The WiiM Ultra Review: Affordable Hi-Fi Excellence

A Wiim Ultra Review by Steve Huff. Credits: Steve Huff | Steve Huff Photo

The WiiM Ultra has impressed Steve Huff far beyond expectations. Priced at $599 AUD, this compact device integrates a streamer, DAC, and pre-amp all in one. From the moment Steve powered it on, he was intrigued by its functionality but even more so by its sound quality. WiiM has successfully broken the barriers of high-end audio, offering an affordable product that punches far above its weight. As Steve notes, "This little guy shocked me more than any other budget piece ever has.

Steve Huff's Background in Hi-Fi

With nearly 40 years of experience in high-end audio, Steve has tested gear ranging from $50k systems to more affordable setups. It's rare to come across a product like the WiiM Ultra that falls in the budget category yet competes with far more expensive gear. While there’s a lot of junk in the budget market, the WiiM Ultra stands out as a hidden gem.

WiiM is known for underpricing its products, offering remarkable value for money. The Ultra is no exception. While many associate affordable gear with lower quality, WiiM is changing that perception by delivering premium features in a budget-friendly package.

Features of the WiiM Ultra

The WiiM Ultra is more than just a streamer. It offers:

• Streaming from platforms like Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Amazon Music.
• Analog inputs for CD players and other devices.
• A built-in phono preamp for vinyl lovers.
• An ESS Sabre DAC that produces spacious, warm, and rich sound.
• A headphone amp, best suited for easier-to-drive headphones.
• USB support for playing music from a stick or connecting to a USB DAC.
• A sleek design with an aluminum casing, glass front panel, and a color touchscreen.
• Subwoofer output, along with multiple digital inputs and outputs (USB, coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC).
• Functionality as a digital pre-amp, allowing direct connection to an amp or powered speakers.

With these extensive features, it’s hard to believe the WiiM Ultra costs only $599 AUD. As Steve mentions, "The fact that I am thinking about using the WiiM as my main source and saving serious cash should tell you just how good it is for the money."

Performance: Competing with High-End Gear?

Steve tested the WiiM Ultra in his reference system, which includes $12k speakers and $12k amps. Initially sceptical, Steve wondered how a $599 product could hold its own in such a high-end setup. However, after playing tracks via Tidal Connect, he found himself increasingly impressed.

The Ultra delivered warm, rich, and musical sound, with a full-bodied quality and excellent bass control. While it didn’t reach the ultra-detailed, instrument-separating capabilities of his $15k system, it came remarkably close—far closer than expected for a product at this price point.

For example, Anna Leone’s “All That I Ever Did” sounded rich and grounded, with her voice positioned firmly in the centre. The WiiM offered a thicker, more cohesive sound compared to Steve's high-end preamp and DAC, which provided more crystalline clarity but lacked the warmth of the WiiM.

Sound Quality: Musicality Over Precision

What surprised Steve the most was the musicality of the WiiM Ultra. Despite its affordability, the Ultra delivered a weighty, emotional quality in the music that kept him hooked. The bass was rich and impactful, and while it lacked some of the airiness and ultra-detailed imaging of Steve's reference system, it made up for this with sheer musical enjoyment.

At one point, Steve even questioned why he had invested so much in high-end gear when this compact device delivered so much pleasure. The WiiM Ultra’s sound is a bit more “closed-in” compared to his high-end setup, but its overall warmth and mid-bass richness more than compensated for any loss of detail. As Steve put it, "It doesn’t reach the ultra-high levels of detail and separation you'd get from a $15k system, but it performs admirably, especially for its price."

Build and Design

Though entry-level in price, the WiiM Ultra's build quality feels anything but cheap. The aluminium chassis and sleek glass front panel give it a premium feel. The colour display is simple yet effective, and the included remote control adds convenience. While the WiiM Ultra doesn’t have the high-end build quality of equipment costing thousands, it’s sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and fully functional.

Diminishing Returns: An Incredible Value Proposition

In comparing the WiiM Ultra to his $15k system, Steve realized that the law of diminishing returns was very much in effect. Yes, his high-end gear offers superior detail, resolution, and imaging, but the improvements were not as dramatic as the price difference would suggest.

For audiophiles on a budget, the WiiM Ultra is a game-changer. It offers unmatched value for the money, providing features and sound quality that compete with products many times its price. It’s the perfect entry point into high-end audio, and for some, it could even serve as an endgame solution.

Final Thoughts: Product of the Year for 2024?

As of July 2024, Steve Huff has named the WiiM Ultra his Product of the Year. Its sound quality, versatility, and affordable price make it an unbeatable option for anyone looking to enter the world of high-fidelity streaming. WiiM has proven that great sound doesn’t need to come with a high price tag.

In conclusion, if you're searching for a high-quality DAC, streamer, and pre-amp in one package, the WiiM Ultra is a no-brainer. Whether you're connecting it to high-end gear or a more modest setup, it will deliver musical and engaging performance every time.

At $599 AUD, this product is an absolute steal. As Steve concludes, "The WiiM Ultra is not just budget Hi-Fi, it's a serious contender in the world of high-end audio."