WiiM Ultra (Space Gray) (2024)

Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features
Sources
Controls

Features

Wired or Wireless Network Connectivity: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is WiFi 6E certified with support for 2.4/5/6GHz tri-band WiFi (802.11ax), allowing you to wirelessly connect to your home or office WiFi network router and ISP (internet service provider). The Ultra Audio Streamer is also equipped with an Ethernet RJ-45 LAN jack (10/100Mbps) for a wired network connection to your router. By connecting the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer to your network and ISP, you get access to a variety of online music services and internet radio from the WiiM Home App, Amazon Alexa, and Chromecast built-in; as well as DLNA compatibility and Roon-Ready certification (coming soon).

• WiFi setup can be done through the WiiM Home App (for Apple iOS or Android OS) on your compatible smartphone or tablet device.
• You can also use the Google Home App (forApple iOSandAndroid OS)to setup up a WiFi network connection.

ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer features a premium ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for Hi-Res sound quality with high 121db SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and ultra-low 0.00018% THD (total harmonic distortion). Its capable of playing back 2ch stereo Hi-Res music files up to 32-bit/384kHz stereo PCM.

Auto Calibration: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer's connected amp, receiver, or speaker may have different audio path latency due to different hardware, software and DSP processing. To maintain audio synchronization of each component, WiiM incorporates auto calibration. By leveraging a built-in microphone and proprietary algorithm, the entire audio path latency is measured automatically when the WiiM is connected with your integrated amplifier, AV receiver, or powered speaker. The latency value will be used to maintain the perfect audio synchronizationin wireless multi-room or multi-channel playback.

Advanced EQ: When adaptive EQ is enabled, the music genre information and other tags included in the audio content are used to adjust the frequency of the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer in real-time bybringing in rich audio to capture every musical detailor make vocals clearer. You can also further cater to your listening taste by applying multiple EQ options including 24 EQ Presets, Bass & Treble adjustment, a 10-band Graphic EQ or Parametric EQ.

Linkplay: Using Linkplay protocol, the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer can be configured in a multi-room application with other WiiM and Linkplay devices, or can be paired with another Ultra Audio Streamer in a stereo configuration. Using proprietary hardware, algorithm, and software optimization, WiiM can achieve less than 150uS (0.00015s) synchronization accuracy among connected devices as long as all your compatible devices are on the same wireless WiFi network.

• Multi-Room Audio: Using the WiiM Home App (for Apple iOS or Android OS) you can create a multi-room audio experience by wirelessly linking multiple WiiM and Linkplay devices together in different rooms of your house. You can choose to play the same audio content on all your devices or a group of devices, or play a different music source on each WiiM or Linkplay device in your home. Multiroom compatible sources include Network content, Bluetooth sources, as well as analog & digital inputs. You can also control the volume globally, by group, or for each device.
• Stereo Pairing: If you have two separate powered speakers, you can use two WiiM Ultra Audio Streamers to create a stereo pair by connecting one Ultra Audio Streamer to each powered speaker. Use the WiiM Home App to setup Stereo Pairing between two Ultra Audio Streamers and then designate which one is the Left channel and which one is the Right channel.

Note: The WiiM Min Audio Streamer also supports multi-room audio via Chromecast built-in, as well as can be linked to Amazon Alexa Echo devices and smart speakers using Amazon Alexa App, plus can be made part of a Roon system (Certification coming).

Gapless Playback: Precise gapless playbackis important to many user's listening experience when listening to live concert recording.With precise gapless playback,the playback timing is guaranteed to be identical to the source. Whereas some software, firmware, and hardware components may add substantial delay associated with starting the playback of a track, WiiM uses two decoders to remove the extra samples at the beginning and end of each file and combines them. As a result, here are no gaps or overlaps (crossfading) between successive tracks. This works for allthe supported music services and music on your smartphone, tablet, and local network.

HDMI ARC: The WiiM Ultra provides an HDMI ARC jack so you can connect the unit to the HDMI ARC jack of your TV, allowing you to listen to your favorite TV shows, movies, sports, and games through the WiiM Ultra and your connected speakers. The WiiM Ultra's HDMI ARC jack supports Dolby Digital and 2ch stereo PCM audio only (not compatible with DTS).

