I’m torn between using the Wiim Mini via an existing DAC I own using the optical link. But I’m concerned I need to get the Pro so I can use its coax output. I believe I need that to get the most from my Tidal ‘max’ streaming rates. But I’m interested in hearing your experience and opinions on this.
In my case, I had to use coax. I have the wiim Pro, and use it with a fiio k7, but optical on the k7 doesn’t support 24/192. It stops at 24/96.
I always remember those advice given by experts way back
1st - XLR 2nd - Coaxial Optical and RCA last
Nowadays there are aes/ebu and IIS which I don’t know much about
If both the optical and the coax do 24 / 192, no reason to upgrade.
You might have a look at the measurements of the digital out
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-mini-review-streamer.33099/
To increase the sound stage width and depth on the wiim mini, use an actual powersupply, not the USB adaptor that came with it. I bought a JAMECO RELIAPRO DDU050100M2270 AC/DC Power Supply with an AAOTOKK Type C Power Adapter Type C USB Male to DC 5.5x2.1mm from Amazon, and it helped quite a bit. I use optical to my dac.
Not worth the upgrade price. The audible difference between 96 / 24 and 192 /24 is negligible, if not non-existent.
If there are operational things that the Pro would give over the mini other than sample rate, then consider it.
I have done both on my Wiim Pro and heard no difference in the audio. I am also unable to hear a difference between the Mini & Pro versions. It is nice to have the option of both on the Pro if you are already using one of your digital inputs already.
There is something to be said about the galvanic isolation of TOSLINK but if you aren’t having any issue to begin with I don’t think it really matters.
The mini has less connectivity (no optical input, no Ethernet input), and is missing some features of the pro (Chromecast, google nest). That might be an issue for some users.
Why did everyone start using the Wiim? Are there no other alternatives? I just always find it weird when Reddit fixes on one thing like KEF Q150, etc. and you see it over and over.
https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/81lblt/the_raudiophile_starter_pack/
Not criticizing I just find it fascinating to see and think about why certain products seem to take hold and others don’t.
It’s not just Reddit the whole world is using WiiM Pro. My reason is that it supports high res Amazon music. Price is affordable. I’ll switch in future when a better product comes with better app and user interface supporting Apple high res
Pretty sure the mini can do 192 via optical