WiiM Ultra Streaming Preamp: A Feature-Packed Audio Powerhouse

Explore the WiiM Ultra streaming preamp, a versatile audio device blending streaming, phono input, and connectivity with exceptional value and performance.

A New Player Shakes Up Affordable Audio

WiiM has made quite the splash by delivering high-quality streaming gear at prices that won’t break the bank. Their Pro and Pro+ streamers already impressed music lovers with features often found in much pricier units. But the arrival of the WiiM Ultra takes things to the next level by broadening functionality rather than just boosting streaming chops.

With this device, WiiM targets those seeking an all-in-one audio solution that combines streaming, preamplifier capabilities, and even vinyl playback — all at a remarkably accessible price.

UPnP Platform and Digital Heart

The Ultra is built on a UPnP platform, sharing more similarities with the WiiM Pro than the Pro+. Inside, it sports a pair of high-grade ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips, capable of decoding PCM audio up to 192kHz. While it doesn’t natively support DSD streaming, the WiiM app smoothly transcodes DSD files to PCM on the fly, so you won’t miss a beat.

WiiM’s platform supports a vast array of streaming services—covering Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, and SoundCloud—with the notable exception of Apple Music. It also offers solid internet radio features and Chromecast compatibility. Plus, you get neat perks like using your phone’s microphone for customized EQ adjustments and seamless Amazon Alexa integration.

WiiM Ultra rear panel with multiple input and output options

More Than Just a Streamer: Inputs and Integration

The Ultra steps beyond streaming with a fully functional preamp that includes optical and analog inputs, similar to the Pro models. But it doesn’t stop there—it adds an HDMI ARC input, allowing easy connection to your TV for a simplified home theater setup. This HDMI ARC implementation is notably more responsive and reliable than previous models.

One of the most eye-catching features is its built-in phono stage, supporting both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. This rare inclusion places the Ultra in a unique category, offering vinyl lovers a chance to connect directly without a separate phono preamp. Functionality-wise, the Ultra rivals much pricier gear like the NAD M66, which costs over ten times as much.

The build quality also steps up a notch compared to its smaller siblings. Sporting a sleek glossy front with a sturdy metal top and a touchscreen display, the Ultra is not just stylish but practical. The touchscreen lets you tweak settings on the fly, while a physical volume knob provides tactile control, making it much easier to use as a preamplifier.

Additional output options include RCA stereo and a dedicated subwoofer output with adjustable crossover and EQ. The Ultra can also act as a streaming transport via optical, coaxial, and USB outputs, giving you flexibility to connect to other digital devices.

Compact and stylish side view highlighting the touchscreen interface

Vinyl Nostalgia Meets Modern Streaming

The phono stage on the Ultra isn’t just a gimmick—it delivers genuinely impressive performance. Testing with a Pro-Ject Debut Evo2 turntable and the album Remember My Song by Labi Siffre showed that noise levels were remarkably low. This means the Ultra extracts fine details and dynamics from records, making listening more immersive and enjoyable.

Switching to a moving coil cartridge like the Vertere MG-1 MkII exceeded expectations, especially at this price point. For a streamer costing roughly $329, to offer this level of vinyl support is nothing short of revolutionary—and it might just shake up expectations for entry-level phono preamps.

Sound Quality and Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

Connecting the Ultra via RCA outputs to a Cyrus 40 AMP allowed an initial impression of its onboard DAC. Playing London Grammar’s The Greatest Love [Ministry of Sound], the Ultra handled bass-heavy tracks with control, clarity, and texture, while vocals sat beautifully on top without any frequency bias.

Swapping to USB connection and using the Ultra as a Roon endpoint revealed nuanced performance comparable to a dedicated Roon Nucleus device. Though the Nucleus offered a slightly quieter background, differences were subtle, showing the Ultra’s excellent digital transport capabilities.

An Evolution in Affordable Audio

The WiiM Ultra represents an evolutionary leap in the affordable audio segment, combining streaming, preamp, and vinyl support into a single unit without compromise. Whether you’re using it as a line-level streamer, USB transport, or connected to active speakers, it offers unmatched flexibility.

It’s clear that WiiM’s drive to expand affordable digital audio is reshaping the entry-level market. The Ultra’s performance and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling choice for anyone wanting a versatile hub to manage their music collection and devices.

WiiM Ultra Specs & Pricing

• Type: Streaming preamp
• Analogue Inputs: RCA stereo (line), RCA stereo (phono MM/MC)
• Digital Inputs: HDMI ARC, USB-B, Toslink optical S/PDIF, RJ45 Ethernet
• Analogue Outputs: RCA stereo, subwoofer RCA, 12V trigger
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial & Toslink optical S/PDIF
• Supported Streaming Services: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud
• Smart Home Support: Chromecast Audio, Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa
• Internet Radio: TuneIn, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Radio Paradise
• Roon Ready: Yes
• Audio Codecs Supported: MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, AIFF, OGG
• Analogue Input (ADC): Fixed 192kHz, 24bit
• Memory: 512MB Flash + DRAM
• Tone Control: Adaptive EQ and Graphic Equalizer built-in
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
• DAC Chip: Dual ESS ES9038Q2M
• App Control: WiiM Home
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 205 x 205 x 73 mm
• Weight: 1.3 kg
• Price: Approx. $329 / £349 / €399

WiiM’s relentless pursuit of affordable digital has expanded into a broader challenge against the entire entry-level audio market, and given the level of performance on display here, it’s very difficult to see them being halted anytime soon.

FAQs

• Does the WiiM Ultra support vinyl playback?
  Yes, it features a built-in phono stage compatible with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
• Can I connect my TV to the Ultra?
  Absolutely. It includes an HDMI ARC input for seamless TV audio integration.
• What streaming services are supported?
  The Ultra supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, and SoundCloud, but not Apple Music.
• Is the WiiM Ultra compatible with Roon?
  Yes, it is fully Roon Ready and works well as a Roon endpoint.
• What digital outputs does the Ultra offer?
  It provides coaxial and Toslink optical S/PDIF outputs, plus USB for digital transport.

Shop your favorite album cover poster and celebrate iconic music moments with us at Architeg Prints, where art and sound meet in perfect harmony.