Analog & Digital Audio Outputs: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is outfitted with both analog & digital audio outputs to give you flexibility when it comes to connecting the device to your integrated amplifier, AV receiver, soundbar, or powered speaker. The analog output consists of a stereo RCA output connector, while the digital outputs consist of an optical (toslink) digital output connector and a coaxial (RCA) digital output connector. The analog and digital audio outputs can be setup as Fixed or Variable, so you can control the volume either from your integrated amplifier, AV receiver, powered speaker, or WiiM Home App.

• The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer only outputs 2ch PCM stereo (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and is not compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel audio formats.
• Only one output can be connected at a time (either analog RCA, optical digital, or coaxial digital).

Mono-RCA Sub Out:The WiiM Ultra is also equipped with a mono-RCA subwoofer output for the connection of a powered sub (sold separately). From theWiiM Home App(for Apple iOS or Android OS), you can set the subwoofer output's low pass crossover filter (20Hz to 250Hz), as well as adjust the subwoofer level (-15dB to +15dB) to tailor the bass output.

Headphone Amp: The WiiM Ultra is equipped with a discrete high-fidelity headphone amplifier (TPA6120A2) that delivers delivers outstanding audio clarity (up to 119 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) at the headphone out. You can connect 32-ohm to 300-ohm headphones to the front-panel headphone jack. The unit's other outputs will be muted when using the headphone jack out.

Power Requirements: The WiiM Ultra comes with a detachable AC power cord that will need to be plugged into the back of the audio streamer and into an AC power outlet or surge-protector (sold separately).

Sources

Online Music Services: The WiiM Home App (for Apple iOS or Android OS) gives you access to a variety of online music services and internet radio through your compatible smartphone or tablet device for playback on the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer. Subscription and paid fees may apply (online music services are subject to change at any time).

• Amazon Music: Enjoy more than 2 million songs and thousands of stations and playlists with Amazon Music. Listeners looking for even more music selection can try Amazon Music Unlimited, a premium subscription service that provides unlimited access to more than 100 million songs (including HD & UHD) and all the latest new releases.
• Qobuz: With Qobuz you are able to stream over 100 million online music tracks in lossless Hi-Res quality (up to 24-bit/192kHz). You can choose from two subscription plans that are best suited to your listening needs.
• TuneIn: TuneIn offers overs 120,000 streaming internet radio stations with access curated music, live sports, up-to-the-minute news, podcasts, and more.
• iHeart Radio: iHeart Radio lets you listen to all the music you love with access to thousands of internet radio stations that include local and live radio, curated playlists, artist created stations, podcasts, and more.
• Deezer: Deezer offers you over 40 million songs with option of Individual and Family plans. Deezer also offers Flow, your personalize infinite mix soundtrack, based on your mood, genre, activity, and/or listening habits.
• Napster: Napster lets you listen to over 60 million songs ad-free, while discovering music from people just like you. You can choose between an Individual or Family plan.

Spotify & Tidal Connect:The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer supports both Spotify Connect & Tidal Connect, making listening to some of your favorite online music services even simpler.

• Spotify Connect:The Ultra Audio Streamer offersSpotify Connectsupport, so you can stream millions of songs from your smartphone or tablet device, as well as your laptop or desktop computer with ease. You will need to subscribe toSpotify Premiumand have the Spotify App on yourApple iOSorAndroidsmartphone, so you can streamSpotifyto the soundbar system. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
• TIDAL Connect:The integration ofTidal Connectwill enableTidalusers to instantly select and wirelessly stream music to the Ultra Audio Streamer from within the Tidal app (forApple iOSandAndroid OS). TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers millions of songs in Hi-Res quality (including MQA). TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of higher-fidelity, Hi-Res sound quality.

Built-In Amazon Alexa:The WiiM Ultra features built-in Alexa with an integrated microphone for voice control on the included remote control. Use Alexa and your voice to select music, control playback, operate volume, and more. You can also use us Alexa to control compatible smarthome devices around your home, as well as a variety of Alexa skills. You will need to download the Alexa App (forApple iOSandAndroid OS) onto your compatible smartphone or tablet to setup the built-in Alexa feature. The WiiM Pro can also be controlled and used with other Amazon Alexa devices (such as the Echo, Dot, and Show - sold separately).

