The WiiM Pro is the cheapest music streamer I know of, with a cost that’s hundreds less than the least pricey step-up options. You need to pay several hundreds more for step-up options Very good sound, though not as pristine as high-end hi-fi DACsĪn outstanding value. Supports Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth streaming along with multi-room playbackĬheap, plastic case but with solid connection options But the difference wasn’t so major that I was disappointed when I switched back to the streamer’s analog output, and I’m fairly certain most listeners would feel the same way. When I switched over from using the WiiM Pro streamer’s analog to its coaxial digital output – something that can be easily done in the app – in order make sound quality comparisons with my integrated amp’s DAC, I felt that the WiiM Pro was definitely lagging somewhat when it came to detail resolution and dynamic punch. And when I next streamed Rivers of Mercy by Tears for Fears, a track with a much denser production than the previous two, both vocal and instrumental layers in the mix were clearly rendered, and the WiiM Pro easily tracked dynamic swells during the chorus. Playing James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg’s countrified instrumental cover of Reel Around the Fountain by The Smiths next, both acoustic guitars had good definition and a sense of air around them. Drums also sounded clean and crisp, and the WiiM Pro presented a super-wide stereo image. Listening to jazz musician Julian Lage’s track Tributary, his electric guitar had a clean, compelling tone and the bass guitar had a full-bodied quality. The WiiM Pro’s sound quality was impressive for a $149 streamer/DAC. I listened with the WiiM Pro by streaming from Tidal and mostly using its analog stereo output, but also trying the coaxial digital output to compare its built-in DAC to my integrated amp’s own DAC. The WiiM control app's Playlist, Browse, and Albums panels (Image credit: Future) I was glad to see that my Tidal album collection was presented chronologically by date added – an option that’s maddeningly not always available in streamer control apps – though alphabetical, artist, and release date sorting was also possible. Once you’ve linked the WiiM Pro streamer to your home’s Wi-Fi by entering your network password, you sign in to any apps you plan to stream from and then browse your albums, playlists, and tracks the same as you would in the app’s own interface. The WiiM control app is very intuitive and easy to use. A traditional hardware remote is a $20 extra option, though in most cases you’ll simply use the WiiM app or those of whatever music app you’re using for streaming to carry out basic control functions. Analog stereo and optical digital cables are included, along with a USB-C adapter and cable for power.Ī basic set of touch-sensitive controls are located on the WiiM Pro’s front panel to adjust volume, switch inputs, and play/pause tracks. There’s an Ethernet port for a wired network connection and a trigger output that can be used to automatically turn on a connected amp. Output connections include analog stereo and coaxial and optical digital, and there are also analog stereo and coaxial and optical digital inputs for routing external sources through the WiiM Pro. There’s not much heft to the WiiM Pro’s plastic case, and it’s also not much to look at, so you’ll likely want to stash it somewhere to the side of your integrated amplifier or receiver where it can safely and silently do its job. Connections on the WiiM Pro's rear panel include both analog and digital inputs and outputs (Image credit: Future)Īt 5.5 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches (W x H x D), the WiiM Pro is slightly larger than an Apple TV 4K and has the same puck-like design.
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