WiiM ULTRA Has AMAZING SECRET FEATURE NOBODY’S Talking About!!!
United States of Analog | September 11, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about the WiiM Ultra streamer/preamp, with the host promising to reveal an amazing secret feature that nobody else has mentioned in other reviews. The host plans to share his “hot takes” on the $330 device while acknowledging there are already many reviews available.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- WiiM Ultra: $330 streamer/preamp with screen, internal power supply, extensive connectivity (RCA outputs, sub out, coax out, phono stage, optical in/out, HDMI ARC, LAN, USB), praised software with parametric/graphic EQs, room correction, tone controls
- WiiM Mini: Previous model, around $70-80, described as “minor miracle”
- WiiM Pro: Upgraded model, also called “minor miracle”
- WiiM Amp: Another model in the lineup
- WiiM Pro Plus: Model the host skipped
What are the host’s main opinions so far?
- [00:01:41] Calls the WiiM Ultra a “fun, convenient component”
- [00:01:46] Agrees that WiiM software is “best in class”
- [00:02:30] Describes the mobile app as “fantastic” and “constantly being upgraded”
- [00:02:56] Hints at having some “beef” or criticism despite the unit’s positive features
- [03:06] Called the WiiM Mini a “minor miracle” and bought several units
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:08] “Why am I yelling?” – self-aware moment about his enthusiastic opening
- [00:00:32] “Is it eternally or internally? I’m both. I’m internally grateful and eternally grateful that you’re here”
- [00:02:24] Refers to phone as “talking machine”
- [00:02:53] Teases having “beef” with the highly-praised unit, setting up tension
3-Paragraph Summary:
The host Bob opens with an energetic introduction about the WiiM Ultra, a highly-reviewed $330 streaming device that everyone is talking about. He promises to share his unique perspective and reveal a secret feature that no other reviewer has mentioned. After some playful banter about his enthusiasm and gratitude to viewers, he sets expectations that he has some contrarian “hot takes” on this popular device.
Bob provides a comprehensive overview of the WiiM Ultra’s features, highlighting its role as both a streamer and preamp with an internal power supply, extensive connectivity options, and the first WiiM device to include a screen. He praises the accompanying software as “best in class,” noting features like parametric and graphic equalizers, room correction, and tone controls that enhance the streaming experience.
Despite acknowledging all the positive aspects of the WiiM Ultra, Bob hints at having some criticism or “beef” with the device, creating suspense about his contrarian perspective. He reflects on his journey through WiiM’s product line, starting with the “minor miracle” WiiM Mini at $70-80, progressing through the WiiM Pro, and eventually to the current Ultra model, suggesting he’s been a long-time user and supporter of the brand.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- WiiM Ultra ($329) [00:04:18]
- WiiM Mini ($80) [00:04:01]
- WiiM Amp ($300) [00:03:30]
- Jusheli Labs J2 external DAC ($44.99) [00:05:51]
- Jacques-Marie Mage glasses [00:04:38]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- At $329, WiiM components can now be critiqued more than budget models [00:04:15]
- The Ultra’s screen is too small and lacks contrast with no software adjustment [00:04:28]
- The streaming sound quality is “a little veiled” for the price point [00:05:08]
- The phono preamp quality is questionable for serious vinyl listening [00:06:08]
- Despite flaws, he uses it daily and loves it overall [00:04:21]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Describes the streaming sound as “veiled” compared to other streamers [00:05:08]
- Notes he connects an external DAC (J2) to improve sound quality [00:05:51]
- States the sound is “great” and “enjoyable” but not ideal [00:05:39]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- WiiM Mini at $80 is called a “miracle” that can’t be criticized [00:04:01]
- At $329, the Ultra can be legitimately critiqued for flaws [00:04:18]
- Suggests higher pricing allows for more critical evaluation [00:04:08]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- Compares Ultra unfavorably to other streamers, hence needing external DAC [00:05:43]
- References WiiM Mini as more forgivable due to lower price [00:05:21]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Recommends using an external phono preamp for serious vinyl listening [00:06:16]
- Suggests connecting an external DAC to improve streaming sound quality [00:05:51]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “We as reviewers and consumers now have more of a right to kind of be a little critical” [00:04:08]
- “Yes, yes, the same glasses that Jeff Goldblum wears. I know because I looked it up” [00:04:39]
- “Game-changer to the point that I don’t know why this has not been done in the past” [00:06:48]
Summary:
The host Bob discusses his critical assessment of the WiiM Ultra at $329, arguing that as WiiM components move into higher price brackets, they can be legitimately critiqued unlike the “miraculous” $80 WiiM Mini. He identifies several specific flaws with the Ultra, including a screen that’s too small and lacks contrast adjustability, making it difficult to read from typical listening distances even with his designer glasses.
