WiiM Ultra. It looks great, sounds amazing.

The WiiM Ultra is not just another piece in your system; it's an upgrade that offers sound quality, flexibility, and connectivity that competes with even the latest advancements in modern technology.

With a price just under €400 at the moment in the streaming market, and with so many amplifiers and smart speakers available that offer streaming capabilities at lower prices and with less complexity, one could easily dismiss the idea of a dedicated streamer. But is it really that simple?

WiiM is a company that has quickly gained popularity in the audio space with its affordable and high-quality streaming devices. The company focuses on creating small, user-friendly, and efficient audio devices that allow users to enjoy music from various streaming sources (such as Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music) with high sound quality, without the need to invest in more expensive equipment. Its devices, such as the WiiM Mini, WiiM Pro Plus, the award-winning WiiM Amp, and the WiiM Ultra, are especially popular as they offer connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as support for protocols such as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and more. WiiM's devices cater to both audio enthusiasts looking to upgrade an old audio system with modern streaming capabilities and those seeking an affordable solution for playing digital music with sound quality close to that of more expensive devices.

The Ultra currently sits at the top of the company's lineup, above the WiiM Pro Plus and the EISA AWARDS 2024-2025-winning WiiM Amp, offering an impressive combination of features and connectivity options without breaking the bank. Whether you're upgrading an older hi-fi system or seeking an affordable solution to pair your favorite streaming services with a high-quality DAC, the WiiM Ultra could become your best friend. Compact and easily compatible, the Ultra seamlessly integrates with your existing equipment, breathing new life into any audio system, regardless of its age. And in our opinion, this is its main advantage: it bridges the gap between old and new.

It's ideal for trying out streaming technology and supports a wide range of services, such as Tidal, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Chromecast, and DLNA, making it an essential hub for all your digital needs. It's worth noting that it does not support AirPlay, unlike the WiiM Mini, Pro, and Pro Plus. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it is something to keep in mind. Its sleek aluminum casing houses a 3.5-inch touchscreen, making it user-friendly and giving it a sense of luxury. But it’s not just about the looks – the WiiM Ultra is equipped with a full range of connectivity options. Whether you need HDMI ARC for your TV, USB, optical or coaxial output, RCA Line In and Out, or even a phono stage for turntables, this streamer has it all.

First Impressions

As already mentioned, the WiiM Ultra looks exceptional for its price. Apart from the space grey color, there’s also a silver option, which – aside from the black glass front panel and the volume knob – closely resembles an Apple Mac. If you were to use it in your office or studio for background music, you’d have a visually cohesive entertainment system.

That said, the WiiM Ultra maintains its own identity in terms of build quality. As you take it out of the box, it’s clear that it’s not particularly heavy, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. Since it is currently the top model in the WiiM lineup, the single aluminum chassis, with no visible screws or bolts, gives it a high-quality feel that surpasses its price point.

Its size makes it easy to integrate into any setup without dominating the available space. However, the 3.5-inch touchscreen makes navigation practically suited only for desk use. In a living room, with the Ultra sitting on a piece of furniture, bending down or kneeling to use the screen up close can become tiresome – not an issue, since you’ll mostly use the WiiM Home app. We’re not bothered by the screen, as many streamers, like the WiiM Pro and Pro Plus, don’t have screens at all, and in this digital age, we often lose touch with the beautiful artistic design of albums. Musicians are artists, and direct connection to this form of artistic expression truly enhances listening sessions… even if we need to "zoom in" a bit.

Also, read the detailed buying guide from Athens Pro Audio for Streamers.

Functionality and Performance

The Ultra functions as a preamp and network streamer, without an integrated amplifier. You'll need to connect it to an external amplifier or active speakers if you want a compact audio system. For private listening, the Ultra features a TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier and Bluetooth for use with both wired and wireless headphones. Setting up the Ultra is very easy via the WiiM Home app, and the streamer was ready in just a few minutes. If you have an older amplifier or speakers with limited connectivity, the Ultra allows you to integrate much of your entertainment system.

The ES9038QM2 Sabre DAC in the WiiM Ultra delivers outstanding clarity, providing jitter-free music that remains controlled without losing emotion or becoming overly clinical, allowing the details of each track to shine through. We're not talking about extreme, ultra-high-definition detail, but it is certainly a noticeable upgrade.

In Conclusion

The Ultra is perfect for those looking for a combination of a streamer, DAC, and preamp in a single device and who want to upgrade an old amplifier with modern wireless capabilities. It is ideal for music enthusiasts who want to explore high-quality streaming without making a significant investment. With its ease of use and versatile connectivity, the WiiM Ultra enhances your system with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles who want to enjoy their music with high-quality sound.