Had Wiim Pro Plus and MXN10 (refurb. $315). SQ wise, MXN10 > Wiim Ultra (per Darko) = Wiim Pro Plus.
What is your favorite budget streamer?
Looking for a bedroom streamer. I have a DAC and headphone amp and don't need to connect speakers or even need a DAC. Your ideas for a budget streamer at $350 or less? Experience is welcome here.
Showing 3 responses by lanx0003
I believe you mean the Wiim Ultra. My Wiim Pro+ does not have a USB output. It is also galvanically isolated, just like the iFi Zen Stream. The main difference is that it supports only up to 24/192 PCM and doesn’t include DSD, which isn’t a big deal for me. In addition, unlike ifi ZS, It has just one USB port, so if it’s used for local SSD/HDD storage, it can’t be used as a digital output. My point here is that Ifi ZS does not sound better than MXN10 because of the reinforced USB port. MXN10’s noise floor is as good and its preamp section outperforms both BS and wiim pro+. Initially, I intended to buy the Ultra until I learned it doesn’t support AirPlay. That is another reason leading me to choose the MXN10 instead. Someday, I might find out how the Ultra compares sonically to the MXN10 when using USB out. Until then, I’m quite pleased with the MXN10. I also encourage you to do the same some day. Take a look at reviews from Stereophile, What Hi-Fi, Darko too to name a few. |
I need to self-correct it. Wiim Ultra's USB output is not electrically isolated. If you want to get the best USB output from a streamer under, say, $500, IFI ZS is probably only one you could get right now in the market. |