Media Server Reviews

WiiM Mini streaming D/A preamplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Digital sources: Roon Nucleus+ file server, MBL N31, Mark Levinson No.30.6, and Mytek Brooklyn D/A processors, iPhone 11, iPad mini 2, Netgear Nighthawk router.
Power amplifiers: Parasound Halo JC 1+ monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Q Acoustics Concept 50.
Headphone amplifier: Mytek Brooklyn.
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 650 with Mini, Audeze LCD-X with Mytek.
Cables: TosLink: AudioQuest Vodka. Interconnect: AudioQuest Wild Blue. Speaker: AudioQuest Robin Hood. AC: AudioQuest Dragon Source & High Current, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Target TT-5 equipment racks, Ayre Acoustics Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; AudioQuest Niagara 5000 Low-Z Power/Noise-Dissipation System (amplifiers) and AudioQuest Niagara 1000 Low-Z Power/Noise-Dissipation System (source components). AudioQuest Fog Lifters cable supports. AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from breaker box.
Room: 20' (left side), 25' (right side) × 16' × 8'.—John Atkinson

COMPANY INFO
Linkplay Technology Inc.
8000 Jarvis Ave., Suite #130
Newark, CA 94560
wiimhome.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
remlab's picture
Submitted by remlab on July 22, 2022 - 2:52pm

Even uses a Burr-Brown chip. Way better with more functionality, and the price obviously reflects that.

marc g.'s picture
Submitted by marc g. on July 26, 2022 - 12:08am

For those that use Tidal, you may appreciate the "Tidal Connect" feature that allows you to use the native Tidal app to control the streamer. Use the Wiim app to set things up initially, then use the native Tidal app thereafter. Easily the best way to control the streamer, IMO. I see there is a Spotify Connect as well so assume that works the same way for Spotify users (though I don't believe Spotify has yet offered CD quality tier to its users).

FWIW, I think it may be possible to play local files via the Wiim as well, but I've not looked into that. Also, it seems the Wiim cannot output on its analog and digital outputs simultaneously as I could not get a lock on my DAC if I was also feeding another system via the analog out. Minor issue but something to be aware of. I assume I'm getting 16/44 which is all I subscribe to so I don think there's any truncating issues for me to be concerned about, but I'll update the software anyway.

I'd been tempted many a time to do a RPi build, but was lazy about it. Turns out this is what I really wanted - it just didn't exist until recently. Love mine!

EDIT: The Wiim does have Bluetooth input, which could be handy for some YouTube or Pandora transmission to the Wiim since these are not high fidelity streams anyway. Also, I went back to the Wiim Home App and was able to find my shared computer that houses some ripped files so I think I'm close to being able to play locally stored files on the Wiim.

pbarach's picture
Submitted by pbarach on July 24, 2022 - 6:39am

Can this device access files on my WiFi-connected Windows PC without needing a network bridge or other hardware?

fbny71's picture
Submitted by fbny71 on July 31, 2022 - 9:00am

This looks like it could be exactly the solution I’ve been looking for! Inexpensive enough to try it and even if it doesn’t do everything I hope it does keep it because it seems that it will do plenty!

ben45's picture
Submitted by ben45 on September 18, 2022 - 6:33am

Agreed no ethernet. The is not just the cheapest category thing. I use a re-clock dejiter SPDIF device between the WIM Mini and my processor. But many people might benefit from a USB audio output. In addition the Pro version should aspire to do Amazon Music Atmos and Ultra HD.

I am lost why anyone would use Tidal or Qobuz. If you have Amazon Prime just stick to the Amazon Music Ultra HD tracks.

Why are audiophiles making this complicated? It is going to come down to Apple Music vs. Amazon Music and the bundles people want.

JRT's picture
Submitted by JRT on December 11, 2022 - 3:12pm

John, now that the newer WiiM Pro is available for sale (currently $149 with free shipping from a large online retail vendor), it may be worthwhile to review that one too.

GregChick's picture
Submitted by GregChick on December 31, 2022 - 11:04am

First off, I'm a 2 channel stereophile having zero glossary savvy for the streaming nomenclature, or should I say, streamingculture. A music source like a CD is normally corded to a preamp or integrated amp and then speakerwires out to speakers,that is status quo for me now. Wanting to "grow up", I seek to stream. In comes a WiiM Mini!
Options, I understand are Optic cables, being digital and my home having a WiFi signal from my router fed by a fiberoptic cable I subscribe to. My internet has about a 3 gig signal. My router has a Cat5 output/passthru, but is not where I can easily use a cable. So, WiFi it is. Now, I guess I use my Amazon Atmos music HD songs, that I get thru my laptop? and the laptop uses a signal to the WiiM mini? or the WiiM mini automatically links to the WiFi?
Help me ObiWan Kenobe, your my only hope!
As it is I have an Anthem Preamp having a Optilink digital input. Do I put a cable from the WiiM output to the Preamp input and the WiiM gets the musical signal from the WiFi? How do I manage this in a GUI way? does my laptop screen have an app that shows music libarary and I select from there and it plays music? or Does the Wizard Of Oz require I know the rest of the vernacular?
There are many terms used in descriptions of streaming music that are forign and assumed understanding. I do understand I seek lossles signal, (FLAC). I do recognize I must subscribe to a streaming music service or use my Amazon prime streaming content. The hardware is the WiiM Mini connected to a powersupply using the USB C cord for powering it. Then to optional optical cable to the Preamp. Is that all I need?

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