The WiiM ULTRA Steaming Digital Hub is HERE! Take a LOOK!
United States of Analog | May 11, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about the upcoming WiiM Ultra streaming digital hub. The host Bob is discussing this new digital audio product, explaining what it is and sharing his initial thoughts about it. He clarifies that while it’s a digital device (unusual for his analog-focused channel), it will ultimately deliver analog sound to listeners.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- WiiM Ultra streaming digital hub: Expected release Q3 globally, features a 3.5-inch screen, no built-in amplification – it’s purely a streaming digital hub
- WiiM Amp: $300 streaming amplifier that has received some recent criticism but host defends it as good value for the price point
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Initially disappointed when he learned the WiiM Ultra wouldn’t be a streaming amplifier with color display, but now excited about the product [00:02:09]
- Defends the WiiM Amp against recent criticism, stating it’s a decent product that “gets a lot of people into the game” at $300 [00:01:13-00:01:16]
- Believes you won’t find anything better than the WiiM Amp for $300, while acknowledging better amps exist at higher prices [00:01:30-00:01:33]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Host admits to creating a fake mockup of the WiiM Ultra using photo paper as an “arts and crafts project” to visualize the screen size [00:01:00-00:01:06]
- Playful opening: “Are you ready? I don’t think you’re ready” [00:00:00-00:00:01]
- Acknowledges his deceptive opening: “full disclosure, I created this Weem Ultra. It’s not out yet” and “I apologize for the initial deception. But I’ve got to get you to watch somehow” [00:00:55-00:02:05]
- Justifies covering digital gear: “it’s all analog once it hits your ears” [00:00:42-00:00:45]
Summary
The host Bob opens this video with a playful bit of deception, claiming to have the new WiiM Ultra in hand while actually showing a handmade mockup he created using photo paper. He explains that while his channel typically focuses on analog gear, he’s covering this digital streaming hub because it ultimately delivers analog sound to listeners. The WiiM Ultra is expected to launch globally in Q3 and features a 3.5-inch display.
Bob takes a moment to defend the existing WiiM Amp, which has apparently faced recent criticism from the audiophile community. He argues that at $300, it serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to streaming audio, acknowledging that while better amplifiers exist, none match its value proposition at that price point. He emphasizes that the product delivers on its promises at a reasonable cost.
The host reveals he was initially disappointed when he learned the WiiM Ultra would be a pure streaming hub rather than an improved version of the WiiM Amp with a color display. However, his enthusiasm has grown as he’s learned more about the product. He created the physical mockup specifically to assess whether the 3.5-inch screen would be practically usable, showing his hands-on approach to evaluating audio equipment even before getting the actual product.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- WiiM Ultra [00:02:33] – described as a streaming digital hub priced at $329 [00:05:08]
- WiiM Amp [00:04:01] – mentioned as potential pairing option
- NAD [00:02:59] – referenced as competitor
- Cambridge Audio Evo 150 [00:03:02] – mentioned as competing offering
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Screen concerns [00:02:46]: Questions whether the 3.5-inch screen will provide enough satisfaction, especially from 9 feet away [00:03:25]
- Near vs far field usage [00:03:19]: Believes the screen will be more useful in near field than far field applications
- Overall optimism [00:03:53]: “I think it’s going to be a great device”
- Brand positioning [00:05:02]: Notes that WiiM is “starting to get up there now with the big boys” and “their prices are starting to reflect it”
Were there any price/value assessments?
- WiiM Ultra pricing [00:05:08]: $329 for the unit alone
- Total system cost [00:05:10]: When adding an amplifier ($340), the total solution reaches $600-700
- Competitive context [00:03:02]: Notes that NAD and Cambridge Audio offerings will be “a lot more expensive than the Weem Ultra”
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- NAD and Cambridge Audio Evo 150 [00:02:59]: Mentioned as higher-priced competition that will cast “shadows” over the WiiM Ultra
- WiiM Amp pairing [00:04:01]: Notes potential redundancy since both devices offer streaming capabilities
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Lou Reed – Transformer [00:03:11]: Host mentions this as “one of my favorite albums” while discussing the screen display
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Pairing considerations [00:04:06]: Explains that pairing with WiiM Amp would create redundancy due to both being streaming devices
- Amplifier requirements [00:04:10]: Suggests WiiM might only need to release a power amplifier rather than integrated amp, since the Ultra can function as a preamp
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Audio is supposed to be fun. Lighten up, Francis.” [00:04:37]
- “What can’t this do?” [00:04:49] – expressing enthusiasm about the device’s capabilities
- “Every possible connection, every possible feature.” [00:04:55]
Summary
In this portion of the video, the host examines the WiiM Ultra streaming digital hub, focusing heavily on concerns about its 3.5-inch screen size. He questions whether the display will provide adequate visibility from typical listening distances of around 9 feet, comparing it unfavorably to larger competing units from NAD and Cambridge Audio, though he acknowledges those alternatives cost significantly more than the WiiM’s $329 price point.
