The Best Amplifier for the KEF LS50 Meta (An Owner's Ongoing Search)
The KEF LS50 Meta is a brilliant standmount that quietly demands a serious amplifier. I own a pair, and here is my honest, still-unfinished search for the right one.
WiiM Ultra: The Ultimate Streaming Preamp That Won't Break Bank
In the crowded world of hi-fi audio, the WiiM Ultra stands out as a network streaming preamp that delivers exceptional value.
WiiM Ultra: An Attractive Package for Modern Hi-Fi Systems
Positioned at the top of WiiM’s lineup, the WiiM Ultra is designed for audiophiles seeking advanced features without the premium price tag. At just $329, this network streaming preamp delivers performance and functionality that rival significantly more expensive devices.
With standout features like room correction, extensive connectivity, and high-resolution audio compatibility, the WiiM Ultra is more than just a streamer, it’s a versatile audio hub bridging the gap between digital and analog systems.
My Experience with the WiiM Ultra
The WiiM Ultra has become a key component in my hi-fi system, which consists of:
- Streamer/Preamp: WiiM Ultra
- Speakers: KEF LS50 Meta
- Subwoofer: KEF KC62
- Amplifier: Naim Uniti Atom
- External DAC: Chord Qutest
Performance Highlights
One of the first things I noticed was the Ultra’s flexibility. While its ESS SABRE ES9038 Q2M DAC provides rich, detailed audio, I bypassed the internal DAC to connect my Chord Qutest via USB. The Ultra’s customization options made this effortless, allowing me to optimize performance in my setup.
The room correction feature has been a game-changer. My living room, with its reflective surfaces and asymmetrical layout, often muddled bass. After using the WiiM app to run room correction, the sound became clearer, with tighter low-end performance and a more balanced soundstage. Combined with bass management, which dynamically adjusts the crossover frequency, my KEF LS50 Metas now focus on mids and highs while the subwoofer handles bass frequencies, significantly improving clarity.
The 3.5-inch touchscreen display is another standout. While it’s smaller than the display on my Naim Uniti Atom, it outshines it in functionality with its touchscreen controls, making navigation and playback adjustments quick and intuitive.
Challenges and Limitations
As much as I love the WiiM Ultra, there are a few challenges:
- No AirPlay: AirPlay support is notably absent, which may be a dealbreaker for some Apple-centric users. While services like Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect offer excellent alternatives, the lack of AirPlay is disappointing.
- Subwoofer Output with USB Input: I discovered that the subwoofer output does not work when USB is selected as the input. This appears to be a known issue. While I’m unsure if this will be resolved in a future update, it’s a notable limitation for anyone relying heavily on USB input.
Despite these drawbacks, the Ultra still offers an incredible feature set for its price.
Sound Quality: Punching Above Its Weight
The Ultra delivers impressive sound performance, with its ESS SABRE ES9038 Q2M DAC offering a slightly warm yet detailed sound signature. Supporting 24-bit/192kHz resolution, it reveals nuances in music that many competitors at this price point miss. However, as noted above, I have opted to bring my own DAC to the party.
Comparison with Competitors
- WiiM Pro Plus: The Ultra offers noticeable improvements in clarity, resolution, and soundstage, making it a clear upgrade.
- iFi Zen Stream & Cambridge Audio CXN V2: In my research, the Ultra holds its own against these competitors, providing comparable sound quality at a fraction of the cost (I break down the CXN V2 matchup in detail in Cambridge CXN V2 vs WiiM Ultra). However, users seeking MQA or DSD support will need to look elsewhere.
Room Correction and Bass Management
The Ultra’s room correction capability is one of its most compelling features. By analyzing your room with an iPhone microphone, the WiiM app automatically adjusts frequency curves to address acoustic challenges, such as furniture placement or uneven surfaces.
In my setup, this feature tightened bass response, clarified mids, and brought a new level of balance to my listening space. The bass management feature further enhanced performance, dynamically setting crossover points to optimize the distribution of frequencies between my speakers and subwoofer.
For users who prefer manual control, the EQ feature allows fine-tuning with graphic and parametric adjustments.
Design and Build: Premium Meets Practical
The WiiM Ultra boasts a sleek aluminum chassis in silver or space gray, with a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and an oversized control knob. Compact yet robust, it blends seamlessly into any setup, whether as a centerpiece or a secondary component.
Connectivity: Bridging Digital and Analog Worlds
The Ultra is a connectivity powerhouse, designed to unify modern streaming with legacy systems:
Digital Inputs
- HDMI ARC: Seamless TV audio integration.
- Optical Input: High-resolution support up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- USB-A Port: Access music from external drives.
Analog Inputs and Outputs
- Phono Input: Includes a ground terminal for turntables.
- RCA Line Inputs: For legacy analog sources.
- Subwoofer Output: Ideal for 2.1 systems (except with USB input).
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: For personal listening.
This flexibility makes the Ultra compatible with everything from powered speakers to turntables, and modern streaming setups.
Accessing Music: Simple and Versatile
The Ultra excels at managing music libraries, offering:
- DLNA Compatibility: Stream from PCs or NAS devices.
- Native Streaming: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Amazon Music HD for high-quality playback.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Dual antennas for reliable wireless streaming or headphone use.
The intuitive WiiM app simplifies control, letting users save presets and search across multiple sources.
A Versatile Multi-Room Solution
With the ability to link to other WiiM devices, the Ultra supports multi-room audio for synchronized playback across your home. Whether wired or wireless, it’s an excellent solution for creating a cohesive, whole-home system.
The Verdict: An Incredible Value for Hi-Fi Enthusiasts
The WiiM Ultra is a remarkable device that delivers high-end features and sound quality at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. Its premium DAC (or bring your own DAC), room correction, and customization options make it a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
While the lack of AirPlay and the USB subwoofer limitation are drawbacks, they are far outweighed by the Ultra’s overall versatility and performance.
For anyone looking to build or upgrade a hi-fi system without breaking the bank, the WiiM Ultra is an easy recommendation and a clear standout in its category.
(Image credits: Wiim)
Frequently asked questions
How much does the WiiM Ultra cost?
- The WiiM Ultra sells for $329, sitting at the top of WiiM's lineup. For that price it works as a network streaming preamp with an ESS SABRE ES9038 Q2M DAC, room correction, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, and broad connectivity, delivering features that rival far more expensive streamers.
Does the WiiM Ultra support AirPlay?
- No. AirPlay is notably absent, which may disappoint Apple-centric users, though Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are strong alternatives. One other quirk: the subwoofer output does not work when USB is selected as the input, a known limitation worth noting if you rely on USB.
Does the WiiM Ultra have room correction?
- Yes. The WiiM app analyzes your room with an iPhone microphone and automatically adjusts frequency curves to counter acoustic problems. In practice it tightened bass, clarified mids, and balanced the soundstage. Bass management sets crossover points between speakers and a subwoofer, and a graphic and parametric EQ allows manual fine-tuning.
What DAC and resolution does the WiiM Ultra use?
- The WiiM Ultra uses an ESS SABRE ES9038 Q2M DAC with a slightly warm yet detailed sound, supporting 24-bit/192kHz resolution. You can also bypass the internal DAC and feed an external one over USB. Note it does not support MQA or DSD, so anyone needing those formats should look elsewhere.
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