Audio T Verdict
The WiiM Ultra is an unusually complete streaming control centre for an existing Hi-Fi system, powered speakers or a power amplifier.
Its 3.5-inch touchscreen, ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, variable line output, HDMI ARC, MM and MC phono input, optical input, headphone amplifier, USB storage and audio output, subwoofer management, RoomFit and extensive app platform make it far more than a basic network player.
It remains a source and pre-amplifier rather than a power amplifier, and the current model does not support AirPlay 2. Those points aside, the Ultra offers exceptional flexibility and value when it is matched to suitable amplification or active loudspeakers.
WiiM Ultra Hi-Res Music Streamer, DAC and Pre-Amplifier
The WiiM Ultra brings high-resolution music streaming, television audio, vinyl playback, digital conversion, headphone listening and system control together in one compact aluminium component.
It can feed an integrated amplifier, power amplifier, receiver, powered speakers, external DAC, headphones or a compatible soundbar, with app-controlled fixed or variable output to suit the system.
Analogue line, phono, optical and HDMI ARC inputs allow existing sources to use the Ultra's volume control, RoomFit, EQ, subwoofer management and compatible WiiM multiroom features.
An Amplifier or Powered Speaker Is Required
The WiiM Ultra does not contain a power amplifier and cannot drive passive loudspeakers directly.
Connect it to an integrated amplifier, receiver, power amplifier, powered speakers, compatible soundbar or another product with a suitable analogue or digital input.
Aluminium Chassis and 3.5-Inch Touchscreen
A substantial aluminium enclosure gives the Ultra a more conventional Hi-Fi appearance and greater physical presence than WiiM's smaller streamers.
The glass-covered 3.5-inch colour touchscreen can display album artwork, playback information, the queue, presets, EQ, source and output selection, device settings, clock faces and custom wallpaper.
A front volume knob also provides play and pause, network setup and Bluetooth pairing functions, while the front headphone socket makes private listening straightforward.
ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
An ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M digital-to-analogue converter is partnered with low-noise clock, power and analogue circuitry for clean conversion through the stereo RCA line output.
The current detailed manufacturer specification lists a 121dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio, THD+N of 0.00018% or -115dB, and a frequency-response tolerance of +/-0.05dB for the analogue line output.
The RCA output provides up to 2.1Vrms and can operate at a fixed level into an integrated amplifier or at a variable level when the Ultra is used as a pre-amplifier.
24-bit/192kHz Product Playback
The WiiM Ultra supports compatible high-resolution music at up to 24-bit/192kHz through its network, optical, coaxial and USB audio paths.
Gapless playback allows suitable albums, live recordings and classical works to flow without unwanted pauses where the source and service support it.
DAC Chip Capability Is Not the Product Playback Limit
The ES9038Q2M silicon can support 32-bit/384kHz conversion in other implementations, but the WiiM Ultra product is specified for playback and audio output up to 24-bit/192kHz.
It should not be described as a 32-bit/384kHz network player.
Fixed or Variable Line Output
Fixed output is normally appropriate when listening level will be controlled by a downstream integrated amplifier, receiver or powered speaker system.
Variable output allows the WiiM Home app, touchscreen, volume knob, supplied remote or compatible voice control to adjust the listening level, making the Ultra suitable for direct connection to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
For bit-perfect digital output, WiiM recommends fixed volume with EQ, RoomFit, mono audio and other processing disabled.
Check Volume Before Using a Power Amplifier
Begin with a low variable-output setting whenever the Ultra is connected directly to a power amplifier or powered speakers.
Fixed output can produce a high listening level and should be used only when the connected equipment provides a safe method of volume control.
Optical, Coaxial and USB Digital Outputs
Optical and coaxial SPDIF outputs support compatible audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing the Ultra to operate as a high-resolution digital streaming transport.
Its USB audio output is UAC 2.0 compatible and supports up to 24-bit/192kHz, with a 5V/1.5A power supply available for a suitable connected USB device.
These outputs provide useful upgrade flexibility when an amplifier, receiver or separate DAC contains a preferred conversion stage.
One Main Audio Output at a Time
The Ultra sends audio to one selected main output at a time, whether line, optical, coaxial, USB, headphone or Bluetooth.
The optional Sub Out is the exception and can operate alongside the selected main output when subwoofer support is enabled.
TPA6120A2 Headphone Amplifier
A dedicated TI TPA6120A2 high-fidelity headphone amplifier drives the front 3.5mm socket and supports a broad range of conventional wired headphones.
WiiM quotes a 119dB signal-to-noise ratio, with THD+N of -92dB into 32 ohms and -99dB into 300 ohms.
Headphone listening uses the selected headphone output rather than playing simultaneously through the other main outputs.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send audio to the Ultra, providing app, touchscreen and remote volume control for a simple stereo television system.
