ability to use an external DAC means you’re not locked into the WiiM’s internal processing.

Even with Spotify, users report near-CD quality when paired with a high-end DAC.

For Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD, the WiiM supports up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring lossless streaming.

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2. Versatile Connectivity (But With One Big Limitation)

The WiiM Ultra is packed with inputs and outputs:

• HDMI ARC (for TV audio integration)
• Phono input (for turntables)
• Optical, Coaxial, RCA, USB (for storage only)
• Headphone output (great for private listening)
• Subwoofer out (for enhanced bass)

This makes it a true all-in-one hub for both digital and analog sources.

However, there’s one notable downside:

No USB Audio Input – Unlike some competitors (like the Bluesound Node), you can’t connect a PC or phone directly via USB for bit-perfect playback. The USB port is only for media storage, which might disappoint some users.

Mitigation:
If you need USB audio input, you’ll have to rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming instead—but keep in mind that the Bluetooth performance has some issues (more on that later).

3. Seamless Multiroom & Smart Home Integration.

The WiiM Ultra works flawlessly with: Google Cast, Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, and WiiM’s own multiroom system

You can sync it with Amazon Echo, Google Home, or other WiiM devices, creating a whole-home audio system controlled via the WiiM Home App.

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Why this matters:

If you already have smart speakers, the WiiM Ultra integrates effortlessly.

The app allows custom EQ, room correction, and presets, so you can fine-tune sound for different speakers or rooms.

4. Bluetooth Performance – The Biggest Weakness.

Now, let’s address the biggest complaint from negative reviews:

Bluetooth is underwhelming—no LDAC, aptX, or aptX-HD support.

Users report clocking errors, jitter, and occasional pops during playback.

Why this is a problem:

If you rely on Bluetooth for wireless listening, the WiiM Ultra falls short compared to competitors like the Bluesound Node (which supports aptX HD).

Mitigation:

Use Wi-Fi streaming instead (Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2).

If Bluetooth is a must, consider a dedaptX HD transmitter (though this adds extra cost).

5. HDMI ARC & Home Theater Use.

The HDMI ARC input is a standout feature, allowing you to:

Connect your TV for enhanced stereo sound.

Use the WiiM as a preamp for movies and gaming.

Add a powered subwoofer for deeper bass.

Why this matters:

If you want better TV audio without a full surround system, this is a great solution.

The room correction feature helps optimize sound for your space.

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How Does It Compare to Competitors?

WiiM Ultra versus Bluesound Node.

Sound Quality: Both support high-res audio, but the Node has a slight edge with its better DAC and analog outputs.

Connectivity: The Node has USB audio input, while the WiiM does not.

Price: The WiiM Ultra is significantly cheaper, making it a better value if you don’t need USB audio.

WiiM Ultra versus Sonos Port

Multiroom: Both work well, but Sonos has a more established ecosystem.

Sound Flexibility: The WiiM Ultra wins with DAC bypass, HDMI ARC, and phono input.

Price: The WiiM is much more affordable than the Sonos Port.

WiiM Ultra versus Cambridge Audio CXN V2

Audiophile Features: The CXN V2 has a superior DAC but costs twice as much.

Streaming Options: The WiiM supports more services and has HDMI ARC.

Value: The WiiM is the better deal for most users.

For a deeper dive into the WiiM Ultra’s room correction, EQ settings, and advanced features, check out the full user manual and expert reviews by clicking the link in the description. You’ll discover even more reasons why this might be the perfect streamer for you.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the WiiM Ultra?

Buy It If:

• You want a high-quality streamer with DAC bypass for audiophile setups.
• You need HDMI ARC for TV audio enhancement.
• You want multiroom audio without Sonos’ high prices.
• You prefer touchscreen control + app flexibility.

Avoid It If:

• You need USB audio input for PC/phone playback.
• You rely heavily on Bluetooth (the performance is subpar).

Final Thoughts

The WiiM Ultra is a fantastic all-in-one streamer for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. While it has some Bluetooth limitations and lacks USB audio input, its versatile connectivity, superb sound quality, and smart home integration make it a top contender in its price range.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly audiophile streamer with room to grow, the WiiM Ultra is an excellent choice.

What do you think? Would you pick the WiiM Ultra over pricier competitors?

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