@mjcmt the WiiM Pro is a great streamer but the DAC in it is only so-so, maybe not even "so-so" but it could serve as a streamer to a better external DAC of course. The newer WiiM Pro Plus has a much better DAC in it for only $220 and many reviewers say it sounds as good as the Bluesound Node (but not the Node X). They also say it has a better clock circuit for less jitter as well.
The software app in the WiiM is great (I have a cheap WiiM Mini in one room feeding a Schiit DAC), at least as good as BlueO/S. But the Node offers HDMI Arc, a subwoofer out, and bass management if you use it as a digital preamp. $220 vs. $600.
Just want to say Quobuz is highly recommended and works well. But I much prefer Tidal with its "Connect" app which many streamers support that passes off the URL directly to the streamer. Wish more streaming platforms would roll out these "Connect" apps. I believe the popularity of lossy Spotify can be attributed directly to them being one of the earliest platforms to have a Connect app and it being supported by so many streamers.
If Deezer or Quobuz had a Connect app, I'd switch from Tidal. Tidal recently decided to not honor the 1-year subscriptions sold by Best Buy and has forced users to sign up for a monthly subscription. That sux.
- ...
- 36 posts total
@moonwatcher Is the streamer part of the WiiM Pro Plus the same as the Pro, with just a better DAC ? I thought I had read that somewhere..loving the WiiM Mini in bedroom system...agree on Tidal Connect possibly being a huge advantage...Qobuz "supposedly" finally releasing their connect this Fall...
|
Tidal was always my pref, because it has great choice and best sound I'd say per variety of releases. I'm always looking for outside of mainstream material via bandcamp and stuff and almost never had been disappointed if I find such desirable material in Tidal. TBH I do get happy when I get CD quality from streaming and I don't even expect having super-hirez from streaming just by following Asian wisdoms I guess of not setting too much expectations. Most of the newer releases I've been pretty happy with in Tidal such as Snarky Puppy, Pat Metheny -- real hi-rez releases, Jazz-Baltica artists from Northern Europe and a lot more than I even thought having near-CD quality. I can tell you that having WIRED connection to internet will solve lots of streaming performance issues. I use ultra-quiet Lenovo Q90 PC specifically built for entertainment. It's model of 2011, but haven't been lately looking for replacement. Maybe I'll come across streamer at garage sale for cheap and replace it when time comes -- no hurry there:)
|
@jl35 Yes, I don't have a Pro Plus but reviews say it is exactly the same but with 1. A better clock circuit, and 2. A better DAC that is implemented better. I think John Darko did a 25-minute review of it recently and Matt Coykendall compared it to the Bluesound Node on YouTube. |
I recently purchased the Wiim Pro Plus. For its price and the quality of the DAC it it meets all my needs providing me with a a huge music library at my finger tips. I personally use Spotify since I have a family membership as an annual Christmas present to all my kids. The interface is one of the best. I find there lossy music enjoyable and do not feel it distracts from my listening pleasure in any way from listening to my lossless and vinyl sources. As for the DAC, I have attached my Teac P650 CD player directly to the Wiim Pro Plus and find it provides a superior listening experience to the DAC in the Teac. The Teac is designed to permit me to connect my iPod Classic in direct digital mode Via USB through the Teac and allowing me full functionality of my ipod classic for selecting the lossless files I what to listen to. With all that said, your listening experience may vary but for me its about the enjoyment of the music and this setup gives me an enjoyable listening experience.Enjoy the journey! |
- 36 posts total