WiiM Pro Review
With the WiiM Pro, the American software house Linkplay presents a very affordable network streamer, which is tiny in terms of hardware and dimensions, but offers high performance in terms of software. Reinhard Paprotka
Integration makes it possible. Once again. A quad-core processor, D/A and A/D converters, as well as output OPs—that is the basis for modern audio streaming. However, two conditions must be met: the selection of highly integrated circuits (ICs) of top quality and extremely sophisticated software that masters as many of the available streaming technologies as possible. Linkplay has realized this concept with the inconspicuous audio streamer WiiM Pro
The focus is on software, and that is the specialty of the company Linkplay Technology, founded in 2014, which has recruited top developers from prestigious companies like Google, Broadcom, InterVideo, and Harman.
Top-notch development team
Linkplay manufactures a range of smart products and—under the brand name WiiM—devices that are intended to extend conventional HiFi components with the latest streaming technology and all its possibilities.
Our test device, the WiiM Pro, is really very small at 14 x 4.2 x 14 centimeters. The housing is made of plastic but has a chic design and no controls. There is only one LED on the front, which is always lit and signals that the WiiM Pro is continuously connected to the network. At 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, this amounts to about seven dollars per year.
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Briefly outlined, the concept of the diminutive device includes the following features: possible sources are network/streaming (from the web and locally for own music files), Bluetooth, as well as two inputs for conventional HiFi devices. The outputs are available fixed and adjustable in level; the latter property allows use as a streamer or preamp to drive active speakers/amplifiers. All this for multi-room operation and for control via app and remote control with voice input.
Even during setup, the WiiM Pro impresses positively, as it proceeds effortlessly and quickly. But the software overall is also convincing, as it offers logical and clear operation via the WiiM Home app. Manufacturers of streamers without their own app can hardly keep up. The WiiM team has perfectly managed to utilize the performance of the 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor.
Streaming to perfection
Streaming with the WiiM Pro is possible in two ways: With the WiiM Home app, all operation runs through it. There are menu items for access to all major streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Napster. For setup, it’s only necessary in WiiM Home to enter the respective login credentials. If available and activated via subscription, music is also available in Hi-Res up to the respective resolution. Since the app also functions as a UPnP (DLNA) control point, you can play your own music files stored on UPnP servers. Access to external USB storage is not possible. However, this shortcoming can be compensated by plugging into the USB port of the server. For example, this can be the internet router (Fritzbox).
The second streaming possibility consists in using the network protocols particularly richly supported by WiiM (see table). In this case, operation is via the app of the respective provider; the WiiM Pro only executes the commands. The advantage lies in the fact that the provider’s app usually offers better specialized access.
The second option also includes the Roon protocol RAAT and thus the use of the Roon Remote app. Integration into the Apple world runs via the Airplay 2 protocol, though connected with the limitation to 44.1 kHz/16 bit.
Control also via UPnP apps
The UPnP protocol also allows control of the WiiM Pro with apps like BubbleUPnP or mconnect, as well as from UPnP-capable devices like PC/Laptop.
The WiiM Pro can also be addressed via Bluetooth; moreover, it can send music to BT receivers—for example, headphones. Only SBC and AAC codecs are available; apt-X HD or LDAC would be better in terms of sound quality. Sending is also possible via Airplay Cast.
Finally, the WiiM Pro offers two inputs: digital via TOSLINK at 24/192, and analog for line level, thus also suitable for phono with external equalizer preamp. The resolution of the A/D converter is limited to 16/48—that is, about CD quality. The inputs and all other sources can be integrated into the WiiM multiroom system, including support from Airplay 2, Amazon, and Google Home. Voice control via Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant is possible using a smartphone and optional remote control.
For playback, the WiiM Pro accepts all common audio formats with a maximum resolution of 24/192. Music is available at both a coaxial and an optical digital output, as well as via the DAC PCM5121 from Texas Instruments at the analog output. The fine-tuned level adjustment possible for this is difficult via the WiiM app due to the lack of button support for the smartphone but can be realized via Bubble UPnP, mconnect, and Roon Remote.
Amazingly good sound
In the listening test, among other things, “Viola Fora De Mora” by Ana Caram from the Chesky recording (24/96) “Rio After Dark” was played. The tiny WiiM was able to wonderfully convey the dynamic expression, spatial depth, and authenticity of acoustic guitar and percussion along with vocals. The title track even presented the plucked acoustic bass naturally—overall, a pleasant sound experience from such a small streaming box!
CONCLUSION: The test made the encounter of hardware and software à la David and Goliath very clear. As with smartphones, extremely much depends on the software, and for that, the WiiM developers deserve great praise! The result is a tiny streamer for practically all current streaming requirements and with amazingly good sound. The use: for expanding existing systems, for supplying music to other rooms, or as a gift for the kids.
THE APP CHECK
The WiiM Home app works very quickly and is also available in German. Only Roon Remote can clearly surpass the many possibilities of the app. With WiiM Home, playlists and favorites can be created, though the latter not related to individual albums (1). The integrated equalizer offers 20 presets, a 10-band graphic type, and a 4-band parametric EQ (2).
APP RATING
WIIM PRO
The frequency responses describe the reproduction of digital signals for the three sampling frequencies (Fs) 44.1, 96, and 192 kHz with smooth curves up to the theoretical limit (above). The lower graph was recorded via Line In/Out and shows the limitation of the A/D converter by Fs=48 kHz. The distortion spectrum is characterized by a floor at about –125 dB; the peaks up to –90 dB are certainly masked by the ear. Level adjustment would be possible in 0.5 dB steps, but in practice not really via the slider in the app. The signal-to-noise ratio is 107 dB(A). With 100 Ω output impedance and 2 V output voltage, active speakers can be driven directly. The power consumption is permanently 2 W.
TECHNICAL DATA
WIIM WIIM PRO
Warranty period 2 years
Dimensions W × H × D 14 × 4.2 × 14 cm
Weight 0.3 kg
CONNECTIONS
CD drive / Inputs – / Line, S/P-DIF optical
USB storage connectable –
Analog Out RCA
Digital Out coax / optical • / •
Network LAN / WLAN • (100 Mbit) / •
FUNCTIONS
Display / OSD – / –
Bluetooth send / receive • / • (Codecs: SBC, AAC)
Network protocols (important for controlling the streamer via external app) Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, RAAT/Roon, Amazon Music, DLNA, Chromecast, AirPlay2
Internet radio TuneIn, iHeart Radio, vtuner
Streaming services (selection) Qobuz, Spotify, Napster, Tidal, Amazon Music
Max resolution / sampling rate 24 bit / 192 kHz
Remote control / App as extra ($25) / •
Gapless not for all formats
Cover display via app
Features Multiroom, voice input
PRO / CONTRA
many streaming services
very affordable price
WiiM Home app
Roon Ready
no USB playback
no network switch-off
RATING
Sound RCA / XLR 9.9 / –
Features good
Operation very good
Build quality satisfactory
AUDIO BENCHMARK
OVERALL RATING 9.9 POINTS
PRICE/PERFORMANCE OUTSTANDING
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