Regarding sound quality, Bob describes the Ultra’s streaming performance as “veiled” and notes that he routinely connects it to an external Jusheli Labs J2 DAC to improve the audio quality. He also questions the quality of the built-in phono preamp, recommending serious vinyl enthusiasts use an external phono stage instead. Despite these criticisms, he emphasizes that he uses the Ultra daily and considers it a good component overall.
The segment builds anticipation for what Bob claims is an amazing secret feature that no other reviewer has mentioned – something he considers a “game-changer” that should be standard on all audio components with phono inputs or outputs. He teases this revelation as the main focus of the video, suggesting it’s significant enough to potentially revolutionize how audio components are designed.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- WiiM Ultra [00:07:07] – Main focus, specifically its removable phono ground connector
- Technics 1200 turntable, M7L model [00:07:54] – Used as comparison example for difficult ground connections
- Topping monoblocks/AV monoblocks [00:09:21] – Mentioned as suggested next video
Host’s final verdict or conclusion:
[00:08:47-00:08:54] The host thinks the removable ground connector is “phenomenal,” “a game changer,” and should be “nominated for some kind of audio award.”
Final recommendations:
[00:08:38-00:08:43] Implicit strong endorsement – the host asks viewers to comment if they agree this is “the greatest feature on the WiiM Ultra today.”
Final tips, caveats, or advice:
[00:08:15-00:08:29] Detailed instructions for using the removable ground connector: unscrew it slightly, insert the spade connector, tighten it up, then plug it back into the ground input (not the RCA input).
How the video wrapped up:
[00:08:56-00:09:31] Host acknowledged this was a “short and sweet” hot take, expressed hope to work with WiiM, thanked YouTube and his supporters, and directed viewers to a suggested next video about Topping monoblocks.
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
[00:08:30-00:08:32] “Why has no one thought of that before? WiiM, did you patent that? Did you steal that from another manufacturer?”
[00:08:48-00:08:50] “I think it’s phenomenal. I think it’s a game changer.”
Summary:
In this final portion, the host reveals what he considers the WiiM Ultra’s most impressive feature: a removable phono ground connector. He demonstrates how this small component can be unscrewed from the back panel, making it much easier to attach turntable ground wires compared to traditional fixed ground posts that require awkward reaching and manipulation in cramped spaces behind equipment.
The host becomes genuinely enthusiastic about this design innovation, comparing it favorably to the difficult ground connection process on his Technics 1200 M7L turntable. He walks viewers through the simple process of using the removable connector and expresses amazement that no one has implemented this solution before, even questioning whether WiiM patented the design or borrowed it from another manufacturer.
The video concludes with the host’s strong endorsement of this feature, calling it “phenomenal” and “a game changer” that deserves industry recognition. He wraps up by acknowledging this was intended as a brief “hot take” on the WiiM Ultra, expresses hope for future collaboration with the company, and directs viewers to YouTube’s algorithm-suggested next video about Topping amplifiers while thanking his audience for their support.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
