WiiM's Mini Streamer is a Google Chromecast Audio Sound Improver

#WiiM #WiiMMiniStreamer #Streaming

I used the following kit in testing these speakers :
SMSL H0200 Headphone Amp, Burson Funk Amp / Headphone Amp with Cambridge Audio Minx MIN22 Speakers, Adam Audio SP-5 Headphones. (I also tested in a premium but perhaps mismatched system, price wise, comprising Hegel H390 amplifier with KEF LS50 Meta Speakers).
As an addendum, the top buttons control volume and an ability to play and pause, which is probably obvious from the video and pictures.

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Time Stamps :
0:00 Introduction / unboxing
1:06 What is is? What does it do?
3:09 How to hook it up
4:17 More of what is does... Resolution / sample rate
5:30 Using Airplay 2 (Qobuz app as an illustration)
6:05 Inbuilt Mic / Gapless playback
8:01 Other App Features
9:00 Sound Quality - Analogue and Digital Outputs
9:56 The Wrap

Wiim Website:

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Notes:
**1 COMPARISONS OF UNREVIEWED GEAR : Please don't ask me how a product compares to another which I haven't reviewed, as it isn't possible to comment on such products I haven't tested. Check out my website for reviews of products I have completed instead (hit the review tag, and separate tags).

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[noudockeloen]

So it doesnt have the google assistent? Then iam out...!

[ralfsteikowski]

very good informations ... double_like !!

[jhnpennington]

The optical out is superb regardless of price.

[wp]

I had MÜZO Cobblestone which had next, prev, pause/play buttons which for me is better than volume down/up here.

[nhilltiger]

Thanks Simon for this review. i have been thinking about streaming and adding that capability to my modest living room system. I already have an adequate DAC in my Denon 2808, pushing plenty of power through the Krix Phoenix floor standers. So expensive streamers that include DAC/amplification seem redundant for me. I have upgraded my PC sound in the study with an IFI Zen Dac, together some decent cables and power supply and the sound improvement has been remarkable through the Bose Companion 20's or the Sennheiser HD 58X headphones.
I have spent plenty of time looking at the reviews (including yours) of the IFI streamer, and sadly the set up/app seems weak, and it seems that hardware development got ahead of the software.
The WiiM Mini streamer seems to be the converse. The app's setup and ease of use, using the bare minimum of hardware to deliver CD quality sound, is very appealing at this price point.

[adrianmortimer]

Simon thank you for tackling a really budget friendly streamer. Great looking video and a thorough review as always.

[samiratilainen]

I have lately tried Argon Solo, Audiolab 6000 and Ifi Zen stream. But i settled with Wiim because it sounds good enough for me (optical to Denon pma-1600ne) and it’s most stable of them with wifi(!)

Those mentioned above costs a lot more, but doesn’t sound a lot better. My critical listening is with CD etc anyway

[diluxe]

Great review, I have my credit card ready to purchase for when the toslink can output at hires

[chpsk]

Will be awesome when bit perfect, shame not chromecast tho.
Great quality review as usual thank you.

[DavidGP]

It might be an improver, but it doesn't even support the Chromecast protocol! So, no streaming of Youtube/YTMusic and lots of streaming things that simply could be cast to your DAC otherwise.
This is why I believe that there is currently no better mini streamer than the Chromecast with Google TV. You can connect any USB DAC to it, and it puts out 96kHz at 24bit. And you get a remote with it

[egis]

Simon - really neat product. thanks. Perfect for travel along with something like the a
Bose Bluetooth portable speaker. Yes? Also I need some help how do I PM you? Or you can PM me directly, thanks!!

[cleantheocean]

Does this streamer allow me to playback YouTube Music taking my phone or computer "out of the playback equation"?

[uribar-ner]

Having using it for a while, recently it's software got crazy. Everything is upside down. Impossible to operate. Sent an email to their support with no reply from them. Is anyone encountered such a problem?

[greenbeginner]

Any thoughts on the sound quality when using the toslink out to a DAC? (I don’t know if one streamer transport sounds any different from the next.)

[alanmodimages]

Great summary, Simon! I was waiting, since you the The Cheap Audio man you were going to do this! I am still looking for a good Roon endpoint that either has a decent DAC, or digital outs. I guess I could save up for a Bluesound, but wondered if something like this could get me there.

[TheSujanroy]

Been using the WiiM Mini for the last few weeks. I also have the Chromecast Audio. But the WiiM is way better. Am waiting for the low noise Allo Shanti Power supply to be delivered. Am hoping that will improve the sound even further.

And I forgot to mention - the 10 band Equaliser is superb too.

[gavinlim]

I have this and my main complaint here is that it cannot be used with google cast. So it does not work with google assistant speaker groups and youtube music

[YuriBrus]

Excellent, high quality review, and I completely agree with your conclusions.

[erwindewit]

Cool, it was indeed what I was also looking for in my kitchen setup, since the Chromecast Audio disappeared. And indeed, the used market is ridiculous! And of course, the video looks great again!

[grrrrr]

I am a diehard Chromecast Audio fan (I own 3), but I would be willing to try this streamer. Thanks for the review!