WiiM has shown us its new touchscreen-equipped WiiM Ultra streaming pre-amp and details about its upcoming WiiM Amp Pro, which benefits from some upgrades borrowed from the new Ultra.
WIIM ULTRA
So, following on from the teaser, the WiiM Ultra is a slick-looking device that aims to become your compact hub for all things audio and is topped off with an easy-to-use 3.5-in full-colour touchscreen display alongside a control/volume dial.
Thanks to its aluminium casing, the new unit looks and feels more premium. Under the hood, it is equipped with an ESS Sabre ES9038QM2 DAC, which can handle high-res audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD512.
As we have come to expect from WiiM products, there is no skimping on connectivity, enabling the WiiM Ultra to be hooked up to your telly, CD player, turntable, headphones, subwoofer, powered speakers or power amplifier (WiiM may well have one of their own this year, maybe...).
The list includes HDMI ARC input, one pair of RCA line-level for input and output, optical input/output, coaxial output and a USB type A port. Furthermore, you get a fascia-mounted 3.5mm headphone socket.
If you prefer your music streamed, the WiiM Ultra has you covered with Ethernet and Wi-Fi, giving you access to AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and more.
WIIM AMP PRO
The WiiM Amp Pro builds on the existing WiiM Amp while benefitting from the WiiM Ultra's enhanced build and performance. The Amp Pro receives the same new ESS DAC chip, redesigned internal circuits, and streaming features as the Ultra. Meanwhile, the connections are the same as the Amp: line-level and optical input, HDMI ARC, USB type A port, ethernet socket, and stereo speaker terminals.
The WiiM Amp Pro's Class D amplifier stage output remains at 60W per channel into 8 ohms, while thanks to the Ultra's DAC chip, file resolution support has been upped to 32-bit/384kHz.
Both new WiiM units feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, built-in room correction technology, smart home integration, Alexa/Google/Siri voice assistant support and should soon have Roon Ready certification.
When they both launch globally in Q3 of 2024, the WiiM Ultra will cost US$329, and the WiiM Amp Pro will be $369. UK/ Euro prices haven't been finalised, but the WiiM Pro Plus followed the straight $/£ swap, so expect the GBP prices to be around the same as the USD ones. It's going to be good value, that's for sure.
Visit WiiM for more information
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