Although some people cling to CDs and vinyl, many music lovers are turning to services like TIDAL, Spotify and Qobuz for their music as streaming provides curated choices and the option to create and explore personal playlists.
Streamed music is easy to use and conveniently controlled using a smartphone app. There are plenty of streaming devices on the market and the latest to be launched is the new WiiM Pro Plus from Linkplay technology. This new streamer is an upgraded version of Linkplay’s popular WiiM Pro, which I reviewed in March this year.
The WiiM Pro Plus offers improved audiophile reproduction thanks to a premium AKM DAC. The launch of the WiiM Pro Plus was announced in a press release from Linkplay, and the company says the latest version has been designed to offer higher audio quality and a simplified streaming setup.
The WiiM Pro Plus features a TI Burr-Brown Audio PCM1861 ADC with a 192kHz/32-bit digital output. The circuitry inside the device has an ultra-low-noise clock and power supply. Meanwhile, the printed circuit board has a layout that achieves less than -110dB THD+N performance for the analog audio output, reducing unwanted noise and distortion.
The DAC Linkplay has used is the new AKM 4493SEQ, incorporating AKM’s Velvet Sound Technology. The DAC can handle 768 kHz PCM, and DSD512, with PCM/DSD automatic switching. These specifications allow the WiiM Pro Plus to play the highest-resolution audio files.
The WiiM Pro Plus is affordable for anyone who owns a vintage hi-fi setup and wants to update it with a modern digital source. With the WiiM Pro Plus, connecting audio gear that might be decades old to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RCA Phono, TOSLINK or Coax output is possible. The device also works with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google, giving users voice control over their music.
The WiiM Pro Plus also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa Casting, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and more. It can also handle Chromecast Audio, which lets users cast YouTube Music, TV audio, radio stations, podcasts and local content directly from any Chromecast-enabled app. Linkplay also intends to make the device Roon Ready with a firmware upgrade.
Pricing & Availability: The WiiM Pro Plus is sold as a bundle, including a voice remote. The cost is $219 and is available from Amazon.
More info: www.wiimhome.com.
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