The Pulse Mini was rated by iiWi as neutral, but only slightly better than the iFi ZS (which I would rate as so-so). The T8 is in another league.
SQ Comparison of 3 streamers
Do you concur these assessments if you were the owner?
SQ Comparison: Eversolo T8 vs Innuos Zen Mk3 vs Volumio Rivo Plus
| Feature | Eversolo T8 | Innuos Zen Mk3 | Volumio Rivo Plus |
| Tonal Balance | Slightly warm, musical | Neutral, reference | Neutral-warm, slightly lush |
| Midrange | Lush, expressive | Transparent, accurate | Smooth and natural, slightly forward |
| Bass | Tight, controlled | Tight, maybe leaner | Solid, full-bodied, a bit warmer than Zen |
| Detail Retrieval | High, smooth | Very high, analytical | High, clear |
| Dynamics | Natural, engaging | Precise, accurate | Great, rhythmic and musical |
| Soundstage Imaging | Spacious, slightly forward; enveloping | Very wide and deep; highly precise | Wide, deep, more relaxed |
| Overall Impression | Engaging & musical | Neutral & resolving | Balanced, musical, and slightly “polished” |
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- 106 posts total
lanx0003 OP
Please articulate and itemize the modifications. I’m curious. The YouTube recordings sound good—it seems you’ve improved your recording technique. I am a bit concerned about placing your own brand label on a WiiM product. ------------------- Many companies are in mod biz. Technology marches on. This WT ultra sounds better than my other reference system (modded Bakoon + modded Oppo = $30k system). Many parts in power and signal chains are upgraded. Also, Wavetouch power cable comes (permanently attached) with WT ultra. I won’t itemize upgrades. It’s the trade secret. My recording technique is nothing special. I just use the best microphone (Wavetouch mic). The best mic won’t improve the sound of audio system. It just records accurately. WT ultra reduces Tinnitus and brain fog. It is a natural sound system and easy to human ears. All other audio systems sound/behave like the left speaker below. Listening natural sound reduces aggressive Tinnitus and brainfog. You’ll agree hearing the left speaker all our lives won’t good for our ears. https://youtu.be/IHf_FSa8amE?si=pdmwc7kG_x0c77fH Test your system. Whisper "hello" repeat with your speaker sounds and listen to it Ex.) https://youtube.com/shorts/z_5WyV1qaMM?si=PZBnjCHylkqbrvSr It’s easy to setup a good sound system now. There is no chance to make the audio mistake with WT ultra (all-in-one). Just connect speakers to WT ultra. Simple and affordable. Alex/Wavetouch audio |
Regarding the WT Amp Ultra from Wavetouch Audio. I exchanged multiple emails with Alex regarding both the WT Amp Ultra and his very interesting Antero speakers, and he was very responsive. In asking about the specific content of his modifications to the Wiim Amp Ultra, I used the specificity Eric Schultz, of EVS/Tweak Audio, shares about his upgrades to Class D and Digital Amps as an example of what I was hoping for. After an initially nebulous response, he did share with me that the extent of his upgrade was removing the Wiim's rear-panel power connector and hot-wiring his $2200 power cable directly to the Wiim's PSU. |
And he just charge less than half ($1300) the price (527+2200 = $2727) for the mod. Unbelievable deal.
Thanks so much for the responses here, folks. I kind of expected many more replies from Zen 3 owners, but it turns out only one owner responded. His comments, however, seem consistent with the outside reviews available. I’m planning to get a used one (4 yrs old, single owner) if the seller accepts my offer. |
@lanx0003 keep in mind the sound quality differences between streaming using a native streamer app, Roon, or Qobuz / Tidal Connect. Each streamer in your list may give you multiple different sonic signatures just by changing the streaming method. |
- 106 posts total