The current WiiM manual lists stereo PCM and Dolby Digital input support at up to 24-bit/192kHz. DTS is not supported.
HDMI ARC Is Not HDMI eARC or an AV Receiver
Use the television's ARC-labelled HDMI socket and enable HDMI-CEC and ARC where required. The Ultra is designed to produce stereo audio rather than drive a multichannel speaker system.
If no sound is heard, select stereo PCM or Dolby Digital on the television and disable DTS or other unsupported formats.
Optical Digital Input
The optical input accepts compatible stereo PCM or Dolby Digital from a television, CD transport, computer or another digital source at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The incoming signal can use WiiM volume control, RoomFit, EQ, subwoofer management and compatible WiiM multiroom distribution.
DTS Is Not Supported
The current WiiM manual lists stereo PCM and Dolby Digital for both HDMI ARC and optical input, but not DTS.
Set the connected source to stereo PCM or Dolby Digital if an unsupported-format warning appears or no sound is produced.
High-Resolution Analogue Line Input
The stereo RCA line input accepts a compatible source at up to 2Vrms and uses a TI Burr-Brown PCM1861 analogue-to-digital converter.
Current manufacturer specifications list analogue input conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz with an ADC signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB.
This allows a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, pre-amplified turntable or another line-level source to use RoomFit, EQ, subwoofer control and compatible WiiM multiroom playback.
MM and MC Phono Input
A dedicated phono input allows a turntable without its own phono stage to connect directly to the Ultra.
The current manual lists both moving-magnet and moving-coil operation, with 41dB MM gain, 59dB MC gain and RIAA accuracy within +/-0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
A phono ground connection and supplied ground adapter help minimise hum when the turntable requires grounding.
Select the Correct Cartridge Type
Confirm whether the turntable cartridge is moving magnet or moving coil and choose the matching setting before playback.
A turntable with a built-in phono stage should normally be set to line output and connected to Line In rather than the Ultra's phono input.
USB Storage and USB Audio Output
A connected USB drive can provide a local music library for the Ultra and can also operate as a media source for compatible WiiM and DLNA devices on the network.
The current specification supports FAT32, NTFS and EXT4 storage formats. A suitable powered or unpowered USB hub can be used when USB storage and USB audio output are required at the same time.
USB Computer Audio Input Is Not Supported
The USB connection accepts storage devices or sends audio to a compatible USB DAC. It does not operate as a USB audio input from a computer, phone or tablet.
A USB hub is required if storage and USB audio output need to be connected simultaneously.
Streaming Services and Network Libraries
The WiiM Home platform provides access to compatible music services, internet radio, podcasts, USB storage and suitable DLNA network libraries.
Supported technologies include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast, Google Cast Audio, Roon Ready, DLNA and Squeezelite. Amazon Music, Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn and other compatible services are available through the app.
Service availability can vary by region and some services require a separate subscription.
AirPlay 2 Is Not Supported
The current WiiM Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, Siri control or grouping with Apple HomePod speakers.
Apple users can play compatible services through the WiiM Home app, Google Cast-enabled apps, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Bluetooth or a wired input, but this is not equivalent to AirPlay 2.
Google Cast Audio
Google Cast allows compatible apps on a phone, tablet or computer to send music, radio, podcasts and other audio to the Ultra over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The Ultra can join compatible Google Home and Nest speaker groups and can be controlled through a suitable Google Assistant device.
Roon Ready
Roon Ready certification allows the WiiM Ultra to operate as a recognised network endpoint in a compatible Roon system.
Roon provides library management, rich metadata and multiroom control, but requires separate Roon Server hardware or software and an appropriate Roon subscription.
RoomFit Room Correction
WiiM RoomFit uses a compatible phone or external measurement microphone to analyse how the connected system and room affect frequency balance at the listening position.
Digital correction can then reduce the influence of particular room-related peaks and produce a more even response from the available speaker positions.
RoomFit cannot compensate for unsuitable equipment or extremely poor speaker placement, so the system should still be installed carefully before measurements are taken.
10-Band Graphic and Parametric EQ
The WiiM Home app includes 24 preset profiles together with 10-band graphic and 10-band parametric equalisers for detailed tonal adjustment.
Per-source settings allow network, Bluetooth, line, phono, optical and HDMI inputs to use different profiles.
EQ and RoomFit process the audio signal, so they should be disabled where an unadjusted bit-perfect digital feed is preferred.
Two-Way Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3 can receive music from a compatible phone, tablet, computer or television using the SBC or AAC codec.
The connection is bidirectional, allowing the Ultra to send audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones, earphones or wireless speakers.
Bluetooth is convenient, but Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a wired audio connection may provide better performance and stability for critical listening.