• Music:Access and control popular music services such asAmazon Music,Apple Music,Tidal,Pandora,TuneIn,iHeartRadio,Spotify Connect,SiriusXM, and more (subscriptions and fees will apply). You can also upload your personal music collection from iTunes or Apple Music, Google Play Music, and more to your music library on Amazon and then stream your music through the WiiM Ultra.
• Multi-Room: With built-in Amazon Alexa, you are able to group the Ultra Audio Streamer with other Amazon Alexa devices and speakers around your home or office to create a multi-room audio system. You'll be able to play and control music from Amazon, Amazon Unlimited, Amazon Prime, and other 3rd-party music providers across multiple Amazon Alexa devices at the same time.
• Smarthome:Built-in Alexa works with devices such as lights, switches, thermostats, and more fromWeMo,Philips Hue,Samsung SmartThings,Nest, Insteon and more.Ask Alexa to switch on a lamp, turn on the fan, dim the lights, or increase the temperature. Some products work directly with Alexa and other smart home ecosystems require a compatible hub.
• Other:The built-in Alexa can help you stay connected to the news that matters most to you - like world & local news, traffic, weather, sports, and movie times. You can even use Alexa to setup your calendars and reminders. Alexa can also tap into Yelp to provide you with info on local restaurants, shops, and other businesses. In addition, Alexa makes a great calculator and dictionary. You can even get fast facts on all type of topics from Wikipedia. Alexa also offers funny jokes and fun games for the family.

Note:The WiiM Pro is not compatible with all Amazon Alexa features, skills, and commands (such as Calling, etc.)

Chromecast Built-in:Use the Google Home App (forApple iOSandAndroid OS)to enable Chromecast built-in.Chromecast built-ingives you access to hundreds of online music streaming services, internet radio, and podcasts. Chromecast built-in streams audio directly from the cloud, so you get the 24-bit/96kHz sound quality and the ability to enjoy crystal clear sound exactly the way the artist intended. Simply tap the Cast button from a Chromecast built-in compatible music app on your Apple iOS or Android OS device to start streaming to the WiiM Ultra Audio Steamer. You can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume directly from the music apps you know and love on your compatible smartphone or tablet. Chromecast built-in supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music files. While you cast your music, you can still use your smartphone to answer a call, play a game, send a text, and even leave the room - all without interrupting what's playing on the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer.

• Music, Radio, & Podcasts:Chromecast built-in lets you play music from popular music services and search by artist, song, genre, album playlist, mood, or activity. You can also listen to your favorite internet radio stations and podcasts. Compatible music and internet radio apps includeTidal,Spotify,Pandora,TuneIn,iHeart Radio,YouTube Music,and more (subscriptions and fees will apply). You'll also be able to stream your favorite music, playlists, podcasts, and more that are stored on your Android (OS 4.4.2+) device to the WiiM Ultra. You cannot stream stored content on an Apple iOS device using Chromecast built-in. If you're on your laptop or computer, you can also cast any music streaming website through the Chrome web browser to the WiiM Ultra.
• Multiroom Audio:Add more Chromecast built-in devices and speakers throughout your home (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) to create a whole house audio experience. You can play the same Chromecast built-in compatible music app (like Tidal, Spotify, or Pandora) on all speakers or groups of speakers in different rooms of your home. You'll be able control the multiroom audio system from the Google Home app on your Apple iOS or Android device, or using the Google Assistant and your voice on a compatible Google Home device.
• Voice Control (Optional):Purchase a Google Home wireless speaker (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) and gain voice control of compatible Chromecast Built-in music apps. You'll be able to access a specific music app and then select a specific station or song using only your voice. You'll also have voice control over Play, Pause, Skip, & Volume. The WiiM Ultra and your Google Home speaker must be connected to the same wireless (WiFi) network.

Note:Chromecast built-in currently supports a single account per user (up to 6) and streaming service.Clickherefor a complete list of Chromecast built-in compatible apps.

