WiiM Ultra Review — Music Streamer

The Wi-Fi Streaming Hub We’ve All Been Waiting For?

Picture this: you’re lounging on your couch, bathed in warm lamplight, vinyls scattered around like a glorious mess, and you’re debating if you should get up to switch albums or just stream something. Enter the WiiM Ultra—a sleek Wi-Fi streaming hub that promises not only convenience but also high-fidelity sound with a touchscreen and phono preamp. Could this be the one streamer to rule them all?

Unboxing & Build

The WiiM Ultra greets you with a no-nonsense, minimalist package. Inside, it’s like unearthing a hidden gem. The device itself feels like it’s been forged from a solid block of tech magic: sturdy, with a matte black finish that doesn’t scream for attention but rather whispers sophistication. It’s compact enough to blend into any setup but boasts a design that makes you want to brag to your audiophile buddies.

Handling it, you get the sense that this thing is built to last. The touchscreen is smooth as butter, responding to swipes and taps like it’s reading your mind. There’s a reassuring weight to it, hinting at some serious hardware under the hood. The ports are neatly arranged, and everything about it just screams well-thought-out design—no loose ends, no flimsy parts.

Features & Controls

Now, this is where the WiiM Ultra starts showing off. It hooks up to your Wi-Fi with less fuss than a well-trained puppy—props for the seamless integration with all major streaming services. Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music? Check, check, and check. The touchscreen is a game-changer, offering intuitive navigation without the need for a tablet or smartphone in hand.

But the real cherry on top? The built-in phono preamp. For the vinyl lovers among us, this means you can plug in your turntable directly and stream your favorite records wirelessly throughout your house. Who would’ve thought that the warm, crackling nostalgia of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” could meet the convenience of digital streaming so harmoniously?

Sound Quality

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how does it sound? In a word: impressive. Let’s break it down.

Bass

The bass reproduction on the WiiM Ultra is tight and controlled, yet it packs enough punch to satisfy. Listening to “Billie Eilish’s ‘bad guy’,” the deep, throbbing bass line hits with authority but doesn’t overshadow the vocals. It’s like the WiiM Ultra knows exactly when to make its presence felt and when to step back, offering a well-balanced foundation for everything else.

Mids

Switching gears to something more vocal-heavy, Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” showcases how the WiiM Ultra handles the mids. Her voice is full and rich, commanding the spotlight with an almost tangible presence. The emotion in her delivery comes through crystal clear, creating a listening experience that feels intimate and intense.

Treble

Treble performance is where some streamers stumble, but not this one. Take “Hotel California” by the Eagles, for example. The cymbals shimmer without being harsh, and the acoustic guitar sparkles with detail. It’s the kind of clarity that keeps your ears perked up, capturing every nuance without tipping into sibilance.

Soundstage and Imaging

The WiiM Ultra delivers an expansive soundstage that defies its size. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” swells and expands beyond the confines of your speakers, filling the room with a near-holographic experience. Imaging is pinpoint—Freddie’s voice sits dead center, while the harmonies and instruments dance around him with precision.

Who It’s For

So, who should invest in this nifty gadget? If you’re someone who craves the flexibility of digital streaming but doesn’t want to compromise on sound quality, the WiiM Ultra is your dream come true. Vinyl enthusiasts will adore the phono preamp feature, and anyone who’s ever dunked on Bluetooth for its limitations will appreciate the robust Wi-Fi connection. In short, it’s for the audio lovers who want it all—simplicity, fidelity, and a touch of future-proofing.

Verdict

At $499, the WiiM Ultra isn’t what you’d call a budget buy, but it’s worth every penny for what it offers. It’s a harmonious blend of function and form, delivering exceptional sound with the convenience of modern streaming. It’s not perfect—some might wish for more connectivity options or a slight price drop—but in the grand scheme of audio gear, it’s a solid investment. This is the streamer that doesn’t just fit into your setup; it elevates it.

Tested with: Hegel H95 Integrated Amplifier, KEF LS50 Wireless II, Rega Planar 3 Turntable, Sennheiser HD800s Headphones.