WiiM into Outboard DAC

Hi jl35:

I am using the linked power supply from Aliexpress, which is a very high value item IMO, along with a Preffair D503 power cable with all copper male & iec connectors  and a silver DC cable (you will want a GX 16 2 Pin, Pin 1+, Pin 2- to USB C connector on that for the Wiim-I went with an all silver cable for that), both also from Aliexpress.  

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000926193605.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.79.130518025vG8xU

According to Passion for Sound, there is no sonic differences between the Pro Plus and the Ultra on the streamer side.  Looking at the specs on the WiiM site supports that statement.  If you don’t need the bells and whistles,  nor the USB functionality of the Ultra, better to go with the Pro Plus and divert the extra funds elsewhere in your system.

But,  as others have commented, I don’t recommend using the internal DAC in any of the WIIM streamers...I only use the Pro Plus as a source and nothing more. Even though the Ultra does have a better DAC, it's not up to par for this group

Also, it does respond nicely to the addition of a LPS.  I worked with Jessie at Pine Tree Audio to design a custom dual variable voltage LPS so that I could easily change the voltages as I upgrade my gear.   My unit is actually on their web site.  It works excellent and greatly improved the sound of my system.  It’s currently powering both my Pro Plus as well as my upgraded Geshelli J2S (with Pro SS2590 op amps).

Good luck. 

I had both connected to 2 ext. $1k DACs.  Ultra sounds better.  Aside from sound, I still recommend Ultra because it features USB port which allow one to pair with a DDC.  You want a DDC to go with Ultra in order to possibly catch up the SQ with its peers, including Mxn10, Ifi ZS, Node Nano, etc....

Through the set ups in my home, I have two WiiM  pro plus units and three ultras. I love the WIIM products. Two ultras are going through external DACs (Benchmark DAC2 HGC and SMSL DO100). All sound really good to me, but the two  going through external DAC’s sound a touch better, especially the benchmark. It is also set up in a higher performing system.

The main difference I found between the WiiM units, had to do with Wi-Fi connectivity. In one set up in an upstairs bedroom far from my router, I was getting drop offs and connectivity issues with the pro plus. When swapped out with the ultra, those issues disappeared.

i have found the china made linear power supplies to be well made and a very good value, after all these oem’s make the branded ps’s for lhy, auralic, small green computer and so on (and pretty much all the euro made branded lps’s use mostly chinese parts in their products)... these ps's have very low measured ripple and are rock solid stable in use

there are several standard models of various va capacities on offer on the various chi-fi retailing websites (ali, ebay etc)... it is best to get the lps’s WITHOUT a front panel voltage display -- as that display has been shown to add measurable noise to the dc output

there is no doubt that to hit the low price point, wiim, bluesound and other mass market brands necessarily pinch pennies on the costlier bill of goods items like power supply, output stage components, clock... the power supply front is a no brainer user upgrade if it can be done cost effectively