Overview

WiiM Pro is an entry-level network audio streamer positioned as a budget gateway to hi-res streaming at 149 USD. It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA and Roon Ready, and offers optical/coaxial in/out and analog in/out with bit-perfect 24-bit/192 kHz on digital outputs [1].

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements reported ~85.4 dB SINAD for the analog line out (≈0.005% THD+N derived from SINAD), placing the analog stage right around the audibility/“transparent” border by distortion; as a digital transport the unit is effectively transparent [3]. Manufacturer specs list THD+N −92 dB (0.0025%) and SNR 106 dB for analog out, digital I/O up to 192 kHz/24-bit, and ADC on line-in fixed at 48 kHz/16-bit [1]. In practice, using the Pro’s digital outputs into a competent external DAC yields transparent playback; its internal DAC is serviceable but not state-of-the-art.

Technology Level

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The design uses a TI PCM5121 DAC and a mainstream streaming SoC with extensive protocol support (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Alexa/Google/Siri voice hooks, multi-room, EQ/room correction) [1][4]. The feature set is strong for the price but not novel enough to merit a higher technology score.

Cost-Performance

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At 149 USD (current U.S. market price) [2], no single cheaper product matches the same user-facing functions—AirPlay 2 + Google Cast + Roon Ready—with both optical/coaxial digital outputs and inputs and bit-perfect 24/192 capability [1][4]. For example, Arylic LP10 is cheaper at 99 USD but lacks Roon Ready and therefore is not equivalent in functions despite having AirPlay 2/Chromecast and digital out [5]. Accordingly, CP is set to 1.0.

Reliability & Support

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WiiM provides ongoing firmware updates via the WiiM Home app and maintains active documentation/community support, which is typical at this price level [1]. Long-term field reliability data are still limited for the brand.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing protocol breadth, stable software, and wide I/O while keeping costs low is a rational approach. WiiM Pro offers transparent digital transport performance and “good-enough” analog for budget systems without paying for boutique hardware that yields no measurable benefit.

Advice

Use digital out (optical/coax) to an external DAC if your system prioritizes measured transparency. Take advantage of the extensive native casting (AirPlay 2/Chromecast/Spotify/TIDAL) and Roon Ready support. Note that line-in is converted at 48 kHz/16-bit—fine for casual sources but not ideal for archival-grade digitization [1].

References

[1] WiiM, “WiiM Pro User Manual (v1.9.3)” (PCM5121, 24/192 I/O, THD+N/SNR, Roon Ready, ADC rate). https://www.wiimhome.com/langPdf/en/WiiM%20Pro%20UM.pdf (accessed 2025-08-22).

[2] Amazon, “WiiM Pro — product listing and current price (US)”. https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Pro-Chromecast-Multiroom-Compatible/dp/B0BJDY6D1W (accessed 2025-08-22).

[3] Audio Science Review Forum, “WiiM Pro — Review & Measurements (Streamer)”. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-review-measurements-streamer.42300/ (accessed 2025-08-22).

[4] Roon Labs, “WiiM — Roon Ready partner page (lists WiiM Pro)”. https://roon.app/en/partners/186/wiim (accessed 2025-08-22).

[5] Arylic, “LP10 AirPlay 2 and Google Cast Music Streamer (price/features)”. https://www.arylic.com/products/lp10-music-streamer (accessed 2025-08-22).

(2025.8.22)