WiiM Multiroom Audio
Compatible WiiM products can be grouped in the WiiM Home app for synchronised playback, and compatible players can be assigned left and right channels as a stereo pair where supported.
Amazon Alexa and Google Cast provide additional grouping options with compatible third-party products.
Physical Inputs Require an All-WiiM Group
Audio received through Line In, Phono In, optical input, HDMI ARC or Bluetooth can be distributed to compatible WiiM devices.
These physical inputs cannot be retransmitted to Amazon Echo, Google Home, Nest or third-party Cast speakers. Those products use their own platform's supported network sources for multiroom playback.
Subwoofer Output and Bass Management
A dedicated 2.0Vrms RCA subwoofer output allows the Ultra to connect to a conventional powered subwoofer while its main output feeds the amplifier or powered speakers.
The WiiM Home app provides crossover, level, phase and latency settings for more controlled integration with the main speakers.
Compatible WiiM subwoofer models, including the WiiM Sub Pro, can also be paired through the WiiM Home system using a wired or wireless connection.
Check Current Wireless WiiM Sub Pro Limitations
WiiM's current support guidance says a wirelessly connected WiiM Sub Pro may not produce bass during Alexa multiroom, Roon Ready, LMS or Google Cast playback while further software work continues.
The Ultra's physical Sub Out provides a wired alternative for compatible powered subwoofers and avoids those wireless-mode source limitations.
12V Trigger Output
A 3.5mm 12V trigger output can switch a compatible amplifier, DAC or other product on and off in response to the Ultra's operating state.
WiiM specifies a maximum trigger load of 12V DC at 200mA. The connected component's trigger requirements and the correct cable should be confirmed before connection.
WiiM Voice Remote Included
The supplied Bluetooth WiiM Voice Remote provides standby, playback, track selection, volume, mute, source and four preset controls without requiring direct line of sight.
Its push-to-talk microphone supports compatible Alexa voice commands after the relevant account has been configured in the WiiM Home app.
The remote requires two AAA batteries. Batteries are not listed among the current manufacturer package contents and may need to be purchased separately.
Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet
Current WiiM documentation lists Wi-Fi 6 using IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
WiiM describes Wi-Fi 6E as a future software upgrade, so it should not be assumed that 6GHz operation is active without checking the current firmware and regional support.
A 10/100 Ethernet connection provides a wired alternative and may be preferable where Wi-Fi coverage is weak, congested or unsuitable for reliable high-resolution and multiroom playback. Connecting Ethernet automatically disables Wi-Fi.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Adding premium streaming and pre-amplifier control to a power amplifier
- Powered speakers using the high-quality variable RCA output
- Existing integrated amplifiers using fixed line or digital output
- Television systems using HDMI ARC
- MM or MC turntables without a separate phono stage
- Roon Ready and Google Cast systems
- External DACs using optical, coaxial or USB output
- Headphone listening through the front socket
- Systems requiring a conventional powered subwoofer output
- RoomFit, EQ and WiiM multiroom installations
Check Before Buying
- No power amplifier for passive speakers
- No AirPlay 2, Siri or HomePod grouping
- Maximum product playback is 24-bit/192kHz
- Wi-Fi 6E is still described as a future software upgrade
- HDMI ARC and optical input do not support DTS
- USB computer audio input is not supported
- Only one main audio output operates at a time
- Physical inputs distribute only to WiiM groups
- Wireless WiiM Sub Pro mode has source limitations
- Voice Remote requires two AAA batteries
Connection Guidance
- Use fixed output into an integrated amplifier with its own volume control
- Use variable output carefully into a power amplifier or active speakers
- Select stereo PCM or Dolby Digital for compatible television sound
- Use a 75-ohm digital cable for coaxial output
- Use Line In for a turntable with its own phono stage
- Use Phono In and the correct MM or MC setting for a cartridge-level signal
- Use a USB hub if storage and USB audio output are required together
- Prefer Ethernet where wireless conditions are difficult
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Finish Options
Space Grey
A dark, understated aluminium finish that integrates neatly with black and graphite Hi-Fi components.
Silver
A clean natural-aluminium appearance that highlights the Ultra's substantial casework and touchscreen design.
Key Features
- Flagship network music streamer, DAC and pre-amplifier
- Compatible playback and audio output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC
- 121dB A-weighted line-output signal-to-noise ratio
- 0.00018% or -115dB detailed line-output THD+N specification
- Fixed or variable stereo RCA output up to 2.1Vrms
- Optical, coaxial and UAC 2.0 USB digital outputs
- TI TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier and front 3.5mm output
- 3.5-inch glass-covered colour touchscreen
- Aluminium chassis with front volume and playback control
- HDMI ARC with stereo PCM and Dolby Digital support
- Optical digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Stereo RCA line input with TI PCM1861 ADC
- Dedicated MM and MC phono input with ground connection
- USB storage and compatible DLNA media-server operation
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast Audio, Alexa Cast, Roon Ready, DLNA and Squeezelite
- Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.3
- RoomFit room correction
- 24 preset EQ profiles
- 10-band graphic and parametric EQ
- Per-source EQ settings
- Compatible WiiM multiroom playback
- 2.0Vrms subwoofer output with bass management
- Compatible wired or wireless WiiM Sub Pro pairing
- 3.5mm 12V trigger output
- WiiM Voice Remote included
- Space Grey and Silver finish options
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the WiiM Ultra drive passive speakers?