DLNA Compliant: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and Windows 7/8/10/11 compliant for audio networking. This means it's easier for you to access and enjoy the digital music you have stored on your Windows PC or DLNA compliant NAS (network attached storage) devices. You'll be able to playback a wide variety of compressed and Hi-Res music files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) including AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA.

Roon Ready (certification coming soon):Roonis a feature rich music library and playback application that compiles all the music files available to your network and makes them easily available to play across WiiM Ultra, LinkPlay, and other Roon enabled audio devices. Roon manages digital music files (including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and MQA) collected on hard drives and networked storage. It can also access your iTunes library, and optionally integrate with theTidaland Qobuz music streaming services.Roonis available for mobile, laptop or desktop devices. When you open the Roon app, it will display your complete audio library together with its metadata and artwork along with the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer and all other Roon enabled devices. Simply select the music you wish to play and the WiiM Ultra or Roon device in which you want to hear it on.

Note:To use Roon you will need aRoon Serverrunning on the same network as the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer. TheRoon Serveris media server software that runs on your computer, NAS, or player (sold separately) located on the network within your home.

Built-in Bluetooth:The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless communication between Bluetooth-enabled audio source devices and headphones. The Ultra Audio Streamer can act as a Bluetooth receiver in order to wirelessly stream music from an audio device, or a Bluetooth transmitter in order to wirelessly stream music to a set of BT-enabled headphones. In addition to Bluetooth's standard SBC audio codec, the Ultra Audio Streamer also supports Apple's AAC audio codec for higher quality wireless playback from Apple devices and headphones.

• Receiver Mode:In Receiver mode, you'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music, music apps, and other audio content from your Bluetooth-enabled source device (such as your smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop) to the Ultra Audio Streamer. You'll also be able to operate basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the unit's top-panel controls. Multiple Bluetooth source devices can be remembered by the Ultra Audio Streamer, so family members as well as friends can enjoy their favorite tracks. However, only one device can be connected and used at a time for playback. The unit will automatically re-connect with previously paired devices, as well as turn on automatically when you start streaming audio from a Bluetooth source device.
• Transmitter Mode:The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter and stream its non-Bluetooth audio sources (including Online Music Services, Internet Radio, & DLNA) out to most any Bluetooth-enabled headphone set (the unit's analog & digital audio outputs will be muted). During Transmitter mode, volume will be controlled by both the headphones and the Ultra Audio Streamer. Multiple headphones can be paired with the Ultra Audio Streamer, but only one set of headphones can be connected and used at a time.

Note: You cannot use the Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver modes simultaneously.

Analog & Digital Inputs: In addition to WiFi & Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is equipped with an analog stereo RCA input, Phono input, and optical (toslink) input for audio playback from an external analog or digital audio device. You can setup the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer to automatically switch between analog and digital input sources when it senses an audio signal, or you can select the input source manually from the WiiM Home App on your compatible Apple iOS or Android OS device.

• Stereo RCA: The stereo RCA input allows connection of an external analog line-level audio source for playback through the WiiM Ultra and your home audio system.
• Phono MM/MC: The Phono input allows connection of a turntable that is outfitted with a MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil) phono cartridge for playback of your vinyl records.
• Optical (Toslink): The digital optical (toslink) input supports 2ch PCM stereo (up to 24-bit/192kHz), and is not compatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel audio formats.

USB-A Port:The WiiM Ultra features a rear-panel USB-A 2.0 port for connection of a USB MSC (mass storage class) device, such as a USB thumbdrive or HDD formatted in FAT32, TNFS or EXT4.. A HDD (hard disk drive) may require external power. You'll be able to playback Hi-Res music files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) including AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, and WMA from a compatible USB MSC device. The WiiM Ultra not only indexes your USB device's music library, but also serves as an always-on media server, making your personal tunes accessible anytime and anywhere in your home so you can stream your digital music collection to one or multiple WiiM devices throughout your space.

Note:The USB-A port does not support audio playback from USB hubs or card-readers, Apple iOS or Android OS devices, and laptops or computers.

Controls

Front-Panel Touchscreen Display: The WiiM Ultra features a 3.5" glass-covered, vibrant touchscreen display on the front-panel for displaying song/artist/album information (including album art) and a VU (volume unit) meter, plus user-friendly touch sensitive control for source selection,, EQ settings, and more. There is also a 3-way rotary knob on the front-panel that controls volume up/down, play/pause, and pairing/reset.

