If you’re serious about your sound setup—whether you’ve been at it for years or are just getting started—the WiiM Ultra is a piece of gear you’ll want to check out.
This little powerhouse combines a top-notch DAC, preamp, phono pre-amp and music streamer all in one, giving your old setup a serious upgrade. It’s packed with features, easy to use, and delivers the kind of audio quality that makes you sit up and listen. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the WiiM Ultra a solid pick for anyone who loves great sound.
Design and build quality
The WiiM Ultra is all about simplicity and function. Its compact, aluminium body feels solid, with a clean design that won’t clutter your space. The 3.5-inch touchscreen on the front is a standout feature—responsive, bright, and easy to navigate. Below it, the volume knob offers a satisfying, smooth control that adds a touch of old-school charm.
Connectivity galore
Around the back, the WiiM Ultra shows off its versatility. It’s packed with all the inputs and outputs you could need, from HDMI ARC and optical to coaxial and analog connections. Whether you’re hooking up a turntable, a TV, or a subwoofer, this device makes it easy to connect everything in your audio setup.
What’s inside the box?
WiiM hasn’t skimped on the accessories either. Inside the box, you’ll find a power cord, a stereo RCA patch cord, an optical cable, a high-speed HDMI cable, a phono ground adapter, and a voice-capable remote control (just remember to grab some batteries). Everything you need to get up and running is right there, ready to go.
Key features of the WiiM Ultra
Audiophile-grade sound
The sound quality on the WiiM Ultra is seriously impressive. Thanks to the 32-bit/384kHz DAC, the audio comes through with exceptional clarity and depth. Whether you’re streaming high-res music or playing vinyl, the sound is rich and detailed, making it a great pick for anyone who really cares about their audio.
Seamless streaming
Streaming is where the WiiM Ultra shines. It handles all the big services like Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and Qobuz effortlessly. You can stream directly from their apps or use the WiiM Home app, whichever you prefer. We tested the Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect features, and they all worked smoothly, making it easy to jump into your music.
What about AirPlay?
Now, about AirPlay—unfortunately, the WiiM Ultra doesn’t support it out of the box. But don’t worry, there are a few workarounds. If you’re an Apple user, keep reading below for how we got around this limitation and still enjoyed seamless streaming.
Versatile connectivity
The WiiM Ultra is like a Swiss Army knife for your audio setup.
It’s got every connection you could need. We tried it with a turntable through the Phono-In, and the sound was fantastic. Hooking up a TV via HDMI ARC was just as easy, and the subwoofer output with adjustable settings is a nice touch for those who want to dial in the perfect bass.
Whether you're using analog or digital sources, we found that this streamer handles it all.
Multiroom magic
The WiiM Ultra isn’t just for one room—it’s for your whole house. It supports multiroom audio, allowing you to sync music across multiple devices and rooms effortlessly. Whether you’re using other WiiM devices, Amazon Echo, or Google Home, you can create a seamless audio experience that follows you from room to room.
Smart control
Controlling the WiiM Ultra is straightforward, whether you’re using the app, the remote, or voice commands.
The app is intuitive and lets you tweak everything from volume to EQ settings. If you’re into smart home setups, Alexa and Google Assistant integration make it even easier. We found the voice commands to be responsive and a handy way to control the music without lifting a finger.
Performance
Sound quality
When it comes to sound quality, the WiiM Ultra really blew us away, especially at its price point. The DAC delivers a level of clarity and richness that’s usually reserved for much pricier equipment.
It handles everything from subtle acoustic tracks to bass-heavy beats with precision, making every genre sound fantastic and makes you feel like you’re hearing your music for the first time.
Preamp and streaming capabilities
As a preamp and streamer, the WiiM Ultra is a powerhouse. We tested it in various setups, and it consistently delivered a clean, powerful signal that elevated the entire system.
The streaming capabilities are equally impressive, with smooth, reliable connections over both Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. Even in a network-heavy environment, the WiiM Ultra kept the music flowing without a hiccup.
WiiM Home App and voice control
The WiiM Home app is a key part of what makes this device so user-friendly. It’s easy to navigate, responsive, and packed with features that let you fine-tune your setup just the way you like it.
Whether it’s adjusting the EQ, managing multiroom audio, or browsing your library, the app handles it all effortlessly.
Also, if you prefer hands-free control, the integration with Alexa and Google Assistant is a game-changer. Voice commands worked smoothly, making it easy to control your music, adjust the volume, or switch inputs with just your voice.
Performance across different setups
No matter how we configured it, the WiiM Ultra performed like a champ.
In a simple stereo setup, it added a layer of depth and detail that was immediately noticeable. In a full home theatre setup, it brought everything together seamlessly. The built-in room correction is a nice touch, allowing you to tweak the sound to match your space perfectly. And with its versatility, it fits into any environment, from a cosy apartment to a sprawling home theatre.
At this price point, the WiiM Ultra is a standout performer that punches well above its weight. It’s not just a good streamer for the money—it’s an outstanding one that can hold its own against far more expensive gear.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The WiiM Ultra offers a wide array of connectivity options, making it one of the most versatile devices in its class.
Whether you’re working with analog or digital inputs, this device has you covered. The HDMI ARC is perfect for bringing TV audio into the mix, while the optical and coaxial connections offer flexibility for other digital sources.
We also appreciated the Phono-In for connecting a turntable—this input ensures that even vinyl enthusiasts can enjoy their collection with top-tier sound quality.
As we mentioned previously, the WiiM Ultra supports both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, so you get stable, high-speed connections no matter how you’re streaming.
Apple integration: the workaround
Even without native AirPlay support, you have several options to stream from your Apple devices to the WiiM Ultra:
- Using Apple TV: If you have an Apple TV, you can stream Apple Music or other content to the WiiM Ultra through HDMI ARC. This keeps you within the Apple ecosystem while enjoying high-quality sound.
- Bluetooth Streaming: Alternatively, connect your Apple device to the WiiM Ultra via Bluetooth. This method uses the 256kbps AAC codec, offering sound quality similar to AirPlay. However, unlike AirPlay, Bluetooth will transmit all sounds from your device, including notifications, which might be less ideal for focused music listening.
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The WiiM Ultra is a standout in the world of affordable audio gear. We were genuinely surprised by how much value is packed into this entry-level streamer.
It delivers exceptional sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and an easy-to-use interface that makes it perfect for both seasoned audiophiles and those just starting out.
What really impressed us is how much performance you get for the price. The WiiM Ultra isn’t just a good option—it’s a fantastic one that punches well above its weight. If you’re looking to elevate your home audio setup without breaking the bank, the WiiM Ultra is a must-have.
Ready to check it out? Grab the WiiM Ultra Wireless Audio Streamer and see what all the fuss is about.
