Question Is WiiM still the answer?

[Fandango Andy]

What is the best streamer for under £250?

A friend has asked my advice on a budget streamer. He has a decent but dated system: Tag McLaren F3 (which I understand to be essentially am Audiolab 8000A from the '90s) and a B&W speakers, the ones with the tweeter on the funny looking 45° sloping baffle. I suggested a WiiM, but am unsure which model, or if there is something better for the budget.

I discounted the Mini (which I have) as he doesn't have a DAC, and I the one in the mini isn't great so that leaves Pro and Pro Plus.

The questions are:​

• What are the advantages of the Pro Plus over the Pro?
• Is there anything better for the money, or as good for less?
• Is it worth stretching to a Bluesound Nano?

Two other considerations, it must be compatible with Amazon, and be easy to use. He is a a bit of a technophobe, hence me posting this for him, he had his first smartphone last year at the age of 50 something!

 

[jjbomber]

I'm surprised this doesn't get more love:

S50 Pro+ Wireless Stereo Preamp With aptX HD & ESS 9023 DAC

Unbelievable price with a wireless stereo preamp integrated with WiFi, aptX HD, Airplay, Multi-room features, and ESS Sabre DAC, AKM ADC. Free Shipping from US/EU/RU warehouse.

www.arylic.com

 

[manicm]

I'm surprised this doesn't get more love:

S50 Pro+ Wireless Stereo Preamp With aptX HD & ESS 9023 DAC

Unbelievable price with a wireless stereo preamp integrated with WiFi, aptX HD, Airplay, Multi-room features, and ESS Sabre DAC, AKM ADC. Free Shipping from US/EU/RU warehouse.

www.arylic.com

Arylic always had shortfalls in the software and connectivity areas. I'd still stump up the few quid extra for a WiiM honestly.

 

[Gray]

...he had his first smartphone last year at the age of 50 something!

😱 your're joking Andy
(I only got my first (and current) smartphone about 4 years ago - and I was older than him).

For what it's worth, the Pro uses TI, Plus uses AKM DAC.
On their analogue inputs, the Plus ADC can do up to 24/192, whereas the Pro is fixed at 16/48.

I think the remote control is an option with the Pro - and included with the Plus.
I'd regard the RC as essential for your friend (even though the old dinosaur would be getting probably the best control app to use with his new phone 🦕).
Maybe he can hold off until Black Friday / Blue Monday / Green Wednesday....in the sales the Pro often gets reduced significantly (and I couldn't resist a £270 Ultra).

(P.S. sounds like his speakers could be my old B&W CDM-1NT model)

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I used to lust after those cdm-1nt back then...I'm sure it was around the millennium......whf had a system review with a Arcam a85 and a Cyrus 8....with the B & W's on the back end....where's the time went..seems like yesterday...lol.
Thinks I was using Cambridge audio A500, amp, Marantz cd6000 ose cd player with Mission 701 speakers...at that time....less than £500.....sorry for derailing the topic...just a bit of nostalgia kicking in there.🤣

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

Go the Wiim Pro Plus ... I don't think you can go wrong at that price point given the colour provided above as to use.

 

[RoA]

Yes, in the budget sector WiiM absolutely rules. Mostly because of its mature, outstanding software.

 

[record_spot]

Another vote for Wiim here. I've had the Pro Plus for a while now and partnered with the Cambridge 200M DAC, it's a tough one to beat up to £500-750.

Caveat: unimpressed with the Wiim on its own, better performance with the Cambridge DAC than without.

 

[JoelSim]

Get a second hand Cambridge AXN10 or MXN10.

 

[RoA]

Another vote for Wiim here. I've had the Pro Plus for a while now and partnered with the Cambridge 200M DAC, it's a tough one to beat up to £500-750.

Caveat: unimpressed with the Wiim on its own, better performance with the Cambridge DAC than without.

The OP is looking at £250 which does not leave much for a DAC. Still, its entirely serviceable as is. I use a ProPlus with outboard DAC too but could live with the WiiM on it's own. These cheap streamers have to compromise something. Where you do not want to compromise is in the software and regular updates. A DAC is upgradeable in the future if really needed.

 

[nopiano]

Yes, in the budget sector WiiM absolutely rules. Mostly because of its mature, outstanding software.

100%. The app and its added features like room adjustment and multi band equaliser are almost worth the RRP in their own right. The hardware is a free bonus!

But seriously, it’s so easy to recommend. Just encourage your friend to buy it @Fandango Andy !

 

[record_spot]

The OP is looking at £250 which does not leave much for a DAC. Still, its entirely serviceable as is. I use a ProPlus with outboard DAC too but could live with the WiiM on it's own. These cheap streamers have to compromise something. Where you do not want to compromise is in the software and regular updates. A DAC is upgradeable in the future if really needed.

I'm just giving my take on the Wiim as I have it mate. It's a nice unit, but using the Wiim Pro Plus (which I bought heavily discounted) on its own straight into the AVI speakers didn't pan out well audibly. The Cambridge DAC brings more depth and clarity to the sound for my ears. Anybody's else's mileage might well vary. My post wasn't intended to punch down on the Wiim.

EDIT: Rather like Oppo in years gone by, I think they need to work out what they want to be as a manufacturer. I'm not wholly convinced they're clear on that yet.

 

[Fandango Andy]

The OP is looking at £250 which does not leave much for a DAC. Still, its entirely serviceable as is. I use a ProPlus with outboard DAC too but could live with the WiiM on it's own. These cheap streamers have to compromise something. Where you do not want to compromise is in the software and regular updates. A DAC is upgradeable in the future if really needed.

The idea is to avoid an external DAC, he doesn't want the extra complication, and more importantly, I don't think his wife wants the extra wires. I was working on the principle the Pro and Pro Plus have better DACS than the Mini. I have a Mini with an External DAC.

 

[Fandango Andy]

I used to lust after those cdm-1nt back then...I'm sure it was around the millennium......whf had a system review with a Arcam a85 and a Cyrus 8....with the B & W's on the back end....where's the time went..seems like yesterday...lol.
Thinks I was using Cambridge audio A500, amp, Marantz cd6000 ose cd player with Mission 701 speakers...at that time....less than £500.....sorry for derailing the topic...just a bit of nostalgia kicking in there.🤣

I still have Mission 701. They are in my bedroom, A little larger than I would like but they are so forgiving in where you place them. Great speakers, and I only paid £59 for them from Richer Sounds when they were discontinued.

 

[Fandango Andy]

😱 your're joking Andy
(I only got my first (and current) smartphone about 4 years ago - and I was older than him).

For what it's worth, the Pro uses TI, Plus uses AKM DAC.
On their analogue inputs, the Plus ADC can do up to 24/192, whereas the Pro is fixed at 16/48.

I think the remote control is an option with the Pro - and included with the Plus.
I'd regard the RC as essential for your friend (even though the old dinosaur would be getting probably the best control app to use with his new phone 🦕).
Maybe he can hold off until Black Friday / Blue Monday / Green Wednesday....in the sales the Pro often gets reduced significantly (and I couldn't resist a £270 Ultra).

(P.S. sounds like his speakers could be my old B&W CDM-1NT model)

Thanks for the advice.

Just Googled the speakers, yes, thats them!

 

[Fandango Andy]

Thanks to everyone who commented. I will recommend the Pro Plus, I expect I will have to order it.

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

Stocked by RS if that helps (albeit, I expect that just means you would have to go to the store!).