Who is the Best? New Wiim Pro Plus vs SMSL SU1 vs Geshelli Labs J2 vs Bluesound Node

High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!

Test Track Playlist:
Satanic Panic Playlist:
Leg Warmers Playlist

If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.

If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.

Recommended Streamer

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)

Around $200

Around $400

Around $500

Around $600

Recommended Amp List

Under $100

Around $130

Around $250

Around $400

Recommended DACs

Subs

[onepieceatatime]

I upgraded my Audioquest Dragonfly Red by painting it with gold paint, and adding a white racing stripe. Sounds fantastic!

[gregtank]

Excellent job Randy! I think you are ready to sing "I've been everywhere" (Johnny Cash)! But I digress. I bought the WiiM Pro and Su-1 based on your reviews and am very happy with it. I think that combination offers me more options since I can connect my Teac CD P-650 into the SU-1 so I then can play my Ipod Classic lossless files through the SU-1. I am currently in sonic heaven with the above. Streaming is just so amazing to a 70+ senior audiophile with bad hearing and stiff joints. Thanks again Randy for all the time and effort you put in so I can enjoy a cup of coffee with you while you expound on your passions.

[earthoid]

I love music but usually can't tell one DAC from another. Even so, you have a way of getting me to want to upgrade to your latest favorites (I'm weak). Thanks for another great comparison video.

[GeoffShreck]

Hi Randy, It’s my first time commenting here or on you tube, love your shows as it has brought so much enjoyment to my audiophile journey! I just got the new WiiM Pro Plus and after looking at the measurements re: ADC, I fully thought I’d be returning it along with the WiiM Pro I bought a couple of weeks ago. But, this new model excels as a remote controllable preamp. I have it now connected to a record player and the improvements over the Pro are substantial! A-B switching between my straight phono preamp and WiiM Pro Plus is nearly indistinguishable compared to the WiiM Mini’s and Pro’s ADC. Also, there is a “cross fade” switch on the WiiM app that eliminates some clicks and pops. I hope this is helpful for everyone.

[nooneusesthisname]

Based on your past reviews I've had a J2 on order for a few months. It just arrived this week and I have to agree with you that the Wiim Pro +J2 sounds great. Soundstage is expansive and bass is tight, not muddy like it can get in my room.

[eddents]

Loved your visual "stacking symmetry" with the gear!

[leodesforges]

I just AB’d my new AKM J2 with sparkos dual op amp with my previous topping e30 mkII, which I really like. Biggest difference was the more recessed soundstage lending to a more natural and less in your face presentation. It give my room an overall deeper feel as well. The J2 is a killer for jazz and vocal performances.

[allenbrixey]

Just ordered the J2 S. charcoal aluminum case and blue cover to match my emotiva TA1 and A2 amp. Running KEF Q350's with Klipsch sub and a Rega p2 turntable. I've been on the fence between the geshelli dac and a new cartridge for the turntable. Randy I hope my 50 plus year old ears like the DAC, I bought it because your always praising it. Other people really liked it too.

[fonkenful]

You’re aware that depending on camera angle as you move about that the last two letters on the T-shirts logo disappear?

[riccitone]

Lolol! Fidgety stacks at the intro 😂👌🏼But seriously, appreciate the time taken in defining the intricacies in some impressive equipment relative to cost. My interest is always peaked with these comparisons, in particular how well the J2 holds up in so many situations.

[jim]

I really like my J2. Probably one my best purchases in a long time. Great review, another kickass Tshirt as well!

[Scrufboy]

Geshelli will have a new J2 featuring the AKM 4499 DAC chip released soon. I was told end of August. We are there and I am waiting for my notification to order.

[SmallChurch]

Excellent video, Randy...Wiim make one heck of a product. Thanks for all the time you must have had to dedicate for this multi- comparison review. GRRReat!! all the best to you & your family, as always. Cheers from Japan.

[adsph]

Great review Randy. Outstanding info here. Happy for the bonus comparo to the Node. Pro plus appears to be a solid product especially at its price point. Thank you !

[HeyYall]

SMSL is definitely crushing it. It has better sonic measurements than Geshelli DAC and beats it in ranking. I'm going to order my first DAC today! Thank you CAM!

[rajadra]

Great video! I've just bought the wiim pro plus, I used to listen to my music via Bluetooth...my ears got a sonic shock 😂 that's impressive. I'm listening to more music now, I'm rediscovering my playlist.

[lazzzzze]

I have an Ares II, and have tried all 3 different firmware updates. They all sound different, but it's hard to say one is really better than the others. I also have an SU-1, and can honestly say I enjoy music from it just as much as the Ares. Never tried the J2, but suspect it's along the same lines. Products like the FOZ SSX can give you more soundstage and separation, but at the cost of sounding less natural. Whether it's more clinical or warm, wide separation or more intimate, it's all personal preference. It really does come down to the speakers and room. I'd love to see this test done blind with a few volunteers and hear their opinions.

[larryh]

Man, that sounds like a lot of work. I ran a similar test yesterday with Audrivana Studio connected via USB to an iFi Zen Signature and also connected via UPNP to a Wiim Mini. The Mini was connected to the optical input on the Paradigm Link room correction module and the Zen was connected via the Link's analog input. The sound was much closer than I would have thought. For the most part, it was indistinguishable. If all you're doing is streaming music, the Mini is the more cost-effective choice.

[michaelwright]

I own the WiiM Pro and have it streaming via digital coax to my PS Audio GainCell DAC/Pre. But! I heard all of the hype about the SU-1 so I bought one, as you never know... Some of this inexpensive gear can sound incredibly good on the right system. I am using a 1970 vintage Sansui 4000 stereo receiver to power my Zu Omen Dirty Weekend speakers. The PS Audio unit handles the digital side of things through its analog output to the Sansui AUX in, and is also the preamp as it is true analog on its output, not digital. I am using Mogami 2964 coaxial wire and Eminence RCA interconnects with all of the gear.

Well, being honest here, the DAC in the WiiM Pro actually sounds better on my particular system, vs having the SU-1 in the chain, by a lot. If I did not have the PS Audio in the stream, and went directly to the Sansui via the line out of the WiiM, I could live with the WiiM internal DAC, on my system. 

Unfortunately, the SU-1 was rather flat sounding and a bit veiled, none of the sparkle or dynamics were there that the WiiM Pro, and I have a WiiM mini, both produced with the old Sansui 4000 receiver via line out of both WiiM units. I was actually taken aback at the results.

Just to add, I read one review on Amazon that compared the SU-1 to the Pontus II. The reviewer stated it was 80% there on his system. Not hard to believe, depending upon the system. Which brings up my experience with the Denafrips Venus II 12th DAC, which I recently sold... It too sounded like a wet blanket and veiled when paired with the PS Audio and or the Sansui receiver. 

So, there is something to that gentleman's review regarding the sound of the SU-1 and Denafrips DACs. If he is getting 80% of the Pontus II out of the SU-1, it would also say to me, that I would get a veiled and wet blanket experience with the SU-1, and that is exactly what I experienced.

I wish I had something else to use the SU-1 with to see its true potential, but I don't, so I sent her back.

[gregniemann]

Thanks! The J2 which chip did you have in your device?😊