Bluesound died - is Wiim a good alternative?


I have been using a BlueSound Vault as my streamer for many years, but it finally died, and my resuscitation attempts have failed. I want to replace it with another low-cost streamer, and the Wiim Pro looks like an interesting possibility for $150. 
 

The rest of my system is:

- McCormack DNA-1, fully refurbished (gold, love it):

- Bel Canto 2.7 DAC, Which I also use as my pre;

- Usher Mini Dancer 2 speakers

 

I like the Bel Canto DAC pretty well, So I doubt the DAC in a Node 2i would be any better. Aside from that, is there any other reason to spend more for the Node?

cheeg

I wanted to get into streaming about a year ago and after reading many positive reviews I purchased a Wiim Ultra. It’s performed really well and has a lot of flexibility and options you can experiment with to tailor sound to your room. I added a Geshelli J3 DAC with Burson V7 chip (recommended for Blues, Jazz) and SQ improved further. Their software is extremely easy to use and they do frequent updates. I started with WiFi but have recently added a Ethernet cable for a more secure connection.

in the browse section of WIIM you were able to access at least a dozen streaming Platforms through a ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Using your phone as a remote. Including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet radio. Agree with Soix that a better quality streamer is a great suggestion. 

Cheeg: Gkelly answered your question to me about ethernet connection above: the Wiim will automatically recognize your streaming platform when connected to Ethernet. 

I use a Pro Plus with an outboard DAC with this power supply (50W/5V/3.5A) and a good power cord and DC cable and this power supply is probably the equivalent or better than most of the supplies that you’d find in $2K-$4K streamers and performance is outstanding. Plus it’s a simple connection with the Pro or Pro Plus vs a major modification to do the power supply on an Ultra. 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008668821601.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.15.4e6cXJN4XJN4rV&algo_pvid=601e56ee-92a2-4b1e-a1e8-605f7566fb29&algo_exp_id=601e56ee-92a2-4b1e-a1e8-605f7566fb29-14&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2294%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22fromPage%22%3A%22search%22%7D&pdp_npi=6%40dis%21CAD%21140.43%21115.86%21%21%2199.96%2182.47%21%402101e07217742050227407516e0eda%2112000047066348495%21sea%21CA%210%21ABX%211%210%21n_tag%3A-29910%3Bd%3Aac6ffa11%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895%3BpisId%3A5000000197831901&curPageLogUid=ODon1KLre3tv&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A%7Cx_object_id%3A1005008668821601%7C_p_origin_prod%3A

 

I just plugged a Zerozone 30W/2.5A LPS into my Pro Plus a few minutes ago as a friend just bought one and loaned it to me. Also Rcore, but a bit more expensive with possibly better filtering, but only 30W and 2.5A. Will be interesting to see if I can hear any difference between those two supplies. The Sengterbelle is definitely far superior to the less expensive 15W Talema transformer based supplies on Aliexpress for just a bit more money. 

 

This is an interesting read when it comes to adding a better power supply to the Wiim’s (albeit the lowly Wiim Mini lol!) and comparing it/them to some more expensive fare. 

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/a-tale-of-two-streamers-r1159/

 

Rest of my system is Unison Research Triode 25 with Opera Grand Mezza Speakers & Vera-Fi Caldera 12 Subwoofer. Analog is Michell Gyrodec with a couple of Jelco tonearms & Audio Technica Art 9XA and modified AT 33 Mono with an Aqvox Phono preamp. So remotely acceptable stuff capable of showing off improvements in different parts of the audio chain. 

 

 

 

 

Does Wiim have something similar to BluOS For accessing Tidal and Spotify via Ethernet?

it has the best software for use out of all the streamer companies imo. very intuitive and the ease of use and UI/UX is very friendly to casual users

Yes I went from a Blusound Node N130 in one system to a Wiim Pro Plus and it worked out well.  Hard to beat for the price.