WiiM Ultra versus WiiM Pro Plus: Which premium music streamer is the superior pick for you?
In the realm of high-end music streamers, the WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra stand out as two impressive devices catering to different needs and budgets. While both offer premium build quality, they differ significantly in design, features, sound quality, and overall value.
Design
The WiiM Pro and Pro Plus share a similar chassis size, approximately 5.5 inches square and 1.6 inches high. The Pro Plus, however, boasts more premium parts and improved build quality compared to the base Pro model. The WiiM Ultra, though visually similar to the unpowered WiiM Ultra Amp variant, showcases more advanced components and a higher price tag of £349 / $329 / AU$599, signifying a more premium build and feature set.
Features & Connections
The Pro Plus offers enhanced internal parts over the base Pro, but the Ultra takes the lead in connectivity options. The Ultra includes an HDMI ARC input for TV connection, a built-in moving magnet phono stage for vinyl playback, and supports a max file resolution of 24-bit/192kHz PCM. The Ultra's versatility in connectivity allows for better integration with various audio sources and home setups.
In addition to the upgraded DAC and more powerful amplification (when paired with amp variants), the Ultra features the ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC, which the Pro Plus lacks.
Sound
The WiiM Ultra is tuned for higher performance, with upgraded DAC and amplifier sections that produce better sound quality. The Ultra offers more detail, openness, and separation of instruments compared to the Pro Plus. User feedback suggests that the Ultra's phono preamp is generally "good enough," implying solid performance even for vinyl users, a feature absent or less capable in the Pro Plus.
Verdict
The WiiM Pro Plus offers a premium build and improved components over the base Pro at a lower price point, making it a strong choice for those wanting quality streaming without breaking the bank. The WiiM Ultra commands a higher price but justifies it with more connectivity options, enhanced sound performance, and features like HDMI ARC and a competent phono stage, making it ideal for more demanding audiophiles or complex setups.
In conclusion, the Ultra is best suited for users needing advanced connection options and superior audio fidelity, while the Pro Plus is targeted at those valuing quality construction and good sound within a moderate price range.
Both devices offer an Ethernet port for wired internet connection and support multi-room streaming. The Pro Plus features AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.1, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, internet radio, and DLNA. The Ultra offers Bluetooth 5.3, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, internet radio, DLNA, HDMI ARC, optical, and USB A.
The Ultra has a sleeker and high-quality build, a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, and the same WiiM Home mobile app and remote control options as the Pro Plus. The Ultra also offers more audio options and control through the WiiM app, including EQ settings.
The Pro Plus has a compact design and a functional remote control, with the option to use the WiiM Home mobile app. The Ultra has a 3.5mm headphone port, whereas the Pro Plus does not. The Ultra is a more expensive music streamer, priced at £349 / $329 / AU$599, compared to the Pro Plus's price of £219 / $219 / AU$339.
The Ultra's sound is more detailed, clear, spacious, full-bodied, and expansive compared to the Pro Plus. Both the Pro Plus and the Ultra can handle hi-res audio files up to a native 24-bit/192kHz. The Pro Plus has inputs of Line-level stereo RCA and digital optical, while the Ultra offers a more extensive range of connections, including HDMI ARC input, a moving magnet phono stage, subwoofer output, and USB-A input for playing files from a media drive.
In summary, while both the WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra are high-quality music streamers, the Ultra offers a more premium experience with enhanced sound quality, more connectivity options, and a sleeker design, but at a higher price point. The Pro Plus, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option for those seeking a balance between quality and price.
- The WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra, both high-end music streamers, vary in design and features, appealing to different budgets and needs.
- In terms of size, the Pro Plus and the base Pro model share similar dimensions, while the Ultra sports a more premium build quality.
- The WiiM Ultra sets itself apart with its advanced components and a higher price, boasting £349 / $329 / AU$599 compared to the Pro Plus's £219 / $219 / AU$339.
- The Ultra's connectivity options outperform the Pro Plus, offering an HDMI ARC input, a built-in phono stage for vinyl playback, and a max file resolution of 24-bit/192kHz PCM.
- In the audio department, the Ultra delivers better sound quality with its upgraded DAC and amplifier sections, providing more detail and instrument separation.
- Feedback suggests that the Ultra's phono preamp caters well to vinyl users, a feature the Pro Plus lacks or has less capable.
- When considering a purchase, prospective buyers may factor in the Ultra's sleek design, 3.5-inch touchscreen display, and additional audio control features through the WiiM app.
- The Pro Plus, on the other hand, offers a compact design, a functional remote control, and balanced quality and price within the realm of high-fidelity audio technology and lifestyle entertainment.
