Pound for pound, these tiny units have to be the bargain of the decade!
Since I digitised all of my music media, the only way to listen to it was, of course, to stream it. I started off, in about 2015, with a Cambridge Sonata NP30 media streamer connected to a Denon AVR. I acquired it new for about £400, which was below the release price as it was an old product (having been released in 2011).
For a few years it served me OK. The sound was good, but the controls were very ‘clunky’, with a main scroll/click wheel being used to search for tracks or tuner stations letter-by-letter. Very tedious. There was a phone app available from Cambridge, but that also was also very limited and lacking. So I decided to ditch the NP30 for something better, but I didn’t want to pay the earth for it.
After a bit of research, I discovered the WiiM product range. Universally acclaimed, WiiM offers a range of audio streamers designed to bring high-quality music to existing audio systems. They focus on ease of use, versatility, and sound quality of the product range, without breaking the bank.
Ease of Use
WiiM devices are extremely user-friendly. Setup is very straightforward through the WiiM Home app, and the actual use of it can be as simple or complex as you like, through the myriad of options available withing the app, such as output bitrate, presets, favourites and sound equalisation
- App Interface: The WiiM Home app is intuitive, allowing easy navigation of music sources, device settings, and multi-room configurations.
- Connectivity: Devices connect to your Wi-Fi with ease, plus support Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Google Cast for alternative streaming options.
- Firmware Updates: Updates are pushed seamlessly (and frequently) through the app, ensuring devices stay current with features and bug fixes.
Versatility
WiiM products support various streaming protocols and services.
- Streaming Services: Complete integration with major services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, Qobuz and, most importantly for me, Plex is standard. For radio enthusiasts, TuneIn and vTuner are also built-in, giving you access to literally tens of thousands of world-wide radio stations. Sadly missing is YouTube Music, although you can still cast or bluetooth this to the WiiM from your phone. WiiM have suggested that inclusion of YT music may be included in a future software update.
- Connectivity: Devices offer both wired and wireless internet connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and digital/analog outputs.
- Multi-room Audio: WiiM devices enable multi-room setups, allowing synchronized playback across multiple rooms, with built-in room correction and sound delay sync (so you don’t hear lag or echo when walking from room-to-room).
- Voice Control: WiiMs are integrated fully with voice assistants like Alexa and Google (provided you sign-in and link them through the app).
Sound Quality
WiiM can deliver bit-perfect, high-resolution audio.
- Hi-Res Support: All WiiM devices support high-resolution audio formats, enabling detailed music reproduction (depending on the source).
- DAC Performance: The quality of the built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) varies across models, influencing the overall sound quality (but see below).
- Output Options: Digital outputs allow you to connect to external DACs or amps for potentially improved sound quality. However I would defy most people to tell the difference!
I have three types of WiiM:
WiiM Mini
- Entry-level streamer.
- Compact and affordable – around £90.
- Basic connectivity (phono/optical out).
- Tiny footprint – 70 mm diameter!
WiiM Pro
- Enhanced features over Mini.
- Still affordable at £150
- More connectivity options.
- Small footprint – 140 mm square.
WiiM Amp
- Basically a WiiM Pro with built-in amplification – just add speakers.
- Includes HDMI arc for connection to a TV.
- At £320, a better option (IMO) and more flexible option than a soundbar.
- Still a reasonable footprint at 190 mm square.
There is one major drawback of the WiiM Mini/Pro/Amp: They don’t have a built-in display (although the latter ‘Ultra’ models do). However, strategically placed tablets or phones can be used to great effect. I have an old Galaxy tablet permanently on charge and switched on showing the WiiM Home app, positioned next to my HiFi amp. This serves as a great display and control point for all the WiiMs in my house. Change the inputs or sources on your phone, and the tablet will update itself to mirror what’s being played.
I can’t understate the versatility of these fantastic little devices. For the money shelled out, they’re a fantastic addition to any home music setup.
Comparison to Alternatives
| Feature | WiiM Pro | Bluesound Node | Cambridge Audio CXN (v2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £149 | £499 | £899 |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Versatility | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Multi-room | WiiM Home App | BluOS | StreamMagic |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google |
As you can see, WiiM have nailed it with a compelling combination of ease of use, versatility, and sound quality, particularly at their price point. For those seeking to join the streaming gang, or just modernize existing audio systems with streaming capabilities for a minimal outlay, compared to alternatives like Bluesound and Cambridge Audio, WiiM offers a more budget-friendly entry point without significantly compromising core functions.
More reading:
WiiM Home
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