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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
lanx0003
1,926 posts
 

Op, this is a used item (new for $219), and I’ve had no issues using it. It comes with a remote, and I tested it once and made sure it works. I’ve been using it in my second and third systems for streaming Qobuz on my iphone.  In addition to the WiiM app, you can also stream via Qobuz Connect, which, in my opinion, sounds slightly better than the native app. I’m not sure if Tidal Connect behaves the same way. I haven’t experienced any issues with it. I’ll put together a YT demo and send it to you.

When you use things like Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, or native apps, the phone is just sending commands (play, pause, select track). The actual audio stream goes directly from the internet to the streamer thru ethernet or wi-fi, not through your phone.

Once again, as an owner of the WiiM Pro+, Ultra, and the newcomer Node Nano, I can say the Nano sounds noticeably better. There are used Nanos selling for less than twice the price I’m offering for the Pro+, but I can tell you it’s worth the “upgrade.  I don’t need to sell you my WiiM unit—I just want to be honest with you.

ga_audio
24 posts
 

OP,   The ios only controls the app.  I have the WIIM connected via ethernet to an Asus mesh extender but pure wifi seems fine too.  
 

cwhoward
15 posts
 

HiFi Rose makes excellent products

vvvvvv6's avatar
vvvvvv6
95 posts
 

@lanx0003 When you say the Nano sounds better than the Wiim, are you connecting to an external DAC or comparing their internal DACs?

lanx0003
1,926 posts
 

1. Nano > wiim pro+, both digital out and int. DAC; both on 5V/3A LPS or IFi ipower X;

2. Comparing Nano and Ultra is trickier (not on the same footing) because Ultra does not have access to LPS unless you mod it with, say, Teddy Pardo LPS or others.  Nevertheless, with this difference:

Nano w/ LPS > Ultra, both digital out and int. DAC.

3. Nano w/ LPS ~ Ultra w/ good DDC (f.g. Gustard U18).  Apparently, this got to be digital out.  But still, Nano w/ LPS sounds smoother without much hint of digital glare.

 

(*I have repeated this several times and sort of tired of it.  Many others could testify this as well.  If you are not convinced, that is fine and continue enjoying music with Wiim.  Appreciate the music listening without worrying about the equipment.)

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