WiiM Pro AirPlay 2 Receiver, Google Cast Audio, WiFi Multiroom Streamer, Compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, Stream Hi-Res Audio from Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal and More

I looked into a few options before purchasing this streamer, and as I valued function over form, went for the WIIM. The streamer is a 14x14x4cm, black composite square, and fits easily almost anywhere. Connectivity for its' intended usage is very good and I've used it with both the optical SPDIF and RCA outputs. The output level on the RCA's is adjustable via the WIIM application, meaning that you can, as I've done, actually use the unit plugged directly into a power amplifier if so desired, using the onboard output adjustment as a crude volume control. There's a sole, multi-colour LED on the unit for status which I wasn't originally thrilled with, however after months of usage, I now fully understand why it has been done this way. The single LED is effective for overall status, and all other info is provided via the phone app. The unit supports 24bit/192Khz with the built-in DAC and has a great sound overall. I used the onboard DAC for a few months before a change to a Classe' preamp at which point I started using the SPIDF optical output directly. Both options provided great sound. The unit supports Spotify, Tidal and several other music services. Tidal was the most important to me as they tend to offer the highest fidelity of any of the services and have a huge catalogue of music on offer. The unit can be controlled, for example, by either its' own application which is fully functional and very capable, or by the use of native Tidal applications on other devices by means of Tidal Connect - this is how I connect from my laptop or PC whilst working. If the unit will be placed in an area of poor Wifi reception, and you're going to be streaming in very high resolution, you will find it advantageous to use a cabled internet connection directly to your router for best performance - this is true of any streamer and experience shows this WIIM to have far better WiFi performance than most.The aesthetics of the WIIM are bound to be polarising. If on the one hand you appreciate a compact, capable unit that can be set almost anywhere, provides a full range of features, and offers great connectivity then it should work for you. If, however, you're looking for a unit in a chassis that might blend aesthetically with other high-end HiFi (ie: some streamers come in full-size chassis and have elaborate displays) then you'll probably want to look elsewhere. I'll suggest though that this unit, and the new Wiim Pro Plus offer incredible performance at the price point and are sonically /functionally superior to many units costing 2/3 times as much.

I originally bought the Pro version before the Pro Plus was released - the Pro Plus is a definite upgrade from the Pro and well worth the extra money in my opinion despite the similarities.Pro's:1. Really easy to setup via the WiiM app that is provided - was up and running within 2 minutes of plugging it in.2. Functionality is amazing - I have used Sonos and others in the past and this for me is the most versatile device with the best user software. The included remote also has excellent voice connectivity if you don't have another smart device running into it.3. Versatility is also great - I have connected Amazon bluetooth devices that play by default through this device and it works perfectly effectively as the 'main speaker' for an echo dot. Yet I can still use the remote to get the WiiM to directly play anything from my connected services such as Amazon Music and Spotify. It just works.4. Clarity and quality of audio - this is where the Pro Plus earns its money as it's immediately obvious that the DAC is superior to the Pro version. I run this into high quality vintage hifi via quality coax cables and it sounds as clear and impressive as my high quality CD source. In some cases with high quality audio files it's actually superior.5. Size is great, it sits on the bottom shelf of my hifi rack, innocuously going about its business!Cons:1. The price is much higher than the Pro version and their connectivity and usability is the same - so go for this if you have higher quality audio kit that needs a good source2. For the price I would love to have seen a front display of some form, beyond the single LED that sits there, just to show source/levels etc. However I'd rather the money was spent of the excellent DAC that sits within the device I guess.Overall, I love this device and feel no need to look elsewhere at far more expensive alternatives with a few more flashy features. It does what it does exceptionally well and I hope it continues to do so (and be fully supported) for years to come.