No. It is a streamer and pre-amplifier without speaker-level power amplification. Connect it to an integrated amplifier, receiver, power amplifier, powered speakers or another suitable audio system.
Does the WiiM Ultra support AirPlay 2?
No. The current Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, Siri control or HomePod grouping. Compatible alternatives include WiiM Home, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast, Roon and Bluetooth.
Is the WiiM Ultra a 32-bit/384kHz streamer?
No. Its ESS DAC chip can support that rate in other implementations, but the complete WiiM Ultra product is specified for compatible playback and output up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Can the WiiM Ultra connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. Use its variable line output and begin with a low volume. Fixed output should be used only when a downstream component provides safe volume control.
Can I connect it to an external DAC?
Yes. Use its optical, coaxial or compatible USB audio output and select a resolution supported by the external DAC.
Does HDMI ARC support Dolby Digital or DTS?
HDMI ARC supports stereo PCM and Dolby Digital according to the current manual. DTS is not supported, so the connected television should be set to stereo PCM or Dolby Digital.
What does the optical input support?
The current manual lists stereo PCM and Dolby Digital at up to 24-bit/192kHz. DTS is not supported.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. The dedicated phono input supports suitable moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. A turntable with an active built-in phono stage should normally use the line input instead.
Does the USB socket accept computer audio?
No. USB is used for compatible storage or as an audio output to a USB DAC. It does not operate as a USB audio input from a computer, phone or tablet.
Can USB storage and USB audio output be used together?
Yes, with a suitable USB hub. The single USB connection must be shared when a storage drive and USB DAC are required simultaneously.
Can the Ultra play through line, digital and headphone outputs together?
No. One main output is selected at a time. The enabled Sub Out can operate alongside that selected main output.
Is the WiiM Ultra Roon Ready?
Yes. It is a certified Roon Ready network endpoint. A separate Roon Server and appropriate subscription are required.
Does it support RoomFit and parametric EQ?
Yes. Current software supports RoomFit, 24 EQ presets, 10-band graphic EQ, 10-band parametric EQ and separate settings for different input sources.
Can it send sound to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Two-way Bluetooth 5.3 allows the Ultra to receive Bluetooth audio or send audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones, earphones and speakers.
Can I connect a conventional powered subwoofer?
Yes. The Ultra has a dedicated 2.0Vrms RCA Sub Out with app-controlled crossover, level, phase and latency settings.
Can the WiiM Sub Pro connect wirelessly?
Yes, but current WiiM support guidance lists wireless-mode limitations with Alexa multiroom, Roon Ready, LMS and Google Cast playback. A wired RCA connection to the Ultra's Sub Out is also available.
Can physical inputs play through Echo, Google or Nest speakers?
No. Line, phono, optical, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth inputs can be distributed through an all-WiiM group, but they cannot be retransmitted to Amazon Echo, Google Home, Nest or third-party Cast speakers.
Does the WiiM Ultra currently use Wi-Fi 6E?
Current WiiM documentation specifies Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4GHz and 5GHz and describes Wi-Fi 6E as a future software upgrade. Check current firmware and regional support before relying on 6GHz operation.
Is the WiiM Voice Remote included?
Yes. The WiiM Voice Remote is included. It requires two AAA batteries, which are not listed among the current package contents and may need to be purchased separately.
What is included in the box?
The current package includes the WiiM Ultra, WiiM Voice Remote, quick-start guide, phono ground adapter, AC power cable, HDMI cable, stereo RCA cable and optical cable.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable amplifiers, power amplifiers, DACs and powered speakers
- Comparison with the WiiM Pro Plus, Amp Ultra and other streamers
- Advice on fixed and variable pre-amplifier connections
- HDMI ARC and television audio setup
- Optical, coaxial and USB DAC connection guidance
- MM and MC turntable matching advice
- WiiM Home app and network setup
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet installation guidance
- Google Cast, Alexa and WiiM multiroom configuration
- Roon Ready setup guidance
- RoomFit measurement and EQ advice
- Headphone and Bluetooth configuration
- Powered-subwoofer setup and bass-integration advice
- WiiM Sub Pro wired or wireless pairing guidance
- WiiM Voice Remote setup
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding a WiiM Ultra to your system.