A physically beautiful computer setup is a wonder to behold. And one loaded with primo audio gear truly turns me green with envy. So today’s PC setup with desktop and laptop machines got my attention both for its aesthetic and the fact that it sports a raft of cool components. They include a very useful item I’ve never seen before: a WiiM Ultra Music Streamer and Digital Preamp.
WiiM Ultra Music Streamer headlines MacBook setup’s awesome audio offerings
WiiM Ultra Music Streamer and Digital Preamp features a 3.5-inch touchscreen. It's compatible with Google Cast & Alexa. You can use it to stream Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal and more. Includes HDMI ARC, phono input and headphones input.
- Broad connectivity for music streaming
- 3.5-inch touchscreen
- Not an AirPlay receiver
The gorgeous setup from Redditor Quarzer came along in a post entitled, “Finally done and couldn’t be happier! Last beauty shots of my finalized setup.” They run a desktop PC and HP laptop along with a 42-inch LG C2 Series OLED Smart TV as an external monitor. True, no Mac sits at the center of this setup, but it’s really the audio gear that grabs the most attention anyway. I’ve never seen some of this stuff in my setups coverage. This rig includes a multitalented WiiM Ultra Music Streamer, Danish Argon Forte speakers (available in Europe) and Meze headphones that cost $3,000. And, among the more-familiar gear, Quarzer relies on an AudioTechnica AT2035 cardioid condenser microphone and Scarlett Solo audio interface for voice input on team meetings.
Several commenters mistook the cool-looking WiiM Ultra for a digital clock. And they wondered how it’s connected to the other audio gear and computers.
“The speakers are connected via RCA to WiiM Ultra, the OLED [LG C2 smart TV] is connected to WiiM via HDMI Arc, and desktop and laptop are connected via HDMI to the OLED,” Quarzer explained.
WiiM Ultra Music Streamer and Digital Preamp
Photo: [email protected]
WiiM Ultra features a sleek aluminum design and premium components. The all-in-one music streamer boasts a ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, a vibrant 3.5-inch touchscreen, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It delivers good audio clarity, with a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) rating of -116dB and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 121dB, according to WiiM.
And WiiM Ultra offers versatile audio integration with its array of connection options. It features USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA, a dedicated headphone output, HDMI ARC, and inputs for RCA, Phono and Optical. So it integrates with both digital and analog sources, offering lots of flexibility.
What’s more, you can easily enhance entertainment through rich stereo sound with WiiM Ultra’s HDMI ARC and Subwoofer Out. You can customize sound with tailored EQ settings and add a powered subwoofer for deep bass.
Sorry, not for HomeKit and no AirPlay
So with WiiM Ultra, you can create a unified sound system across your home using the WiiM Ultra with existing Amazon Echo, Google Home and WiiM devices. (Sorry, this isn’t for HomeKit, nor does it function as an AirPlay receiver, which might be a dealbreaker for some people.) You can easily manage music streaming throughout your space with the intuitive WiiM Home App, with separate versions for iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Windows and Android. It lets you control volume, synchronize speakers, save your favorite tunes, set alarms and customize settings, all from a central hub.
And the device lets you stream crystal-clear music up to 24-bit/192 kHz from platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Qobuz or your own library. Enjoy gapless playback and personalize your audio with advanced room correction and independent EQ settings.
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WiiM Ultra Music Streamer and Digital Preamp features a 3.5-inch touchscreen. It's compatible with Google Cast & Alexa. You can use it to stream Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal and more. Includes HDMI ARC, phono input and headphones input.
- Broad connectivity for music streaming
- 3.5-inch touchscreen
- Not an AirPlay receiver
WiiM Ultra and other audio gear:
- WiiM Ultra Music Streamer and Digital Preamp
- Argon Forte A5 MK II speakers in walnut
- Meze Empyrean II open-back planar magnetic headphones
- AudioTechnica AT2035 cardioid condenser microphone
- Focusrite Scarlet Solo (4th generation) audio interface
Computers and stands:
- HP G7 laptop
- Desktop PC
Display and light bar:
Input devices:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