The host expresses uncertainty about WiiM’s intended pairing strategy for the Ultra, noting that combining it with their existing WiiM Amp would create redundancy since both devices handle streaming. He speculates that WiiM might announce additional products soon, possibly a dedicated power amplifier, since the Ultra can function as a preamp. Despite his screen size concerns, he maintains optimism about the device’s overall potential.
Throughout the discussion, the host observes WiiM’s evolution as a brand, noting they’re “starting to get up there now with the big boys” with pricing that reflects this positioning. When factoring in the need for an external amplifier, he calculates the total system cost reaches $600-700, representing WiiM’s move toward competing with established higher-end manufacturers while still maintaining a value proposition.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- WiiM Ultra streaming digital hub with extensive connectivity options [00:05:22-00:07:49]
- WiiM Mini ($80 “little puck”) mentioned as comparison [00:05:22-00:05:28]
- ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC (32-bit, 384 kHz) [00:05:42-00:05:49]
- Various streaming services: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast Audio [00:06:34-00:06:42]
- Alexa built-in, DLNA, Roon (certification in progress), SqueezeLite [00:06:42-00:06:49]
- WiiM app with equalization and bass management features [00:07:00-00:07:07]
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
The host expresses strong enthusiasm, stating he’s “really impressed about the potential of this streamer” [00:07:43-00:07:49]. He views WiiM as aggressively competing with established brands, saying “they’re playing with the big boys” and “WiiM is coming for you” [00:08:13-00:08:16].
Final Recommendations
Consider – The host suggests this would be “a good start” for newcomers to WiiM, especially if they already have quality amplification equipment [00:07:50-00:08:04]. He notes he personally may not need it since he already owns multiple WiiM products [00:07:49-00:07:55].
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
- Best suited for users with existing amplification: Host recommends pairing with “a good amplifier, a good power amp, or a good integrated amp” [00:07:55-00:08:04]
- Room correction details unclear: Notes that built-in room correction appears to be proprietary WiiM technology without much detailed information provided [00:07:13-00:07:26]
- Asks for viewer input: Requests comments explaining what “SqueezeLite” is [00:06:49-00:06:51]
How the Video Wrapped Up
The host concluded with his standard channel sign-off, followed by a humorous aside about YouTube’s algorithm selecting the next recommended video for viewers [00:08:18-00:08:40].
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- “Watch out, big boys. WiiM is coming for you” [00:08:15-00:08:16] – expressing WiiM’s competitive threat to established brands
- “Come on, WiiM. What are you doing? Phono inputs and a ground” [00:06:00-00:06:03] – showing surprise at the comprehensive features
- “Wow, I’m really impressed about the potential of this streamer” [00:07:43-00:07:49]
Summary
In this final portion of the video, the host provides a detailed walkthrough of the WiiM Ultra’s impressive feature set, highlighting its premium ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC, extensive connectivity options including HDMI ARC, multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, phono inputs with grounding, and comprehensive streaming service support. He emphasizes the device’s versatility as potentially replacing soundbar systems while offering audiophile-grade performance with built-in room correction and the reliable WiiM app ecosystem.
The host expresses genuine enthusiasm about WiiM’s aggressive expansion into higher-end territory, suggesting they’re positioning themselves as serious competition for established premium brands. While he acknowledges he may not personally need the device due to already owning multiple WiiM products, he sees clear value for newcomers to the ecosystem, particularly those who already have quality amplification equipment to pair with the Ultra.
The video concludes with the host’s characteristic energy and optimism about WiiM’s trajectory in the competitive streaming market. His final assessment positions the Ultra as a potentially game-changing product that bridges the gap between budget-friendly streaming solutions and high-end audiophile equipment, making advanced features accessible to a broader market while maintaining the regular software updates and future-proofing that have made WiiM products popular among enthusiasts.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