Remote Control with Built-in Mic: The included remote features a built-in microphone to utilize Alexa voice commands. You'll need to press the "Mic" button to activate Alexa (it does not support "wake-words") and then speak into the built-in mic. Use Alexa and your voice to select music, control playback, operate volume, and more. You can also use the built-in mic to ask Alexa to control compatible smarthome devices around your home, as well as a variety of Alexa skills. The remote also provides basic push-button operation for Power On/Off, Source Select, Volume Up/Down, Mute/Unmute, Play/Pause, and Previous/next Track. In addition, it has four customizable preset buttons that can be used to play your favorite music presets, or customize them for other device control actions. The remote operates via Bluetooth, so it doesn't require direct line-of-sight and has a wireless range of about 30'.

• The remote operates via Bluetooth and will require initial pairing to the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer using the WiiM Home App (for Apple iOS or Android OS).
• You will need to download both thetheAmazon Alexa Apponto your compatible Apple iOS or Android OS device to setup up Alexa voice control.
• The remote requires two "AAA" batteries (not included).

WiiM Home App: The WiiM Home App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) is used for setup and control of the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer from your compatible smartphone or tablet device. The WiiM Home App to browse select online music services, configure the device's audio EQ, set up alarms, synchronize multi-room audio, create personalized routines, and more.

• Music Services: With the WiiM Home App, you can easily browse all your favorite music services without jumping around to different apps. Supported music services include Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Qobuz Napster, Deezer, & more. Using the WiiM Home App's Universal Search function, you can search across all compatible online music services by Artist, Songs, Albums, Playlist, Stations, and Shows in order to find what you want listening to more quickly. The WiiM Home App also offers basic playback controls such as Volume Up/Down, Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, and Random/Repeat.
• Input Sources: Using the WiiM Home App, you can also stream music that is stored locally on your compatible smartphone or tablet device, as well as digital music files on your computer or NAS drive via DLNA to the WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer. In addition, you can select the unit's Aux input or Bluetooth source.
• Favorites & Presets: Using the WiiM Home App, you can save Presets (up to 12) of your favorite internet radio stations, podcasts, and playlists so you can access them easier. You can also save & access your Favorite songs from the locally stored digital music library on your smartphone or tablet device, as well as DLNA media server (computer or NAS drive).
• Song/Artist/Album Info: The WiiM Home App will display song/artist/album information (including album art) from online music services, DLNA content, and Bluetooth. The unit's Aux input does not support song/artist/album info display. All song/artist/album information is done on the WiiM Home App. The WiiM Ultra Audio Steamer does not feature its own display screen.
• Multi-Room: Setup and synchronize audio between other WiiM & Linkplay for seamless multi-room audio in your home. You can listen to the same audio content on every device in every room, or you can select different music for each WiiM or Linkplay device so you can have different audio playing in different rooms.
• EQ: In addition to WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer's Adaptive EQ, you can use the WiiM Home App to manually customize a 10-band graphic or parametric EQ for a more tailored sound that fits your listening preference. You can also select from 26 EQ presets or simply adjust bass & treble.
• Alarms & Routines: Wake up to or go to sleep listening to your favorite music, internet radio, or podcast. You'll be able to customize the wake-up alarm & sleep timer so it slowly adjusts the volume for better sleep and mornings. You'll also be able to automate your morning listening session, lunch break, weekend, home workout, and more by creating a personalized routine with your favorite music, world news, and game results of your favorite sports team and more. You can even specify the WiiM device you listen from and the volume level.
• Firmware: Over-the-network firmware & software updates are also done through the WiiM Home App via WiFi.

Note: WiiM is also beta testing the WiiM Home App for Windows PC and Mac.

12V Trigger Out: The WiiM Ultra Audio Streamer is equipped with a 12V Trigger Out (2.5mm) that can be used to synchronize power on/off with your integrated amp, AV receiver, soundbar, or powered speaker that offers a 12V Trigger Input.

Auto Standby: An auto standby mode will automatically turn the WiiM Min Audio Steamer off after a set period of time of no operation or audio signal.